HARTLEPOOL NEW DEAL FOR COMMUNITIES COMMUNITY SAFETY OFFICE IS OFFICIALLY OPENED

Left to Right, Deputy Chief Constable Ron Hogg, Bryon Hanna, Mayor Stuart Drummond

 

A new Community Safety initiative has been officially launched. The New Deal for Communities (NDC) Community Safety Office - which is situated on York Road in Hartlepool - was officially opened by the Chairman of the NDC Partnership Mr Bryon Hanna, Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Mr Ron Hogg, and elected Mayor and Chairman of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership Stuart Drummond.

 

The office which co-locates several agencies such as the police, Hartlepool Borough Council's Neighbourhood Services and NDC staff aims to improve these services to reduce crime, increase safety and enhance the environment in the NDC area.

 

NDC Community Safety Manager Clare Clark said: "This initiative is all about delivering local solutions to local needs. The office provides an accessible resource for local residents who may have a problem with crime, anti-social behaviour, or want an environmental issue resolved. Working relationships within the office are very positive and all staff have a genuine shared commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in the NDC area."

 

Hartlepool Mayor and Chairman of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership added: "It is important that we take positive steps to tackle crime and reassure people, and this office is, I believe, an example of that. It brings together a range of agencies and gives them direct contact with local residents at a grassroots level."

 

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THE STRANTON CENTRE'S FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

 

On Saturday 15th October 2005 between 1.00pm and 4.00pm, the staff at the Hartlepool Stranton Centre, Southburn Terrace, will be celebrating their first year of being open to the public. 

There will be lots of things going on including a Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, a Martial Arts display and some Complimentary Therapy for the adults.

If your free on Saturday why not pop along to the Centre and join in all the fun?  Everyone is welcome!

Photograph courtesy of Joe Carter, Avanticom

Telephone 01429 869265

10th October 2005

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JUNIOR WARDENS SCHEME

 

Community Wardens with members of the Junior Warden Scheme

 

Young people have joined in the drive to make their area a cleaner and safer place to live by becoming Junior Wardens. The Junior Warden Scheme is being piloted in the New Deal for Communities (NDC) area of Hartlepool and aims to actively involve young people in improving the quality of life for people in their neighbourhood.

 

The scheme currently involves a small group of young people aged between 9 and 10, and if successful it will be extended across the NDC area and to a wider age group. Rachel Short from the NDC Community Development Team said: "The young people currently involved in the scheme have worked really well together and we hope we can give more young people the opportunity to join the scheme in the future.

 

"Like the adult Community Street Wardens, the Junior Wardens have their own uniform and a Junior Warden badge. They regularly attend meetings to discuss issues such as litter, personal safety, and healthy eating, and have recently participated in their first public event at the NDC Funday"  

 

Clare Clark, Community Safety Manager for New Deal for Communities, said: "By understanding and conveying the right message, it is hoped that the Junior Wardens scheme will have a positive influence on young people and encourage them to get involved in local issues. The scheme aims to get as many children as possible to feel that their neighbourhood is a good place to live and that it is something worth looking after".

 

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom

Photo courtesy of Joe Carter, Avanticom

Telephone 01429 869265

2nd September 2005

 

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CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA OPENS

Mayor Stuart Drummond Opens the Event

Click on the above picture to view a slide show of the event

An event was held in the Burn Valley Gardens, Hartlepool on the 21st July 05 to launch the opening of the Burn Valley's Gardens new play area.   The play area includes a range of the latest equipment, with a soft protective surface and locked gates to ensure children's safety.

 

The facilities, which are funded by New Deal for Communities, the Community Safety Capital fund and Hartlepool Borough Council's central neighbourhood forum, are part of the ongoing rejuvenation of the Burn Valley Gardens.

 

The event which was opened by Mayor Stuart Drummond, included a climbing wall, play bus, health bus, inflatable boxing ring, inflatable slide, face painting and a bouncy castle.   

 

Special thanks were given to the Burn Valley Gardens rejuvenation committee for all their hard work in the rejuvenation of the Burn Valley Gardens.

 

NDC staff dressed up in Victorian costumes to mark the occasion and the history of the Victorian park.

Photograph courtesy of Joe Carter, Avanticom

Telephone 01429 869265

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OVER 3000 ENJOY FABULOUS FUN DAY

Fancy dress Basketball Team members

Click on the above picture to view a slide show of the event

 

The fifth New Deal for Communities (NDC) annual Fun Day went with a bang as over 3000 residents joined in the fun-filled day. The record attendance for the Fun Day was helped by the scorching summer temperatures and the hard work of the NDC staff and residents.

 

Activities such as bouncy castles, face painting, circus skills workshops, 5-a-side tournaments, karaoke and even a skateboard park made the day one to remember. Mayor Stuart Drummond officially opened the event, which took place at the Lynnfield Centre and Primary School on 17th July between 11.00am and 4.00pm.

 

Chris Daniel, who attended the event said:

 

"Everyone has had a brilliant time at the NDC Fun Day and the fantastic weather has definitely been a bonus. Overall the event has been extremely well organised and we will definitely be returning to other NDC events in the future."

 

Louise Anderson, Community Involvement Co-ordinator added:

 

"We were extremely pleased with the attendance for this years Fun Day which represents all the hard work and effort from the NDC staff and residents. I would like to thank all who were involved in the day itself and hope that everyone looks forward to future NDC events."

 

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom

Telephone 01429 869265

 

21st July 2005

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FUN DAY FOR ALL

 

 

The New Deal for Communities (NDC) annual Fun Day is back and is promising to be a fun-filled day for all. The fifth NDC Fun Day takes place on Sunday 17 th July at the Lynnfield Centre and School and is jam-packed with activities and events throughout the day.

NDC residents and staff have worked really hard to ensure that this years NDC Fun Day is the best yet;activities such as bouncy castles, face painting, circus skills workshops, 5-a-side tournaments, karaoke and even a skateboard park will make the day one to remember. The event kicks-off at 11.00am with an official opening from the Mayor and finishes at 4.00pm, there are two entrances to the NDC Fun Day, either through the main school gates off Sheriff Street or via Murray Street.

Louise Anderson, Community Involvement Co-ordinator said:

" This is our 5th free Fun Day and we are looking forward to people of all ages coming to join in the fun. There will be many competitions & activities, and we guarantee fun, laughter and enjoyment. All you have to do is turn up!"

If you would like more information about the NDC Fun Day please contact Louise Anderson on 01429 894 046.

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom, (01429) 869265

07970 923 089

July 12th 2005

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SIZZLING SUMMER PAMPER SESSION

 

 

Stranton Parent Group members being pampered, From Left

Pamela Kinnersley, Helen Mann, Joanne Brown and Susan Homer

Parents from the Stranton Parent Group were pampered to perfection at a sizzling summer pamper session recently. The event- which took place at the Stranton Centre included facials, massage, manicure, Indian head massage and reflexology to pamper the parents. The children equally enjoyed the day by being treated to face painting, balloon modelling, games and crafts.

 

Jackie Allen, a Stranton Parent Group member said:

 

"I enjoy attending the Stranton Parent Group to bring the kids and mix with other parents especially at events such as the pamper session. It's convenient, a good way of socialising and the kids love it, I would definitely recommend the Stranton Parent Group to anyone."

 

The Stranton Parent Group is a project of New Deal for Communities (NDC); they meet every Wednesday at the Stranton Centre between 1.00pm-3.00pm. Alternatively if you can't make the Stranton Parent Group the Lynnfield Parent Group meets every Tuesday at Lynnfield Learning Centre between 9.30am-11.30am.

 

Vanda Capaldi from Opportunities for Women also helped in the organisation of the pamper session and is now recruiting for a level 2 10-week beauty course due to start at the Stranton Centre in September.

 

For information regarding both the Lynnfield and Stranton Parent Groups please call Rachel Short on 01429 894046. Or for more information on the beauty course please call Vanda Capaldi on 01429 523513.

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom, (01429) 869265

07970 923 089

12th July 2005

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BELLE VUE YOUTH CLUB REVAMP

Belle Vue Youth Club has had a much needed revamp thanks to the hard work and efforts of the youth workers and young people involved. The Youth Club caters for 5-16 year olds and takes place regularly at the Belle Vue Community Sports and Youth Centre which is partially funded by New Deal for Communities (NDC).

 

Young people were asked for new ideas for what they would like to see in the Belle Vue Centre and many suggested changes to the Youth Club as they felt it was flat and boring. The staff and young people undertook a large project by revamping the Youth Club and worked solidly for a week to complete it.

 

The young people now have a Youth Club to be proud of with the colour scheme and design they chose themselves. The new Youth Club now has separate boys and girls rooms and new modern and comfortable furniture, all of which the young people asked for.

 

Debbie Ede, Youth Manager said:

 

"The young people have contributed massively to this project and now have a sense of ownership. They are extremely pleased with their new Youth Club and what was before flat and boring is now an exciting and fun place to be. We are continually fundraising to enable us to get what the young people ask for andtogether undertake these projects."

 

 If you would like more information or would like to attend the Youth Club please contact the

Belle Vue Community Sports and Youth Centre on 01429 221 832.

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom, (01429) 869265

07970 923 089

July 12th 2005

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NEW BUILD EXHIBITION

From left - Hayley Harle from Hartlepool Revival, Paul Aisbitt and his mother Mrs Aisbitt

of Mildred Street, Hartlepool

New Deal for Communities (NDC) residents affected by the demolition were given vital information at a drop-in exhibition. The exhibition which took place at the Lynnfield Centre provided advice and assistance and gave the opportunity for residents to ask questions with regards to the demolition process and re-housing.

Present at the event were representatives from Hartlepool Revival - the housing regeneration company working in partnership with NDC and Yuill Homes who gave information about the new housing available. Endeavour Housing also provided a display at the exhibition as they will own the first phase of bungalows that are built.

Residents who attended the exhibition were also given free, confidential advice from a panel of independent mortgage advisors, benefits advisors and a Housing Hartlepool representative. The exhibition proved to be a positive experience for residents and gave them the opportunity to receive information that will aid them to make re-location decisions in the future.

    

NDC resident Mrs Aisbitt of Mildred Street said:

"The exhibition has enabled us to answer questions about the demolition, learning more information about the whole process has helped us make our minds up with regards to re-location"

One of the re-location options on display at the exhibition was the Homeswap scheme which gives residents the opportunity to swap into a property owned by Hartlepool Revival or by identifying a property in the New Deal area currently provided by an estate agent.

Delivery Team Manager Amanda Gallagher said:

"Although our regeneration programme is progressing well, it takes time to carry out a development like this so it is vital that we keep residents informed. We hope that the residents got a lot out of the exhibition and were able to answer any questions that they had"

Residents who have not been able to visit the Lynnfield Centre exhibition can see the exhibition display in the Hartlepool Revival office, 41 Park Road, Hartlepool. Alternatively, residents can ring Hartlepool Revival on 01429 855840 and staff members will be happy to answer any questions.

 

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom, (01429) 869265

07970 923 089

9th June 2005

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CELEBRATING EID

Attendees enjoy the fresh food provided	Face Painting	Councillor Carl Richardson with one of the recipients of the Food Hygiene certificates

 

Dozens of people took part in an event to celebrate the Islamic festival of Eid at Grange Road Methodist Church on Sunday 13 March.   Many different cultures came together to join in the festivities organised by Hartlepool Asian Association (HAA), the Salaam Centre and New Deal for Communities (NDC).   

 

 

HAA Chair Rajab Malik and Vice Chair Ashraf Khan opened the event, which was attended by Chair of Hartlepool Council, Carl Richardson and NDC Programme Director, Malcolm Walker amongst other members of the community.   Cleveland Fire Brigade was also on hand to sign up people for free home checks and advise on the importance of fire prevention methods.   Hartlepool Bangladeshi Band provided live entertainment.

 

 

Sharon Barker, NDC-funded Manager of the Salaam Centre, said,

"Eid is an important religious event in the Islamic calandar and this was an opportunity to share the experience with other members of the NDC community."

 

 

Carl Richardson presented a group of attendees with Food Hygiene certificates, and there was also face painting, live music, feasting and dancing that went on from 2pm until 5pm.

 

 

News item issued by Christina Dodds, PR & Communications, Avanticom, 01429 869265

 

Photographs supplied by Joe Carter of Avanticom, 01429 869265

16th March 2005

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FREE FLOWERS IN SPRING

 

New Deal for Communities (NDC) residents are being asked to ignore the snow and prepare early for spring with a scheme to improve back lanes following a highly successful initiative last year.

Groups of residents living on Sandringham, Collingwood and Stockton Road joined together last summer to brighten up their area with a vivid array of hanging baskets.   Thanks to NDC and Pride in Hartlepool - who provided funding in 2004 - financial support is being supplied again this year so that every single street in the NDC area can look its best with the addition of floral displays.

 

Irene Cross, NDC Community Development Worker is urging residents to get in touch with her as soon as possible so that she can gauge interest in the scheme,

 

"Residents should contact us before the end of March if they are interested in free hanging baskets for their back lanes."

 

Younger residents may be able to get involved with future gardening projects, and workshops will also take place to show residents how to re-plant the existing hanging baskets.

 

NDC resident Anne Bell took part with her neighbours from Sandringham Road last year.   She said,

 

"We are looking forward to re-stocking our hanging baskets and residents who didn't get involved last year can't wait to apply this time round."

 

"There has been a genuine rekindling of community spirit and we look forward to similar opportunities this summer."

 

      NATIONAL AWARD FOR CRIME REDUCTION      

Front row left to right, Clare Clark, NDC Community Safety Manager, Bryon Hanna NDC resident chairman, Iain Wright MP, Julie Rudge, NDC Resident co-chair crime and safety, Julie Morfitt, NDC community safety assistant.  Back row, NDC staff members

The Hartlepool New Deal for Communities area has been presented with a national honour for crime reduction by town MP Iain Wright.

A 60 per cent reduction in house burglaries has been recorded in an area where more than 3,300 homes had been given more security measures including alley gates and individual home security improvements.

NDC won the commendation from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as part of the national NDC awards for outstanding achievement.

The crime reduction work in the NDC area has been a result of a partnership between NDC, the police, Hartlepool Borough Council and the Endeavour Home Improvement Agency.

Photograph supplied by Joe Carter of Avanticom, 01429 869265

2nd March 2005

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SMARTWATER SCHEME

 

New Deal for Communities (NDC) residents are being invited to try out a cutting edge crime prevention technique. Dent and Derwent Street and Oxford Road are the focus of the SmartWater pilot scheme that will offer their residents the chance to safeguard their possessions.  

Items will be marked free of charge with a permanent solution containing its own unique DNA-style identification code.   If a marked item is stolen and then recovered, ultra-violet light is used to read the SmartWater code and it can then be traced back to the owner through a computer database.

On Monday 21 February, NDC Community Wardens and 16 Police Community Support Officers will be out visiting households that have expressed an interest in the SmartWater scheme. The community safety team will spend around 30 minutes at each household, marking up to 20 itemswith the special solution.   Anything from mobile phones to jewellery can be protected by the SmartWater code.

The project is part of a larger Home Office pilot project and involves partnership work between Safer Hartlepool and Cleveland Police as well as NDC.

Clare Clark, NDC Community Safety Manager said, "We have had a good response to the pilot scheme and if it is successful, we hope to work with Residents Associations to include as many of the 4,000 households in the NDC area as possible."

Colin Hopkins, NDC Crime Prevention Officer said, "This is another way of helping NDC residents feel safe in their own homes. With stolen goods being so easily identified, we are obviously warning criminals that there is a higher chance of getting caught."

 

For information on the Smart Water scheme, contact the NDC offices on 01429 894 046

News item issued by Christina Dodds, PR & Communications, Avanticom, 01429 869265

Wednesday, 16 February 2005

 

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NEW DEAL FOR TRANSPORT

NDC Residents Evelyn Leck (middle) and Julie Rudge (left) with Ian Cameron of Cameron's Taxis

Free transport is now available to all Hartlepool New Deal for Communities (NDC) residents when accessing or attending a project, service or event organised by NDC.

 

Local firm Cameron's Taxis will provide a selection of vehicles to accommodate both large and small groups and individuals from the NDC community.

 

Project Officer Carol Jones said,

 

"We have always aimed for residents having fair and equal access to NDC activities and this is another huge step towards our goal."

 

Residents can use the free transport service to attend events such as the Fun Days, seasonal parties, Community Forum and consultation workshops meetings.   It is hoped that residents of all ages take advantage of the free transport, including young peoples' projects such as Café 177 and COOL.

 

NDC Residents Associations will also have an allowance of 500 free miles per year to help them organise group trips and activities and also simply to attend their regular meetings.

 

Carol said,

 

"The service will be similar to a taxi service.   A telephone booking system will be set up, giving residents access to taxis, mini-buses and other vehicles direct to their doorstep."

 

The free transport service is in operation now contact The Arches on 894 046 to find out more.

 

News item issued by Christina Dodds, PR & Communications, Avanticom, 01429 869265

31st January 2005

 

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