October

An infant school threatened with closure is to stay open, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet has decided.

Members of the cabinet followed a recommendation by education officers to keep Combs Infant School in Chapel-en-le-Frith open.

Before a council can take a decision to close a rural school it has be satisfied – under the terms of the 2006 Education Act – that pupils would receive a better standard of education if they were moved to alternative schools.

Councillors were told that although the nearest alternative school, Chapel-en-le-Frith Primary School, provides a good quality education standards at Combs Infant School are currently higher.

The cabinet decided against closing Combs Infant School but to keep the problem of surplus places in the Chapel-en-le-Frith area under review.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, said: “Currently there are only seven pupils from the catchment area of Combs that attend the school.

“In theory there could be no pupils from the catchment area but we would still have to keep the school open if we cannot show that educational standards would be improved by moving pupils to an alternative school.

“Keeping the school open means we are providing a costly and privileged education for children not directly from the Combs community. This is at the expense of tax payers and every other child attending a Derbyshire school.”

The cost of educating each pupil at Combs Infant School is £5,447, compared to £2,635 at other infant schools in the county.

The decision followed an informal public consultation during which there were 180 letters and a petition with 1,687 signatures opposing the proposals to close Combs Infant School.

There were also concerns expressed about the impact that closing the school would have on community groups, who use the same building.  

(REF: JF.375.07)

Parents can now get advice about any childcare issue by ringing Derbyshire County Council’s contact centre.
Call Derbyshire will be a one-stop shop for information about a range of childcare services for children aged 0 to 16 including:

• Pre-school and toddler groups. 

• Nurseries. 

• Breakfast and after school clubs. 

• Holiday clubs. 

• Childminders. 

• Free early education places for three and four-year-olds.
  

Call Derbyshire is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 4pm on Saturdays and can be contacted by ringing 08 456 058 058.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “By moving all enquiries to Call Derbyshire we are making it easier for parents to get the information they need.

“We particularly hope it will help parents with young children who are looking to return to work but need impartial advice about tax credits to know what financial support they can get.

“By making one call we can give parents and carers free information about childcare in Derbyshire and put them in touch with other sources of information they might need.”

Parents can also get information online about childcare in Derbyshire by visiting www.childcarelink.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

(REF: JF.374.07)

Staff at one Derbyshire County Council nursery school are celebrating after receiving an award for their work supporting able, talented and gifted children.

Staff at Alfreton Nursery School received a National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) Challenge Award after taking part in a rigorous assessment process in September this year.

The award recognises work done by staff to enable gifted children to achieve their full potential while at school.

The school’s co-ordinator for Able, Gifted and Talented children Amanda Kettell said: “We are all immensely proud of this achievement and it has been a real team effort.

“The award is not about isolating talented pupils but making sure they achieve their very best in a mainstream setting.”

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for schools, said: “Children with great talent and ability need to be encouraged and nurtured in a supportive environment just as every other child does.

“Staff at Alfreton Nursery School have worked hard to help all their pupils achieve their full potential and deserve this award in recognition of their efforts.”

GIFTED AND TALENTED: Councillor Bob Janes, Lucas Brailsford (3) from Alfreton and Councillor Alan Charles celebrate the NACE Challenge Award.

Choice and control is the theme of a conference being held next month for carers of people with learning disabilities.

An earlier event for Derbyshire family carers revealed that many of them struggled to find out what information, services and support were available and wanted to know more about how they could take more control of care payments.

A conference called `Be In Control’ has now been organised by Derbyshire Learning Disability Partnership Board, made up of a number of partners including Derbyshire County Council, to give carers the information they need.

The conference is being held on Monday 5 November at Pride Park in Derby, from 9.30am to 3.15pm, and it is open to all carers of people with learning disabilities.

A wealth of information will be available and there will be a number of expert speakers.

The emphasis will be on the financial options available to carers to best support the person with learning disabilities in their family.

Options currently being piloted across the country include `individual budgets’ and the `Be In Control’ project, and, although not currently available in Derbyshire, they will be explained at the conference.

A similar scheme, direct payments, which allows people to take more control by organising and paying for their own care, is up and running in Derbyshire and this will also be explained.

Three families who are currently using the different methods of payments will talk about their experiences and explain how each system has made a difference.

The conference will open with an overview of financial support systems available to carers of people with learning disabilities.

There will also be the opportunity for carers to ask questions in workshops and quiz a panel of local experts at the end of the day.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “I am sure the event will be very informative and people who want to take more control of the care their family member needs or receives will be able to find out how to make this possible.”

Anyone who would like to attend the Pride Park conference should contact Derbyshire County Council learning disabilities service manager Chris Jones on 01246 565000 or e-mail georgina.lunn@derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk as soon as possible to book a place.

(Ref:MC.371.07)

A new children’s centre is to hold an open day to showcase the activities and services which it offers next month.

The event at the Community Room, Howitt Primary Community School, Holmes Street, Heanor, will take place on November 7 at 2pm until 4pm.

It will include information stalls from a range of agencies including Children's Information Service, Job Centre Plus and Home Start.

There will also be activities for pre-school children throughout the afternoon including art and craft sessions and a clown.

Staff from the centre will be on hand to talk with local parents about the support, advice and learning opportunities that will be available at the community room.

The community room project is part of Derbyshire County Council's development of 42 children's centres across Derbyshire.

New facilities for children's centres in Heanor are planned to be built at Coppice Primary School and building work is taking place at Heanor Loscoe School at present.

Once completed at the end of March 2008, these will provide a network of childcare, family support, advice and learning opportunities for children and their families in the town.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “We are committed to help families learn, succeed and live happily and these children centres are part very much part of this work.

”These open days are a perfect way to showcase all the services that the centre will be able to provide to its surrounding community.”

(REF:373.JC.)

A new IT course has been launched which will help businesses in Dronfield and Chesterfield stay ahead of the game.

Derbyshire County Council’s adult community education service is offering a new type of information technology training called ITQ.

The training has been designed to deliver relevant IT skills that help people to be more productive whatever their job role.

The ITQ gives scope to learn traditional IT skills such as word processing, databases and email.
But these can also be mixed and matched with the training geared specifically to their particular business and the equipment they use.

An added bonus is that people who take the course will also get a National Vocational Qualification in IT after successful training.

Training can be delivered in bite-sized chunks to fit in with the needs of the business or individual.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said:  “The exciting thing about this training is that it is totally tailored to the needs of the particular business and individual members of staff.

“So there is no need to learn skills that won’t be needed or used.”

People wanting more information about the ITQ should contact Eileen Kirk on 01246 864329 Ext.207 or collect an information leaflet from Gladys Buxton Centre, Dronfield Library or Chesterfield library. 

Information is also available in all Derbyshire adult community education service centres throughout the county, see www.derybshire.gov.uk/adulteducation for a list of locations.

(370.JC.07)

Derbyshire’s finest food and drink venues are celebrating their success after scooping top accolades at a prestigious food and drink awards ceremony.

The sixth Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards, organised by Derbyshire County Council, were held last night (Thursday 25 October) at Thornbridge Hall, Ashford-in-the-Water.

Winners and those receiving highly commended accolades in the six categories were announced at the ceremony and presented with their awards by celebrity chef Brian Turner and county council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile.

The awards aim to find the best of Derbyshire’s eateries and establishments and are judged on a number of criteria including the quality of food and drink, customer service, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus.

They are judged by an independent panel of food specialists including an AA inspector and an assessor for Quality in Tourism, and each short-listed venue then has a `mystery shopper’ visit.

The winners and highly commended venues are:

Best Restaurant:

Winner - East Lodge, Rowsley
Highly commended – `the dining room’, Ashbourne

Bistro/Pub:

Winner - Devonshire Arms, Beeley
Highly commended – Chequers Out, Froggatt

Coffee House:

Winner - Gallery Café, Ashbourne
Highly commended - Peli-Deli, Matlock

Best Breakfast:

Winner - Hodgkinson’s, Matlock Bath
Highly commended - Stocks, Chapel-en-le-Frith

Restaurant in an Attraction:

Winner - Chatsworth Carriage House
Highly commended - Derby Playhouse

Local Food Hero:

Winner – Mettricks of Glossop
Highly commended - Scott's Garden, Riber  

Councillor Carlile said: “The awards celebrate Derbyshire’s reputation as a producer of excellent quality food and drink and the council is very proud to stage them.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners and the highly commended venues as well as thanking everyone who took part for making this year’s event another huge success.”

Councillor Carlile added: “As well as putting Derbyshire firmly on the culinary map, through the awards we can showcase our top quality food and drink venues and help to promote Derbyshire as a major tourist destination, further boosting local businesses and the economy.”

The awards come under the umbrella of the Derbyshire Food and Drink Initiatives, sponsored by the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and the Alliance SSP, which have also supported the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair at Bolsover Castle and the Derbyshire Food Festival. This year the awards have also been sponsored by Midlands Co-op.

Royal Crown Derby and Denby Pottery each sponsored three categories at last night’s awards, with some refreshments being donated by Field House Foods, Thornton’s, Peak District Dairy, Pure Beans and National Forest Spring Water.

(Ref:MC.365.07)

People who need to know the ins and outs of health and safety at work are being urged to sign up for a free workshop next month.

The workshop is being held in Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale Environment Centre near Chesterfield - and will look at all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and risk assessments.

Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust healthy business adviser Zoe Richardson is holding the workshop and will explain and bring people up-to-date on a number of issues.

Information at the event will include:

• What exactly a risk assessment is

• A simple guide to risk assessments

• The definition of a hazard

• Why people should carry out risk assessments

• The law and management regulations

• An example of a practical risk assessment.

The free information event is being held on Tuesday 13 November between 9am and 11am and people who are interested should call the Markham Vale Environment Centre as soon as possible as places are limited.

After the event people will be able to look around the Markham Vale Environment Centre – the county council’s flagship building for the £65 million Markham Vale regeneration scheme.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “People who run businesses have to be up-to-date with the latest information and regulations and this free workshop will give them all they need to know.

“After the workshop people will be able to have a look around the state-of-the-art facilities at the environment centre too.”

Markham Vale is the largest regeneration project undertaken by Derbyshire County Council.

It covers 360 hectares and will create 80 hectares for high quality commercial and industrial development, bringing 5,000 jobs.

The environment centre has been built incorporating sustainable techniques such as solar panels, a wood-burning heater and wind turbine.

It provides training rooms and workspace for new companies which are now available to rent.

To register for the health and safety course or for more information about renting workspace at the environment centre people should contact Trudi Novakovic on 01246 826000.

Find out more about Markham Vale Environment Centre.

(Ref: MC.368.07)

Members of Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet are being recommended to keep open an infant school facing possible closure.

During an informal public consultation there were 180 letters and a petition with 1,687 signatures opposing proposals to close Combs Infant School in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

When councillors meet on Tuesday 30 October they will be told that although the nearest alternative school, Chapel-en-le-Frith Primary School, provides a good quality education, standards at Combs Infant School are currently higher. In its last Ofsted inspection Combs Infant School was rated ‘outstanding’.

As a result they do not believe there is a strong enough case to close Combs Infant School but are recommending that the problem of surplus places in the Chapel-en-le-Frith area is kept under review.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “The purpose of the public consultation was to get the views of people in the Combs and Chapel-en-le-Frith area about the problems being caused by surplus places in the area.

“We have never had any concerns about the quality of education at Combs Infant School. The issue has always been whether it is fair to the tax payer and pupils at other schools in Derbyshire that it costs £5,447 to educate every pupil at Combs compared to the county average of £2,635.

“The majority of pupils travel to Combs from other areas which leaves surplus places available at their local community schools.

“Members of the cabinet will be able to look at all the responses from the consultation and the recommendations before taking a decision.”

Councillors will be told that there are also concerns about the impact that closing the school could have on the community as the building is used by a variety of local groups.

(REF:JF.362.07)
 

Artwork by Derbyshire students will be displayed at an exhibition at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery this month.

The work by students from Buxton Community School and St Thomas More School will be on show at the Derbyshire County Council-run building until 8 December 2007.

The exhibition, called Artwork 2007, represents the very best work from their GCSE, AS and A' level examination courses.

The work includes a diverse range of portraits, sculptures; fine drawing and digital manipulation.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Terrace Road, is open to the public free of charge as part of Derbyshire County Council’s commitment to providing access to cultural activities.

As well as the students’ art display, visitors can see Buxton and High Peak Art Society’s annual exhibition until November 10, and Samantha Groom’s exhibition, called Roads, Routines, Journeys, Dreams, which starts on November 3.

For more information please contact Martha Lawrence at the museum on 01298 24658 or email martha.lawrence@derbyshire.gov.uk.

You can also find out more about Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

Memories of farming in Derbyshire during the 20th century are brought to life in a new book published by the county council.

Called Milk, Muck and Memories the 200-page publication reveals the hardships and pleasures of living off the land around Matlock and Chesterfield, and particularly in Ashover.

The book features anecdotes and recollections from local people and have been collected by local history enthusiast Margaret Wombwell as part of the Ashover Oral History Project, which began in 2003.

It is the third in a series of books compiled by Mrs Wombwell who interviewed local residents and includes pictures, paintings and drawings loaned by contributors.

The latest glossy publication features chapters on the farming year with people remembering the hard work of hay-making and the importance of stacking the hay cart correctly so it didn’t all blow away.

Others recall drafting in outside help to get the work done and stopping for refreshments of nettle beer and dandelion beer which one contributor said: “You could drink a pint of that and never suffer any ill-effects.”

Others remember the corn harvest before machinery – even working in to the night by the light of the moon - while younger contributors recall playing hide and seek under the stooks of corn.

Milking was an art handed down from father to son but even this meant an early start – getting up at 5am to milk the cows so it was ready to be loaded on to the train to Sheffield.

Despite all the hard work, there was also time for a laugh. One person recalls the pig killer visiting the farm.

They write: “One of the pigs bolted and went straight between his bandy legs. It took him with it. He was sitting on it backwards holding on by its tail. The tighter he gripped the faster it went.”

Milk, Muck and Memories will be launched on Wednesday 31 October at the Bassett Rooms, Church Street, Ashover at 3pm. Mrs Wombwell will be available to sign copies and some of the contributors will also be there.

Robert Gent, the county council’s assistant director of cultural and community services, said: “This is a delightful recollection of farming life in Derbyshire during the 20th century and the county council is pleased to have been able to publish it for future generations.

“The stories told in Milk, Muck and Memories give a varied and vivid picture of life in the county’s farming communities and the methods of working – which are fast becoming part of history.”

The book can be bought from any Derbyshire library priced £7.99 or can be ordered from good bookshops. You can order the book via our website or you can  find your local library to be able to buy the book there. 

It can also be obtained by sending a cheque for £9.50 payable to Derbyshire County Council (this includes postage) to the Local Studies Library, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AG.

(CC.361.07)

Parents of children due to enter infant or primary school during the next school year can apply for a place from 29 October.

Application packs for children born between 1 September 2003 and 31 August 2004 will be available from primary and infant schools or by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Even if parents have already approached a school to put their child’s name down they still need to fill out an application form. The deadline for applications to be received is 3.30pm on Friday 14 December.

Parents can pick one, two or three preferences for any Derbyshire primary or infant school, although no child has an automatic right to a place at any particular school.

Leaflets and posters explaining the process are being distributed to primary and infant schools, libraries, doctors’ surgeries, nurseries and early years’ groups.

The quickest and easiest way to apply is by using our online application system. It lets parents make changes to their application at any point up to the deadline. Anyone who applies online also receives an email to confirm their application has been received.

Parents can also apply by phone through Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. Call handlers will fill in the form on behalf of parents using information given.

Paper forms are also included in the application pack and can be returned to any Derbyshire infant or primary school.

Parents who fail to reply by the deadline will have their application considered after all other applications and may find the school they want is full.

To help parents through the process of applying has this year, the council has appointed independent choice advisers. They will act in an unbiased way to help parents fill in the form and interpret information about schools, such as Ofsted reports, exam results and attendance figures.

Parents living in the Amber Valley, Erewash, South Derbyshire districts and areas of the Derbyshire Dales south of Wirksworth can contact the choice advisors for southern Derbyshire on 01332 716118.

Parents living in the High Peak, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and areas of the Derbyshire Dales north of Wirksworth can contact the choice advisers for northern Derbyshire on 01246 273154.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “The first years of a child’s education are the most important in their development and it is essential that parents apply for a place for their child.

“The introduction of the choice advisers means that there is independent advice available to parents to help them through the process of applying for a place.

“It is crucial that parents apply before the deadline to ensure they have the best chance of getting their child a place at their preferred school.”

Letters will be sent out first class to parents on 28 March 2008 offering their child a school place.

Pupils will start in September, January or at Easter depending on the school’s own admission arrangements. Any parents who are a refused a place for their child have a right of appeal to an independent panel.

(REF: JF.365.07)

Safety measures have been fitted on two bridges by Derbyshire County Council after concerns were raised that stones were being thrown off them onto vehicles below.

A 1.75 metre fence and a steel mesh gauzing have been erected on bridges that cross over Inkersall Green Road and Inkersall Road on the Trans Pennine Trail near Inkersall and Staveley.

The work, which cost £6,700, also included covering nearby stones with graded topsoil to remove the opportunity for throwing missiles onto vehicles below.

Councillor Clive Moesby, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “We are committed to creating safer communities and stopping anti-social behaviour in Derbyshire and projects like this will help to achieve this.”

Pictured is Councillor Clive Moesby standing beside one of the improvements on the Trans Pennine Trial.

Find out more about how we are tackling anti-social behaviour or report anti-social behaviour (opens in a new window) on the Safer Derbyshire website.

For media enquiries contact James Coxon on 01629 585215.

With bonfire night just around the corner Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards safety team is offering important advice to people either selling or buying fireworks.

As well as carrying out undercover checks using child volunteers to ensure retailers are not selling to under 18’s, checks will also be carried out to ensure fireworks are stored safely in line with new explosives regulations.

They will also check illegal fireworks are not on sale and products are not on sale outside the permitted selling periods, which for bonfire night is between October 15 and November 10.

Meanwhile, officers are urging the public to remember the Firework Safety Code when using fireworks.

Anyone who has concerns about safety of fireworks in shops or selling to children under 18 are encouraged inform trading standards at Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Complaints about firework misuse in public places should be reported to the police – this includes using fireworks during the night hours curfew from 11pm to 7am (except on November 5 when the curfew begins at midnight and on New Year’s Eve when it begins at 1am).

Councillor Clive Moesby, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety said: “Bonfire night should be fun but unfortunately we hear of fireworks casualties every year.

"Traders have a legal and moral duty to comply with the law and we support them wherever necessary with information and advice about their responsibilities.

“Fireworks can only be sold at registered premises and we urge consumers to take care when buying and storing fireworks.

“We are determined to stamp out illegal sales and continue to work hard to ensure bonfire night is as safe as possible so everyone can enjoy the celebrations.”

The authority’s enforcement officers recently worked with colleagues in Sussex and Shropshire to suspend the supply of potentially dangerous fireworks after being alerted to faults in a large batch of imported rockets.

A Derbyshire importer has subsequently withdrawn the fireworks from sale after trading standards samples confirmed the batch failed to meet legal safety standards.

Robert Taylour, head of the County Council’s trading standards service, said: “This is a good example of how Trading Standards services throughout the country work together behind the scenes to safeguard consumers.

"In this case, without our intervention these fireworks would have been in the shops for family bonfire night celebrations and the dire consequences of faulty display rockets falling onto onlookers is all to easy to imagine”.

Trading standards has the following advice to customers:

• Always buy fireworks from registered premises - if you are in doubt, call Derbyshire County Council trading standards at Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 to check. Fireworks cannot be legally sold from car boot sales or market stalls.
• Only buy fireworks that are marked BS 7114 - indicating they meet the British Standard.
• Follow the instructions carefully and think about where you are going to let them off – 
     many display fireworks require spectators to stand 25 metres away in all directions.
• The new Regulations can apply to members of the public storing explosives at home for personal use. Anyone keeping a substantial quantity of fireworks at home for more than 21 days should consult trading standards as they may need to register the storage.  Larger quantities may only be kept unregistered for up to three days at the place of intended use. An important point easily overlooked is that home insurance cover may be invalid if explosives are not stored safely and legally.

 Traders who sell fireworks are advised to:

• Ensure they are registered with the county council.
• Check fireworks are stored safely in accordance with legal requirements.
• Refuse to sell to anyone under 18. If unsure, ask for proof of age and, if it cannot be provided or is unsatisfactory, do not sell. It is against the law for traders to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 and those caught flouting the law risk prosecution.
• Be aware that the maximum fine for fireworks offences is £5,000 (and/or up to six months imprisonment for serious safety breaches).
• Contact Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards at Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 if they are in any doubt about how to store fireworks.

Further details can be found on fireworks and explosives licences in the Business and Economy section of the website.

Media enquiries to James Coxon on 01629 585215 or email james.coxon@derbyshire.gov.uk

A new resource pack has been launched by Derbyshire County Council to help bridge the generation gap.

It provides useful information on how to get younger and older people working together to break down barriers and question negative perceptions that sometimes exist between different age groups.

The pack is being sent to all Derbyshire schools and is also available to other organisations, such as members of Derbyshire’s 50 Plus Forum Network, community and youth groups.

It contains ideas for setting up intergenerational projects including book clubs, digital photography groups, gardening projects and a writing and drama group.

Already across Derbyshire, 18 projects have been set up with others happening including ballroom dancing groups and rock groups.

Councillor Anne Western, the county council’s cabinet member for children and younger adults, said: “We want to ensure that Derbyshire people – irrespective of their age - feel they are valued members of their communities.

“By working together, younger and older people can challenge the stereotypes that sometimes divide the generations and build neighbourhoods where people of all ages feel safe, confident and respected.”

Councillor Dave Allen, cabinet member for adult social services, added: “These projects provide an opportunity for people from different generations to work together to build confidence and trust in each other and in turn reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The resource pack is available to teachers, youth workers and organisations working with both the young and old to provide them with valuable information on how to go about getting involved with an intergenerational project.”

The pack was unveiled at the launch of the Derbyshire Intergenerational Strategy – a 12-page document which sets out the county council’s commitment to working in partnership to promote community health and wellbeing.

At the launch a drama group featuring pupils from Ripley’s Mill Hill School and older members of the community performed a play called “What’s the Difference?” which showed that with better understanding the different age groups could learn from each other and enjoy each other’s company.

To get hold of a copy of the Derbyshire Intergenerational Project Resource Pack ring the council’s Call Derbyshire contact centre on 08 456 058 058 or email contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: CC.364.07)

From 17 October, Foot and Mouth restrictions have been lifted around the surveillance zone in Surrey. However, the Blue Tongue Disease restrictions remain in place.

For advice and more detailed information about these new rules or to obtain a copy of the General Licence and other documentation please Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Alternatively you can call the DEFRA helpline 08 459 335577 or visit www.defra.gov.uk (opens in a new window).

First published: 7 August 2007.
Last updated: 17 October 2007.     

A family fun day is being staged at a Derbyshire County Council library which has under gone a £15,000 re-fit to make it lighter, brighter and easier for people to use.

Newbold Library has been re-decorated with new carpets and lighting to make it a more pleasant place to visit.

As part of the work carried out by the council, a new counter has also been installed to ensure disabled people can use the building in Windermere Road.

The library has been closed for six weeks to allow the work to be carried out and will re-open on Monday 22 October.

On Friday 26 October, the library will host a family fun and community safety day from 10am to 5pm when people are invited to drop in and have a look around the new-look venue.

Library staff will be joined by police and community safety staff who will be marking property and giving out safety advice. It is hoped a fire engine will also be at the library on the day.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural services, will officially re-open the library on Thursday 1 November.

On that day, people are invited to drop in between 10am and 5pm to swap memories of living in Newbold with an event called The Way We Were and there will be chance to meet a local historian.

Visitors are encouraged to take along their own photographs of bygone days and they will be able to access the Picture the Past website – a database containing thousands of old images of the East Midlands.

Councillor Janes said both events were a chance for local people to see inside the newly refurbished library and find out more about the services on offer.

He said: “Our libraries offer much more than simply books with a range of services including free use of the internet, video conferencing and the loan of DVDs, CDs and computer games.

“The £15,000 we have spent on Newbold Library has turned it in to a lighter and brighter place to visit and the changes to the counter mean it is more accessible for everyone.

“I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to visit the library to see for themselves the range of services on offer.”

(Ref: CC.363.07)

Two primary schools and an infant school are being formally proposed for closure by Derbyshire County Council.

The council’s cabinet decided at a meeting today (Tuesday 16 October) to publish formal statutory notices proposing to close:

• Apperknowle Primary School 

• Castle Gresley Infant School 

• Highfield Primary School in Long Eaton
  

Members of the cabinet were told that during a 53-day informal public consultation there was significant opposition to the closure of the schools.

But education officers felt the concerns raised by objectors could be addressed and that there was a strong and over-riding case to continue with the closure proposals.

The statutory notices for Apperknowle Primary School and Highfield Primary School will be published on Thursday 1 November. A six–week public consultation will be held, which will finish on Thursday 13 December.

The statutory notices for Castle Gresley Infant School will be published on Thursday 8 November, with the consultation finishing on Thursday 20 December.

Any comments made during this period will be considered by education officers, who will prepare a report making a recommendation.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet will then meet again in February 2008 to make a final decision about whether the schools should stay open or are closed.

All three schools are being proposed for closure following a countywide review into the number of surplus places in schools due to falling birth rates. The review aimed to ensure:

• All pupils get a high standard of education no matter where they live in Derbyshire. 

• It doesn’t cost a lot more to educate pupils at some schools than others. 

• Tax payers are getting the best value for money. 

• Money is being spent on pupils and not on maintaining buildings that aren’t being fully used.
  

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, said: “These have been difficult decisions but we must ensure we are getting the best value for tax payers’ money where we can get the best quality education for every child in the county.

“We cannot justify spending more than double the average cost of educating infant and primary age children in Derbyshire at some schools when there are quality alternative places in nearby schools.

“We do have sympathy with the campaign groups and understand their passion and commitment to all three schools.”

During the informal public consultation into the proposed closure of Castle Gresley Infant School concern was raised about the safety of the road to Linton Primary School, the proposed alternative school. A report investigating whether the route should be classified as dangerous for school pupils will be considered by the cabinet member for schools on Tuesday 30 October.

(REF: JF.362.07)

A £1.34 million extension to Derbyshire’s biggest primary school has been officially opened.

The work by Derbyshire County Council is the final phase of a 10-year project to increase the size of Hilton Primary School to cope with demand generated by new housing developments in the area.

The extension at the school, in Peacroft Lane, means it can now take 775 pupils instead of the 655 it had last term. It has been called the Acorn Block after pupil Reece Smith, 10, won a competition to name the new building.

It contains:

• four-classrooms

• a practical area

• toilets

• staff room

• store room.

A footpath has been built connecting the extension to the existing buildings and an additional playground has been constructed together with extra car parking spaces.

Extra playing fields are being created on neighbouring land, along with new pedestrian access to the school site.

Councillor Joyce Sanders, chair of Derbyshire County Council, formally opened the extension with Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools.

Councillor Charles said: “We have invested millions of pounds in the past decade in dramatically increasing the size of Hilton Primary School to ensure it can cater for a rise in pupil numbers generated by new housing developments in the area.

“This new extension completes that programme of investment and ensures that Derbyshire’s biggest primary school has the modern 21st century facilities it requires to provide a high quality education for all its pupils.”

Work to build the extension took a year and opened for pupils last month.

The school contributed £30,000 towards the £1.34 million cost, with Derbyshire County Council paying the rest.

Settling in…Councillor Joyce Sanders, chair of Derbyshire County Council, and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, are shown one of the new classrooms by Hilton Primary School pupils Catherine Wilson and Reece Smith, both 10.

 (REF: JF.361.07)                                                                    

A play which aims to teach young people about the consequences of risk taking on the roads will be performed at sixth forms around the county.

Derbyshire County Council commissioned the play ‘Full Stop’ by theatre company CragRats to visit a number of its schools this month.

’Full Stop’ encourages young people to develop their own skills in assertiveness and to understand the dangers that are present on the county’s roads.

The play, which has already visited Mortimer Wilson School in Alfreton, will be touring another eight schools in Derbyshire throughout October.

During the visit, workshops were also offered to all driving age pupils on a number of driver-related issues which included impairment through alcohol; the law; crash prevention and driver attitude.

Councillor Clive Moesby, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “We are committed to cutting the number of young drivers who are involved in accidents on the county’s roads and reducing the number of young people killed and injured is a top priority to us.

”Full Stop is a great way of making young people aware of what can happen when drivers take risks on the road and gives them a clear idea of how to stay safe behind the wheel.”

Pictured are pupils Lyndsey Hacz (16), Tara Hampson (16) with Councillor Alan Charles.

(REF:JC)

Quality live performances will still be coming to a venue near you thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s continued commitment to a successful arts scheme.

Live and Local has been giving residents the opportunity to see live music, dance, drama, literature and other arts in community venues across Derbyshire since 2002.

And now Derbyshire County Council says it will continue to back the successful scheme for another three years.

Since its launch five years ago, thousands of local people have enjoyed hundreds of Live and Local shows in venues such as community centres, schools, churches and village halls.

And for the new season, there are 18 new venues to choose from and dozens of live performances to see.

This autumn, the wide-ranging programme of shows includes:

• Funky South American tunes from Brazilian quartet Caratinga;

• Silly banter and songs from Radio 4 comedian Mervyn Stutter;

• Storytelling for all the family with Hood in the Wood by Tangere Arts;

• Sinfonia ViVa’s wind quintet;

• An evening with guitar legend Gordon Giltrap.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, Councillor Bob Janes said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to continue to support this excellent scheme which has brought so much pleasure to people’s lives. It’s been a huge success, with audiences growing steadily.

“By backing it again, I hope we can encourage people of all ages and their families who may never go to a theatre or musical performance to get involved in the arts by making it as easy as possible for them to go along in their own community.

“There’s all sorts on in the coming months and I hope people will find something they enjoy.”

Live and Local is also backed by all eight district and borough councils in Derbyshire. 

       
AMBER VALLEY
An Evening with Mervyn Stutter
Silly banter, songs and conversation with this BBC Radio 4 star
Friday, 19 October, 7.30pm
The Village Hall at Heage (01773) 853358

Plastic Chairs
Funky and fun four-piece Greek-influenced band
Friday, 16 November, 7.30pm
Heanor Baptist Church (01773) 718676

Minor Spectacular
Plested & Brown
Comic tales of suburban goings-on!
Thursday, 18 October, 8pm
Waingroves Community Centre (01773) 745118

Winter Wonderland
ShooShoo Baby
Start your Christmas with a sparkle! Glam duo perform Christmas classics
Friday, 30 November, 8pm
Quarndon Church Hall (01332) 840007

Hood in the Wood
Tangere Arts
Storytelling adventure with live music and poetry
Saturday, 17 November, 6pm
Heanor Baptist Church (01773) 718676

BOLSOVER
Annamation
Dynamic storytelling for children who can help out with the story
Saturday, 24 November, 6.30 pm
Tibshelf Village Hall (01773) 875093

Chamber ViVA - Wind Quintet
Sinfonia ViVa
Small version of this famous classical orchestra who like to meet and chat with the audience
Saturday, 10 November, 7.30 pm
Bolsover Parish Church (01246) 822793

CHESTERFIELD
The Outlaw Fulke Fitz Waryn
Strangeface Theatre Company
Funny and lively show about the “real” Robin Hood. Fantastic masks!
Thursday, 18 October, 7.30 pm
Speedwell Rooms, Staveley, (01246) 473132

DERBYSHIRE DALES
Caratinga
Funky four-piece band who play lively and infectious Brazilian music
Friday, 19 October, 7.30pm
South Darley Village Hall (01629) 734449

Eduardo Niebla Experience
Stunning guitars and tabla music influenced by East and West
Tuesday, 20 November, 7.30 pm
Highfields School, Matlock (01629) 581888

EREWASH
Plastic Chairs
Funky and fun four-piece Greek-influenced band
Friday, 26 October, 7.30pm
Breadsall Village Hall (01332) 831564

Chamber ViVA - Wind Quintet
Sinfonia ViVa
Small version of this famous classical orchestra who like to meet and chat with the audience
Saturday, 17 November, 7.30pm
Cotmanhay & Shipley Church Hall (01159) 309233

HIGH PEAK
Hey Gringo!  Through Peru
Peter Searles     
Larger than life traveller's tales with a stand-up comedy edge (age 14+)
Saturday, 17 November, 7.30 pm
Dove Holes Community Hall (07718) 269703

 
NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE
The Phileas ‘P. Souper’ Tour
LOON & Theatre mi mi  
Eccentric and witty world music band accompanied by two mime artists
Saturday, 17 November, 8pm
North Wingfield Resource Centre (01246) 856451

Minor Spectacular
Plested & Brown
Comic tales of suburban goings-on!
Friday, 19 October, 7.30 pm
Ashover Parish Hall (01246) 590005

Winter Wonderland
ShooShoo Baby
Start your Christmas with a sparkle! Glam duo perform Christmas classics
Saturday, 1 December, 7.30 pm
Calow Community Centre (01246) 239381

SOUTH DERBYSHIRE
Ghost
Cat Weatherill
Atmospheric chills from an engaging performance storyteller (ages 14+)
Friday, 2 November, 7.30 pm
The Old Post Centre, Swadlincote (01283) 552263

With a Little Bit of Luck
Cosmotheka Presentations
Nostalgic musical monologues about the life of Stanley Holloway
Saturday, 3 November, 7.30 pm
Weston on Trent Village Hall (01332) 702386

An Evening With Gordon Giltrap
Guitar legend that’s played with the likes of Cliff Richard and Midge Ure
Friday, 26 October, 7.30 pm
Ticknall Village Hall (01332) 862476

Unruly Women
Quondam Theatre Company
Warm-hearted play about three women’s transportation to Australia in the 1820s
Wednesday, 7 November, 7.30 pm
Shardlow Village Hall (01332) 792514

STAFF and pupils at a Derbyshire school are celebrating after scooping a top libraries award.

Derbyshire County Council’s Brookfield Community School, Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, has achieved the Quality in Libraries Award from ROWA! (Read on Write Away)

Read On - Write Away! is a Derbyshire community-focused partnership, working to make significant improvements in levels of literacy.

To gain the award library staff had to attend a series of training sessions, gather evidence of how to offer the best library service to both staff and pupils and pass assessment from an independent judge.

The assessor toured the library, checked resources and spoke to library staff and users to check a number of standards were being kept to.

Chair of Derbyshire County Council councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Everyone involved in achieving this award should be very proud and I’m sure both pupils and staff will benefit greatly from the new features the library staff have worked hard at implementing.”

Pictured are pupils Rebecca Hannon, 14 and Luke Hopkinson, 14, from Chesterfield, with councillor, Joyce Sanders, the schools head teacher Russ Barr, Sarah Burkinshaw from ROWA! and Sue Atkinson, the school librarian.

The unsung heroes of the caring world were celebrated during a recent carer’s event held in South Normanton.

The Derbyshire County Council ‘Celebrating the role of Family Carers’ event, held in conjunction with the NHS, was a great opportunity for carers to meet other people in the same situation as well as find out about services on offer.

During the event, six outstanding carers from around the county were given recognition for the tireless contribution they have made in looking after others.

They were nominated by their local community learning disability team and received flowers, champagne, chocolates and a gift voucher.

Councillor Dave Allen, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult services, said: “Recognising the contribution of these people publicly acknowledges the hard work done by the many family carers in our service. 

“It will help widen the network of ‘known faces’ among family carers while providing support and encouragement to carers identifying with the silent majority.

“Family carers should be seen as our essential partners. 

“Every day throughout the year and across the county, family carers play a crucial role in supporting the independence, quality of life and the opportunities people with learning difficulties have”.

REF:CM:358:07

A report on the future of Apperknowle Primary School is to be considered by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet on Tuesday 16 October.

Councillors will be recommended by education officers to publish statutory notices formally proposing to close the school with effect from 31 August 2008. They will be told that a petition signed by 1,801 people and 41 letters and emails were sent opposing the plans during a 53-day public consultation.

If cabinet agrees with the recommendation then a further formal six-week consultation period will be held. Following the consultation a further report would go to cabinet for members to decide whether to keep the school open or close it.

The initial proposal to close Apperknowle Primary School followed a countywide review into the number of surplus places in schools due to falling birth rates. The review aimed to ensure:

• All pupils get a high standard of education no matter where they live in Derbyshire. 

• It doesn’t cost a lot more to educate pupils at some schools than others. 

• Tax payers are getting the best value for money. 

• Money is being spent on pupils and not on maintaining buildings that aren’t being fully used.

During the review Apperknowle Primary School was identified for possible closure because:

• There are only 24 pupils at the school meaning 55% of places are not being used. 

• Only four of the pupils live in the school’s catchment area.

• It costs £5,784 to educate each pupil at Apperknowle Primary School compared to the Derbyshire average of £2,648 for primary schools. This means pupils at other schools in Derbyshire get less funding. 

• It will mean shorter school journeys for many pupils. 
  

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, said: “We said at the start of this process that there are no easy answers to the issue of falling pupil rolls in schools.

“Any proposal to close a school is an emotive issue, and rightly so. We have given parents of Apperknowle Primary School the opportunity to have their say about our proposals and we will have all the comments from the local community available when we make a decision on 16 October.”

Members of the cabinet will be told that objectors have opposed the plans because:

• Of concerns about pupils getting a lower quality of education if they have to go to other schools with larger classes. 

• Apperknowle Primary School provides good care for pupils with special educational needs 

• Of the loss of choice for parents 

• They did not believe cost of education should be a deciding factor in whether a school stays open. 

• Whether there is space at other schools in the area to accommodate pupils if Apperknowle Primary closes.
  

Councillors will be told that education officers believe these concerns can be addressed.

(REF: JF.352.07)

A report on the future of Castle Gresley Infant School is to be considered by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet on Tuesday 16 October.

Councillors will be recommended by education officers to publish statutory notices formally proposing to close the school with effect from 31 August 2008. They will be told that a petition signed by 586 people and nine letters were sent opposing the plans during a 53-day public consultation.

If cabinet agrees with the recommendation then a further formal six-week consultation period will be held. Following the consultation a further report would go to cabinet for members to decide whether to keep the school open or close it.

The initial proposal to close Castle Gresley Infant School followed a countywide review into the number of surplus places in schools due to falling birth rates. The review aimed to ensure:

• All pupils get a high standard of education no matter where they live in Derbyshire. 

• It doesn’t cost a lot more to educate pupils at some schools than others. 

• Tax payers are getting the best value for money. 

• Money is being spent on pupils and not on maintaining buildings that aren’t being fully used.
  

During the review Castle Gresley Infant School was identified for possible closure because:

• It costs £5,467 to educate each pupil compared to the Derbyshire average of £2,635. This means pupils at other schools in Derbyshire get less funding. 

• There are 25 pupils at the school. It means 66% of places are empty. By 2011 there are expected to be 23 pupils. 

• Unlike most infant schools Castle Gresley has four year groups instead of three. This means even more empty places in each class.      

• In December 2006 Ofsted gave the school a ‘notice to improve’ because it: “currently provides an unacceptable standard of education and unsatisfactory value for money”.  

• Much of the school site is in a very poor condition. It needs significant investment to bring it up to modern standards.
  

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, said: “We said at the start of this process that there are no easy answers to the issue of falling pupil rolls in schools.

“Any proposal to close a school is an emotive issue, and rightly so. We have given parents of Castle Gresley Infant School the opportunity to have their say about our proposals and we will have all the comments from the local community available when we make a decision on 16 October.” 

Members of the cabinet will be told that objectors have opposed the plans because:

• Ofsted has said that the school is making satisfactory progress in improving standards at the school. 

• Of concerns about the safety of the route that pupils would have to use to travel to Linton Primary School, the nearest alternative school. 

• It would reduce or remove parental choice. 

• The benefits of pupils being educated in small classes would be lost. 

• They believe new housing will increase pupil numbers at Castle Gresley Infant School in the future, meaning closure is unnecessary.
  

Councillors will be told that education officers believe these concerns can be addressed.

(REF: JF.351.07)

The future of Highfield Primary School in Long Eaton is to be considered by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet on Tuesday 16 October.

Councillors will be recommended by education officers to publish statutory notices formally proposing to close the school with effect from 31 August 2008. They will be told that a petition signed by 3,012 people and 212 letters and emails were sent opposing the plans during a 53-day public consultation.

If cabinet agrees with the recommendation then a further formal six-week consultation period will be held. Following the consultation a further report would go to cabinet for members to decide whether to keep the school open or close it.

The initial proposal to close Highfield Primary School followed a countywide review into the number of surplus places in schools due to falling birth rates. The review aimed to ensure:

• All pupils get a high standard of education no matter where they live in Derbyshire. 

• It doesn’t cost a lot more to educate pupils at some schools than others. 

• Tax payers are getting the best value for money. 

• Money is being spent on pupils and not on maintaining buildings that aren’t being fully used.
  

During the review Highfield Primary School was identified for possible closure because:

• There are a significant number of surplus places at schools in this area of Long Eaton and pupil numbers are predicted to fall further.   

• It will cost £500,000 to bring the building up to a reasonable state of repair and the school would need significantly more money to bring it up to the expectations of a modern school building. As the school is a listed building it is hard to re-develop it. The school also has no playing fields 

• It will remove surplus places at three other schools. Longmoor Primary School has 103 empty places, Parklands Infant and Nursery School 75 and Harrington Junior School 18 spare places.
  

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, said: “We said at the start of this process that there are no easy answers to the issue of falling pupil rolls in schools.

“Any proposal to close a school is an emotive issue, and rightly so. We have given parents of Highfield Primary School the opportunity to have their say about our proposals and we will have all the comments from the local community available when we make a decision on 16 October.”

Members of the cabinet will be told that objectors have opposed the plans because:

• They dispute whether there is a problem with surplus places at the school. 

• The school is at the centre of the community so closing it would have an impact on the whole area. 

• An Ofsted report has rated the school ‘good’ 

• Of concerns about traffic congestion and dangers if pupils have to go to another school   

• It removes parental choice. 

• Of the impact on class sizes at other schools if Highfield Primary School closes. 

• Potential health risks posed by a sub-station on Newstead Road
  

Councillors will be told that education officers believe these concerns can be addressed.

(REF: JF.350.07)
 

Creative people hoping to set up their own businesses are being offered a helping hand from a course aimed directly at them.

Over 100 people across Derbyshire have been on the free Focusing Creativity programme which supports creative businesses from web design and visual art to advertising and music.

Feedback from the programme, which is delivered in partnership by Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Enterprise Agency, has been extremely positive and dozens of people have been in touch to praise the course’s relevance and usefulness.

It consists of five jargon-free workshops starting with a one-day event and followed by four half-day sessions, all delivered by arts and creative industry specialists.

The next course is being held between Tuesday 20 November and Friday 7 December at The Arena, 1, Rutland Street, Ilkeston, and people across Derbyshire setting up or running a creative business who think they could benefit are being encouraged to sign up.

Creative furniture specialist Alice Courtis, 29, of Belper, restores and revamps modern and vintage furniture and has set up her own business, BeauVamp, over the internet.

Alice said: “I would highly recommend the Focusing Creativity programme to anyone thinking of setting up a creative business. Each of the sessions is very relevant and it is also an excellent chance to network with like-minded people.

“The programme has given me a lot more confidence to go out and market my business and the tutor was fantastic.”

More glowing praise for the programme has come from Helen Duncan, who owns and runs First Impression Limited, a marketing and communications company in Glossop.

The company is now in its 11th year and Helen went on it after deciding to expand and branch out into new areas.

She said: “I was trying to re-evaluate my business and expand but I needed to know how to do it.

“Although we’re not a start-up company it was extremely useful. There was an excellent mix of people on the programme and the speakers were fantastic.

“You have to make an effort to get the maximum benefit out and I feel like it was worth all the hard work. My business is already benefiting and I would recommend Focusing Creativity to anyone in a creative business, whether it’s a new company or one that is expanding or needs a kick-start.”

The workshops are:

* Focusing Creativity. The core one-day workshop of the programme looks at what drives you as a creative enterprise, your passion and mission, resulting in a realistic development plan and strategy. Date: Tuesday 20 November. 9am- 4.30pm.

* Creative Essentials. You have the strategy – now, how do you market your enterprise? Creative Essentials gives you the knowledge and tools to develop a plan to get your message out there. Date: Tuesday 27 November. Noon – 4.30pm.

* Creative Vision. You know where you want to be but how do you get there? Creative Vision gives you the skills, tips and practical know-how to research the best route forward to plan for your creative enterprise. Date: Friday 30 November. Noon – 4.30pm.

* Creative Confidence. This workshop builds on your ability to communicate the benefits of your creativity to your customers and your audience. Date: Tuesday 4 December. Noon – 4.30pm.

* Creative Capital. Financial management can be a headache but it’s one you cannot ignore. This workshop gives you skills to manage your finances and control cash flow, rather than cash flow controlling you. Date: Friday 7 December. Noon – 4.30pm.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “All aspects of running a successful creative business are covered in the programme and they have proved very successful across the county.

“It is very pleasing to hear that people who have already been on the courses have benefited from them and found them worthwhile. The positive feedback is very encouraging.”

There has been a high demand for past courses and places are limited so people are urged to sign up as soon as possible to guarantee a place.

To apply for a place or for further details contact Janet Howett by calling 01246 207207 or e-mailing janet.howett@dncc.co.uk.

(Ref:MC.356.07)

Councillors will be renewing their pledges to serve the community at a service of celebration to be held in Belper.

Budding musicians are being invited along to a music workshop and a BBQ event organised by Derbyshire County Council.

The event at Clowne Skate Park, off Chestnut Drive, Clowne, will provide guitars, keyboards and a drum kit for young people to try their hand at.

Visitors will also have the chance to seek advice on a number of issues affecting them at event on Friday, 26 October at 12 noon until 6pm.

Base 3, young people’s drugs service and CASH, a sexual health project, will be there to inform and advise anyone who wants questions answered on drugs, alcohol and sexual health.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “This will be a fun event and I’m sure a lot of young musical talent will come along to perform.

“It is very important that young people can find the help they need on issues that affect them and an event like this is perfect for them to receive advice on anything that they might find troubling.”

(REF:338.JC.07)

Residents can find out how to protect their properties from flooding and reduce their risk at Derbyshire County Council’s Flood Defence Fair later this month.

Visitors will be able to check out the products they can buy to protect their property, find out if they live in a high risk area and how to sign up to early flood warnings - and pick up some free sandbags from the council’s stock of 30,000 it will bring along on the day.

It’s the third flood fair the authority has organised to help people who have been affected by flooding or fear they could be at risk.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community safety Councillor Clive Moesby said: “Flooding can have a devastating effect on families, homes and businesses which is why we’ve organised our Flood Defence Fair to help residents reduce their risk.

“We’re always there to help alongside the emergency services during flooding, but we’re encouraging people to do what they can to help themselves and prepare as much as possible to reduce the threat posed by situations like the one we had this summer.

“The fair’s open to everyone, residents worried about their homes and people concerned about their businesses. We hope people come along and see what help is available.”

Almost 1,000 homes and around 100 businesses across Derbyshire were affected by this summer’s floods causing millions of pounds worth of damage.

County council services were on hand with the emergency services and borough and district councils to deal with thousands of calls for help during the worst of the wet weather in June.

During four days at the height of the crisis the county council distributed 20,000 sandbags, set up shelters for people whose homes were uninhabitable, closed and cleared unsafe roads and ensured vulnerable residents had the care they needed.

At the Flood Defence Fair visitors can:

• Check if their home or business is in a flood risk area
• Find out about flood warning services and how to sign up
• Get advice on practical steps to protect properties from flooding
• Register inquiries about specific flood problems which affect their property
• Pick up a range of information and check out useful websites
• Check out the range of flood defence devices available to buy
• Develop their own home or business flood plan

It will take place at The Agricultural Business Centre, Agricultural Way, Bakewell on Wednesday 24 October from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free.

The county council has also organised free morning and afternoon return bus transport to the event from Chesterfield, Ilkeston and Long Eaton, the areas worst hit by this summer’s floods:
Chesterfield:

• 10am: Pick-up from Chesterfield Town Hall (main entrance), Rose Hill, Chesterfield.
• 10.45am: Arrive at Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell.
• 12.30pm: Pick-up from Bakewell for return journey.
• 1.15pm: Return to Chesterfield
• 2pm: Pick-up from Chesterfield Town Hall
• 2.45pm: Arrive in Bakewell
• 4.30pm: Pick-up from Bakewell for return journey.
• 5.15pm: Return to Chesterfield

Long Eaton and Ilkeston

• 10am: Pick-up from West Park Leisure Centre (car park), Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton
• 10.15am: Pick-up from Ilkeston Town Hall (bus stop), Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston
• 11.15am: Arrive at Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell.
• 12.30pm: Pick-up from Bakewell for return journey.
• 1.30pm: Return to Ilkeston and Long Eaton
• 2pm: Pick-up from West Park Leisure Centre (car park), Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton
• 2.15am: Pick-up from Ilkeston Town Hall (bus stop), Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston
• 3.15pm: Arrive at Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell.
• 4.30pm: Pick-up from Bakewell for return journey.
• 5.30pm: Return to Ilkeston and Long Eaton

NB: Anyone who would like transport MUST register in advance with Call Derbyshire on the number below. Wheelchair access is available.

For more information about the Flood Defence Fair or to register for transport  Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or email contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk

Find out more about flood prevention.

(Ref: LT.354.07)

Topics ranging from healthcare to pensions will be discussed at a 50 plus forum meeting in Derbyshire next month.

The Bolsover and District Older People’s Forum, supported by Derbyshire County Council, is holding an information event, combined with its annual general meeting, on Tuesday 6 November from 10am to 3.30pm at the Doe Lea Resource Centre in Ault Hucknall.

A number of speakers will be at the event including representatives from Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust, the Pension Service and Severn Trent Water, and there will be a number of information displays.

Following a buffet lunch the afternoon will see Nick Tomlinson, project manager for `Picture the Past’, give a presentation on Bolsover designed from thousands of photographs, postcards, paintings and engravings from library and museum collections.

Picture the Past is a county council initiative run in partnership with Derby City Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, and is based at Heanor Library.

The presentation will show everything from scenes of everyday life to important events in the area, showing how it has changed over the last couple of centuries.

Singing and dancing will round off the afternoon.

Places must be booked for the free event which is open to everyone aged over 50 years living in the area and free transport can be arranged for people who cannot get there by other means.

The Bolsover and District Older People’s Forum is one of 14 50 plus forums across Derbyshire and all meet regularly to discuss various topics, listen to speakers, plan action campaigns and swap ideas and views.

All the forums have been supported in setting up through Derbyshire County Council’s Better Government for Older People programme which helps them with administration and organising meetings as well as providing financial support.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “The 50 plus forums are going from strength to strength and new members are joining all the time.

“They are a great platform for older people to get their views heard on local, regional and national issues that affect them and I can see why they are proving so popular.”

To book a place at the Bolsover event and to book transport call chair of the older people’s forum Wendy Rosier on 01773 590265 by Wednesday 24 October at the latest.

Visit the Picture the Past (opens in a new window) website.

(Ref:MC.353.07)

Couples celebrating their 60th wedding anniversaries had a trip down memory lane while marking a major milestone for the meals on wheels service.

Derbyshire County Council organised an afternoon tea party to mark the anniversary of the meals on wheels service, first launched by the Women’s Voluntary Service in 1947, and invited couples to go along and join in the fun.

The afternoon tea party was held at the county council-run The Grange home for older people in Southgate, Eckington, and couples turned up armed with photographs from the past to add to a display of 1947 memorabilia.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen went along to meet the couples and made a speech before they tucked into the array of sandwiches and homemade cakes and scones, provided by staff at The Grange.

A cake, decorated with a meals on wheels van and baked by Marie Rigley, cook at the county council-run Charnos Family Support Centre, Ilkeston, formed the centre piece around memorabilia loaned for the day by Chesterfield Museum.

Apetito, which provides the meals on wheels service in Derbyshire on behalf of the county council, donated a packed hamper as a prize and donations were also received from Northern Tea Merchants, Fresh Pastures milk contractor and Imperial Laundry.

The couples had responded to articles in the local press about the event and, although they didn’t know each other when they arrived, many found they had mutual friends or had worked in the same place over the years and two men realised they had been at school together.

Minnie Bramwell, 81, from Newbold in Chesterfield, went to the event with husband Gordon, 83, who she had known since she was 14.

Minnie, who said that the secret to their long and happy marriage was `liking each other an awful lot’, added: “The event was lovely and there was a really nice spread. It was a wonderful idea by the county council and we know a lot of people rely on the meals on wheels service.”

Councillor Allen said: “The afternoon was a great success and everyone who came seemed to really enjoy it.

“Everyone behind the organising of the event worked really hard to make it a special occasion and it was lovely to meet so many Derbyshire couples and hear their stories.”

Currently more than 4,000 people receive meals on wheels in Derbyshire, provided on behalf of the county council by Apetito and delivered by Wiltshire Farm Foods.

As well as the event at The Grange, adult social care staff at the county council are also arranging a tea party in Swadlincote on Wednesday 31 October for diamond wedding couples living in the south of the county.

Anyone who is interested in attending the afternoon event should contact: Sylvia Stimson, senior staff development officer, Derbyshire County Council Adult Social Services, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG or ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Find out more about our meals on wheels service.

(Ref:MC.345.07) 

A wide variety of free adult education classes are starting later this year as part of our continued commitment to learning.

Food safety in catering, computing and floristry are among the free classes running in various adult community education centres across the county.

A sustainable development course is also on offer to people interested in living in a more environmentally-friendly way.

The courses are funded by Derbyshire County Council to offer would-be learners the opportunity to try something for free. Some of the classes are completed in a day while others run for several weeks.

And if new learners want to take things further, the authority runs a wide range of adult community education courses throughout the year, some of which can lead to qualifications.

Spaces are available on the following courses:

Derbyshire Dales

• Lady Manners Community Education Centre, Lady Manners School, Shutts Lane, Bakewell 

- Sustainable Development, 15 Wednesdays starting on October 31, 7pm - 9pm.

• The Ritz Adult Community Education Centre, Steep Turnpike, Matlock

- Floristry Taster, three Wednesdays starting on November 28, 12.30pm - 3pm

Erewash

• Long Eaton Library, Tamworth Road

- Computers taster, five Mondays starting on October 29, 10am - 12pm.

• Community House Adult Community Education Centre, Derby Road, Long Eaton

- Food Safety in Catering, two Fridays starting on November 16, 9.30am - 1.30pm.

High Peak

• Hope Valley  Community Education Centre, Hope Valley School, Castleton Road, Hope Valley

- Food Safety in Catering, two Wednesdays starting on November 7, 9.30am - 2pm.
- Food Safety in Catering, three Wednesdays staring on November 7, 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

• Fairfield Adult Education Centre, Victoria Park Road, Buxton

- Food Safety in Catering, Saturday, November 10, 9.30am - 4.30pm.

South Derbyshire

• Swadlincote Learning Centre, Rink Drive

- Food Safety in Catering, Friday, November 2, 9am - 5pm.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural services, is hoping people will take the opportunity to try something new, either for fun or as a potential for work.

He said: “Not everybody can commit to a long course so these courses are ideal for those wanting to try something a bit shorter.

“They are also a good chance for people to have a go at something new, to find out whether they like it or not, without signing up for a full term and without any expense.

“The classes are taught by qualified staff, give an insight into the subjects and they’re all free. They can be for pleasure or for people perhaps looking for a change of career. And if you want to go further, you can, with the chance to gain a qualification later.”

For more information about any of the courses, please see the adult education section of our website, or contact Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

The Government has picked Derbyshire County Council as one of 11 authorities in the country to run a pilot project to get young people to stay in care until they are 18.

Each of the 11 authorities will try a different solution to the problem of young people leaving the care system between the ages of 16 and 18.

Derbyshire County Council has been given £68,941 a year for the next three years to help around 200 young people in care cope with the transition to adulthood.

The authority is going to substantially increase the use of independent advocates to help give young people in foster and residential care more of a say about their futures.

Advocates are people of all ages who are trained to help young people get their views across to decision makers, help them make a statement about their needs or even talk on their behalf.

Half of the money will be used to pay the costs of running this service and to employ an advocacy co-ordinator who will recruit, retain and organise the advocates. The rest will go on:

• Improving the information provided to young people about their rights and the different options open to them 

• Giving young people in care more opportunities to participate in plans for their future and 

• Offering practical support to help them.
  

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We already encourage young people to stay with us until they are 18.

“We want to offer children in foster or residential care the same support they would get if they were in a family situation. For example, a young person aged 16 who decides to study A-levels would usually stay living with their parents. So why should it be any different for young people who are in care?

“We hope this extra money will help us to develop our services in this area and see what practical help and support can be provided. In turn we hope this will lead to more children in care studying A-levels or vocational qualifications and then going on to university or college.”

The Government will evaluate the 11 pilot projects in the Right2bCared4 programme and see which have worked well. They will then be introduced nationally at the end of the three-year trials.

Each of the trial schemes was introduced as part of the Government’s Care Matters: Time for Change White Paper. It found that nationally there remains a significant gap between the quality of life for young people in care and those raised in supportive families. It is hoped the trial schemes will reduce or remove these issues so all young people have the same opportunities in life. 

(REF: JF.348.07) 
 

Residents in Killamarsh have the opportunity to give their views on a proposed traffic safety scheme for the B6058.
Derbyshire County Council will be holding a public exhibition this week showing plans for new safety measures on the road.

The exhibition will be held at the adult education centre on Stanley Street in Killamarsh on Thursday 11 October.

It will be held between 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8.30pm.

Plans will be on display showing draft proposals for a traffic safety scheme on the B6058 Sheffield Road, from its junction with the A618 Rotherham Road, through to Killamarsh, and on to the Sheffield City boundary.

Proposals include:

• Replacement of existing speed cushions with lower impact flat topped traffic calming measures

• Vehicle activated speed traffic signs

• Formalised parking bays

• Zebra crossing improvements

• Improved carriageway markings and signing
  

Councillor Brian Lucas, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “This exhibition will give people the chance to see what measures we are proposing to take to make the B6058 safer for everyone.

“We welcome any comments and suggestions and encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and put their views across.”

Staff from Derbyshire County Council will be at the exhibition to discuss the proposals and gather comments on the proposals. 

Find out more about road safety.                   

REF:CM:346:07

People behind the businesses providing Derbyshire’s finest food and drink are gearing up for a prestigious awards event later this month.

The Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards, organised by Derbyshire County Council, are being held at Thornbridge Hall in Ashford-in-the-Water on Thursday 25 October, from 7pm.

People attending the event will be greeted with a drinks reception followed by a gourmet meal devised by Peter and Laura Dale of the Dining Room in Ashbourne, winners of last year’s best restaurant category.

The awards will then be presented by celebrity chef Brian Turner and county council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile.

There are six award categories: restaurant of the year, pub/bistro of the year, tea room/coffee house of the year, restaurant within an attraction, best breakfast and local food hero, with each category having a winner and a highly-commended.

The competition attracted a record number of entries this year and the short-listed entries were announced last month.

Venues were judged by an independent panel of food specialists including an AA inspector and an assessor for Quality in Tourism.

The criteria the judges looked at included the quality of food and drink, use of local produce and acknowledgement of it on menus and customer service.

Councillor Carlile said: “The awards evening is a big event on our calendar and there is always a lot of excitement on the night as the short-listed entries don’t know who has won until the announcement is made.

“I am sure everyone attending, whether they walk away with awards or not, will have a great evening and enjoy the excellent food and the wonderful venue.”

The county council is currently putting together a database of local producers and suppliers within the county and any business wanting to be included should contact Derbyshire County Council international/tourism officer Stephanie Walsh on 01629 585964 or email
stephanie.walsh@derbyshire.gov.uk.
(Ref:MC.334.07)

All there is to know about health and safety at work will be available at a free workshop to be held next month.

The workshop is being held in Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale Environment Centre near Chesterfield - and will look at all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and risk assessments.

Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust healthy business adviser Zoe Richardson is holding the workshop and will explain and bring people up-to-date on a number of issues.

Information at the event will include:

• What exactly a risk assessment is

• A simple guide to risk assessments

• The definition of a hazard

• Why people should carry out risk assessments

• The law and management regulations

• An example of a practical risk assessment.

The free information event is being held on Tuesday 13 November between 9am and 11am and people who are interested should call the Markham Vale Environment Centre as soon as possible as places are limited.

After the event people will be able to look around the Markham Vale Environment Centre – the county council’s flagship building for the £65 million Markham Vale regeneration scheme.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “It is very important that people who run businesses are up-to-date with the latest information and regulations and this free workshop will give them all they need to know.

“The Markham Vale Environment Centre is the perfect setting for a course like this and I hope after the workshop, people will take the chance to have a look around the state-of-the-art facilities.”

Markham Vale is the largest regeneration project undertaken by Derbyshire County Council.

It covers 360 hectares and will create 80 hectares for high quality commercial and industrial development, bringing 5,000 jobs.

The environment centre has been built incorporating sustainable techniques such as solar panels, a wood-burning heater and wind turbine.

It provides training rooms and workspace for new companies which is now available to rent.

To register for the health and safety course or for more information about renting workspace at the environment centre people should contact Trudi Novakovic on 01246 826000.

Find out more about Markham Vale Environment Centre.

(Ref:MC.347.07) 

A free health and well being day is being held in Glossop to give older people the chance to sample a variety of new skills and enjoy some relaxing treatments.

The Glossop Action for Local Older People (GALOP) 50 Plus forum are holding the Feel Good - Look Good, Health, Wellbeing and Safety event on Tuesday 23 October.

A range of organisations are involved in the day which is supported by Derbyshire County Council and will be held at Bradbury Community House, Market Street, Glossop from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The event will be packed full of exhibitions and taster sessions ranging from acupuncture and Tai Chi to food tasting and adult education.

Representatives from all the organisations will be on hand to talk to visitors, discuss a variety of issues and offer help and advice.

Visitors can take part in gentle exercise, learn about healthy diets and talk to representatives from the police, trading standards, welfare rights, Primary Care Trust and many others.

Councillor Dave Allen, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people, said: “The day will be packed full of informative and interesting events allowing people to try out a new hobby or maybe indulge in a relaxing treatment.

“I would urge as many people as possible to attend the event and discover new ways of keeping fit and well.”

Free light refreshments will be served all day.

For more information contact Louise Hiron, Better Government for Older People Team, on 01629 532446 or email louise.hiron@derbyshire.gov.uk. 
 
REF:CM:343:07

Parents are being urged not to delay making an application to get their child a place at secondary school.

The parents of children born between 1 September 1996 and 31 August 1997 have until 3.30pm on 19 October to apply to Derbyshire County Council for a place for their child to start at secondary school in September 2008.

But with postal strikes having already taken place - and the possibility of more being called in the coming weeks - parents are being urged not to leave their applications until the last minute in case they arrive late.

All applications that arrive after the deadline go to the bottom of the pile, with places being offered first to the children of parents who apply on time. This might mean the school that parents want their child to go to is full.

To avoid potential problems with the post parents are instead being urged to apply online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions (opens in a new window) or by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 where one of Derbyshire County Council’s operators will fill in the form on their behalf using information they are given.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “We always encourage parents to apply online or using Call Derbyshire anyway but with the potential for disruption to the postal service we hope even more will do so.

“If parents do intend to make a postal application then it is vital that they do it as quickly as possible and don’t leave it until just before the 19 October deadline or they might miss out on the school they want for their child.

Parents whose children attend a Derbyshire primary or junior school also have the option of returning the application form to that school and they will forward it on to us.”

When completing the application form parents will be asked to list, in order of preference, the three schools they would most like their child to go to.

Although parents have a legal right to express preferences they have no automatic right to a place at any particular school.

To help parents through the process of applying Derbyshire County Council has appointed advisers. They will assist parents with filling in the form and interpreting information about schools, such as Ofsted reports, exam results and attendance figures.

Parents living in the Amber Valley, Erewash, South Derbyshire districts and areas of the Derbyshire Dales south of Wirksworth can contact the choice advisors for southern Derbyshire on 01332 716118.

Parents living in the High Peak, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and areas of the Derbyshire Dales north of Wirksworth can contact the choice advisers for northern Derbyshire on 01246 273154.

Any parents who are a refused a place for their child have a right of appeal to an independent panel.

(REF: JF.344.07)

Taste buds were tingling this week when school children helped judge a cooking competition to mark the launch of a new website.

The site called, My School Lunch, will help raise awareness of Derbyshire County Council’s healthy school lunches and show the hard work of its catering services.

It will provide information for adults, teachers and children about healthy eating and advice on how to keep an active lifestyle which links to the National Curriculum.

The site also contains a range of educational games in a funfair with different skill levels so that children enjoy themselves but learn while they play.

To mark the sites official launch a ‘ready, steady, cook’ style event took place at Hasland Hall Community School, Broomfield Avenue, Hasland yesterday.

The event pitted two teams, made up of a professional chef and year six students Hannah Heywood, and Lewis Pateman, against each other who then raced against the clock in front of Hasland Junior School students to cook a meal using some of the ingredients from Derbyshire school meal suppliers.

Children from the school and Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school, were on hand to judge the two dishes at the end.

Councillor Charles said: “Everyone had a lot of fun at this event and the food they cooked was both healthy and delicious.  On this occasion I am pleased to say the vegetarian meal was voted the best by the students present.

“This new website will be a brilliant resource of information to parents and pupils who want to know more about our tasty and healthy school lunches.

 “We want to make sure that the county’s children are happy and healthy and can fulfil their potential at school, so giving them the right food is very important.”

The website can already be viewed at the address www.myschoollunch.co.uk/derbyshire/ (opens in a new window)

Three planning projects supported by Derbyshire County Council have scooped prestigious regional awards.

The schemes have been lead by High Peak Borough Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and the Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative which is co-ordinated by Amber Valley Borough Council.

The county council has been working in partnership on all three of the projects which were named as award winners at this year’s Royal Town Planning Institute’s East Midlands Planning Awards earlier this week.

The awards recognise and reward initiatives that are judged to have significantly advanced the science and art of town planning to benefit the community and give an outstanding example of the benefits of positive planning.

The work of the Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) was recognised by two awards, scooping the heritage award category and being named as the overall winner.

The THI is a partnership scheme supported by Amber Valley Borough Council, the county council, Belper Town Council, the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It has completed a number of projects in and around Belper including the restorations at the Black Swan and the Ritz Cinema.

High Peak Borough Council won in the rural areas and natural environment category for its `From Special Landscape to Landscape Character’ plan, which builds on `The Landscape Character of Derbyshire’ project produced by the county council in 2003.

In partnership with the county council, Peak District National Park and the Countryside Agency, the plan was praised for `maintaining the character of the best while improving the rest’, protecting the High Peak’s landscape while improving and developing specific areas.

The county council has also been involved in Chesterfield Borough Council’s Chatsworth Road Master Document, which won the award in the planning process category.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “Derbyshire’s success in these three awards is a good example of excellent partnership working and they recognise the high professional support from officers at the various organisations.

“Belper has benefited enormously from the Townscape Heritage Initiative and the other areas will all reap the rewards of the future plans and schemes.”

You can find out more about the Landscape Character of Derbyshire and information from our own planning section.

(Ref:MC.341.07)

Getting people fit and healthy is a top priority for Derbyshire County Council and there is now an opportunity to have adventure come direct to your door.

Thanks to a £68,000 boost from the Big Lottery Fund the council can offer a great new service - the White Hall Outreach Unit.

The unit has a wide range of mobile outdoor equipment including canoes, kayaks, climbing equipment and mountain bikes that can be hired out and delivered to your area.

The equipment is available for all ages and abilities from community groups and youth clubs to schools and other organisations.

There are a variety of programmes on offer, from taster sessions to residentials, full days or long term regular programmes.

All activities are run by fully qualified instructors and transport can also be provided to get you to local venues.
The variety of activities and programmes on offer is huge, but here is a small selection of what the project can provide:

• On-site activities such as orienteering and team building
• Canoeing or climbing days at local venues
• Adult skills sessions
• Community day events
• Local and national leadership awards
• Residentials, camps and expeditions in Derbyshire and beyond
• Curriculum based programmes for GCSE PE and outdoor activities
  

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural services, said: “This is a fantastic way for every group in the county to take part in a diverse range of sports that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

“The equipment can be loaned out to people of all ages and abilities and best of all it can come to you.

“Alternatively the unit can take groups to a venue that is best for each sport, for example a river for kayaking or raft building.”

The White Hall Outreach unit will be at the following community adventure open days:

• Sunday 21 October at Grindleford

• Tuesday 23 October at Renishaw School

• Thursday 25 October Brookfield Community School

• Friday 26 October at Wilsthorpe Business and Enterprise College

To find out more about organising and booking the White Hall Outreach unit for your group contact Deb Cook on 01298 23260 or email debbie.cook@derbyshire.gov.uk. You can also find out more about the White Hall Centre.

REF:CM:342:07

Pupils at Derbyshire County Council's Little Eaton Primary school are just some of the children who are being encouraged to ‘Travel Smart’ during the winter months.

October is International Walk to School Month and as part of this the council has launched Travel Smart Week.
As part of Travel Smart Week, the council will promote different car free ways to make the journey to school, including walking, cycling, the use of public transport and car sharing.

The campaign, aimed at children aged five to 11, will also focus on travelling safely – by encouraging parents and children to wear something bright and visible on the journey to school. Children taking part in Travel Smart week will also receive a free fluorescent zip tag as part of the campaign.

More than 240 schools have registered to take part in the week which starts on October 8.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “We are really pleased to see that so many schools have joined the Travel Smart campaign to help reduce the number of cars on the school run and that they are encouraging children to make the journey safely by being brightly dressed so they are visible to other road users.”

Pictured are eight-year-olds Reece Church from Oakwood and Eleanor Walker from Little Eaton with Councillor Brian Lucas.

For more information visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/travelsmart (opens in a new window)

(REF:JC.337.07)

A series of child car seat safety events are being held by Derbyshire County Council to highlight the importance of using the right child car seats and fitting them correctly.

A free checking, fitting and advice service will take place at four venues in October:

Monday 22 October – Sainsbury’s, Swadlin