3.Saltmeadows Riverside clean up plan
Search Search the website search Online Services | A-Z of Services | Contacts | In the news now: : Online Survey Tell us what you think! | We're always interested in feedback about this website. Saltmeadows Riverside clean up plan 19/01/2006 Gateshead’s Cabinet members will be asked to back a £3m scheme to clean up contaminated land at Saltmeadows in Gateshead prior to re-opening the area to the public. Gateshead councillors will be asked next week to give their backing to a £3m scheme to clean up one of the most polluted pieces of public land in the region. At their meeting next Tuesday (24 January), Gateshead Council’s Cabinet members will be asked to agree to the appointment of specialist contractors as the first stage in the clean-up of the riverside at Saltmeadows in Gateshead. Details of the de-contamination scheme have still to be agreed, but it is likely to include: ·Covering areas of the site with topsoil and new vegetation, ·Coppicing riverside woodland to encourage plant growth which will cover and bind bare soil, ·Installing new drains to intercept contaminated water-borne soil before it can be washed onto the rebuilt paths and into the River Tyne, ·Fencing and planting with thorny shrubs to keep people away from some areas. Once tenders for the work have been received, Gateshead Council will submit a bid for funding to DEFRA who, it is hoped, will make a decision which will allow work to start by late summer. The work is likely to take at least 18 months to complete. Peter Udall, Head of Design Services for Gateshead Council, says: “Our aim is to bring an important area of public open space back into use, to open it up and improve it for the public, and to re-open the route of the Keelman’s Way cycle path. The plan we are looking at involves both risk management and physical works. “Our main effort will be on ensuring that, in areas likely to be accessed by the public, there is no contaminated soil on the surface for them to get on their hands or shoes because the main risk has always been from people ingesting contaminated soil from this site, either by eating there with dirty hands or by walking dust into their homes. “Elsewhere, we can create thickly-planted areas, by coppicing the existing trees and by planting with prickly and defensive species, to prevent people accessing areas where they might get contaminated soil on their shoes. He added: “These proposals will create new areas of undisturbed woodland, greatly increasing their wildlife value and generating new and important wildlife habitats which will complement the nearby Kittiwake Tower.” Gateshead Council took immediate action to close the riverside area at Saltmeadows last March after high levels of contamination were discovered. This prompted a lengthy and more detailed examination of the whole site and the results showed significant levels of dioxins across the site, and very high readings in some areas. It is thought that contamination on the riverside was caused by chemical industries dating back to the Victorian era. It is known that the area was formerly the site of the Alhusen Alkali Works, which was operating in the 1890’s and closed in 1924, though it was not suspected that the works could have been depositing dioxins into the site during this time. The area was derelict for many years before being reclaimed by the former Tyne and Wear County Council in the 1970’s. It transferred into the ownership of Gateshead Council on the dissolution of Tyne and Wear County Council in 1985. Councillors have already indicated the importance of re-opening the Saltmeadows riverside to the public because of its popularity with families and fishermen. The site is crossed by the Keelman’s Way, a major cycle route linking Wylam with South Shields which is part of the National Cycle Route Network, and is also home to Gateshead’s unique Kittiwake Tower. 0 toxic, pollution, polluted, dioxin, felling, riverside, river tyne, DEFRA, contaminate, contaminated 37 19/02/2006
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council and Democracy/news/News Articles/Saltmeadows Riverside clean up plan.aspx
4.Inspectors give top marks for care services
Search Search the website search Online Services | A-Z of Services | Contacts | In the news now: : Online Survey Tell us what you think! | We're always interested in feedback about this website. Inspectors give top marks for care services 01/12/2005 Gateshead Council is celebrating after achieving outstanding results in two high profile reports assessing its services to children and older people. Gateshead Council is celebrating after achieving outstanding results in two high profile reports assessing its services to children and older people. Recently published, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Annual Performance Assessment looking at the quality of services offered to Gateshead residents have both identified Gateshead Council as excellent. The Annual Performance Assessment regarded Gateshead Council's services as overall serving people well in its contribution of education and children's services - maintaining and improving outcomes for children and young people and serving most people well with its social care services. It was also recognised as serving people well with its overall capacity to improve its services for children and young people. And the authority has received three star rating from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), rating the council's social services department as 'Excellent' as well as scoring a 'very good' judgement for its performance in education and children's social care services - the highest Annual Performance Assessment (APA) achievable. The CSCI awarded the excellent rating to Gateshead Council for providing social services to children and adults 'well' and for having an 'excellent' capacity to make further improvements. It follows an extensive programme of work aimed at modernising social care services to support people who live in Gateshead. The council was one of the first in the country to integrate their children and young people's department with education. The new structure aims to improve the way the council delivers services to young people, ensuring all children receive the best possible opportunities in life. The council is currently taking part in a Department for Education and Skills (DFES) pilot scheme as one of ten local authorities developing new ways to 'join-up' services, with work especially focused on information sharing. We are also the only North East council to pilot the 'Parents for Children' scheme, which aims to match children with potential adopters and foster carers, using video technology. The LEA's GCSE results are amongst the best in the UK, and the best in the region. And it's not just children's services that have improved. Since 2001, over £14 million has been spent on extra care housing for older people in the borough and £5 million on Promoting Independence Centres (PIC's). As well as four new extra care housing developments, Priory, Winton, Fountain and Marigold Court, the council has also invested heavily in 'PIC's', like Eastwood, aimed at providing short-term care and rehabilitating older people recovering from long stays in hospital. Cabinet member for children and young people at Gateshead Council, Councillor Catherine Donovan was keen to point out that these achievements could not have been made without the support of both council employees and the determination of councillors to transform social care services throughout the borough. She said: "This recognition is a real achievement and shows that we have certainly got off on the right foot in terms of integrating children's services, as well as reflecting the quality of our existing services." Councillor Peter Mole, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care added: "I am very proud that Gateshead Council has again achieved the highest possible rating for our social care services and would like to take this opportunity to thank both employees, councillors and partners for the commitment to achieving our targets. The reports reflect our determination to deliver the best possible standards of social care. It is now time to look to the future, and to continue to evolve and improve." 0 CSCI, Commissions for social care, inpsection. older people, children, performance 35 01/01/2006
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council and Democracy/news/News Articles/Inspectors give top marks for care services.aspx
5.New 1 million SureStart centre opens in Felling
Search Search the website search Online Services | A-Z of Services | Contacts | See also Insert link In the news now: : Online Survey Tell us what you think! | We're always interested in feedback about this website. New £1 million SureStart centre opens in Felling 12/12/2005 Image caption Children and families from Felling joined Sharon Hodgson, MP and Mayor of Gateshead, Cllr. Joe Mitchinson to open a new £1million building providing first class services for children in the area. Children and families from Felling joined Sharon Hodgson, MP and Mayor of Gateshead, Cllr. Joe Mitchinson this weekend to open a new £1million building providing first class services for children in the area. As well as childcare, the Children’s Centre will provide a wide range of services, including health advice and activities for families before and after the birth of new babies, speech and language support for parents and children, plus access to training and employment advice for people wishing to return to work . Felling SureStart Children’s Centre also offers a range of activity sessions, including baby massage, music & movement, PEEP - fun and learning with your child - plus chill out and chat sessions for new parents. Cllr Catherine Donovan, cabinet member for Children and Young People said, “I am delighted that Fellings new £1 million Children’s Centre is now open. I think it reflects our commitment to providing the best start in life for local children.” “Not only can parents be assured their child is learning and developing in a safe and stimulating environment, but the Children’s Centre also provide a range of activities for parents to discover more about caring for, and learning with, their child.” The building was designed by Gateshead Council’s Design Services to reflect the proportions of nearby properties. The building has a central reception area, a nursery accommodating up to 50 children with spaces for play, wet activities, reading, computer work and a sleeping area, a breast-feeding room and a soft play room which is bright and decorative with cushioned walls and floor finishes for safe play for very young children. Outside the building, natural contours have been used to create an enclosed outside play area offering a range of activities and finishes to educate and stimulate through play. 0 Felling, SureStart, mayor, children, childcare 35 12/01/2006
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council and Democracy/news/News Articles/New 1 million SureStart centre opens in Felling.aspx
6.School children plant new trees
Search Search the website search Online Services | A-Z of Services | Contacts | In the news now: : Online Survey Tell us what you think! | We're always interested in feedback about this website. School children plant new trees 05/12/2005 School children in Gateshead will be putting down roots this week when they help Gateshead Council to plant over 70 new trees across the borough as part of National Tree Week. School children in Gateshead will be putting down roots this week when they help Gateshead Council to plant over 70 new trees across the borough as part of National Tree Week. National Tree Week is an initiative organised by the Tree Council, a national registered charity working throughout the United Kingdom to create awareness of all aspects of the value of trees. The tree population in Britain has been in decline for more than fifty years as storms, disease, road laying and building developments have taken their toll. To celebrate National Tree Week and conserve and sustain the local environment, Gateshead Council is transplanting a range of ornamental trees such as birch, oak and flowering cherry and young 'living' Christmas trees, measuring approximately 3 feet high, in a school in every ward of the borough. At each school, pupils will be helping council staff with the planting. The pupils and staff at each school will then become temporary 'guardians' of their Christmas trees until they become sufficiently established after eight to ten years. They will then be re-transplanted to community locations within the same ward and become the community's Christmas tree. Cabinet member for the environment at Gateshead Council, Councillor Michael McNestry, said: "It is important to plant and conserve Gateshead trees to ensure that we leave a landscape as beautiful and rich in trees as the one we inherited to future generations. "Trees bring untold pleasure to people and provide essential support for a huge variety of wildlife. Their very existence contributes immeasurably to our environment and enhances our green and pleasant land. "The planting this week will educate children to the importance of their environment encouraging 'temporary ownership' and responsibility for the well being of the tree whilst located within the grounds of their school." 0 National Tree Week, trees 37 05/01/2006
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council and Democracy/news/News Articles/School children plant new trees.aspx
7.Tim Healy opens new centre in Gateshead
Search Search the website search Online Services | A-Z of Services | Contacts | In the news now: : Online Survey Tell us what you think! | We're always interested in feedback about this website. Tim Healy opens new centre in Gateshead 15/12/2005 Tyneside celebrity Tim Healy will join local people at the grand opening of a new facility for older people in Gateshead. Tyneside celebrity Tim Healy will join local people at the grand opening of a new facility for older people in Gateshead. Shadon House in Birtley, Gateshead has undergone a fantastic transformation and now provides care facilities for 23 people with dementia, thanks to Gateshead Council. Tim, star of hit shows Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Common as Muck, hails from Birtley, the town where Shadon House is opening. In a letter of support for the project Tim wrote, “I was interested to read of your plans for Shadon House and I am sure it will be of great value to a large number of people who are suffering from Dementia and other relevant problems and those who look after them.” “I feel some affinity with the project as it (Birtley) was my old home town. Thank you again for asking me and I wish you much success with the project.” 12 people will be able to live at Shadon long term, while another 11 residents can use the short stay facility, in case of emergency or for respite care or assessment purposes. Staff will care for people on an individual basis, looking after their needs, as well as supporting their families. The centre aims to help people with dementia to live as normal a life as possible, involving them in social activities and offering therapeutic classes like dance, music and drama. The council has invested over £1 million in the refurbished development and the centre will employ 26 members of staff. Cabinet member for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council, Cllr Peter Mole said, “Traditionally older people suffering from dementia are stigmatised. At Shadon House they will be treated with sensitivity and respect. We will also offer help and support to families and carers, with are dealing with the many complex issues involved in looking after people with these kind of care needs.” 0 Tim Healy, Shadon House, Birtley, dementia, older people 35 15/01/2006
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council and Democracy/news/News Articles/Tim Healy opens new centre in Gateshead.aspx
8.Leaflets identify ASBO youngsters
Search Search the website search Online Services | A-Z of Services | Contacts | See also Insert link In the news now: : Online Survey Tell us what you think! | We're always interested in feedback about this website. Leaflets identify ASBO youngsters 22/12/2005 Image caption Gateshead Wardens and Police Support Officers have been active this week delivering Anti-Social Behaviour Order leaflets to approximately 1,000 residents and shops in the Gateshead area. Gateshead Wardens and Police Support Officers have been active this week delivering Anti-Social Behaviour Order leaflets to approximately 1,000 residents and shops in the Gateshead area. The leaflets contain information regarding recent ASBO subjects - Jamie Lee Cameron and Karl Tron including photographs and the conditions of their ASBOs. Any breach of these conditions is a criminal offence and could result in a prison sentence. Gateshead Community Safety Partnership has agreed that each ASBO case in Gateshead will be looked at with a view of publicising the details through the use of information leaflets. The decision will be made by Gateshead’s ASBO Panel which consists of senior Council officers, police officers, solicitors and Gateshead Housing Company representatives. Councillor Linda Green, cabinet member for Community Safety, at Gateshead Council said, “ASBOs are not a punishment but are community orders which are in place to protect members of the public from serious or persistent anti-social behaviour. “We use ASBOs in extreme circumstances when every other intervention has been exhausted as part of our graded response. “We will look at future cases individually on its merits and decide upon the benefits of publicising ASBOs in this way. We believe that leaflets are an effective way of feeding back to the majority of our law-abiding residents, when we have successfully obtained ASBOs and this information enables residents to help us police the Orders. “We also believe that in publicising the information in this way - this will act as a deterrent to those who are on the fringes of causing anti-social behaviour.” Community Police Inspector for Central Gateshead, Les Pattison said, “Northumbria Police are happy to support the distribution of this information. Many of the residents who receive the leaflets will have been victims or will have witnessed the anti-social behaviour that these offenders were guilty of. The successful application for ASBOs against these youths is the result of a coordinated multi-agency effort to target these offenders and bring some respite to the local community who have suffered from their behaviour. “I would urge all of the recipients to make themselves aware of the information, and report any breaches immediately to the police. The offenders can be arrested for a breach of an ASBO, and can receive a prison sentence. Northumbria police will actively pursue and investigate any alleged breach.” 0 ASBO, community safety, anti-social behaviour order 41 22/01/2006
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council and Democracy/news/News Articles/Leaflets identify ASBO youngsters.aspx
9.Brucie brings Generation Game to Gateshead
Search Search the website search Online Services | A-Z of Services | Contacts | In the news now: : Online Survey Tell us what you think! | We're always interested in feedback about this website. 'Brucie' brings Generation Game to Gateshead 09/12/2005 Cuddly toys, a DVD player and a mobile phone were just a few of the gifts rolling off the conveyor belt at a local Gateshead school, as Bruce Forsyth hosted a very different version of The Generation Game. Cuddly toys, a DVD player and a mobile phone were just a few of the gifts rolling off the human conveyor belt at a local Gateshead school, as showbiz legend Bruce Forsyth took a break from Strictly Come Dancing to host a very different version of The Generation Game. Gateshead Deputy Headteacher David Laidlaw welcomed three generations of locals with the hallowed catchphrase, ‘Nice to see you, too see you nice’, as he aped presenter Brucie at Windmill Hills Community Primary. The family fun was part of project run by Gateshead Council and Bridging Newcastle Gateshead in conjunction with the school, working with local children to research the history of their area, Bensham. The children, aged 9-11 visited Beamish as part of their research, as well as talking to local residents at Bensham Court about how life had changed since they were youngsters. The children also took pictures and wrote about the local area as they see it now, in order to document it for future generations. Thursday’s event gave the children an opportunity to present their findings back to older generations, and ended with families enjoying Generation Game-style fun, with prizes and gifts whizzing past on a human conveyor belt at the end of the afternoon. Headteacher Sue Foggon said: “As well as helping the children understand more about the history and heritage of Bensham, the project has been lots of fun for everyone involved. Being able to talk to older people about what the area used to be like, and the kinds of things they got up to when they were young has taught the children a great deal about the community’s past. It has also helped to ‘Bridge the Generation Gap’ between the younger and older members of the community.” The children were supported in their work by Susan Rocks from the Council’s Neighbourhood Management team. She said: “The Bensham area will be experiencing a lot of change over the next 10 years as regeneration projects funded through Bridging NewcastleGateshead start to take effect. As future householders, it is important that young people understand their local history and heritage as things change. “The project was designed as a fun way to find out about the past, understand the present, and explore the future, as well as introduce children to generations of people in the area. I think everyone involved - young and old - has learned something about each other and about Bensham. Now it has been documented for future generations of young people to learn from.” Paul Cairns of Bridging Newcastle Gateshead said: “It is clear from the stories that we have heard that there are lots of things about the way children play today that have remained unchanged. A big part of the generation game is to enable a greater understanding of the issues facing neighbourhood play and the strengthening of respect among different groups within our community.” 0 Generation Game, Windmill Hills, Bensham 09/01/2006
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council and Democracy/news/News Articles/Brucie brings Generation Game to Gateshead.aspx
10.National cycling honour for Gateshead
Search Search the website search Online Services | A-Z of Services | Contacts | In the news now: : Online Survey Tell us what you think! | We're always interested in feedback about this website. National cycling honour for Gateshead 19/12/2005 Gateshead Council has been declared one of the most proactive local authorities in the UK for promoting cycling and has been honoured by cycling charity Sustrans in their 1st national Awards for Excellence. Gateshead Council has been singled out by leading sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, as one of the most proactive local authorities in the UK. Gateshead’s support for the National Cycle Network and its commitment to creating high quality cycle routes has prompted Sustrans, pioneers of the now 10,000 mile Network, to honour Gateshead Council in its 1st Biennial National Cycle Network Awards for Excellence. The award was presented to Coun John McElroy, Gateshead Council’s Cabinet member responsible for Culture, by Bryn Dowson, Regonal Manager for Sustrans, on the most spectacular part of National Cycle Network Route 14 - the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Awards were made in five different categories - Routing, Construction and Design, Public Space, Promotion, and People - with Gateshead sharing the top award in the People category as the most pro-active local authority along with Luton Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council. Sustrans says that the National Cycle Network has flourished where local authorities have been supportive and has struggled where they have not and it was in the light of this that they decided to honour Gateshead Council for their support for cycling in Gateshead. “Sustrans have worked closely with Gateshead Council over the last ten years and in that time have helped to greatly improve the opportunities for cycling in the Tyneside conurbation,” commented Bryn Dowson. “Since the inception of the National Cycle Network, Gateshead Council have been increasingly proactive, creating high-quality routes and making the internationally renowned Gateshead Millennium Bridge the centrepiece of their work. Things continue to improve and major improvements to the National Cycle Network are under construction with more planned for the near future. “ Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet member responsible for Culture, says:” This is a marvellous achievement for Gateshead. Our support for the National Cycle Network has not always been front-page news, but over the years we have been quietly and consistently working away to give Gateshead a cycle route network to be proud of. “During the summer months, the Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route brings thousands of cyclists to Gateshead, as much for the thrill of riding over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge as for completing the C2C challenge.” “At a time when our roads are continuing to clog up with traffic, local authorities need to promote alternatives means of travel. But cycling is important because it’s also great fun.” He added: “Major tourist attractions such as the Derwent Walk and the Keelman’s Way demonstrate a side of Gateshead which many people never thought could exist. Sustrans have helped us to create them and we are grateful not only for this award but for their continued help and support.” Gateshead Council were also highly commended in the Public Spaces category for its reclamation of the former Derwenthaugh cokeworks and its creation of the Derwenthaugh Country Park. Sustrans say that the Council’s work has revolutionised National Route 14 from Consett and has created a tranquil approach to the Tyne. Sustrans decided to launch the Biennial award scheme to celebrate the completion of the first 10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network in only 10 years of work. 0 cycling, Sustrans, National Cycle Network, cycle, bicycle, c2c, sea to sea 37 19/01/2006
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council and Democracy/news/News Articles/National cycling honour for Gateshead.aspx
Showing results:
1
-
10
of
1000
|