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This list was created in August 2004, so please contact Colin Michel or Mark Woodhead on 0113 380 5665 to confirm dates and times or simply for more information. You can also email us on leeds@thescarmantrust.org
Walking washing machines, free face painting and clowns, are just some of the fun attractions joining Wakefield's Energy Advice Team next week, as they go to Pontefract and Castleford giving tips and advice on keeping warm this winter and saving energy in the home.
As part of National Energy Efficiency Week, the Energy Advice Team is holding family fun events at:
Carlton Lanes
Shopping Centre, Castleford on Wednesday 27 October from 10am to 4pm.
Pontefract precinct, in front of the Buttercross on Thursday 28 October
from 10am to 1pm.
In Pontefract, there will be exciting games and 'Bobbles' the clown will be doing free face painting. There will also be the opportunity for people to take part in African and South American drumming workshops with a group of entertainers who will be performing. At the event in Castleford there will be a variety of children's activities, including a competition to design a new logo for the Energy Advice Team.
For further information about the events call Mark Hooton or Alison Webb on 01977 727008
Residents across the Wakefield District are being urged to keep ringing a dedicated hotline to report youths that cause misery to communities by riding off-road bikes and motorised scooters illegally.
As part of Wakefield Council's Neighbourhood Action campaign, officers from Wakefield District Division and Wakefield Council neighbourhood wardens are continuing to target the problem. They want to remind residents of the dedicated Neighbourhood Action number 0845 8506506 on which they can pass on information to police.
Road Policing Sergeant Duncan Street said:
"We want
residents to know that we are continuing to target this issue and are keen
that they help us to do that by giving us the names and addresses of the
people they know are involved in this activity in their area. We are
asking people to ring in with specific information about who is causing
the problem in their area, rather than just reporting that it is
happening. We will then follow up those calls with letters to
parents and visits to their
homes. We try to persuade them to get rid of the machines, and also warn
them of
the action we can take if they ignore that advice, such as confiscating
bikes or applying for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. We want to assure
residents that their calls will be treated in the strictest confidence and
that there is no way they will be identified to those they
tell us about. Only by working together in this way can we help to clamp
down on this problem and improve the quality of life for residents."
A specialist team of officers using off-road machines, funded through
Wakefield
District's Community Safety Partnership as part of Wakefield Council's
Neighbourhood Action campaign, are continuing to target the problem.
Police are also warning parents, in the run-up to Christmas, not to buy mechanically-propelled scooters, known as 'go-peds', as presents for their children without appreciating the laws that cover them.
Sergeant Street said:
"These scooters are mechanically-propelled vehicles and parents thinking about buying one for their child should think twice as their use on public highways, including pavements is illegal. These vehicles need to be insured, taxed and registered with the DVLA. Anyone found using these vehicles risks having them confiscated as well as being prosecuted. There seem to be a lot of retail outlets selling these scooters to customers without explaining the legal position."
For further information contact Tony Tierney in the Headquarters Press Office on 01924 292045
Voluntary and
community groups will take over the Town Hall next weekend to celebrate
work and projects funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund through the
Wakefield District Partnership.
The "Vision On - building confidence in our communities" open
day will showcase what is happening to improve the District and also allow
anybody interested in voluntary work or helping with projects to pick up
more information.
Exhibitions on the day will include interactive health checks,
Neighbourhood Action, healthy eating, the Airedale Community Project,
Victim Support, Eastmoor Youth Art Project, Involving Young People, West
Yorkshire Police target hardening, and giveaways from the energy
efficiency team.
The Council's Young People's Service is bringing its multi media arts
studio so young people can record their thoughts and suggestions to help
develop future policy.
And to mark Local Democracy Week there will be councillor's ward surgeries
for young people as well as a mini jobs fair offering careers advice for
work with the Council and its partners.
Chair of the Wakefield District Partnership Councillor Peter Box
said:
"This is
an ideal opportunity for people to see the good work taking place to
improve the whole District and celebrate some of the achievements so far,
as well as see how they can become more involved in shaping the future of
the area."
The event takes place in the Town Hall, Wood Street, from 11am until 3pm
on Saturday 23 October. Further information is available from the
Community Engagement Team in Wakefield Council on 01924 306769.
The Council is investing in leading edge technology to improve computer systems used to pay housing and council tax benefits as well as collect council tax. The new system will come into full operation at the end of November and the authority is seeking public co-operation over the coming weeks when benefit and Council Tax records will be moved from the old system to the new one.
The work is expected to take about four weeks, starting on October 22. During these four weeks officers will be able to view the old systems to check records but they will be unable to process any new claims, changes in benefit or changes to council tax bills. People already receiving benefits will continue to the paid as normal. But new claims cannot be processed until the new system becomes operational at the end of November, so temporarily delaying normal service efficiency. It is important that claimants still report any changes of circumstances to the Council in writing during the change-over period. Payments of council tax should be made as normal.
Cabinet Member for Resources Cllr Graham Stokes said:
"We are seeking to provide the best possible housing and council tax benefits service to people in the district and to do so we need to invest in our computer systems. We hope that people will understand that upgrading the system will mean a short period of disruption to normal service, but in the long-term this will enable us to provide a much better service than we can do at present."
Wakefield Council's Head of Financial Services Andrew Hughes said:
"This major investment in new technology will allow us to secure continuous improvements in the speed and accuracy of processing benefits and in our council tax collection performance."
Anyone wanting to work out their housing or council tax benefit entitlement can do so using the Benefits Calculator on the council website www.wakefield.gov.uk The benefits helpline is also open on 01977 727500. Council tenants can also call on 01977 727556 or 727557 and private sector tenants can call 01977 727512 or 727513.
Area-based teams are set to deliver new-style Neighbourhood Services across the district following a successful trial of new ways of working in two local wards. A report to the Council's Cabinet on Tuesday (October 19) proposes the next major step for the Council's successful Neighbourhood Action, launched last July. Preparations will start to get the new system operating by March next year.
Neighbourhood Services will comprise both the existing Neighbourhood Action teams and newly-configured Neighbourhood Environment Teams which will include grounds maintenance and street cleaning, providing 15 area multi-functional teams across the district. The multi-functional approach was tested in the Normanton/Altofts and Wakefield East wards earlier this year with teams empowered to operate on flexibly and to co-ordinate their functions to deliver an improved overall service. For instance, areas cleared of rubbish also had grass cut, litter picked and weeds sprayed, with work being done as needed, rather than as scheduled.
Wakefield Council Leader Cllr. Peter Box said:
"Neighbourhood Action has had a huge impact in cleaning up the district and helping people to feel safer. We are now ready to develop it further to provide much improved Neighbourhood Services which are about doing the jobs which need to be done to make life better for local people."
Cllr Graham Isherwood, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:
"The pilot schemes have been very successful both with the public, who could immediately see a difference, and with the teams themselves who are encouraged to help plan the work and to report jobs which need doing. Our new Neighbourhood Services will bring about a cleaner environment for the whole district and this, linked with all the work we are doing around anti-social behaviour and community safety, will help people feel safer and more confident in their own neighbourhoods."
The pilot schemes were based on local audits of the work which needed to be done, with input from community groups, individual citizens, councillors and the teams themselves. In Normanton 250 non-scheduled jobs were identified and in Wakefield East more than 200. Examples include damage to verges and footpaths by contractors, side waste problems near wheelie bins and fly tipping.
Employees are encouraged to be the "eyes and ears" of the council and report other jobs which need doing as they go about their daily work. The Normanton pilot was extended to include the town centre and street sweeping on the bypass and the Wakefield pilot expanded to take in the city centre priority cleaning team.
Corporate Director for Environment Services Ian Stephenson said:
"We are very much looking forward to developing Neighbourhood Services. We are resourcing the teams by re-organising existing staff and budgets, but there will be investment in both additional employees and in transport. We will also be considering the bases from which the teams will work. Once the Cabinet report is approved, we will be starting detailed discussions with the staff and unions and putting into place the structures and new systems needed to roll out the new service across the whole district between now and March 2005."
Children
across the District are being invited to get physically active during the
autumn half term by joining in a two weeks of sport activities organised
by Wakefield Council's Sports Development Team. The team are
promoting both a Multi-Sport Camp, and an Evening Football Camp under
lights during the October break at two venues.
At the Multi-Sport Camp children will take part in a whole variety of
sports, minor games and fun activities, designed to be physically active,
constructive and good fun. Traditional sports such as football, rugby,
netball, and cricket will be played as well as uni-hockey, rounders and
other popular activities. Parachute games, fun competitions, sports
quizzes and just plain silly "slapstick" games will also be
organised at the camp.
The multi-sport camps are for children of all abilities aged from 5 to 12
years.The cost is just £3.50 per day or £15.00 for the week for 8 to 12
year olds and £1.75 or £7.50 for the week for 5 to 7 year olds. The
'Evening Football Camp' provides an opportunity for 6-11 year olds to
learn the basics of the sport, and enjoy an exciting atmosphere of playing
under floodlights in the brand new Multi-Use Games Area at the
Glasshoughton Centre, Castleford.
Councillor Graham Isherwood, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for
Environment and Streetscene, said:
"This is a great opportunity for children to enjoy some organised games and get some advice on skills during the October half term. We hope that parents will take advantage of the sports camps and get their children enrolled so they are involved in some constructive activities over the holiday."
The cost of all the camp has been reduced to celebrate the Centre opening to £2.50 per day or £10.00 for the week.
MULTI-SPORT
CAMP
Silcoates School, Wrenthorpe Lane, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield
Monday 25 October - Friday 29 October 2004
10.30am to 3.00pm (8 to 12 years) & 10.30am to 12.30pm (5 to 7 years)
EVENING FOOTBALL CAMP
Glasshoughton Centre, Leeds Road, Glasshoughton, Castleford
Monday 25 October - Friday 29 October 2004
5.00pm - 7.00pm
For further information and to guarantee a place on the camps please
contact the Sports Development Team on Matt Rayner 01924 307898 or email mrayner@wakefield.gov.uk
For those people who know the name Henry Moore but know nothing about the man or his work, a fascinating talk to be given on Tuesday 12 October will provide an entertaining and informative event. The talk will cover Moore's early life in Castleford, his cathartic experience in World War I as well as his time at art school in Leeds and London. It will also look at his move to Perry Green and his work as a War Artist in the Second World War and his development into an internationally acclaimed sculptor.
The speaker, Peter Dell, has had a varied career as engineer, soldier, businessman and visiting academic and has gained considerable knowledge about Henry Moore in his voluntary work at the Henry Moore Foundation over the last nine years and in his travels all over the world.
Organised by Wakefield M.D.C.'s Cultural Services, the lecture is planned to compliment a stunning photographic exhibition 'Castleford's Son: Shaping Henry Moore' staged by Castleford Heritage Group in partnership with the Henry Moore Foundation. Both events are being held at 2 Sagar Street, Castleford, and it will be possible to view the exhibition before the lecture.
Refreshments will be served at 6.30pm and the lecture commences at 7pm. The lecture is free but seats are limited and booking is required. Please contact Mary Mathews on 01924 305787 to book a seat.
Wakefield Council is at the forefront of a new scheme to retrain former miners for jobs where there are skills shortages. The Council has teamed up with The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) to offer training placements to become electricians, gas fitters and heating fitters. The first intake of 10 begins work next week on the SKILLSbuilder scheme.
The SKILLSbuilder project is the brainchild of The CRT – a charity that aims to tackle some of the economic and social problems caused by pit closures. Mine-workers on the SKILLSbuilder scheme are paid a wage, funded by the Trust, whilst they take part in a specialist fast-track training course that leads to a new career in an industry where there are skills shortages.
The idea was developed by the Trust in 2002 following the closure of the Prince of Wales colliery and has already helped over 200 miners find new jobs within the building and construction industries.
Cabinet Member for Resources Councillor Graham Stokes said:
"This is the first time the Council has taken part in a scheme like this and it covers a number of important areas. The new employees bring vital skills and experience to us, and they can expand those skills into areas where there are currently shortages so everybody benefits. I am confident this will be a very successful scheme."
Danny Buckley, Regeneration Manager at The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT), commented:
"The Trust is pleased to be part of this initiative that will benefit both Wakefield Council and the miners themselves. There is a real shortage of skilled trades-people at the moment, so employers are snapping up miners who have been through the SKILLSbuilder programme."
More than 22,000 pupils from 93 schools across the District will take to their feet for National Walk to School Week.
The annual campaign, which takes place next week (October 4 to 8), has run for seven years and aims to promote a healthy fitter lifestyle while reducing traffic around schools.
Among special events this year is Stanley Grove Primary in Wakefield using road safety week as a focus for all their lessons, taking non-uniform days and dressing up as people who help us on the road like police officers or school crossing patrols. Fitness First is sponsoring two prizes for children to win a month's free gym membership for their parents by entering a road safety poster competition. And the Council's Travel Awareness Team is providing pedometers for youngsters so they can monitor how many steps they take in Walk to School Week.
A Kylie the Kangaroo roadshow, "Be Safe Be Seen" displays, and pedestrian and cycle training are just some of the safety activities going ahead during the week.
Travel Awareness Manager Peter Hemming said:
"It is encouraging when schools see the opportunity to recognise issues of national importance and find ways of delivering the curriculum in an imaginative way."
Mrs Denise Hollas the Headteacher of Stanley Grove said:
"The focus of the week is to make children aware of road safety, health and fitness as well as an opportunity for us all to learn and have some fun!"
Wakefield Council has signed a 10-year partnership deal with a company owned by Norfolk County Council which will see the creation of a new provider of property services in the District. The partnership could generate up to £50 million of work during the term of the contract.
More than 100 Wakefield Design Services staff who currently provide design and building survey services for schools and other council buildings will transfer to a new company on Friday October 1 - NPS North East Ltd. The new company is a newly formed subsidiary of NPS Property Consultants Ltd (NPS), a successful and flexible property consultancy with a public sector ethos, which is wholly owned by Norfolk County Council, and will complement the recently formed NPS North West Ltd.
The deal not only protects the jobs of existing staff, but NPS Managing Director Mike Britch expects to recruit more than 50 new staff from a range of backgrounds as the new firm seeks contracts from the public sector and other clients in the North East.
Wakefield Council Cabinet Member for Resources Cllr Graham Stokes said:
"The Council welcomes this important step in improving how it provides its services. NPS is a recognised national leader in the provision of design and property services to the public sector, and we are delighted that they have chosen Wakefield as their partner for this region. The partnership will give us extra capacity to deliver our services, and will also provide new job opportunities in the District."
Mr. Britch added:
"This is another extremely significant step forward for NPS as it follows the successful launch of NPS North West in Wigan earlier this year and allows us to compete for work in a new part of the country for the first time. It makes perfect sense for both ourselves and our partners in Wakefield and will see the workforce expand as we search for and win contracts in the North East, an area where we have been keen to establish a presence for some time. The NPS model has been working well in Norfolk and in the South East for several years now and I am confident we can grow our business in this part of the world, increasing job opportunities for our staff in the process and bringing dividends to council tax payers."
Profits from the new company will be equally shared between Wakefield and Norfolk County Council and Mr. Britch says he is looking forward to seeing NPS North East flourish and expand in the years ahead.
NPS already work for 2000 existing clients including the London Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, Essex County Council, Luton Borough Council, Chelmsford Borough Council, Norwich City Council, North Norfolk District Council, Mid Suffolk and Suffolk Coastal Councils and the Department for Education and Skills. The company has 11 offices - with its headquarters at County Hall in Norwich.
NPS expects that in the current financial year its turnover will exceed £25 million in fee income and will save Norfolk County. Council £750,000 in reduced costs as well as generating a substantial dividend for the Authority. Wakefield Council will have two seats on the new company's board of directors, and will monitor its performance closely. Staff will transfer under the same terms and conditions that they currently enjoy.
Norfolk County Councillor John Baskerville, Cabinet member for Commercial Services, said:
"I'd like to congratulate Mike Britch and his team on the way they have developed NPS into a successful consultancy for construction contracts in the public sector and others. Up to now most work has been in the South with many different local authorities but this new partnership will open up a new area in the North. I wish NPS good luck for the future."
The launch of
the autumn season of first Friday lunch-time seminars - an innovative and
exciting monthly business event offering inspirational guest speakers and
excellent networking opportunities for local companies - will be held at
the Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield on October 1st 2004.
The first Friday format is simple. There will be a brief update on local
regeneration activities and what it means for local businesses. This will
be followed by our guest speaker Tricia Stewart, the creator of The
Alternative WI Calendar and inspiration behind the hit movie 'Calendar
Girls'. Tricia will share her experiences, provoke discussion and
hopefully, inspire. The event will provide a forum for lively debate and
will include an open question and answer session.
Tricia Stewart came up with the idea to create the alternative WI Calendar
after the death of fellow WI member Angela Baker's husband John due to
non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Tricia and other WI members decided to create a
calendar in John's memory to help raise funds for Leukaemia Research. It
would contain pictures of eleven local women aged between 45 and 65
engaged in traditional WI crafts, but in the nude!
Five years on from its launch in 1999 the effect of the calendar is still
being felt with nearly one million pounds having been raised for the
Leukaemia Research Fund. As well as writing a book 'Calendar Girl' which
was published in 2001,Tricia, who has lived in Yorkshire since 1973, also
runs TKI Medical - which supplies medical educational software to
Universities and Hospitals - with her husband Ian. The company was
established in 1997.
Previous first Friday events have been extremely well received and have
generated great interest among the local business community. They offer a
fun way to find out what is happening in your local economy and to gain
insights from high profile successful speakers that can help your company
grow and prosper.
first Friday events have been very successful over the last two years -
delegate feedback comments included:
"Excellent event. Well attended - great networking opportunity"
"Great for gaining more knowledge of the district"
"Always worth a visit"
Places are limited, to secure yours please contact Sue Wightman on 01924
306320 or swightman@wakefield.gov.uk.
There is a charge of £20 plus VAT (£23.50) to help contribute towards
costs.
An initiative
launched in March this year by Wakefield's Crime Prevention Team to
nip potential youth offending in the bud is paying dividends.
Over forty young people across the District thought to be at risk were
successfully steered away from becoming involved in crime or
anti-social behaviour by being involved in positive activities and
through the advice and support given to them by members of the Youth
Inclusion and Support Panel (YISP). 42 out of the 43 target group
stayed out of trouble during the six month period.
The YISP is a multi-agency panel which meets monthly and made up of
representatives from the Police, Youth Offending Team, Social Services,
Education, Health, Housing and the Voluntary Sector to consider young
people at risk of crime and decide on the support that can be offered to
prevent young people offending.
Chair of the YISP, Lisa Hewitt-Craft said :
"The
panels are proving to be highly effective in ensuring that young people
who are at risk of committing crime and anti-social behaviour access the
services that they need at the earliest opportunity. We no longer have to
wait for a child to be involved with the Police or the Courts before we
can offer them support. We can support parents and their children by
enabling them to get back into education, involving them in local positive
leisure opportunities, giving them information and advice on parenting,
drug and alcohol misuse, bullying and many more issues. The panel's
are a perfect example of key statutory and voluntary agencies working in
partnership to make Wakefield District a safer place and ensure the best
chances in life for young people, families and communities."
Bob Ahsford, Head of Prevention for the Youth Justic Board for England and
Wales, said:
"Nationally,
Youth Crime Prevention schemes such as YISPS and Junior YIPs are proving
to be highly successful in diverting young people from crime, supporting
families and making our comunities safer places. The schemes are
proving to be so successful that the Government have stated their
intention to extend funding to Youth Crime Prevention Schemes over the
next few years.
Mary, the parent of an 11 year old boy who has been receiving support from
the Youth Inclusion and Support Panel, said:
"Before
we had support from the team my son wasn't going to school, he was hanging
around with older kids and starting to cause problems on our street.
Neighbours were always complaining and I was worried that he would end up
in trouble with the Police. The YISP key worker, Martin, has helped
us to get him back in school, he is involved in a local football club now
and he has made some new friends his own age. Martin has given me
support and advice on how to handle his behaviour and things have really
improved for our family."
Parents, carers or organisations wishing to know more about the work of
the Youth Crime Prevention Team or the YISP can contact them directly at
Youth Crime Prevention Team, Ground Floor, ell House, Market Street,
Wakefield WF1 1DF, Tel 01924 304300, e-mail Wakefield-YOT@wakefield.gov.uk
West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service is issuing a warning to consumers against the latest scam from a company purporting to be a well known high street bank.
The scam involves consumers receiving an email from what they may think is a well known high street bank, but in fact after closer inspection is not. This type of scam is also known as phishing.
Officers at Trading Standards including, Martin Wood, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Joint Services have received an email from this bogus company. The email is addressed "Dear Valued Customer" and states due to a technical update we recommend you reactivate your account by clicking on the link. The link leads to a professional looking website, with all the companies colours, but with a slightly different web address to the one used by the bank. The scammers are hoping that consumers will not notice the difference. To log on you will be asked for your account number.
West Yorkshire Trading Standards are urging consumers if they are contacted in this way under no circumstances should they input their account details onto this website. Martin Wood, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Joint Services added
"As a general rule banks will not send out emails to customers, and certainly will not ask for your account details via email. If you get an email that you are suspicious of then just delete it or call your bank to check whether it is legitimate."
Councillor Maureen Cummings, Deputy Chair of West Yorkshire Joint Services, Which oversees the work of Trading Standards said
"Unfortunately scams such as these are widespread and can effect a large number of banks and their customers. I would urge members of the public to be vigilant and not to disclose any personal or financial information unless they are certain of whom they are giving it to"
For more information please contact David Lodge (General media contact) 0113 289 8243
West Yorkshire Trading Standards is part of West Yorkshire Joint Services, funded by the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
Residents across the district will be able to use a Freephone service to confirm their electoral roll details. This is part of the largest telephone registration project to date, offered to residents in England, Wales and Scotland.
The Council’s Electoral Services Team, in conjunction with Royal Mail, will be delivering forms to every home in the district over the next few weeks in preparation for the next year’s year’s Register of Electors. All residents should have received their forms by August 28.
This year Wakefield is one of 168 councils across the country to be working with Electoral Reform Services (ERS) to offer local citizens an innovative and easy way to register. By dialling a Freephone line, people can confirm their details in minutes.
Full details on how to register by phone are included with the registration form. To ensure the system is secure, each household will be issued with a unique reference number which must be keyed in to access the registration system.
The caller is prompted to confirm the household details and registration is complete. The service is a fully-automated touch-tone system that is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week throughout the canvass period.
The Freephone registration system also accommodates the new ‘opt-out’ rules (introduced in 2002), allowing users to add or remove their names from the edited version of the register used by mailing companies. The system also allows callers to request a postal vote application form.
Wakefield Council Leader Councillor Peter Box said:
“We very much welcome any way of making it more convenient for people to register to vote. We want to encourage as many people as possible to make their votes count in local and national elections and we are pleased to be involved in this pilot at an early stage of development.”
Following the
success of Wakefield's award-winning entry in this year's Tatton Park
Flower bedding competition, Wakefield Council's Parks & Public Realm
team are already planning to enter next year and are seeking help with
ideas.
The Council's 'Fever Pitch', display featuring the distinctive strip
colours of the District's three professional rugby league clubs -
Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, won
a Bronze award in this year's Royal Horticultural Show in Cheshire.
Entries can be from individuals or groups of any age and designs should be
based on a theme relating to Wakefield District, with ideas taken from
historical events, characters, industry, local culture, landmarks or folk
law.
Councillor Peter Box, Wakefield Council Leader, said:
"This
was the first time we had entered the competition so we were particularly
pleased to receive an award. We now want to build on that success
and 'go for gold' next time around, so are looking for inspiration from
any groups or individuals who would like to submit a design with a
Wakefield theme."
Ian Stephenson, Wakefield Council's Corporate Director for Environment,
said: "The successful design will be drawn up by our design team and
used as Wakefield's entry in this prestigious event, and the winner will
be invited to attend the Flower Show to see their finished planted design
at Tatton Park next July.
Anyone
interested should contact the Parks & Public Realm team who will send
out an information pack with relevant details of how to submit an entry.
The closing date is end of September 2004.
For further details please contact Lisa Ferguson, Parks & Public
Realm, Town Hall, Normanton, WF6 2DZ, telephone 01924 307831, email lferguson@wakefield.gov.uk.
Staff at Pontefract Market are to be presented with a Silver Clean Air Award tomorrow in recognition of the non-smoking policy which has been operating there for the past seven months.
The presentation of a certificate for the Market Hall will be made by Val Bradshaw, from the National Health Service to Jane Bragg, Wakefield Council's Markets Performance Manager and Steve Sharp, Pontefract Market Manager.
The Clean Air Awards organised by the NHS is the first UK wide scheme which rewards employers who implement effective workplace smoking policies. Organisations can apply for Gold (for premises and grounds which are completely smoke-free), Silver (where smoking is restricted to designated rooms) or a Commitment to Change.
Councillor Peter Box, Wakefield Council's Leader, said:
"The anti-smoking policy which we introduced in markets was a positive move to make people aware of the health risks associated with smoking and breathing in smoke. It ties in with our commitment to creating a healthy community so we are particularly pleased to have this award which sends out a clear message that we are against smoking in public places."
More information about the Clean Air Awards is available from www.cleanairaward.org.uk
There are still places available on this month's Healthy Transport Project Interest Walks. For more information and booking contact Claire Gillis on 01924 306693.
Pubs &
Plaques
Wednesday 21st July, 7.00pm
Taking a historical look at pubs around Crofton.
Meet at the Windmill Inn, Doncaster Rd, Foulby.
Walk will last approx 2 -2 .5 hrs (inc refreshment stop!)
Pontefract
Museum
Thursday 22nd July, 11.00am-12.00pm
A walk around Pontefract Precinct, looking at the development of the town
in the Middle Ages.
Led by the museum's curator, Richard Van Riel.
Meet, Pontefract Museum, Salter Row.
Flower Walk
Wednesday 28th July, 7.00pm
Flower identification walk in association with BTCV
Meet, Car Park at Stanley Ferry Marina, Ferry Lane, Stanley.
Walk will last approx 2 -2 .5 hrs
Picnic in the
Park
Saturday 31st July, 11.30am-1.30pm
A Children's Walk and Nature Quest at Thornes Park.
Bring along a picnic lunch to finish (All teddy bears welcome!)
Meet, Holmefield Car Park, Thornes Park.
People in across the District are warned to be on the look out for bogus workmen claiming to be calling on behalf of Wakefield Council.
The so-called 'workmen,' who have been calling at homes in Normanton and Airedale, say they have come to cut down shrubs and bushes. Payment, usually between £200 and £300, is demanded immediately and the householder told that this cost can be recouped from the Council.
Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Betty Rhodes said:
"Of course, these bogus callers are preying on old and vulnerable people who live alone. To our knowledge, no one has yet been taken in, but we have reports that they have been very persistent and menacing in their demands for money. Genuine callers from the Council will have made an appointment in advance, will always carry official identification and never ask for pre-payment for services."
If you have experienced these, or any other bogus callers, please contact the police on 0845 606060 or your local Housing Office.
Wakefield Council's Electoral Services team are urging people to make sure they are registered on the electoral roll so that they can vote in the Referendum on November 4th this year to decide on whether to have an elected regional assembly for Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Referendum, is likely to be an all out postal vote and voters need to ensure they are registered by 1st September. Anyone not currently on the electoral roll must complete and return their registration forms by the 11 August deadline.
Anyone who has moved house since 15 October last year or is unsure whether they are registered to vote, should contact the Electoral Services Helpline on 01924 305023 or email elections@wakefield.gov.uk for further details.
Voters will receive their postal ballot forms through the post several weeks before the dates of the Referendum as with the District and European elections held in June this year. The Referendum is an opportunity for people in the Yorkshire and the Humber region to decide whether they are for, or against, a democratically elected Yorkshire and the Humber Assembly. Regional Assembly Referendums are also being held in the North East and the North West.
Following a 'Yes' vote in at least one referendum, Parliament would need to agree legislation to set up assemblies. Elected assemblies would have specific responsibilities for business, skills, and jobs, housing, planning, transport, fire and rescue, culture, tourism and environment.
Cllr Peter Box, Wakefield Council leader and Chair of the Yorkshire & Humber Assembly, said:
"Now the date of the referendum has been decided, we look forward to the people of Yorkshire and Humber being given the chance of hearing both sides of the debate and having the opportunity to make their choice."
The election is currently being promoted via a regional publicity campaign 'Your Say Yorkshire and Humber' featuring the thumbs up/thumbs down logo. Anyone wanting further information about the Referendum can telephone 0870 122 6236
Summer is here.
Come and enjoy live music in the garden at Wakefield Art Gallery 12noon-2.00pm, Tuesdays 20th July, 3rd August & 10th August, FREE!
20th
July 2004 (12.00 - 2.00 p.m.)
Sam Pirt
from Lord Yehudi Menuhin’s
Live Music Now! Scheme
Piano
accordion and guitar.
Sam Pirt is well known
international folk musician with an
imaginative repertoire
encompassing European
and Canadian Folk Music as well
as English Folk Music.
3rd
August 2004 (12.00 - 2.00 p.m.)
Ian Nelson and John Nixon
Saxophone
and guitar.
Ian and John’s repertoire
includes Jazz,
Blues and Soul and original
compositions with a
Celtic flavour by John Nixon.
10th
August 2004 (12.00 - 2.00 p.m.)
Miranda Sykes
from Lord Yehudi Menuhin’s
Live Music Now! Scheme
Double
bass, guitar and voice.
Miranda is a Folk musician with
an international reputation.
Her repertoire features
traditional and modern music.
Maggie
Warren
Temporary Keeper of Art
Wakefield Art Gallery
WMDC Museums and Arts
mwarren@wakefield.gov.uk
www.wakefield.gov.uk click on culture
Telephone:01924 305904
Wakefield Council is to open a virtual school with its own real headteacher to help pupils with emotional and social behavioural difficulties (ESBD) to reach their full potential.
The move aims to overcome problems where school provision has become disjointed for such pupils either because of exclusion or through having to attend a number of centres. It means that responsibility for all the provision for secondary age pupils will through a "virtual school" under a single headteacher, who will report to a management board acting as the governing body.
The virtual school will have three departments, including a special school on the site of the current Felkirk School providing up to 40 day and residential places for those pupils with the most significant emotional or psychological needs. It will operate as a multi agency facility and provide social, health and other services t pupils and families.
The second part is a Key Stage Three pupil referral unit with District-wide responsibility for 11 to 14-year-olds who are disaffected or are not part of the school system. This will function as a reintegration resource working closely with schools to help re-engage pupils with learning.
The final tier is aimed at Key Stage Four pupils, preparing 15 and 16-year-olds for work, further education and/or training. The virtual school will function as any other high school with the new head teacher having similar status to others within the District. It will lead on the development of innovative practice for pupils with ESBD and share the curriculum, teaching, support and other resources with the mainstream sector.
Cabinet Member for Education Cllr Wayne Jenkins said:
"This development puts Wakefield at the cutting edge of providing services for pupils with ESBD. This is a major shift in thinking designed to help some of the most vulnerable young people in society and also the most likely to become involved in anti-social activities. These more targeted services will help prepare them to play an independent role in society and is part of our strong commitment to ensure that all young people are able to reach their full potential. By bringing all provision together under a single headteacher, learning and support packages can be more easily tailored to the individual."
The new proposals are scheduled to be introduced in September 2005.
Need something to occupy the children over the summer? Wakefield's Cultural Services run FREE workshops for families over the summer at each of it's sites including Wakefield Museum, Wakefield Art Gallery, Sandal Castle, Clarke Hall and Pontefract Museum.
There are still places available. If you would like further details, or would like to book your places, please contact the Education Team on 01924 305902
Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult.
People suffering from alcohol addiction will now be able to call on the help of a new dedicated team following the launch of Wakefield's Substance Misuse Group's Alcohol Strategy at the Calling Time on Alcohol Conference in February.
The £130,000 Strategy involves 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.
Headed up by Ellie Metcalfe, who has a background as a senior therapist at Leeds Addiction Unit, the seven strong team's aim is to increase the number of people accessing alcohol treatment by 100% over the next two years, that is approximately 300 people per year. She said:
"We have a number of objectives which include quicker assessments, accurate referrals, improved screening and treatment procedures so that we can see and offer help to more patients. We are also developing dedicated clinical sessions with practice nurses in a GP surgeries across the District to ensure problems are recognised and dealt with at an early stage.
Caroline Seeling, Head of Public Health Development at Eastern Wakefield Primary Care Trust, said:
"We now have a multi-agency team in place who are setting up systems to tackle the problems people with an alcohol dependence experience. We need to ensure that the general public and other agencies are aware of the work they are doing and the help they can provide, so we will be sending out information packs and also details of self-help measures and groups to help people make changes to their lifestyle to steer them away from alcohol dependence."
Anyone wanting to get in touch with the Alcohol Strategy Team can contact them on 0771 4447620.
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
Free cycling courses for youngsters are now available across the District.
Wakefield Council's Travel Awareness Team have organised the special sessions for children throughout the summer holidays.
The courses are taking place at
Thornes Park - 26th July - Friday 6th August
Castleford Swimming Pool - 9th August - Friday 13th August
Featherstone High School - Monday 16th August - 20th August
Minsthorpe Swimming Pool - Monday 23rd August - 27th August
Joanne Ponsonby, Publicity Officer for Travel Awareness said >
"The courses are free and very popular so we urge people to enrol in plenty of time. Children over 7 up to 10 and above are all invited but they must book with us first"
Places can be booked by ringing the Travel Awareness Team on 01924 306325.
Four
Wakefield Council car parks in Pontefract are set to receive national
recognition for helping fight car crime.
West Yorkshire Police's Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn will be presenting
the
Secured Car Park Certificates to Ian Stephenson, Wakefield Council's
Corporate
Director (Environment) on Tuesday 29th June.
It follows work undertaken at the Central Area 3, Stuart Road, Newgate
North and
Newgate South car parks, which has already seen the level of car crime
drop dramatically.
Mr. Cramphorn said:
"People
want to be able to park their cars in the knowledge that they have left
them in a safe, secure environment. This award recognises not only the
hard work that has been put in to achieve this standard but also the
commitment to reducing vehicle crime."
Ian Stephenson said:
"This is
another valuable step forward in addressing community safety issues by
making people feel more reassured about their personal safety and their
possessions. This takes the total to eight car parks across the
District which have achieved this status and we are continuing to work
with the Police in upgrading all our car parks for the benefit of
communities."
To qualify for the prestigious award, car parks must be designed with
security and safety as an integral part of the package with good lighting
and some form of surveillance, such as CCTV or security staff.
The Secured Car Parks Scheme is a security initiative of the Association
of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), and is administered by the British
Parking Association (BPA). It is supported by the Association of British
Insurers.
Further information about Secured Car Parks in West Yorkshire is available
on the crime prevention page of the West Yorkshire Police website at www.westyorkshire.police.uk
or by contacting the Force Architectural Liaison Officer on 0845 6060606.
Wakefield Council has published its first strategy for Corporate Parenting after a detailed consultation with almost 100 children and young people in its care or leaving care.
The strategy - U 'n' US - stresses the responsibilities of all councillors as parents of children and young people looked after by the council and poses the question: "Would this be good enough for my child?"
The document also opens with a quote from Donna, a care leaver, who says:
"Be optimistic when your young person is in trouble to get them back on their feet. Tell them not to give up and remember that a fighter always achieves their dream."
Deputy Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Cllr Jim Nicholson said:
"If what we are doing for young people we are looking after as a council is not good enough for our own children then we must make it so. The Council and its partners are the richest family in this district - there can be no excuse for not providing well for our children and, in doing so, improving their life chances."
The strategy seeks to give care leavers access to safe and secure accommodation, give young people access to sports and leisure facilities and help care leavers find suitable education, training and jobs. It also seeks to support children and young people with complex needs, meet the health and education needs of young people, make sure they feel safe and involve them in the development of services.
Corporate Director for Social Services and Health Elaine McHale said the strategy determined a direction of travel and role for councillors as corporate parents, based on what children and young people themselves had said they wanted.
"Their voices, their messages, their hopes and aspirations are at the heart of this process. We have also consulted with staff and carers through children's services and with partner organisations. This strategy is an important document because it is the first time we have put down our role as corporate parents in words. Young people are not asking a great deal from us - but they do want to be safe, secure, enjoy themselves as other children do and get off to a good start when they leave our care."
The consultation involved 59 children and young people in questionnaires, discussion groups, taped interviews and a Big Brother style diary room. A further 30 attended creative workshops which provided a voice through drama, music and art.
The Council will now be developing action plans to improve life chances for looked after children and care leavers, continuing to work closely with children and young people, carers and partner organisations.
A unique new scheme to help youngsters with disabilities or behavioural problems to learn to cycle has been launched by Wakefield Council's Travel Awareness Team.
They have teamed up with the Wheels for All cycling project which offers help to ride a bike to people with autism, behavioural difficulties, hearing impairments, visual impairments and physical disabilities.
The new scheme will allow youngsters opportunities to try out the healthy activity which in some cases they would not normally have.
The team will work with Oakfield Park School, Ackworth (July 1), Highfield School, Ossett (July 5) and Kingsland School, Stanley (July 8).
These cycling days are designed to boost youngsters' confidence while helping them enjoy a fun activity.
Councillor Graham Isherwood Cabinet member for Street Scene said:
"This is an important new boost for cycling in the District and will give opportunities to the young people involved helping our overall aims of social inclusion and life long learning and achievement. By working in partnership with Wheels for All we can share expertise and equipment to suit the needs of the cyclists and provide opportunities where they don't already exist."
At yesterday's annual meeting of Wakefield Council, leading members of the Cabinet and Portfolio holders were appointed following the investiture of the new Mayor, Cllr Janet Holmes and her Deputy, Cllr David Hopkins.
Cllr Peter Box and Cllr Phillip Dobson will continue as Leader and Deputy and there are to be eight members of the Cabinet for 2004/5 instead of nine to more closely reflect the Council's priorities in its Fast Forward Strategy.
The six Portfolio holders are:-
Cllr Graham Isherwood (Streetscene)
Cllr Denise Jeffery (Regeneration and Partnership)
Cllr Wayne Jenkins (Education and Lifelong Learning)
Cllr Peter Loosemore (Social Services and Health)
Cllr Elizabeth Rhodes (Housing)
Cllr Graham Stokes (Resources)
The review has also resulted in a reduction in the number of Overview and Scrutiny Committees from six to five new committees to include:-
Lifelong Learning (investing in our people)
Liveability (improving our places)
Local Economy (developing a dynamic local economy)
Crime and Community Safety (being safe and feeling safe)
Social Care and Health (looking after ourselves)
Chairs will be elected at the first meeting of the respective Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
New for this year also is a Licensing Committee, chaired by Cllr Jack Kershaw, to reflect the Council's new responsibilities for issuing liquor licence's from January 2005.
The Standards Committee for this municipal year, chaired by the Very Reverend George Nairn-Briggs are Cllrs Glen Burton, Bryan Denson, Phil Dobson, Janet Holmes and Elizabeth Knowles.
Neighbourhood Action patrollers successfully took the sting out of the situation when they were faced with a scorpion in a house in Upton.
They received the call after a family had returned from holiday in Kos, only to find the scorpion in their luggage.
Patrollers Craig Senior and Rob Newton managed to attract the creature into a jar and then keep it safe. They then took expert advice on looking after the scorpion before taking it to a specialist pet shop in Wakefield. Craig said:
"We got the message from the call centre to say a resident who had just returned from Kos had discovered the scorpion in the luggage. t had apparently already stung one person so when we got there we managed to get it into a jar to keep it safe. It was an unusual job but we managed it well."
Neighbourhood Action patrollers are available by ringing 0845 8 506 506.
Wakefield Council's Family Placement Team is holding a picnic at Hemsworth Water Park, Pontefract, on Friday 25 June from 4:00pm to 6:30pm.
Around 50 carers and children will be joined by the new Mayor of the district, Councillor Janet Holmes and Councillor Peter Loosemore, Cabinet Member for Social Services.
The carers and children are part of Wakefield's Connect Scheme, which provides short breaks, usually around one weekend per month, for children with disabilities.
This has the dual purpose of giving parents a much-needed chance to recharge their batteries as well as giving the children new experiences.
Kitty Ferris, Head of Children's Services said:
"The picnic is opportunity for Wakefield Council and the Family Placement Team to once again thank the many carers who work so hard helping us give respite care to disabled children the Wakefield area. Sadly we have more disabled children than we have Connect families, at this time we have eight children in the Wakefield District who are waiting to be taken on the by the Connect Scheme."
Councillor Loosemore said:
"It is a hugely rewarding thing to do and it means so much to the parents and children who benefit from it, giving adults a much needed break and expanding opportunities for children with special needs."
Wakefield Council's Housing Maintenance Service has been awarded the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) certification for meeting their standards for gas safety work.
The Council is now one of only seven local authorities nationwide approved by the national watchdog for gas safety which operates a strict UKAS accredited management and monitoring scheme, and also meets European requirements.
Certification is only open to registered installers who have to demonstrate high overall standards in the management of safe gas work.
Head of Housing, Kevin Dodd, said:
"We are extremely proud to receive this accolade. Gas safety is essential to everyone living and working in the Wakefield District and this award shows the commitment to safety and excellence which our Housing Maintenance team aims to deliver."
As well as achieving CORGI certification, the team has also retained it NICEIC accreditation as an approved electrical installer. NICEA is an independent organisation which seeks to protect electricity consumers against dangerous electrical installations.
Youngsters across the District are getting in the swim with a huge competition.
Wakefield Council's Sport & Recreation Unit is currently hosting schools swimming galas with more than 2000 children from 60 schools competing against each other to earn a place at a grand final gala.
The competition is now in its third year and aims to encourage children who have been taught throughout the academic year at Sport & Recreation Unit facilities and give them a taste of competitive swimming.
Swimming Development Officer Sue Barlow said:
"Altofts Middle School have been the schools champions for the last 2 years and will be hoping to make it a hat trick, but there is a lot of competition and all the children have progressed well this year."
Everyone taking part will receive a prize ribbon and there will be trophies & medals for first, second and third places in the finals gala at Normanton Jubilee Swimming Pool on 15 July.
Model and TV personality Nell McAndrew is urging football fans across the Wakefield District to make recycling their goal during Euro 2004.
Nell wished our boys good luck for the championships, and took time to remind armchair fans to recycle all the extra rubbish they're likely to make during England's matches.
Looking great in an England kit, Nell said:
"Thousands of people across the Wakefield district will be cheering England on from home and many of them will be entering into the party spirit while they do!"
She said that as England supporters cheered on Beckham and the boys in Portugal, everyone should remember to tackle the extra rubbish which will be generated, by using the local recycling centres and recycling banks across the district. Don't forget to tidy up the garden and recycle your garden rubbish for the after match BBQ.
Nell added:
"Around 20 million glass bottles and 20 million steel and aluminium drink cans - the equivalent to 4,500 tonnes - were thrown away in the UK over the course of the first match. That is the same weight as more than 50,000 David Beckhams! It's up to us all to remember to recycle all these extra bottles and cans rather than just putting them in the bin."
Recycling organisations WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme), Waste Watch, SWAP (Save Waste and Prosper), British Glass, Alcan Aluminium Cans Recycling, Corus (steel cans recycling) and Recoup are all joining Wakefield MDC in backing Nell's plea to the nation.
Julie Greenwood of Wakefield Council said:
"The good news is that more than 60% of that household rubbish can now be recycled - and with recycling getting easier, rethinking how you deal with your rubbish won't take up any extra time. We're delighted Nell is supporting our campaign, and look forward to seeing the people of Wakefield using the kerbside collection schemes and Household waste recycling centres to dispose of all of their extra rubbish during the championships, so that the environment doesn't have to pay the penalty."
For more information on recycling, visit www.rethinkrubbish.com or www.wakefield.gov.uk or email recycling@wakefield.gov.uk
Green-fingered residents living in Wakefield Council neighbourhoods have only three weeks left to submit their entries for the Local Authority> '> s annual garden competition, which closes on July 1.
The 2004 Council Estate Garden Competition and Community Awards recognise and celebrate the great efforts made by many residents in maintaining and improving individual gardens.
The annual awards also recognise people involved in wider community work and their commitment to improving communal areas.
Kevin Dodd, Head of Wakefield Housing Services said:
"It's clear that the Wakefield District has been bitten by the gardening bug as our garden competition has gone from strength to strength each year. So many residents on our estates take immense pride in their gardens, and we want to acknowledge just how much we and the community value this superb contribution to the estates."
The competition is open to all residents on council estates regardless of whether they are tenants, rent privately or are owner-occupiers.
The entry
categories for 2004 are:
Best Garden
Best Vegetable Garden
Best Containers and Hanging Baskets
Most Improved Garden
Best Street Gardens (group of at least 5 neighbouring houses)
Best Street Containers (group of properties having best containers)
Best Neighbourhood (group of streets forming a whole neighbourhood)
Community Award (individuals contribution to improving environment)
Kiddies Corner (efforts made by local children on Housing estates)
New this year is the introduction of the 'Kiddies Corner,' category. This has been designed to recognise the enthusiasm and help that so many young people give in either the family garden or in communal gardens.
A range of prizes are on offer to the winners and placed entrants, including trophies, medals, certificates and gift vouchers from local shops and garden centres.
A touring exhibition is on the menu for the Wakefield district this week in a bid to raise people's awareness of the risks of food poisoning.
As part of 'National Food Safety Week' Wakefield Council will be serving up information on food hygiene and giving practical measures to prevent the spread of germs.
It is estimated that as many as 5.5 million people in the UK could suffer food poisoning each year and many people are unaware how easily germs can spread in kitchen and home.
Louise Allen, Senior Environmental Health Officer in the Council's Food Safety team said:
"This year's theme for National Food Safety Week is 'Avoid Spreading Germs'. Here in the Wakefield district we are aiming to highlight simple everyday actions that can lead to - and prevent - food poisoning."
Visitors to the touring exhibition will be invited to play the 'fridge quiz' - an interactive display refrigerator with magnetic food, which will challenge contestants to store food correctly in the fridge. There will also be a competition on spotting food safety hazards in a domestic kitchen, where winners could win £30 worth of vouchers. Free balloons, stickers and helpful leaflets on food hygiene will also be available.
Environmental Health Officers will also be on hand to dish out advice and answer any questions on food safety issues.
The exhibition will be visiting the following venues:
Tuesday 15
June 10 am - 3pm Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre, Castleford Wednesday 16
June 10am - 3pm Featherstone Library, Featherstone
Wednesday 16 June 9am - 5pm Ridings Shopping Centre, Wakefield
The germs on food that can cause food poisoning are usually controlled by cooking or refrigerating food. But given the chance the germs can easily spread around the kitchen via hands, chopping boards, cloths, knives and other utensils.
If germs cross contaminate other foods, especially cooked and ready to eat foods they can make people very ill.
Wakefield Council's Social Services and Health have nominated four people to go to this year's Royal Garden Party in July at Buckingham Palace as a thank you for their dedication to caring.
Two of the nominees, Anthea Oakley who is a home carer, and Susan Jessop who works in a local Elderly Persons' home have worked for Social Services for twenty years without taking a single day's sick leave.
Karen Marcon and her husband Tony are long-term foster carers, and have looked after 28 children over the past 14 years. More recently they have undertaken more specialised fostering by volunteering to look after young people who are awaiting sentencing from the courts and are unable to stay with their own families.
Karen said:
"Tony and I have found the work extremely rewarding. It can of course be difficult at times but we can always call on support from the Family Placement Team and it is important that young people in difficult situations are not abandoned all together. When it's not possible to stay at home for whatever reason, the next best option has to be staying in a family environment and that's where we step in. I know it's not for everyone but there are lots of young people who need some help. This is a tremendous honour for us and I am really looking forward to going to the Palace."
Elaine McHale, Wakefield Council's Corporate Director for Social Services and Health, said:
"We were approached to nominate people who should be recognised for achievement and we feel that these four people deserved to go to the Garden Party as a way of saying thank you for the valuable work they do."
The group will travel down to London to the Royal Garden Party on July 13th, where they will get the chance to see the Queen alongside invitees from all over the country.
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a remand foster carer like Karen and Tony can contact the Family Placement Team on 01924 302160.
As the summer weather hots up Wakefield Council is warning young people and their parents to be aware of the dangers of taking a dip in ponds, lakes and flooded quarries.
The "Stay Safe" plea comes as council staff have noticed a marked increase in the number of people spending their leisure time at the water's edge.
Allan Smith, Parks and Public Realm Manager, said:
"During the hot weather some people are tempted into the water for what appears to be a cooling dip, but everybody should be aware of the extreme dangers that can be lurking in the water. Ponds, lakes and flooded quarries may seem to be pleasantly cool in the shallows but they can be dangerously cold when they get deeper. Swimmers also have no idea of what is under the surface, such as tangles of weeds or rubbish that other people have thrown away. They are all capable of ensnaring a swimmer and putting them in real danger of drowning or severe injury. It is extremely dangerous to swim in places that are not specifically-created for swimming. Please stay out of them."
Any children or adults found in the water at sites owned by Wakefield Council will be asked to return to dry land for their own safety and the safety of other people.
The Council is also asking people to be aware of another summer time hazard - the potential for damaging fires being caused by countryside barbecues.
People are asked only to use purpose-manufactured barbecues, always to keep a bucket of water handy and to be particularly careful of where they site a barbecue.
Environmental Health Chiefs are issuing a warning about certain fruit pie selection boxes which have been issued without preservative and asking the public to destroy them or return them to the shop where they were bought.
It is thought that most of the products concerned have already been withdrawn by Manor Bakeries, but any products in the affected batches are subject to mould contamination and should not be consumed.
The products withdrawn are:-
1.
Mr. Kipling 6 Fruit Selection Dessert Pies
Lot No. 131, Best Before Date 3 June 2004
Lot No. 133, Best Before Date 5 June 2004
Lot No. 138, Best Before Date 10 June 2004
No other Mr.
Kipling Products are known to be affected.
2. ASDA 6 Assorted Fruit Pies
2 Apple Pies, 2 Blackcurrant Pies, 2 Apricot Pies
Lot No. 131, Best Before Date 1 June 2004
Lot No. 133, Best Before Date 3 June 2004
No other ASDA products are known to be affected
3.
Tesco Summer Fruit Pies
Lot No. 126, Best Before Date 29 May 2004
Lot No. 128, Best Before Date 21 May 2004
Lot No. 132, Best Before Date 4 June 2004
Lot No. 139, Best Before Date 11 June 2004
No other Tesco products are known to be affected.
Anyone wanting further information can contact Liz Herring on 01924 306945 at Wakefield Council's Environmental Health Services, the Food Standards Agency on 020 7276 8448 or their website at www.food.gov.uk.