Brought to you by South Tyneside Council and our partners

South Tyneside

This edition was funded by:

September 2011

Making a differenceA thriving South Tyneside with increased business and jobs, a wide range of affordable housing and world-class schools is one of our top strategic priorities. This is fundamental in helping us secure future prosperity.

Since January 2010, a total of 1532 new jobs have been created and 387 existing jobs safeguarded. A wide range of different companies with a shared aim of investing in the area have contributed to economic growth in South Tyneside. For more information see pages 2 and 3.

Our regeneration programme has also seen the creation of several new housing developments over the past 18 months with many more planned in the near future. Find out more inside.

Adam Johnson

Fantastic new business centre

September sees the completion of the new business centre on the riverside. One Harton Quay will be the regional headquarters for BT who recently announced the creation of 280 jobs. BT staff are expected to start moving in towards the end of September.

Riverside park

We are currently fi nalising plans for an exciting new riverside park, which will be an attractive, high quality public space with panoramic views of the river. Work will start early 2012 and will take ten months to complete.

Other developments

Construction of the new swimming pool at the foreshore remains on target and a high tech, low carbon community facility to house new businesses is being constructed at Trinity South.

For more information visit www.southtyneside.info or call 0191 424 7257

2 www.southtyneside.info

A great place to

Colman’sColman’s fi sh and chip restaurant and takeaway on Ocean Road in South Shields has recently expanded and, as a result, an extra six staff have joined the company. Managing director, Richard Ord explained: “Colman’s is a family business, which was established in 1905 and has had a shop in South Shields since 1926. South Tyneside Council really supports tourism and we have recently seen a signifi cant increase in visitors to the area. As a result we took the opportunity to buy the shop next to us and have provided many more facilities for our customers.”

Robertson Construction NE LimitedRobertson has been selected as the sole contractor to work on a state-of-the-art business incubator unit on part of brownfi eld land at the former Circatex site at Eldon Street, South Shields. The unit is due to open in June 2012 with 95 construction jobs expected to be created to develop the site. The incubator will become home to up to 41 new businesses, 44 jobs will be safeguarded and a further 44 created.

Ford AerospaceTyne Dock based business, Ford Aerospace, has won a £9m contract with a leading helicopter company. This safeguards a further 90 jobs for several years, with the potential for more work in the future. The company, which manufactures aerospace components and assemblies, signed a three year contract with Agusta Westland. This cements the company’s plans for further global growth and development.

Siemens Transmission and Distribution Ltd (STDL)The 300 jobs that will be created at the STDL factory in Hebburn is a fantastic boost for the Borough. Siemens is part of a group, which will build and maintain 1,200 train carriages and two depots for the Thameslink rail project in the south east. The company’s Hebburn facility will manufacture components for the carriages.

MI Dickson LtdFive jobs were created and 14 existing posts safeguarded in December last year when family pork butcher MI Dickson Ltd was awarded £200,000 to extend its bakery in South Shields.

Starting work over 20 years ago as a butcher with MI Dickson, Michael Ellwood has progressed through the ranks and departments, learning as he goes and growing with this ever expanding and award winning family fi rm. He is now assistant production manager.

Owners Michael and Christine Dickson, two of the founders’ three children, place a strong emphasis on family values and Michael Ellwood and his family are a prime example: “My stepson is now working in the bakery and colleague, Kevin Shaw, works alongside his daughter. In this way my business has expanded but hasn’t lost that family feel, we are still a very close knit workforce.”

Did you know?• That grant funded Council programmes to encourage new business start-

ups or existing small and medium sized enterprises have created almost 500 more jobs;

• Our strategic partnership with BT South Tyneside has created 747 new jobs; • We are encouraging residents to start businesses and are helping the

unemployed back into work so that we can make a real difference.

New opportunities are being created in a variety of sectors and this is illustrated through the selection of companies featured below.

www.southtyneside.info 3

work and invest

Castle Building ServicesAt 17 Tony Lister of South Shields had a dream – today it is a reality. Working as an apprentice electrician for the National Coal Board in 1978, Tony was based at Harton Staithes. He’s still there today but as director of his own company, Castle Building Services, which successfully secured a contract in partnership with Millers to construct the new BT Centre.

I’m a Shields lad through and through and have a passion for the area. I could retire now and spend the rest of my life abroad but why would I want to when

I’ve got all this on my doorstep?

Like many people from South Tyneside Tony has a real pride in the area and is determined to invest and re-invest here, despite having a number of contracts in other places. He set up Castle Building Services 10 years ago: “We started with nothing and we are now turning over £12–15 million. The Staithes is just one of several contracts that we are handling at the moment but it’s great to be working back there and to know that I am able to make a real difference to people’s lives by creating opportunities both through my business and through the new BT building.”

Having trained as an electrician when he left school, Adam Johnson, aged 21, was thrilled to secure a job in South Tyneside but, after only a short period of work, the recession hit and Adam found himself unemployed and unable to fi nd another position in his chosen trade. When Castle Building Services won the contract at the Staithes I was really pleased – and even more so to be offered a job as an electrician on the site – it is my ideal job and I am delighted to be working in my home town. ”

Tony Lister

Adam Johnson

BT South Tyneside (BTST)Lulu James, Youth Choice apprentice and communications and marketing support offi cer for BT South Tyneside (BTST) received the special ‘Young Ambassador’ award at this year’s Pride Awards*. Lulu is an excellent example of how the Council’s care interventions and partnerships can work together to improve the life chances of disadvantaged young people in the community. BTST have really helped Lulu turn her life around. Lulu says she can now see a better future for herself at work and in life and hopes that her award can highlight what is possible for people from similar circumstances.

*The Pride Awards are organised by the Shields Gazette in partnership with the Customs House and South Tyneside Council.

To fi nd out more about services for young people contact 0191 424 7400.

Opportunities with BTSTManpower is working in partnership with BT to fi ll 280 roles at BT’s new fl agship Harton Staithes complex in South Shields. These jobs will help BT handle its increasing sales activity at the state-of-the-art facilities at Harton Staithes. Manpower plans to

see the new recruits make calls to customers by November this year. These people will be promoting call, line and broadband packages to customers across the UK.

For more information please call the Manpower team today on 0191 22 11 440 or email your CV to bt.recruitment@manpower.co.uk

Picture courtesy of the Gazette

4 www.southtyneside.info/regeneration

One of the best ways of improving people’s lives is to provide high quality, comfortable homes. We are focussed on making a difference and the past 18 months have seen a huge increase in a wide range of developments all across the Borough. Some of these developments are highlighted below.

A great place

HebburnWe have made substantial progress with the demolition of the Newtown blocks, with over 60 residents being rehoused to new homes. Four Housing Group is now on site to build 71 affordable houses at School Street, including houses for sale through shared ownership. The new bungalows on Hedgeley Road are also proving really popular.

Greta Martin of Hedgeley Road, has lived in Hebburn all her married life. She and her husband, Frank have recently moved from one of the maisonettes that are earmarked

for demolition. She explained why they are looking forward to a new chapter in their lives.

“Frank and I moved to Reyrolle Court in the 60’s. We thought ourselves very lucky indeed because it was a maisonette with all the mod cons so when it became available we jumped at the chance. At fi rst it was a good place to live but over the years some of the properties began to deteriorate. When the Council announced it was regenerating the area I noticed that bungalows were being built on Hedgeley Road. Staff at the Council were very helpful and explained that I could apply for one of these properties.

We were delighted to be successful and the bungalow has come at the right time because Frank was diagnosed with epilepsy in September last year; so a home with stairs would have been unsafe.

It is just over a year since Tricia Devonport moved to Hedgeley Road and she says it was one of the best decisions she’s made. Her former home at Thistle Court is part of the Hebburn Regeneration Scheme and although she’d lived there for 18 years she has found that her move to Hedgeley Road has been a positive one: “I love the garden; it’s small but a good place to relax. My neighbours are great; we get on so well that I’ve been on holiday with one of them.”

Tricia Devonport

Greta and Frank Martin

THE RIGHT TIME

A GREAT DECISION

5www.southtyneside.info/regeneration

to liveSouth ShieldsLow demand for the one bedroom fl ats at Norham Avenue South Shields has resulted in them being converted into family sized houses by South Tyneside Homes.

Following the demolition of houses in the Aldbrough and Ebchester Street area of Simonside, new homes for sale and rent will be built on this site when a developer has been appointed.

The development of 21 carbon negative social rented homes by Four Housing Group on Reed Street is progressing well. On Druridge Crescent 20 newly built council bungalows were completed at the end of last month. One of the fi rst to move onto the development is Raymond and Brenda Rodman.

It was a dream come true for the Rodman’s when they found out that they would be getting one of the new bungalows at Druridge Crescent.

The couple had lived in their home at Amble Avenue in Horsley Hill for 21 years but both have suffered ill health over recent months and have mobility issues, which meant that the stairs had become impossible. Their new home comes with a walk in shower, which will greatly help them.

When Brenda received the phone call offering her the bungalow, she was delighted. She said: “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, it just wasn’t sinking in. I soon realised this wasn’t a dream when I received the offer letter in the post shortly after.”

In Dorset Avenue four, two bed bungalows designed and built by the Council and South Tyneside Homes were also completed last month.

A developer will be selected at the end of this year for the Trinity South scheme. This project is part of the Frederick Street re-development and will see the creation of a vibrant new neighbourhood. Once a thriving shopping area, Frederick Street was the place to go and buy anything from buttons to bacon and owner of the corner shop on Frederick Street and Walpole Street, Mary Hodson was at the hub of the local community. Then, with the advent of supermarket shopping and like many other community shopping arears in the UK, Frederick Street lapsed into decline. Mary and her husband, Dave, agreed that the Council could buy their shop and fl at. Mary explained “When I fi rst heard that the Council was regenerating I was shocked but then, when I saw the plans, I was really impressed. Change happens and when it does you’ve just got to go along with it.

The regeneration of Frederick Street will make a huge difference to South Tyneside and hopefully put life back into the area.”

WhitburnEast Croft older person housing scheme is now complete. The scheme consists of 30 two bedroom apartments and 20 two bedroom bungalows. A total of 27 affordable family homes for sale aimed at local families will be allocated through Whitburn Shores Community Land Trust, which the Council is a founding member.

Cleadon ParkIsos Housing Group opened a shared ownership show home on phase 4 of Cleadon Park in June. All six shared ownership properties have now been reserved, giving local residents the opportunity to buy a stake in a brand new property at a very affordable price. Sales on the latest phase are also going well.

Raymond and Brenda Rodman

Mary Hodson

A DREAM COME TRUE

PUT LIFE BACK

INTO THE AREA

Multi sports activitiesTemple Park Centre11am – 3pmAges 8 – 14 yrsCost:

Soccer skills campTemple Park Centre10am – 12noonAges: 5 – 7 yrsCost: £20 for fi ve

days or £5 per day

Parents and children’s zumba classesTemple Park Centre1pm – 3pmAges: 7 yrs +Cost: £20 for fi ve days or £5 per day

Kwik cricketTemple Park Centre1pm – 3pmAges: 6 – 11 yrsCost: £20 for fi ve

days or £5 per day

Multi sports activitiesHarton Wellness Centre11am – 3pmAges 8 – 14 yrsCost:

Contact Richard Chastney on 0191 424 7996 email richard.chastney@southtyneside.gov.uk

Keep fi t with us this half term holiday Monday 24 – Friday 28 October 2011

South Tyneside Older People’s Festival South Tyneside’s Older People’s Festival gives people over the age of 50 the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events throughout October.

The festival attracts and engages with approximately 15,000 people every year. From free exercise sessions to health checks, tea dances to reminiscence days, arts and crafts and technology sessions, to tours of local attractions. There is plenty for everyone to see and do!

Launch of festivalMonday 3 October10am – 3pmTemple Park Leisure Centre

For more information please contact Age UK South Tyneside on 0191 456 6903 or visit www.ageuksouthtyneside.org.uk or www.southtyneside.info/events

6

Sports coaching programme for children and young people with a disabilityBoldon School11am – 3pmThere will be lots of games on offer including football, hockey, cricket, dodgeball, rounder’s, an infl atable obstacle course plus lots more!Sessions for children with disabilities must be booked in advance as places are limited. Spaces will be allocated on a fi rst come fi rst served basis.Cost: £5 per week non refundable.Contact Andrea Fyall on 0191 424 7857 or email andrea.fyall@southtyneside.gov.uk

A place that a

Be safe this Bonfi re NightTyne and Wear Fire Rescue service will be visiting secondary schools to educate young people about the dangers relating to the misuse of bonfi res and fi reworks. If you have any concerns about unauthorised bonfi res being built call 0191 427 7000. This number is for emergencies only.

For general advice visit: www.facebook.com/bonfi res (13years+) or www.twfi re.gov.uk/bonfi re

A great place to visitThe success of this year’s summer festival is something we should all be proud of. The entertainment we provide attracts tens of thousands of visitors and residents every year and, despite the weather, this year was no exception. The festival was packed with family events and there was something for everyone.

First time festival fans, students Charlotte Marriott and Paco Alvarez from Jesmond, Newcastle enjoyed a fun-fi lled Saturday on the seafront and then stayed with friends so that they could see Joe McElderry the following day. Charlotte, who is a fi nal year children’s nurse student, said: “The atmosphere at the concert was fantastic. It was good to see young children enjoying themselves alongside their parents and grandparents. We had a great weekend at South Tyneside and, being students, it was an added bonus that the entertainment was free! The South Tyneside festival is defi nitely something I will be watching out for next year.”

Tourism is worth over £200million to the borough’s economy and supports over 3000 jobs. Visitors’ contribution to the Borough’s economy is enormous, as they spend their time in our restaurants, bars, shops and on other attractions.

Charlotte & Paco

7

World-class schoolsThe burying of a time capsule marked the opening of South Shields Community School. Lead Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Jim Foreman said “South Tyneside Council has made a signifi cant investment in this world-class, state-of-the-art building; the latest to be built in the Borough under the Building Schools for the Future programme.”

The school provides outstanding facilities for 850 pupils aged 11-16 who helped to design the building’s interior layout. This includes an impressive indoor street, which is 85 metres long. The school, located on Nevinson Avenue, South Shields, specialises in business and enterprise but also has excellent facilities for the arts, technology, sciences and a fantastic indoor and outdoor sports provision.

all ages enjoy

Councillor Jim Foreman

8

Waste collections - home and business

Find out more, including information about the services we offer and a full price list:

Visit: www.southtyneside.info/waste Call: (0191) 427 7000 Email: waste@southtyneside.gov.uk South Tyneside Council Waste Services is an Authorised Carrier of Waste.

HomeBulky collections – up to eight items collected. Items include furniture, electrical, carpets and fridge/freezers.

DIY – this includes heavy garden waste/branches, building rubble, doors and kitchen/bathroom units.

House/business premises clearancesFull or partial clearances of the contents of occupied or unoccupied properties - we offer a confi dential and professional service tailored to meet your individual needs.

BusinessWe offer competitive waste and recycling collections on a daily basis as well as individual collections to meet the needs of your business. We can also offer light equipment and offi ce furniture transfers within the South Tyneside area.

Come to us for:• a quality and trusted service;• competitive prices;• excellent local knowledge;• a service that meets your individual needs; and• advice on environmental issues.

Did you know that we offer competitive collections of unwanted items of waste from your home or business? We can collect, recycle or dispose of your unwanted items in an effi cient and environmentally-friendly way. Unwanted items of waste can be collected from inside and outside your home or business premises.

www.southtyneside.info/waste

A different collection dayThanks to recent technology, we have been able to review our bin rounds to make them more effi cient.

As a result your bin collection day may change from October this year.

Benefi ts of the new service. It will:• mean less confusion around changes with bank holidays

(as the new four-day week will run from Tuesdays to Fridays); • reduce our carbon footprint (as we have worked out the most

economical routes so will use less fuel); • save money so your council tax will be better spent.

We will keep you informed at www.southtyneside.info/recycle and we will also send new calendars, showing your new collection day and recycling week, to your home before the changes happen. If you have any queries, please call our Customer Contact Centre on

(0191) 427 7000 (open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm).

Find out more:Visit: www.southtyneside.info/recycle

Call: (0191) 427 7000 (open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm).

9

Our fraud teamThere are many who claim benefi ts and shouldn’t; people from various walks of life but with one thing in common – they are all committing a crime.

John Brown* has been working in benefi t fraud for the past eight years and feels passionate about protecting the public purse. John and the rest of the fraud team use a variety of different methods to detect fraud. There is no typical day; it may be spent in the offi ce chasing paper trails, out at court giving evidence or carrying out surveillance. “Members of the public are getting very frustrated about this type of crime, particularly now that times are so hard for everyone,” said John. “An honest person struggling to make ends meet can fi nd themselves living next door to someone who has never had to work or save for anything because they are committing benefi t fraud. That’s diffi cult for anyone to accept and we are pleased that more people are taking advantage of our confi dential service and fi nding the courage to report them.”

Since 2005 the team has identifi ed £2million in wrongly paid benefi t. There have been some interesting cases in the local press recently. Here are just some examples of how thousands of pounds have been claimed under false pretences:

• The person who claimed over £6,000 in council tax, housing and pension credit despite winning £225,000 on the National Lottery;

• The ex-policeman who falsely claimed over £7,000 in Jobseekers’ Allowance, Housing Benefi t and council tax – despite pocketing £580 a month from a police pension; and

• A pub landlady who claimed more than £50,000 in income support, housing benefi t and council tax benefi t while earning a wage as a licensee.

John Brown * Name has been changed to protect identity

If you suspect someone of committing benefi t fraud please report it in confi dence through our free Benefi t Fraud Hotline (0800 093 2650). The Council acts on all referrals received.

South Tyneside solar saversAn estimated £100 a year should be saved by some tenants on their electricity bills as well as saving about a tonne of carbon dioxide emissions per home per year – thanks to an exciting new initiative.

The Council and South Tyneside Homes are working on a £500,000 project to install solar panels on the roofs of some Council homes in the Borough. Work will start in the autumn and will initially see around 80 properties in the Biddick Hall, Harton and Horsley Hill areas benefi tting from the installation, although it is hoped the scheme will extend to other areas in coming years.

Nick Huston, Development Manager for South Tyneside Homes said, “We have worked closely with the Council to identify southerly facing properties as being potentially suitable for solar panels. We’re really pleased that the installations are being done by our own property services who have worked hard to become fully accredited to install Solar PV panels, and keep this work in the borough.”

For more information please contact Nick Huston on 0191 426 8338.

www.southtyneside.info

Saving you moneySaving your money is high priority for us and we have put a number of initiatives in place to achieve this.

10

People are four times more likely to quit smoking with NHS support and almost 2,000 did just that across in South Tyneside with help from the NHS Stop Smoking Service.

As a result South Tyneside Primary Care Trust, which commissions stop smoking services, has exceeded its annual stop smoking target of people who have still quit after four weeks and helped many people towards a healthier lifestyle.

The NHS Stop Smoking Service offers help through group support, one to one sessions and advice regarding nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, to help people quit for good.

Catherine Scott, commissioning lead for stop smoking at NHS South of Tyne and Wear, said: “We are delighted to have exceeded the targets for four week quitters which means that more people are successfully quitting smoking and in turn reaping the health benefi ts such as longer life, more energy, younger looking skin and healthier loved ones without the harm from second hand smoke.

“Stop smoking support services are available at a variety of locations from GP surgeries and pharmacies, to workplaces and community venues to make accessing the support easy and convenient.”

One day at a timeAnn Lloyd has given up smoking twice, and this time after two months she is already feeling the benefi t.The 53-year-old from Jarrow had smoked for 40 years and was up to 30 a day until last year when she managed to stop for ten months. Then the death of her mother triggered her to start again.

Ann decided to quit again with the help of stop smoking support at her local pharmacy; Edinburgh Road Pharmacy in Jarrow.

Ann went to see their stop smoking advisor Gillian and decided to opt for nicotine patches to help her quit, but later found she preferred using Champix – a nicotine replacement tablet taken twice daily.

“At fi rst I felt sick from the Champix tablets but as long as I eat before I take them I am fi ne. I take one at breakfast and another at tea time and they really help with the cravings.

“I go to the pharmacy once a week and Gillian does a carbon monoxide test for my lungs and asks me how I’m doing. She says if I am struggling I can pop in and see her. It is good to have this level of support so close to my home.”

Ann gave up smoking for health reasons:

“My chest was bad and I would often wheeze and get out of breath. I have an inhaler which I can use when I need to. But since I stopped smoking it is so much better, I can run up the stairs and I’m fi ne.”

Ann is putting aside the money she is saving from her previous 30 a day habit and so far has over £250 which she is going to use when she goes on holiday to Portugal with her sister.

“I’m saving it as an incentive and plan to treat myself on holiday.”

Ann is also feeling healthier and is active in her job as a stewardess at The Unionist Club in South Shields. She is also eating healthier food.

“I have started eating porridge for breakfast and have switched to brown bread. I also eat more fruits and try to drink more water. I feel better all round and will keep taking one day at a time.”

HEALTH FOR YOU

www.sotw.nhs.uk

11www.nwl.co.uk

Comms/2305/AUG2011 5979

This newsletter replaces onview. We have produced a smaller newsletter with partners to save money and to keep you informed. We welcome your feedback. Call 0191 424 7385 or email marketing@southtyneside.gov.uk. Your views will be included as part of our ongoing evaluation about how we communicate. If you would like the newsletter in a different format we can arrange this for you. If you would like to receive emails with news from South Tyneside Council visit www.southtyneside.info/email

To enter, register for South Tyneside Council’s free e-newsletter to fi nd all the latest news about what’s happening in South Tyneside.Visit www.southtyneside.info/leisure and register your email address before or on 30 October 2011 and you will be entered into the free prize draw.

The prize includes a Platinum Pass for one year worth £420. The Platinum Pass gives you access to Temple Park Leisure Centre, Monkton Stadium and Hebburn Swimming Pool and includes all swimming, gym facilities, and certain fi tness classes.

The Platinum Pass also gives you exclusive benefi ts, including free swims for friends and much more!

For more information visit www.southtyneside.info/leisure email tpc.leisure@southtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 456 9119.

Terms and conditions apply. The closing date for the competition is on or before 30 October and prize must be claimed by 31 December 2011. The prize is subject to availability and is non-transferable. No cash or other alternative. One entry per person accepted only.

Kids swim FREE accompanied by an adult*

Available at Temple Park and Hebburn Swimming Pool. Simply cut this voucher out and present at reception. Offer

available until 9 October 2011*1 free child swim applies to an individual adult swim bought

at the time of entry.

Mind. Body. Goal.

WIN a year’s Platinum Pass!

Have your sayFind out how you can have your say on local public services, including how you can get involved in Council consultations.

Visit www.southtyneside.info/consultation

Register to voteA voter registration form will be delivered to your home by the end of October. Please make sure the details on the form are correct so you can have your say.

You can return the form by post, or if there are no changes to the form, you can register; online, by phone or by text

Call: (0191) 424 7250Email: elections@southtyneside.gov.ukVisit: www.southtyneside.info/elections

ONLINE PHONE TEXT