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Press Release Archive
January to February 2004

From the WMDC Press and Communications Office

• Stars For a Day - 23 February

• Go-Ahead for Castleford Project - 23 February

• Roadworks at Monkhill Lane, Pontefract - 23 February

• Pilot Project to Help Stop Bed Blocking - 18 February

• International Women's Day - 18 February

• Calling Time on Alcohol - 17 February

• Wakefield Unveils its Offer to Tenants - 10 February

• Council Breaks New Ground in Offer to Staff - 10 February

• Begging and Sleeping Rough Inquiry Concluded - 10 February

• Council Watchdogs to Review Childhood Asthma - 4 February

• Take Part in The Elm Survey - 1 February

• Food Hazard Warning - 1 February

• Social Services Staff Receive Training Awards - 30 January

• Schools Reach Heart of the Community - 30 January

• Last Chance to Register for Youth Elections - 21 January

• Students Provide Insight into Wakefield Art Gallery - 12 January

• Working Together District Partners Sign New Agreement - 12 January

• Who's Knocking at Your Door - 9 January

• Trading Standards Campaign Reaches Westminster - 2 January

• Tenants Warned to Take Care about Home Buying - 1 January

• Launch of Neighbourhood Patrollers - 1 January
  

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Stars For a Day
23 February 2004

A group of young children in care were stars for a day when the film which they helped to make about their experiences was screened at the Xscape multi-screen in Glasshoughton on Friday, (20th February) in front of an invited audience.

The 25 minute film which took two years to make, and which will be used to attract more foster carers, contained footage by twelve young people talking about their lives in care,  as well as two local foster carers, who between them had fostered almost 100 children and spoke of the positive benefits of having an extended family.

In the film organised jointly by Barnardo's and Wakefield Council and made by Castleford-based One to One Productions , the young people, explained how they had overcome criticism and taunts from their peers, and the lack of understanding for the reasons that they are in care.

Harry Gration, from BBC's Look North, attended the premier and presented the young people with their own video copy of the film called 'Does Anybody Care'.

Councillor Peter Loosemore, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Social Care & Health, said: 

"I found the film profoundly moving and I am immensely proud of these young people for producing the film. I hope this film will inspire more people to think about fostering young people who deserve to have someone to care for them."

Maggie Clarke, Service Manager, Barnardo's Wakefield Children's Advocacy, said:

"The premiere was the culmination of a lot of hard work by the young people concerned who learned a host of new skills.  However, one image that will remain with me from the day was the look of sheer joy on the young people's faces when they arrived at the premier in stretch limousines.  They got out of the cars and were greeted by a crowd of people applauding and taking photographs and were really made to feel like film stars.  It was wonderful to see how that one factor boosted their self-esteem and confidence."

Anyone wanting to find out more about becoming a foster carer can contact Wakefield Council's family placement team on 01924 302160.

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Go-Ahead for Castleford Project
23 February 2004

Wakefield Council's Cabinet have given the go-ahead to make an immediate start on a range of schemes making up the 'Castleford Project'  - a collaborative initiative between various regeneration organisations and Channel 4 TV - which will have a significant impact on the town's regeneration and will be showcased in a national five-part TV series. 

The decision follows months of consultation with the local community and a design competition for a number of projects which have attracted designers from all over the country.

Following the decision, the selected designers can be appointed to progress the various environmental landscaping and town projects and external funding sources can be identified to progress the schemes, which include:-

• Improving Tittle Cott Bridge

• A masterplan for the town centre and relocation of the open market

• Creating a new River Aire footbridge

• A Castleford River Frontage plan

• Environmental improvements for the Cutsyke area

• Improving the Wilson Street area

• Master plan for The Green, Airedale

New Fryston village Green is also being landscaped as part of the Castleford Project under the direction of the national regeneration agency, English Partnerships.

Councillor Peter Box, Wakefield Council Leader, said: 

"The Castleford Project is unique and last summer we agreed to support the Chanel 4 Talkback Initiative as part of the Five Towns Urban Renaissance scheme.  We have a major role in the overall initiative and the improvement schemes will both raise the prosperity and enjoyment of the community.   We are confident that the quality of design work which is going into the town will in turn attract a greater level of private investment.  I am looking forward to seeing Castleford evolve over the coming months as well as becoming the subject of a TV programme to set the precedent for other towns across the District."

The Channel 4 programme is expected to be screened at the end of  2004 or early 2005.

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Roadworks at Monkhill Lane, Pontefract
23 February 2004

Motorists are being advised to take alternative routes wherever possible from March 1st when work starts to repair the retaining wall above Monkhill Lane in Pontefract adjacent to the railway bridge and widen the existing narrow pavement.

Monkhill Lane will be closed to traffic between Ferrybridge Road and Monkhill Avenue because of the restricted road width and signed diversion routes via Ferrybridge Road and New Hall Road will be in operation.  Pedestrian access will be maintained along Monkhill Lane adjacent to the working area.

Although the closure of the road will cause inconvenience to highway users for a short while, the  restriction is required to ensure the safety of the public and contractor> '> s workforce.

The works are part of the Council's capital programme for strengthening and maintenance of highway structures which is being funded by Central Government through the Local Transport Plan.  Once the improvements have been completed, they will ensure better conditions for pedestrians on the narrow section of Monkhill Lane.

Further information: WMDC Press & Communications tel (01924) 305295; fax (01924) 305144; e-mail: pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk 

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Pilot Project to Help Stop Bed Blocking
18 February 2004

Wakefield Council is revolutionising the way it provides intermediate care for elderly and vulnerable people.  As a pilot project, a flat in two of Wakefield Council's Extra Care sheltered housing schemes, Croftlands in Ossett and New Priory in Featherstone, have been equipped to provide up to six weeks  recuperation and rehabilitation care. 

The flats are fully furnished to high standards of comfort, and the latest safety and monitoring technology has been installed. 

Professional care is provided by staff from the Council's Health, Housing and Social Care Services, and support is also on hand from the scheme manager and domestic assistants.  All dietary requirements can be provided for, and residents are assured of being served a nutritious, three-course midday meal.  Access to the service is according to need.

Councillor Graham Isherwood, Cabinet Member for Housing said: 

"Elderly people often have to stay in hospital longer than they need to simply because they have nobody at home to look after them. We believe that this pilot scheme will help to deliver more effective care in the community and prevent hospital or residential care admissions.  Furthermore, we believe that a major benefit of the new scheme is that it will help people to remain living independently at home." 

If the pilot schemes prove successful, Wakefield Council will consider including this service in all its Extra Care facilities.

Further information: WMDC Press & Communications tel (01924) 305295; fax (01924) 305144; e-mail: pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk 

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International Women's Day - Free events for women
18 February 2004

Women across the District will be able to enjoy more than 30 free or low-cost events taking place to celebrate International Women's Day 2004 organised by Wakefield-based charity, the Well Women Centre, in conjunction with local statutory, voluntary and commercial organisations.

The event is being launched jointly by Wakefield District Mayoress, Sheila Atkinson and Cllr Janet Holmes, Wakefield District's Deputy Mayor at the Town Hall, on Monday, 8th March.  The theme of Wakefield's celebrations is women's health and well-being and the events will be taking place throughout the district between Monday 8th and Sunday 14th March.

With support from Wakefield Council and the Wakefield District Partnership,  the Well Women Centre and its partners have planned events including:

• health and well-being fairs;

• free yoga, swimming and aerobics;

• community art in the Ridings Centre;

• women's golf;

• complementary therapies such as Aromatherapy and Reflexology;

• singing and creative movement workshops;

• easy family walks

• art exhibitions;

• and much more!

Carol Rooney, Well Women Centre Coordinator, said:

"It's really important to the Well Women Centre that any woman is able to attend these events, to help improve her health and well-being and celebrate being a woman.  Many of the events are free and have childcare facilities and/or disabled access and above all, these events will be fun and friendly so we want to encourage as many women as possible to come along!"

Cllr Janet Holmes, Wakefield Council's Deputy Mayor, said: 

"I know how much hard work has gone into organising these events, and I am sure that women around the District will enjoy the opportunity of devoting some time to themselves. Wakefield Council and its partners on the Wakefield District Partnership have been happy to support the Festival by donating £10,000 Neighbourhood Renewal Funding as part of its Communities of Interest project part of which will be used to organise free sports sessions."

For a copy of the brochure containing details of all the events, call 01924 211114 or visit www.wakefield.org.uk/wellwomencentre where you will find a link to International Women's Day at the bottom of the page.

Further information: Contact: Carol Rooney, Centre Coordinator,
Well Women Centre, 6 Cheapside, Wakefield, WF1 2SD. 01924 211114.
Out of hours: 07932 711601. E-mail: carol.rooney@tecres.net.

WMDC Press & Communications tel (01924) 305295; fax (01924) 305144; e-mail: pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk 

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Calling Time on Alcohol
17 February 2004

The launch of the Wakefield Drug Action Team's Alcohol Strategy will take place at a Conference to be held at Woolley Hall in Wakefield later this month (Thursday, 26 February) when Eric Appleby, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, the national agency on alcohol misuse, will be speaking.

The Conference, entitled Calling Time on Alcohol, marks the appointment of a new team to action the recommendations made in the two year Strategy produced by the Wakefield Drug Action Team, which was given the go-ahead by the Council's Cabinet last November.  It was produced ahead of the Government's National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy and will involve a multi-agency approach from Social Services, Health and Education workers to address the rising alcohol consumption amongst certain groups and its impact on crime levels and health.

The invited audience will hear presentations from a selection of speakers with specialist knowledge and expertise and have the opportunity to take part in a number of workshops on specific topics including young people and alcohol, and addressing problem drinking in primary care.Key developments in the Strategy are prevention and education, involving support and treatment in line with guidance by Alcohol Concern. 

Elaine McHale, Chair of Wakefield DAT, said: 

"I am pleased that the Strategy is now taking shape and this Conference is an important step in getting the co-operation of all the agencies involved in starting to put the plan into action.  Over the next two years we plan to increase the number of people accessing alcohol treatment by 100% and ensure that 50 staff receive dedicated training.  This ties in with the District Partnership's Fast Forward priorities of creating a healthy community and a safer district by preventing the wide range of damage and anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol misuse."

Copies of the Wakefield district Alcohol Strategy are available from Diane Lee, Alcohol Services Development Manager, on 01977 665718 or email: Diane.Lee@ewpct.nhs.uk.

Background Information: Extracts from the Strategy include these national facts:-

• under-16s drinking twice as much today as ten years ago

• an estimated 780,000-1.3m affected by parental alcohol problems

• 11-17m working days lost to alcohol related sickness p.a.

• 360,000 victims of alcohol-related domestic violence every year

• 19,000 alcohol-related sexual assaults each year

• 11,300-17,000 alcohol-related deaths due to chronic disease p.a - only tobacco and high blood pressure being higher risk factors

• 80,000 arrests for drunkenness and disorder p.a.

Alcohol Concern , set up in 1984 is the national voluntary agency on alcohol misuse -  it works to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems. www.alcoholconcern.org.uk

Further information: WMDC Press & Communications tel (01924) 305295; fax (01924) 305144; e-mail: pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk 

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Wakefield Unveils its Offer to Tenants
10 February 2004

Wakefield Council’s Proposal to Transfer its Homes to Wakefield and District Housing

Wakefield Metropolitan District Council’s (WMDC’s) Proposal for Housing Transfer is currently being delivered to the District’s 34,500 tenants. The Tenant Offer Document as it is known, outlines the opportunities and benefits to tenants of transferring homes to Wakefield and District Housing, a not for profit organisation being set up by the WMDC’s Housing Services.

A video, presented by YTV’s Ian Clayton, is also being distributed to each household. Both the Proposal and the video aim to give tenants all the facts so they can make an informed choice in the forthcoming postal ballot that will decide whether the transfer goes ahead.

At the outset of the consultation with tenants, the Wakefield Tenants' and Residents' Federation agreed to take an unbiased stand to ensure that tenants got fair and accurate information on all aspects of stock transfer. Having now reviewed the Offer Document, the Federation has said:, 

"We believe it [the offer] is a good one and, should transfer go ahead, will give benefits to tenants, their families, their estates and the environment that would not be available if the Council retains the houses."

Throughout the Proposal, the Federation highlights points which it believes to be of particular benefit for tenants.

• The Proposal Pack contains 'The Council’s Pledge to You,' which is a synopsis of the opportunities and benefits that transfer would bring

• The Proposal, which is the offer document to tenants, and includes 60 second summaries of the key points at the beginning of each section

• A separate booklet on the repairs and maintenance improvements that would be possible with transfer, and explains the "Wakefield Standard" for homes

• "Housing Services for Older People", explaining some of the additional services that will be introduced

• The proposed new Tenancy Agreement for Wakefield and District Housing.

Launching the Tenant Offer Document Cllr Graham Isherwood, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: 

"I am very proud of the Council’s record on providing good housing for people in the Wakefield District. But, over £700 million is needed in the next ten years."

"At best, over the next decade, the Council’s budget for housing is £208 million, about £500 million shortfall on what is required. Wakefield and District Housing would have the money to spend on repairs and improvements to bring home up to the Wakefield Standard, because it would be free to borrow what money it needed. This is why the Council, and this is all political parties, believes that transfer is the way forward. However, it’s up to tenants to decide for themselves what they want to see happen."

1. Since 1988 over 780,000 homes have transferred from councils to independent, not for profit organisations. Over 1.5 million people have benefited from £12 billion worth of improvements to their homes and neighbourhoods.

2. The Transfer Ballot will take place in late Spring 2004.

Further information: WMDC Press & Communications tel (01924) 305295; fax (01924) 305144; e-mail: pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk 

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Council Breaks New Ground in Offer to Staff
10 February 2004

Wakefield Council has broken new ground among Councils seeking to transfer their homes by becoming the first to publish an offer document for staff as well as for tenants. Legally, local authorities seeking to transfer their homes to a not-for-profit organisation like Wakefield and District Housing only have to present their proposals to tenants.

Head of Housing Kevin Dodd said: 

"Our people are our greatest asset, and a vote in favour of transfer means we have the chance to protect jobs and improve job satisfaction for our staff. Just as Wakefield and District Housing would become the new landlord for tenants, the new organisation would become the new employer for staff, so we want to be able to offer a better deal to tenants and staff alike."

In 'Our Pledge to You', the offer document for staff, employees working for Housing Services are promised the following:

• No redundancies, because a fully funded business plan based on all current employees and other costs has been drawn up for the new organisation, and there would be no pressure to reduce costs.

• The same terms and conditions of employment, as with the Council, at the point of transfer, which are guaranteed by law.

• The same pay rises as staff are currently entitled to under their contracts with the Council, which are annual increases in line with inflation and increments until the top of the job scale is reached.

• Membership of a final salary pension scheme, with continuity if employment protected.

• Current terms and conditions of employment at the point of transfer will be protected by law through the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE)

• As with the Council, staff would be free to join the trade union of their choice.

In addition to the guarantees above, the offer to staff includes: a choice from a flexible benefits scheme, family friendly working arrangements, performance incentives, enhanced training and development opportunities.

Robin Chessman, Chair of Housing Services’ Staff Council welcomed the Pledge to Staff, saying: 

"These pledges reassure staff and tenants. Staff know that their jobs are safe, and that they will continue to have enjoy the same rights, pay and conditions. For tenants, they have the reassurance that they will still be dealing with the same familiar faces."

Wakefield’s Housing Services was recently awarded the Investors In People standard, and is the first of the Council’s Services to achieve this status. Investors In People recognises improving business performance and competitiveness, through good practice in human resource development. 

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Begging and Sleeping Rough Inquiry Concluded
10 February 2004

A six month investigation launched last July by Wakefield Council's Social Inclusion and Community Issues Overview and Scrutiny Committee is recommending some urgent action by Council Services in partnership with other agencies to address the problems and causes of people begging and sleeping rough in the District.

The draft report lists ten key findings and ten recommendations which will be considered when the Committee meets today, 9th February, before being submitted to the Council's Cabinet. One of the recommendations is to build an awareness programme of the dangers of sleeping rough into the school curriculum.

Information has been gathered from a variety of sources, including interviews with partner agencies and local voluntary organisations such as West Yorkshire Police and Community Awareness Programme (CAP), people with personal experience of sleeping rough, Council services as well as evidence from media articles, and local and national reports from agencies such as SHELTER and guidance given from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Amongst the key findings, the Committee found that:-

• there is an urgent need for interim short term help for people sleeping rough/begging

• rough sleepers often drift into begging out of desperation not realising that it is a criminal offence

• young homeless people are particularly vulnerable and partnership working needs to improve to support them

• there is a shortage of accommodation for single people aged 21-50, both because of lack of availability and age-restrictive allocations policies

Councillor Albert Manifield, Chair of the Committee, said: 

"This is a very valuable piece of work which attracted a high level of public interest.  The Committee has put forward these recommendations to help the Council to provide services and support to improve the health and well-being of people who are sleeping rough within the District."

"Part of the exercise involved a multi-agency rough sleeper count last month, attended by representatives of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and SHELTER. The Committee is recommending this be repeated during the year to provide a more reliable database on which to base future services and the amount of investment needed."

The recommendations are:-

• Housing Services to establish an overnight accommodation facility for homeless people within the District.

• Housing Services to provide the Community Awareness Programme with new premises and provide help to access funding

• Housing Services to set up short stay 'foyers' as soon as possible to help rough sleepers regain stability and re-integrate with the community.

• Housing Services ensure that arrangements to replace Signpost's young people’s accommodation service are satisfactory

• Education Services, with statutory and voluntary organisations, to encourage schools to raise awareness amongst young people and tell them about the dangers and implications of rough sleeping and begging

• The Community Safety Partnership consider introducing a pilot project of zero tolerance on begging during 2004/5 based on work already carried out by Leeds Community Safety Partnership

• Housing Services to carry out an unofficial rough sleepers count during the summer this year in conjunction with West Yorkshire Police.

• Social Services and Health to undertake an improvement of support systems for homeless young people in accordance with the Homelessness Act 2002

• Planning and Highways to ensure affordable social housing for 21-50 year olds who cannot afford to rent or buy is provided across the District in line with planning guidance.

• The Multi-Agency Homelessness Strategy Group to improve access to services by setting up a register of people and organisations willing to help within three months.

Anyone wanting a copy of the draft report can contact Julie Osborne on 01924 305145 or email jkosborne@wakefield.gov.uk

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Council Watchdogs to Review Childhood Asthma
4 February 2004

Asthma is the most common long-term childhood illness in the UK, affecting 1.4 million children and causing untold anxiety for millions more parents.  A recent report by the World Health Organisation states that asthma in young children in Western Europe is causing greater economic and social damage than TB or HIV.

Wakefield Council's Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee is reviewing Childhood Asthma to help identify the factors causing the condition, the impact on children's lives and its implications for health in adulthood.

Chair of the Committee Councillor Tony Richardson said:  

"Asthma has a significant impact on children's health.  We know from national statistics that 1 in 8 children has asthma and a child is admitted to hospital every 16 minutes and that 38 per cent of children miss more than one week of school per year.  Up to 90 per cent of school-age children with asthma are allergic to common indoor allergens, such as those from pets, house dust mites and moulds yet reducing indoor exposure to allergens and tobacco smoke can significantly reduce the symptoms of asthma.   With improved prevention, management and control we can help minimise the affects of childhood asthma, helping children lead a normal and full life".

The Committee will be taking evidence from a wide range of people/agencies over the next few months.  They would particularly like to hear from parents and children affected by asthma.   The Committee hopes to report its findings in May 2004.

If you would like to contribute to the inquiry please write to:  Andy Wood, Overview & Scrutiny Officer, Room 55, County Hall, Wakefield WF1 2   or Telephone 01924 305133, or e-mail awood@wakefield.gov.uk 

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Take Part in The Elm Survey
1 February 2004

Wakefield Council, Wakefield District Biodiversity Group and Groundwork are inviting residents to take part in a survey to find out where elm trees are growing in the District.  Responses to the survey will help to organise work to protect elms for future generations as they are at risk of extinction.

Debbie Haigh, working for Wakefield Council's Biodiversity Group, said: 

"We need people to let us know where they have seen elms growing.  There are two types - English Elm and Wych Elm and we can help people identify these if they are unsure by supplying one of our field guides.  Of all the local trees, elms are at most risk of extinction so this survey will help us map, record and protect the existing trees."

Anyone wanting to find out more can telephone Debbie on 01924 306615 or email her on djhaigh@wakefield.gov.uk.

Answers to the survey are needed by the end of May and all replies go into a draw to win a hand-turned bowl supplied by NewLeaf, Wakefield.    Further information is available from Debbie Haigh, Newton Bar, Wakefield telephone 01924 306615, email djhaigh@wakefield.gov.uk

Background information.  English Elm - identified by its large circular crown, and small leaves on smooth, slender twigs.  The bark is dark brown cracked into small square plates.  Elm is one of the first trees to come into leaf, usually in full leaf by March.

Wych Elm - identified by its fan like branches.  Its leaves are large and rough, but hairy underneath.  The bark is smooth and grey - mature bark can show deep cracks and furrows.  Not generally in full leaf until mid-April.

Further information: WMDC Press & Communications tel (01924) 305295; fax (01924) 305144; e-mail: pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk 

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Food Hazard Warning
1 February 2004

The Food Standards Agency has today issued a warning after receiving more than 70 complaints about a batch of Apple Mullerice Creamy Dairy Rice with Apple Pieces in Syrup dessert.

The Agency has advised that some pots of one batch of Apple Mullerice Creamy Dairy Rice with Apple Pieces in Syrup dessert may be spoiled and cause a burning sensation to the mouth. Some people have reported an unpleasant smell after peeling back the green foil lid, while others have complained of a burning sensation in the mouth after eating the product.

Angela Vine, Principal Environmental Health Officer for Wakefield Council said that although the product may cause a burning sensation the risk of any other more serious health effect is very low and advises people who may have these desserts, with a best before date of 7th February 2004,  in their fridges at home to avoid opening or eating them.

The dessert is sold in 200g pots sealed with a foil lid and only those products with a Best Before date of 7th February 2004 are affected. These may have been sold as single 200g pots or in a multipack which contains 3 apple flavoured rice desserts and 3 strawberry flavoured rice desserts, all 200g with foil lids.  The fat free 150g pots are not affected.

Anyone who has purchased this product should return it to the retailer or Muller, who can be contacted on 01630 692031 for a full refund

Further information is available on the Food Standards Agency website www.food.gov.uk and advice on food safety can be obtained by calling the food safety team on 01924 305968.

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Social Services Staff Receive Training Awards
30 January 2004

Over 100 Social Services staff from Wakefield Council's Social Services and Health will be thanked for their hard work when they receive awards from Elaine McHale, Corporate Director (Social Services and Health) and Councillor Peter Loosemore, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health.

The event will be a double celebration because Social Services and Health will also be presented at the ceremony with an Investors in People award from the Learning and Skills Council for achievement in its Resources service.

The Awards Ceremony is held every year to recognise the qualification achievements of staff and this year awards and qualifications range from National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in Care, Administration, Children and Young People,  and Promoting Independence,  to IT skills and professional, post-qualifying and postgraduate qualifications.

Councillor Loosemore said: -

"The public sector today faces pressures created by a changing society and so we must ensure staff have the skills to keep pace with this.  Raising our standards by developing these skills helps us to deliver benefits to the people we help. A total of 210 awards and qualifications were gained by staff during 2003."

Elaine McHale said: -

"It's important that we recognise the hard work and dedication that is involved in achieving awards and qualifications.  Working and studying at the same time requires a high level of commitment and I'm delighted to see so many of our staff achieve success.  Today is about celebrating that success.  The Investors in People Award recognises the work we've already done to ensure that our training and development is linked to organisational goals and the meeting of service needs.  It's a mark of quality and one that we intend to build upon."

Further information: WMDC Press & Communications tel (01924) 305295; fax (01924) 305144; e-mail: pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk 

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Schools Reach Heart of the Community
30 January 2004

Schools could become the centre of their communities if a report to Cabinet is agreed by councillors next week.  Members will be asked to agree to develop extended schools in Wakefield, offering benefits to pupils, their families and the wider community.

Government recommendations make extending partnerships beyond the classroom a priority, so schools could become the location for a full range of services.  Existing schemes in the country have shown higher levels of pupil achievement, motivation and self esteem, additional facilities and equipment, more opportunities for staff career development and retention, and better security.

Families have seen improvements in child behaviour, greater parental involvement in children's learning, more opportunities for adult education, and greater availability of specialist support for families.

The wider community will benefit from better access to essential services, improved availability of sports, arts and other facilities, plus closer relationships with the school.  Schools will work in partnership with agencies like the health service or social services to offer a joined up approach to provide opportunities on a local level.

Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Wayne Jenkins said: 

"Across the District there is already a range of initiatives which fall within the description of extended schools activities, like the Early Years Development and Child Care Plan.  Many of these involve partners from outside the education service, so we are already making progress.  The formal extending schools programme is a tremendous opportunity to put schools right at the heart of the community, benefiting pupils, parents and members of the public alike."

Cabinet members will discuss the proposals on Tuesday 3 February.

Further information: WMDC Press & Communications tel (01924) 305295; fax (01924) 305144; e-mail: pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk 

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Last Chance to Register for Youth Elections
21 January 2004

Youngsters across Wakefield now have just one more week to make sure they can vote in this year's UK Youth Parliament elections.

The electoral register is available for checking in County Hall, Wakefield. Anyone aged 11 to 18 who can produce evidence of their identity can check the list of names to see if they are included.  If not they can be added to the register to take part in the biggest ever local youth parliament election.

More than 25,000 youngsters are registered to vote, with the election this year being done on the internet.  Each person has two votes, with the two winners representing the District in the UK Youth Parliament for a year.  Voting will be through the www.wakefield.gov.uk website from Monday 29 March to Friday 2 April.  Anyone taking part in the election will also be automatically entered into a prize draw.  Youngsters wishing to stand for election need firstly to join the register. Nominations for candidates are open from Tuesday 3 February to Tuesday 10 February.

A roadshow van to publicise the elections has visited every secondary school in the District this month to make this year's U.K.Y.P. elections the biggest ever. Everyone on the register will be sent a pass number and instructions to vote in the post from Monday 15 March.

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Students Provide an Insight into Wakefield Art Gallery 
12 January 2004

Students of art from the University of Leeds will be on hand at the next print loan scheme at Wakefield Art Gallery on the 24th January.

The students will be on hand to explain to visitors all about the techniques of etching. They will also be explaining the mysteries behind printmaking, such as what an artists proof is, and how to recognise an etching.  There is an opportunity for visitors to try the technique out for themselves.

The student's visit takes part on the same day as the print loan scheme run by the art gallery, whereby residents of the Wakefield district can borrow up to six original prints from the galleries collection. The prints cost £4.00 to borrow, and people can borrow up to six prints over a three month period.

The print loan scheme has been operating successfully for a number of years but this is the first time that there has been an opportunity for visitors to find out more about the process that goes into producing the print.

"It is fantastic to have the students here to demonstrate printmaking," said Maggie Warren, Keeper of Art at Wakefield Art Gallery.  "Watching and doing is the only real way to learn about the process and experience."

The print loan scheme and students demonstration is on at Wakefield Art Gallery on Saturday 24th January from 10.30am until 1.30pm. Entry to the Art Gallery and demonstration is free.

Wakefield Art Gallery is on Wentworth Terrace, Wakefield. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am until 4.30pm. Access is available to the ground floor. The current exhibition is on Early European Paintings.

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Working Together 
District Partners Sign New Agreement
12 January 2004

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