NOVEMBER 2017 - The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Big plans, bright future - Stockton Council
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NOVEMBER 2017
www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktononteesnews
The community magazine of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Big plans, bright future
Christmas & New Year
opening times
For full details of Christmas and New Year opening for council buildings visit
www.stockton.gov.uk/festivehours
and for leisure venues visit www.teesactive.co.uk
Customer Services telephone Registration and Bereavement
contact details Services at Nightingale House
Main switchboard..................... 01642 393939 in Stockton
Care for Your Area ................... 01642 391959 Saturday 23 December
Taxation ................................... 01642 397108 (Registration)........................... 8.30am-5pm
Housing Benefits ..................... 01642 393829 (Bereavement Services) .......... 10am-2pm
Monday 25 December ............. closed Tuesday 26 December ............. closed
Tuesday 26 December.............. closed
Wednesday 27 &
Wednesday 27 December......... 8.30am-5pm
Thursday 28 December............ 8.30am-5pm
Thursday 28 December............ 8.30am-5pm
Friday 29 December................. 8.30am-4.30pm Friday 29 December................. 8.30am-4.30pm
Saturday 30 December............. 9.30am-12.30pm Saturday 30 December
Monday 1 January.................... closed (Registration)........................... 8.30am-5pm
(Bereavement Services) .......... 10am-2pm
Monday 1 January.................... closed
Customer Service centres in Stockton To make an appointment for the registration of a
Central Library, Thornaby Central death, call 01642 527720.
For emergency out of hours enquiries for all days
Library and Billingham Library
expect Christmas Day, contact the Security Centre
Monday 25 December ............. closed on 01642 618946.
Tuesday 26 December.............. closed
Wednesday 27 December......... 10am-5pm
Thursday 28 December............ 10am-5pm Christmas waste and
Friday 29 December................. 10am-4.30pm recycling collections
Saturday 30 December............. 9.30am-12.30pm
Normal Revised
Monday 1 January.................... closed
Tuesday 26 December Wednesday 27 December
Wednesday 27 December Thursday 28 December
Emergency Services always open
Adults and Thursday 28 December Friday 29 December
Children’s Helpline: ................ 01642 527764
Friday 29 December Saturday 30 December
Out of hours duty team: .......... 0870 240 2994
Collections will return to normal from
Tristar Homes
Tuesday 2 January 2018.
emergency repairs: ................. 0300 111 1000
Real Christmas tree collections Christmas cards
Christmas trees will be collected on your normal Christmas cards, including cards with glitter,
collection day commencing Wednesday 3 January can be recycled using your white recycling bag.
and ending Friday 27 January 2017.
Please leave your tree next to your wheeled bin on your
normal collection day and it will be collected as refuse.
If you want to recycle your tree please take it to the
Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Haverton Hill
in Billingham.
For details of opening times visit
www.stockton.gov.uk/recycling
CONTENTS
Globe Restoration
Update 6 Love Norton
Advent Trail 21 Schools and colleges
celebrate 28
CONTENTS
News Round Up
4 Economic Regeneration
and Transport 6 Environment
and Housing 15
BIG NEWS FOR BIG PLANS FOR AN BIG PLANS FOR OUR
STOCKTON-ON-TEES OUTSTANDING BOROUGH PLACES AND OPEN SPACES
Adults
Services 18 Community
Safety 20 Arts, Culture
and Leisure 21
BIG PLANS FOR THE BIG PLANS FOR KEEPING BIG PLANS FOR GREAT
CARE WE PROVIDE OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE EXPERIENCES
Children and
Young People 27 Strong
Communities 32 Health and
Wellbeing 35
BIG PLANS FOR THE YOUNG BIG PLANS FOR HELPING BIG PLANS FOR THE
PEOPLE OF OUR BOROUGH OUR COMMUNITIES PROSPER HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE
Your Council
38 Ward Surgeries in
Your Area 41 What’s On
45
BIG PLANS FOR BIG PLANS FOR BIG PLANS FOR
YOUR AREA YOUR AREA THE FUTURE
Stockton-on-Tees News is published by its partner organisations and local Communications Team and designed by
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and community groups and businesses. Every Twentyseven Design. Pictures courtesy
distributed to households across the effort is made to ensure all information of Dave Charnley, Peter Mernagh,
Borough free of charge. If you have not is accurate and up-to-date at the time of Gary Walsh, Gilbert Johnston, Doug
JUNE 2017
www.stoc
kton.gov.u
k/stockto
nonteesn
ews
received a copy please call 01642 526098 publication. Your views and comments Moody, Dawn McNamara, Ben Andrew,
or email snews@stockton.gov.uk are welcome. rspb-images.com, Stephen Hornsey
Photography and others.
Stockton-on-Tees News aims to provide Stockton-on-Tees News is produced
news and information about the Council, by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
The commu
nity magaz
ine of Stockt
on-on-Tees
Borough Counci
Big plans,
l
bright future
There is an audio version of Stockton-on-Tees News. Call 01642 526098 to order a copy or email snews@stockton.gov.uk
PAGE 3
NEWS ROUND UP
WELCOME TO THIS
NOVEMBER EDITION OF
Obituary
Tributes have been paid to former Mayor of
STOCKTON-ON-TEES Stockton-on-Tees, Pete Andrew, who died last
month.
NEWS Mr Andrew, 76,
was Stockton-
It has been a busy few months and there is still a lot more on-Tees Borough
to look forward to as we approach Christmas, with many Council’s Deputy Leader
festive events taking place across the whole Borough. You during the 1990s and
can read all about them in the “What’s On” section and on served as Mayor in
the Christmas events pages 22 and 23. 2000/01.
Congratulations go to our schools who have had another A former civil servant
fantastic year with pupils celebrating some first class with a keen interest
results. It’s great news that 94 per cent of young people in cricket, Mr Andrew
was councillor for the
across Stockton-on-Tees now attend a “good” or
Hardwick ward from
“outstanding” school according to Ofsted reports – you
1991 to 2003.
can read more about this on pages 28 and 29. There is
more good news on the schools front too, with £37million
to be invested in school and nursery buildings across the
Borough to ensure there are enough places both now and
in the future, take a look at page 13 to find out more. Time to apply for
Businesses across Stockton-on-Tees are continuing to do
well. On page 12 you can read about the expansion of the
primary school
Billingham based Quorn site. Meanwhile our town centre Don’t forget, if your child was born between 1 September
shops, bars and restaurants are getting ready for a busy 2013 and 31 August 2014, they will start primary school in
few weeks in the run up to Christmas. September 2018.
It is a landmark year for Billingham Forum with the venue The Council’s School Admissions Team has sent letters to
celebrating its 50th birthday last month. A whole host of all parents whose children are due to start school next year
fun activities took place during half-term, you can read all explaining the application process.
about them on page 26. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2018.
In this edition we also take a look at some of the great For more information or to apply online visit
work that volunteers are doing across Stockton-on-Tees. www.stockton.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Turn to page 33 to read about Dorothy Rose who has
If you haven’t received a letter or have any questions
supported older people through her work with Age UK please email school.admissions@stockton.gov.uk
for a remarkable 74 years and on page 32 you can read or call 01642 526605.
about Ann Cains who has been a school governor for
nearly 40 years.
Despite the upcoming festivities, we shouldn’t forget that
this time of year can be a difficult one for many and we
are doing what we can to look out for those who are less
fortunate. Council services continue to run throughout the
Christmas and New Year period. For a full list of contact
details see page 2.
Finally, on behalf of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council,
very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Neil Schneider
Chief Executive,
Stockton-on-Tees
Borough Council Alison Tasker (seated) with pupils and colleagues
at Rosebrook Academy
PAGE 4
NEWS ROUND UP
Volunteer Festive fun
contributions in Norton
celebrated
The strength of community spirit
in Stockton-on-Tees has been
celebrated at the North East Charity
Awards 2017.
Yacouba Traore, 23, from Billingham, was ‘Highly
Commended’ in the Champion Volunteer of
the Year category. He was recognised for
his selfless work with the National
Citizens Service, Justice First,
Billingham food bank and
the Microsoft Youth IT Hub
where he teaches older
people how to set up
email and Skype accounts
so they can keep in touch
with family.
He said: “I am delighted
and proud. It is a great Local primary school pupils
feeling to be recognised
and community groups have been
for what you do in your
local community.” hard at work with a team from St Mary’s Church
in Norton preparing a series of special Advent
Meanwhile, Dorothy Rose, 93, from
windows for a new festive event.
Bishopsgarth won the Champion
Volunteer of the Year category. Turn to The ‘Love Norton Advent Calendar Trail’ will see local
page 33 to read more about her. businesses unveiling and displaying the windows every
day in the run up to Christmas from 1 December.
To find out more about volunteering
in Stockton-on-Tees, visit To find out more, turn to page 21 or visit
www.stocktonvolunteers.co.uk www.stockton.gov.uk/events
Autism ambassador scoops award
Alison Tasker, deputy head teacher at Rosebrook
Academy in Roseworth, has been recognised for
her amazing efforts in fundraising for a special hub
at the school.
The hub is a local authority funded facility for foundation stage and key stage one and two pupils
with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
In recognition of her work, she picked up a Teesside Hero award recently. However, Alison and
colleagues are hoping to continue to fundraise to upgrade its facilities. The hub is already home
to a playroom and outdoor area but they are keen to add a sensory garden with a water pump,
willow tunnel, plants, den and storytelling area.
Alison says: “I’d really like to acknowledge the great team I work with who are dedicated to
making a difference for children on the autism spectrum, they really go above and beyond.
We are still fundraising, please visit www.rosebrookprimary.org.uk to get involved.”
PAGE 5
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
Canopy removal under way The design team assess the front of the Globe
Globe restoration gathers pace
The restoration of Some interesting finds have
been discovered too…
Stockton’s Globe is
well under way. “Interesting that the
lantern is upside
down, probably
Since it was announced in July that the Globe will be brought
used as a follower
back to life as a 3,000 capacity live entertainment venue
on a stand”
all asbestos has been removed, the roof has been made
watertight and all the necessary surveys and investigations
have been completed.
Detailed designs for the restored grade II listed building
“I was lucky enough
have progressed and with its exciting new future as a live
as a teenager to
entertainment venue drawing nearer, a Heritage Learning
work there when
Officer is being recruited to make sure its past is not
they had live shows;
forgotten.
I operated the limes
The Heritage Learning Officer will lead a range of heritage as a wet behind the
activities and events about the Globe and the history of ears 15 year old. Miss
entertainment across the Tees Valley thanks to a grant working there.”
from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Heritage Enterprise
Programme.
Meanwhile, great care is being taken to remove and store for
potential future use many historic parts of the building such “My mam’s sister saw
as the windows at the front and internal doors. Mouldings The Beatles here,
have been taken of the ornate ceiling details so that new she lost her shoe my
profiles can be cast as part of the restoration. mam tells me! Not
sure about a lipstick
To keep up-to-date with progress and opportunities though!”
to get involved visit: TheGlobeStockton
Win tickets to Stockton Calling
How many tonnes of scaffold are
there inside the Globe?
A pair of Stockton Calling tickets are up for grabs for the
reader who guesses the closest.
Stockton Calling will take place on Saturday 31 March at
venues across Stockton Town Centre.
To enter email snews@stockton.gov.uk by
Friday 15 December. For full terms and conditions visit
www.stockton.gov.uk/globe
PAGE 6
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
Hilton hotel
takes shape
Work is under way on Stockton’s
first Hilton hotel.
Located on the former dairy site off Bishop Street, just a short
walk away from the town’s shops, bars, restaurants, cafes
and soon to be re-opened Globe, the Hampton by Hilton will
be in the perfect location for business and leisure alike when
it opens next winter.
Bowmer and Kirkland Ltd are constructing the 128-bed hotel
which will be owned by the Council and operated by industry
leading experts Interstate UK Management Ltd.
North East & Scotland Contracts Manager for Bowmer and Kirkland,
Darren Stoker with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Director of For further information visit
Economic Growth and Development, Richard McGuckin www.stockton.gov.uk/northshore
Making it easier to get around
Community Transport bus services are being To find out more about the routes, timetables and how to
become a member visit
extended to help people travel around Stockton- www.stockton.gov.uk/communitytransport
on-Tees more easily.
The service which runs between Hartburn, Stockton Town
Centre, the Albany Estate and Norton previously only ran
Monday to Friday but now operates on a Saturday too.
Meanwhile a new south of the Borough villages service was
launched at the end of last month linking Maltby, Hilton
and Kirklevington to Yarm and Ingleby Barwick on Tuesdays
and Fridays.
The buses can seat between eight and 16 passengers and
have removable seats to allow for three wheelchairs.
Anyone who would like to use the bus must register for free
membership first.
PAGE 7
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
Stockton-on-Tees
Hundreds of students from 30
countries across the world are
making Stockton-on-Tees their
home.
All are learning at Durham University’s International Study Centre
(ISC) which is based at Queen’s Campus, just a short walk from
Stockton Town Centre.
PAGE 8
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
welcomes students
Since arriving in the Borough they have been combining their
studies with enjoying everything the Borough has to offer from
shopping in Stockton Town Centre to taking to the skies above the
Tees on Air Trail.
The ISC is managed by Study Group, a highly-respected education
provider with global experience in preparing international
students for university study.
The new centre welcomed its first students in September with
more to follow in January.
International Study Centre
PAGE 9
ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU
On Cloud Nine
A young entrepreneur who dreamt of running a catering
business since he was at school is making his ambition
a reality. Dominic was supported by the Tees Valley Pathways Youth
Employment Initiative (YEI) which helps 15-29 year olds
Dominic Brown, 28, from Thornaby, started out working on
not in education, employment or training to access training
Saturdays at Hide Bar and Grill in Yarm and has now set up
courses, business planning, essential tools, equipment and
Cloud 9 Events on Skinner Street in Stockton.
public liability insurance.
As well as serving tasty food from the kitchen deli, he
To learn more about YEI email info@fivelamps.org.uk
provides catering for occasions like weddings and corporate
or call 01642 608316.
events with the option of pizzas and breads cooked at the
venue in a custom built horse box containing a giant wood To find out about Cloud 9 Events visit
burning oven. www.cloud9eventsuk.com
Arcade art
Just Believe, an art shop in Stockton High Street’s Enterprise
Arcade, is giving people the chance to work with owner and
resident artist, Julia Powell to create original greeting cards.
She creates the bespoke designs on an iPad while her work
is projected onto a large TV screen so customers can ask
for refinements along the way. Julia says: “Interactive art is
something really different and customers have embraced
the concept.”
For more information about the Enterprise Arcade visit
www.stockton.gov.uk/business
There’s lots of enterprise support available. To find out more email
PAGE 10ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
GET STARTED IN BUSINESS
fa
Azeem Musta
Lucia Dell’Aquila
A helping hand to start-up
Young people across Stockton-on-Tees are finding their feet candle holders following a family holiday to the region: “I
in business with a helping hand from the Council. was given a tour inside a mountain seeing first hand miners
removing salt with no machines and I saw craftsmen carving
Aspiring entrepreneurs 16 year old Lucia Dell’Aquila and
crystal rock salt into beautiful lamps and candle holders.
18 year old Azeem Mustafa are taking their first steps into
running their own business after taking part in the Stockton “In the mines, I noticed the difference in air quality which
Start Up Programme. was significant to me as an asthmatic. This first-hand
experience removed my doubt of Himalayan salt lamps’
Lucia is setting up a mobile podiatry service specialising
numerous health benefits and I saw this as a great product
in care home and pensioner packages after seeing her
to bring to the UK.
grandmother’s foot healthcare deteriorate, she said: “The
programme was an amazing opportunity. My greatest “Training and funding through the Start Up Programme gave
reservation about starting up a business was finance. Being me the motivation to push the business forward.”
bad at maths, it seemed like a daunting aspect of business
Azeem’s full product range can be seen at
but this programme was a great opportunity to learn how to
www.himalayangifts.co.uk
overcome such an obstacle.”
To find out more about the Start Up Programme visit
Meanwhile Azeem has recently launched Himalayan Gifts,
www.stockton.gov.uk/sup
selling Himalayan salt products ranging from lamps to
Digital at home in Stockton-on-Tees
Stockton-on-Tees has been named the “perfect location to
grow sales worldwide” by a French entrepreneur.
Director of Renoovo Design, 30 year old, Clément Gonnet, is
expanding his web development company from Digital House
in Stockton after winning a number of major contracts across
Europe and America.
For more information about Digital House,
email dave.crompton@bsupplied.co.uk
business.enquiries@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 527567
PAGE 11ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
Stockton-on-Tees has a long-standing
tradition in manufacturing that is still very
much in evidence today. Through our regular
Made in Stockton-on-Tees feature we take a
look at some of the Borough’s manufacturing
success stories.
Andy Finn, Chiller Operator, with the Mycoprotein dough
Stockton-on-Tees has a long-standing
tradition in manufacturing that is still very
much in evidence today. Through our regular Staff operating the control system
Made in Stockton-on-Tees feature we take a
look at some of the Borough’s manufacturing Over 100 Quorn products are on the market and each one is
success stories. made by taking a fungus and fermenting it to produce a core
dough called Mycoprotein. The Billingham facility produces
Quorn may be an internationally recognised brand, with
this dough which is completely meat free and is a good
their mince, burgers and sausages sold in 15 countries
source of protein and fibre.
worldwide but did you know these products start their journey
in Billingham? Kevin Brennan, Chief Executive of Quorn Foods, says:
“For over 30 years, Billingham has been at the heart
And with more people eating meat substitutes than ever
of Quorn production – it possesses a highly skilled and
before, sales are up 19 per cent. This huge demand has
motivated workforce.
meant Quorn is doubling its production by investing £150m in
new fermentation facilities, making the Nelson Road site the “As Quorn is growing strongly worldwide, we needed to
largest facility of its kind in the world. significantly increase production and, given the strength of
our existing site, we chose to expand this facility which I am
The multi-million pound expansion is expected to create
confident will be hugely successful.”
at least 300 new jobs, adding to the existing 700 strong
workforce. To find out more about Quorn visit www.quorn.co.uk
PAGE 12ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
£37 million
investment in
schools
£37million will be invested in schools and
nursery buildings across Stockton-on-Tees over
the next two years. Charli Marshall teaching at Conyers School
Train to teach in
The investment will see a series of expansions, improvements
and rebuilds with All Saints Academy in Ingleby Barwick,
Egglescliffe School, Conyers School in Yarm, Ian Ramsey CE
Stockton-on-Tees
Academy in Stockton, Northfield School in Billingham, Our
Lady and St Bede Catholic Academy in Stockton and Outwood
Academy Bishopsgarth among the schools all set to benefit.
A number of nurseries, children’s centres, primary schools
and the Skills Academy in Billingham will all benefit from new
Applications are open to become
investment too. a teacher via the Stockton-
on-Tees Teacher Training
Partnership (SCITT).
The personalised programme is delivered over one academic
year from September through to July and provides the
development, experience and skills required to teach.
Patrick Stokes and Charli Marshall recently completed
their training and are now teaching at Prior’s Mill CE
Primary School in Billingham and Conyers School in Yarm
respectively.
Ingleby Barwick Patrick, a Year 5 teacher, said: “The training is adapted to
meet the needs of the individual and the support I received
Leisure Facility from my partnership rep, training coordinators and class
mentors was second to none.”
update Charli, teaching modern languages, said: “I chose to learn
through SCITT as it gave me a better chance of experiencing
real school life. I spent much more time in school than
Work on the new multimillion pound friends who chose other pathways into teaching.”
leisure centre in Ingleby Barwick has been Applications are now open via UCAS for 2018/19. To find out
rescheduled to tie in with the £3m expansion more, contact scitt@stockton.gov.uk or 01642 527734.
of the neighbouring All Saints Church of
England Academy.
As part of the £37million schools investment programme
reported in the article above, a £3million expansion of the
Academy is planned.
Preparatory work to divert utility services for the new
multimillion pound leisure facility on the Academy site has
proven difficult to coordinate due to the number of different
companies and organisations involved.
To minimise the disruption caused by the utilities diversion
work on the site, the two projects are being brought together.
When it opens in summer 2019, the combined leisure centre,
library and customer service point will offer a wide range School
at Prior’s Mill CE Primary
Patrick Stokes teaching
of facilities including swimming pools, a health and fitness
suite, a gym and community access library.
PAGE 13ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND TRANSPORT
Update from Tees Valley
Combined Authority
Building Our Industrial Strategy
3D artist’s impression of potential developments
The South Tees Development Corporation is an
exciting new enterprise that has been set up
to help transform one of the biggest industrial
zones in the UK, including the site of the former
Redcar steelworks which closed in 2015. The
Corporation is now consulting on plans to
regenerate the area, creating up to 20,000 high
quality jobs over the next 25 years.
The South Tees Development Corporation is the
first example outside London, using new legal
powers to accelerate development, and to be
accountable to local people rather than to central
government. It is chaired by the Tees Valley Mayor,
and was recently launched by the Prime Minister.
The area covers one of the deepest ports in the UK,
over 2,000 acres of development land, excellent road
and rail links, and a skilled and experienced local
workforce. It is one of the UK’s best locations for
manufacturing, innovation and advanced technology.
The Development Corporation is working with a number
of significant investors, and has now published a
Master Plan for the site. The Plan sets out how the
area can be transformed to host new industries and
jobs; in energy and process industries, exporting
to the world from the banks of the River Tees.
This initiative will have a big impact on the economy of the Tees Valley, and across
the North. So it’s right that local people and businesses have their say. To find out
more about these exciting plans, please visit www.southteesdc.com
Twitter Linked In Facebook
@TeesValleyCA TeesValleyCA TeesValleyCA
PAGE 14ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING
In December 2010 landlord and housing affordable rent to Thirteen on the remaining share. Over
time buyers can work towards owning their home by upping
developer, Thirteen, embarked on a multi- their contribution.
million pound investment programme Thirteen has also worked with Stockton-on-Tees Borough
across Stockton-on-Tees. Council to create Winford House in Billingham, a 38
apartment scheme for people over 55 with on-site support
Since then, more than £108m has been spent installing new and 15 apartments at Acorn House in Thornaby are
kitchens and bathrooms, upgrading heating and electrics, enabling people with additional needs to live independently
window and door replacements and external renovations for longer.
like new porches, rooflines and external cladding.
And it isn’t stopping there. In the next five years a further
More than 360 affordable new homes have been constructed £55m investment programme is planned and 190 affordable
in Billingham, Eaglescliffe, Hardwick, Norton, Roseworth, homes will be built before 2021 with a further 120
Thornaby, Stockton and Yarm. planned thanks to additional funding from the Homes and
Communities Agency.
In some areas residents have the opportunity to get on
the property ladder through shared ownership, enabling To find out more visit www.thirteengroup.co.uk
the buyer to purchase a stake in the property and pay an
More luxury new homes unveiled
The third phase of homes at the Infinity Riverside
development have been unveiled. More than 80 two,
three and four bedroom homes will go on sale early
in the new year.
Located on the banks of the River Tees, Infinity Riverside is
the perfect location within walking distance of Stockton Town
Centre’s shops, businesses and leisure opportunities with easy
access to major road and rail networks.
The popular housing development is part of the Northshore
regeneration scheme which is led by Muse Developments in
partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency and
supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
To find out more about the new homes visit
www.infinityriverside.co.uk
PAGE 15ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING
Big plans, bright future!
The £14million programme
to install super-efficient LED
street lighting across Stockton-
on-Tees will be complete by the
end of the year.
So far, the Council has replaced more than 27,000 lanterns
with LEDs and installed 8,000 new lighting columns.
More than 75 per cent of residents polled believe street
£1.8million
lighting has improved as a result and it’s expected around
£1.8million of energy savings will be made every year.
The new lights are greener too – there has been a 46 per cent
reduction in carbon dioxide emissions since 2014.
energy savings per year For more information, visit
www.stockton.gov.uk/streetlighting
Calling all landlords
The landlord of the 1,000th property to join
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Landlord
Accreditation scheme is calling on others to
follow in his footsteps.
Branch Manager of Kexgill Stockton Ltd, Mark Sadler, said:
“Working with the Council benefits both parties – if we can
help the community and find safe homes for families we will do
so together.”
It sees landlords work with the Council to improve standards in
the private rented sector.
Accredited landlords can access free services including
property advertisements, fast tracked housing benefit claims,
a handyman as well as specialist advice and support.
For more information, visit
www.stockton.gov.uk/landlordaccreditation
or call 01642 528533.
PAGE 16ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING
Caring for birds this winter
While most of us seek refuge indoors during the
colder months, our feathered friends remain
outside against the elements. Here are some top
tips from RSPB Saltholme to help take care of birds
this winter:
Put different food out in your garden as this will help a
variety of birds. This can include leftovers like mashed
potato and cooked rice but please no salty food.
Clean your feeders regularly to ensure visiting birds
stay healthy.
Provide fresh, clean water – this helps birds to keep
their feathers clean and bodies hydrated. Don’t put salt
in the water to try and stop it from freezing.
Feed all year round, even in spring as an easy meal
for parent birds means they can feed their chicks
more easily.
Please remember not to feed any bread to birds.
It is not nutritious and can affect water quality.
Use alternatives like oats, corn or defrosted
frozen peas.
Upgrade for Yarm Wharf New seating, promenade railings and litter bins are among
the enhancements that have been made by the Environment
Agency ahead of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council taking
River users and businesses in and over the lease for the site as part of its ambition to improve
access to and encourage more use of the river.
around Yarm are now benefitting
Around 30 flood gates around the town have also been
from improvements to Yarm Wharf. replaced to ensure residents and businesses continue to be
protected from flooding.
PAGE 17ADULTS SERVICES
A short breaks unit which supports supports and encourages people to access activities both
within the community and the house itself.
adults with learning disabilities The CQC report featured compliments from people who use
living across Stockton-on-Tees is the service and their families. One person says: “Lanark
Close is brilliant. I have learnt new skills and love coming
celebrating after being rated as here. I can’t wait for my stay to come around.”
outstanding. To find out more about Lanark Close, and other services on
offer for adults and families in Stockton-on-Tees,
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) made the judgement visit www.stocktoninformationdirectory.org
about Lanark Short Breaks Service in Elm Tree which
New skills, new opportunities
With the New Year just around the g home for work
Carla Soares leavin
corner now’s the time to start thinking
about learning a new skill.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Learning and Skills
Service offers a whole host of opportunities.
Carla Soares, originally from Portugal, completed the
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) course at
the Learning and Skills Service in Billingham and has now
secured a job as a pharmacist. learning topics like coding and nutrition, main subjects such
as maths, English and ICT as well as help with getting into
Carla said: “It was a great opportunity to improve my work through apprenticeships and traineeships.
speaking, listening, reading and writing. The team is really
fabulous and very friendly, they gave me the confidence To view the prospectus, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/
needed for my new start.” learningandskills
A variety of courses are available from community learning For more information, contact
subjects such as photography and sign language, family learning.skills@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 527904.
PAGE 18ADULTS SERVICES
One Call away
from help
“It is very reassuring because I can speak to someone
straight away and if I need assistance they will stay on the
line until someone arrives.”
OneCall offers a range of personally tailored technology
Staying independent and active is solutions including alarms that can be worn around the neck
or wrist as well as detectors and sensors that can be placed
important for many people and a around the home to enable people to live independently,
safely and securely.
special service in Stockton-on-Tees The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and
is helping people do just that. people of all ages can sign up to it. Calls can be placed by
the user or through the equipment in the home. Customer
The Council’s One Call service, formerly known as Care Call, support centre staff ensure the right help is provided,
provides assisted living solutions combining technology with whether it be contacting the emergency services, doctors,
someone on hand to help around the clock. friends and relatives or, when necessary, sending out
94 year old, Jack Hindmoor from Yarm (pictured), can’t speak OneCall officers to check on their welfare.
highly enough about it, he said: “I wear a bracelet with a
small alarm attached to it on my wrist and it means that if For further information,
ever I am on my own and feel unsafe, or have a fall, I can email onecall@stockton.gov.uk
quickly get in touch with someone to help. or call 01642 524000.
Party in the park
Preston Park Museum and Grounds was
transformed with a touch of the Caribbean when
adults with learning disabilities enjoyed a summer
party at the venue.
Dressing up, Caribbean dancing, refreshments and giant
sensory bubbles all added to the carnival atmosphere.
It was the first time that residents with learning disability
clients who attend daytime services across the Borough have
got together in this way and the unanimous feedback was
that they would love to do it all again next year.
Accessible travel across Stockton-on-Tees
Taxis are an invaluable means of door-to-door transport for many and the Council has licensed a number of vehicles which
have been designed to make travelling easier for people who use a wheelchair. For a full list of licensed wheelchair accessible
taxis and private hire vehicles visit www.stockton.gov.uk/licensing
PAGE 19PAGE 20
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Town Centre
Welcome to Stockton
COMMUNITY SAFETYARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
Stockton’s An amazing Norton advent
peculiar past invited to take part in a new festive event.
Families and friends from across Stockton-on-Tees are
Launching at
4pm on Friday
1 December at
Norton Library,
the ‘Love Norton
Advent Calendar
Trail’ will see
local businesses
opening Advent
windows every
Welcome to the Stockton Business
day in the build
Improvement District (BID) column of
up to Christmas.
Stockton-on-Tees News. Chair of the
BID is Janice Auton, founder of Poppys Primary schools
Hairdressing, and in each edition she will and community
use this part of the magazine to keep you up groups are creating stained glass
to date with all sorts of interesting events effect windows. The first will be unveiled on the opening night, with
and promotions from Stockton Town Centre. one a day revealed until the big day.
“The Christmas season is just around the Call in to the businesses displaying a window to collect a sticker for your
corner of course and many groups of friends collectors’ leaflet available from the town’s library and local businesses.
and families will be stepping out to share a Leaflets with a minimum of 20 stickers handed in at the library will be entered
meal and a festive drink. With that in mind, we into a prize draw for vouchers and gifts.
have put together our fantastic Eat & Drink
The trail is being organised by volunteers from St Mary’s Church.
Stockton Guide.
Reverend Martin Anderson said: “It’s exciting to see so many children working
“52 excellent bars and restaurants are
alongside the Council and local businesses. It’ll be amazing to see the various
featured offering a range of cuisine and live
Advent windows lit up with the themes and symbols of Christmas.”
entertainment. To view the guide, visit www.
rediscoverstockton.co.uk or pick up a copy The Advent trail will culminate in a service at 4pm on Christmas Eve on the
from the Rediscover shop on the High Street. grounds of Red House Infant School. Come along to see all of the windows
illuminated and sing some classic carols.
“We’re also teaming up with Wellington Square
to bring the popular
“There’sLand Train back to the town For more information, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events
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PAGE 21ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
2 – 17 Decemb
er (Saturday & Su
Meet Father Ch
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Preston Park M
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These are just a selection of the fantastic festive events happening across
PAGE 22ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
e ce m ber endar Trail
1– 24 D ent Ca
v
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N o r ton Ad t
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16 December ls r to n
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Billing
the Borough, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for a full list.
PAGE 23ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
Sign-up for
the 2018 Stockton
Duathlon now at
www.stockton.gov.
uk/duathlon
Stockton Stages Stockton Duathlon
The beating heart
It’s been another action packed year of fabulous events across Stockton-on-Tees.
We hope you enjoyed it. Here are just a few highlights from 2017.
Stockton Calling Spooky Walk
Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show
PAGE 24ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
SIRF17
Billingham International
Folklore Festival
Stockton Dragonboat
Cycling Festival Championship
of the Tees Valley
For more memories check out Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Flickr and YouTube
pages and for more information about future events visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events
SIRF Community Carnival Fireworks
Festival of Light and Colour River Rat Race
PAGE 25ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
Young skaters
gearing up fo
r this year’s Al
addin on Ice sh
ow
home to
The Forum Ice Arena is
Billingham Stars
A special cake was made to
mark the big anniversary
GoClimb has
20 unique wal
and a 22ft plun ls
ge slide!
ce
Keeping active through dan
50 years of the Forum
Billingham Forum hosted a week of Skaters as young as six, volunteer set and costume designers
as well as light and sound operators have been working hard
entertainment and family fun in October for several months.
to mark the venue’s 50th birthday. The leisure centre was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth
II in 1967 and was redeveloped in 2011. Hugely popular, the
From thrilling ice hockey matches to street theatre, and a UV
Forum attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year,
party on ice to scaling the heights of GoClimb – there was
providing fun and engaging leisure activities for all ages.
something on offer for everyone.
For more information about events and activities at
Meanwhile young skaters were busy preparing for the 44th
Billingham Forum visit www.teesactive.co.uk
Billingham ice-pantomime. More than 70 children and young
people are taking to the ice to perform Aladdin next month.
PAGE 26CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
On the fringe
Two former Ian Ramsey and Stockton Sixth
Form College students are making their
way in the world of theatre.
Harry Lidford and Con Best (pictured), both 19, performed Harry said: “The Fringe was a new and challenging
at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe under the name experience for us. We were half expecting to be famous by
‘Third Absurd’ where their ‘Squeeze Harder, Zanni!’ show the end of the month!”
saw characters Doctor and Zanni engaging in slapstick action
and surreal humour.
Schools of Sanctuary
Layfield Primary School and Egglescliffe Thornaby pupils launch
School and Sixth Form College are
celebrating after achieving ‘Schools of
their own book
Sanctuary’ status. Children from Christ the King Primary
It means they are recognised as being a safe and welcoming
School have penned their very own book.
place for all and that they help their students, staff and Inspired by their interest in the Vikings, The Vicious Viking
wider community understand what it means to be seeking Factbook was written and illustrated by Year 5 pupils before
sanctuary. being published earlier this year.
Helen Owen, head teacher at Layfield, says: “We are delighted Copies of The Vicious Viking Factbook are available to buy
to receive this award and to be recognised as one of the first from DRAKE The Bookshop on Silver Street in Stockton
Schools of Sanctuary in the Tees Valley.” Town Centre.
PAGE 27CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Top of the class
It’s been another record breaking year of
academic achievement for students and schools
across Stockton-on-Tees.
This year saw new grade boundaries introduced for GCSEs A-Level students are looking to the future after gaining
in English Language, Literature and maths. Across the brilliant results. The performance of our post-16 education
Borough 46 pupils achieved the top grade 9 result in English providers continues to be very strong – congratulations to
Language, 56 in English Literature and 41 in maths. all of the staff, students governors, parents and carers who
have worked so hard to make this possible!
The national average of GCSE pupils achieving a grade 4
or better in English and maths was 59.3 per cent in 2017, The outlook for the future is also very positive after the
whereas 63.8 per cent of students across Stockton-on-Tees Council recently announced £37million will be invested in
performed to this level. schools and nursery buildings across Stockton-on-Tees
over the next two years. You can read more on page 13.
PAGE 28CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
ts College
hool and Spor
Northfield Sc
Parliamentary
praise
There was also reason to celebrate at Conyers School
and Northfield School and Sports College after both
were recognised on a national level. They were selected
alongside ten other northern schools to feature in the
annual Parliamentary Review as examples of excellent
practice. You can read the review at
www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/editions/
secondary-education
Conyers School
Outstanding Ofsted
ratings
Primary and secondary schools across the Borough are
among some of the best in the country.
According to Ofsted, the number of pupils in Stockton-on-
Tees attending ‘good’ or better schools has increased to 94
per cent - making the Borough’s schools the second best in
the North East.
PAGE 29You can also read
