Issue 56 Spring 2014Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk for information about Council services My Wakefield @MyWakefield

Inside:

Budget 2014/15

More on Cas Forum

We will remember them

Win

£250voucher at

Wakefield

Cycles

Spring 20142

May 22 is polling day for Wakefield Council and European Parliamentary elections.One third of the Council seats - 21 - will be up for election. Voters will also be able have their say in who represents the Yorkshire and Humber region in the European Parliament.

You can only vote if your name is included in the Register of Electors. So please make your voice heard. And do make sure you are correctly registered to vote, especially if you have recently changed your address, or your details have changed in any other way.

Joanne Roney, Wakefield Council Chief Executive and Returning Officer, said: “If you are not registered you will not be able to vote. It can also lead to problems getting credit or opening a bank account as credit reference companies rely on the register for background information.

“So please register - and then use your vote on May 22.”

If you think you are not on the register please contact the Electoral Services Office on 01924 305023 or email elections@wakefield.gov.uk for advice.

Further information about registrationand voting can be found at www.wakefield.gov.uk/elections

Make your voice heard - Elections 2014

Castleford Forum Library and Museum has welcomed hundreds of visitors since it reopened three months ago.The stunning new museum displays include fascinating, unique objects that tell stories of Castleford and its people.

Imagine a Roman soldier in full armour, making his way to Castleford and missing the home cooking of Rome or the roar of a crowd as Castleford beat Huddersfield 11 - 8 in the Rugby League Cup 1935 - the Forum has it all and more.

The museum also features four community cases - put together by local people. There are displays about rugby, beauty, milling and Victorian women’s occupations.

The library covers the lower two floors and includes computers, free internet and WiFi, a local studies area, 30,000 new books and sound and vision material, and a children’s area.

So if you are proud of your local heritage pop along to see what the museum and library has to offer - admission is free.

What’s on this EasterKeep the kids entertained in the school holidays with a trip to the museum.

Amazing Animation, Wakefield MuseumWed 16 April, 10.15-11.45am and 1.30-3pm

Create your own short digital animation using the museum collection as inspiration. Booking essential by calling 01924 302700.

Chariots of Fun, Castleford MuseumThurs 17 April, 11am-2pm

Explore the amazing Iron Age chariot and then create your own! No booking required.

Medals, Pontefract MuseumFri 25 April, 11am - 2pm

Learn about and make craft medals to take home - inspired by the stories of World War 1. Drop-in session - no need to book.

For more information visit www.museumslearning.blogspot.com

Opening times:Monday and Tuesday - 9.30am to 5.30pm; Wednesday - closed; Thursday - 9.30am to 7.00pm; Friday - 9.30am to 5.30pm; Saturday - 9.30am to 4.00pm; Sunday - closed.

New plansfor the districtWe are preparing two new Local Plans which form part of our Local Development Framework (LDF).

The plans look at our use of leisure recreation and open space and retail and town centres.

Thank you for your feedback last summer. This is being used to prepare the new plans which will be published later this year for consultation.

The LDF is helping to secure new jobs, more housing and protect the environment in the district.

Please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/LDF

Full speed aheadThousands of homes and business in the Wakefield district are set to get high-speed fibre broadband as Superfast West Yorkshire plan to expand the scheme into the area.

We are working with Superfast West Yorkshire to extend high-speed fibre broadband to more homes and businesses across the district, as well as improving broadband speeds to many more.

The plans are expected to help create jobs and give a big boost to the local economy - making Wakefield a great place to live and do business.

For more information visit www.superfastwestyorkshire.co.uk

Repairs advice serviceOur Repairs Advice Service helps home owners identify and deal with repairs.

The service can help you:

• understand the problems you are having in your home and tell you what works are needed

• choose the right tradesperson

• plan ahead for other home maintenance

Call 01924 306665 or email privatesector@wakefield.gov.uk

Do it onlineFind out what’s on, report a faulty street light, find out when your bin will be emptied, renew a library book… our website is available 24/7 to fit in with you www.wakefield.gov.uk

Fun at the Forum

Spring 20143

Here’s a round-up of the developments taking place:

Saul Homes/Wakefield District Housing site, Westfield LaneWorking with Saul Homes and WDH to develop 122 new homes, 64 of which will be for affordable rent. Work has started on site and should complete by mid-2015.

New homes at FrickleyWorking with Keepmoat Homes Ltd to build 190 high quality new homes. Work has started and improvements to High Street/Barnsley Road junction have been completed.

New homes at FeatherstoneWorking with Strata Homes to build 224 new homes including detached family homes, first time buyer starter homes and some affordable housing. Work has started and should be complete by 2022.

Extra Care Housing scheme at Westfield Lane, South ElmsallWorking with Chevin and Wates to develop a 67 bedroom Extra Care Housing scheme with specialist dementia accommodation and 45 affordable new homes.Work has started and should be completed next year.

New homes at City Estate, FitzwilliamWork has started by Keepmoat Homes Ltd to build 159 new homes.We remain committed to securing housing growth and continue to work hard with developers to finalise the schemes. The schemes will create hundreds of new construction jobs and additional job opportunities will be created from the extra services needed for owners to purchase and furnish a new home. For more information visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/southeastwakefield

Details of the Council’s budget, found on page 7 of your Citizen, paint a stark picture of how tough the coming years will be.

With Government cuts in council spending now so severe, it would be wrong to promise that the services you rely on will be protected.

Next year will see us making significant savings, but mostly buying some time for the major cuts to follow in 2015/16 and beyond.

Big changes to the way we deliver services are now unavoidable, but we will continue to try to do our best to protect those who need the most help and to strive for a good quality of life for everyone in this district.

We remain strongly pro-investment and pro-business. That is why we have set out a package of transport investment, including rail, road and air, as an alternative to HS2.

This package would have far greater benefit for the district, provide better value for money and help to reduce the widening gap between the North and London.

Our national road network needs £11bn investment to bring it up to scratch and - if we want to compete with the likes of London and Manchester - we need investment in a new airport to strengthen the position of the City Region economically.

We are ambitious - we want the best opportunities for our young people in education, training, employment.

As well as striving to increase apprenticeships, we are working closely with Wakefield College and the local enterprise partnership on plans for a University Centre so more young people can get higher-level qualifications.

But for us to create the best conditions for economic growth in our area, Government must devolve powers down to a local level so that we have a greater say in the decisions affecting our local economy.

I will continue to fight for this over the coming months through my role both as Leader of the Council and as spokesperson on devolution for the Key Cities group.

Cllr Peter Box CBELeader of Wakefield Council

To commemorate this milestone we are stepping back in time by bringing real diary entries from a World War 1 soldier to life. George Kellett was a Wakefield soldier based in France. After receiving a diary in a Christmas parcel, he recorded the whole year of 1918 in his diary.

George’s family have kindly donated his diary to Wakefield Museums and we are tweeting the entries throughout the year as they appear in the original diary.

The diary details George’s life as a soldier including letters from home, pay arrangements, games of draughts, working on a rifle range and digging trenches.

Follow this fascinating glimpse into this period of history at

@WW1_Diary

Or you can find a monthly digest of the entries atwww.wakefieldmuseumsandlibraries.blogspot.co.uk

This year marks 100 years since the First World War.

This new exhibition at Pontefract Museum runs until August. The exhibition explores all sides of the war, through music, poetry and the stories of local people both at home and in battle.

The free exhibition runs until 30 August, Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm and Saturday 10.30am-4.30pm.

Find out more at www.wakefield.gov.uk/museums

Housing boost

New homes at City Estate, Fitzwilliam

Saul Homes/WDH site, Westfield Lane

OPEN BOX

The great war inspires

We will remember them

ARMEDFORCES D

AY

20

14

Children are challenged to get creative in our Armed Forces competition.Any child can enter, up to age 16, by creating a storyboard about a WW1 hero.

There are three winners’ prizes of a £50 Amazon voucher and three £10 Amazon vouchers for the runners up.

Prize winners will have their stories broadcast as part of the National Trust’s WW1 celebrations and shown as part of the ‘we will remember them’ project.

Lord St Oswald will present the prizes at the Armed Forces Day event.

Closing date for entries is Monday 9 June.

More information about the event, competition and how to enter is available atwww.wakefield.gov.uk/armedforces

Children’s competition

Sunday 22 June Nostell Priory and Parkland, WF4 1QE

Providing houses in the district is one of our key priorities.In 2012 we secured £8m from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF). We are using this money to create 650 new homes and other improvements around the new sites.

For more details on RGF visit www.bis.gov.uk/rgf

Spring 20144

The Hut is a state of the art youth and community centre in Airedale. It’s all happening at The HutIt provides great opportunities and activities for young people, local community and sporting groups, organisations working with children and young people and local businesses.

Facilities include:

• four lane bowling alley

• 3G sports pitch and sports hall

• cyber café

• recording studio and radio station

• multi-use games area

• outdoor gym

• space for partner agencies to deliver services for young people to access support

• conference facilities and meeting rooms available to hire.

The Council’s Youth Development Support Service is based at The Hut to promote activities for young people.

They offer a range of activities including youth clubs, radio presenter training, performing arts, sports activities and arts awards supported by professionally qualified Youth Workers.

New activities include pampering projects, circus skills and adventure activities. Young people can also join youth forums which look at issues that affect young people in the district.

The team recently welcomed pupils from Airedale Academy (pictured) for a day of activities to explore social norms and challenge misconceptions such as ‘all young people smoke’.

The day was about making informed choices in life, helping to put young people on the path to success. For more information about the team and the activities that they run at The Hut and across the district visit www.wfyouth.co.ukor if you are connected to a youth group, school or academy in the Wakefield district and would like to get involved please call 01977 722815.

Anyone interested in volunteering to support the service please get in touch using the number above, you just need to be 18 or over.

Activities at The Hut are delivered in a partnership between the Council and Chrysalis Youth and Community Project.

Find out more atwww.thehutairedale.com,join us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/thehutairedaleor call 01977 550250.

Scan this QR codewith your smartphone

Do you have room for another?

There are lots of children in the district who need a safe and caring home. If you have room in your heart and room in your home then fostering or adoption may be for you. You do not need to be married and you don’t even need to be in a relationship. Not owning your home is not a barrier and you don’t have to be in paid employment to apply.You do need to be over 21 and have room in your life to accommodate a child or young person.

A wealth of support is available:

• foster carers receive weekly fostering allowance to cover the cost of caring

• adoptees can be considered for an Adoption Allowance and other government benefits as well as after adoption services and social worker support

Fostering provides short or long-term care for children, but carers are not legally given all of the rights and responsibilities of the birth parents.

Adoption is for life and involves a legal process in which all of the rights and responsibilities of the birth parents are permanently transferred to the adoptive parent(s).

To find out more call 0800 197 0320 or visit www.room-in-wakefield.co.uk

Emily and her husband Peter* currently foster two little boys. “We felt our family could offer the love, security and stability that so many children need,” said Emily.“There is such a desperate need for carers and we wanted to make sure that those children had all those basic things.”

The two children they used to foster have now been adopted by another couple.

“The children just become such a big part of your family. You watch them change, grow and develop - it’s really hard to put in to words how amazing it feels,” said Emily.

“Moving can be difficult because you miss them but being apart of that next step is a privilege - that’s why you are doing it - I call it the fairy-tale ending.”

“Watching the children move to a loving and committed family is just the best feeling. It’s so lovely to know that they are so happy and so loved and that’s what you want for each child.”

“If you are thinking of fostering - just do it. Make that first phone call and set the ball rolling.”

Steve and Sophie* have now adopted the two children, as well as another child. “We couldn’t have children of our own and realised that there are already so many children that need a loving home,” said Sophie.

“We are lucky that their foster parents are now great friends. It’s nice to know that if we ever did have any issues they are there for us on the end of the phone,” said Steve.

They both found adoption to be life changing. “From the very first day they moved in with us, they became our world,” said Steve.

“When those children call you mummy and daddy it makes it all worthwhile. It’s true that a smile from a child makes a bad day just so much better.”

Sophie added, “For those thinking about adoption I would say - don’t give up and don’t be afraid. Just make the phone call and jump in.”

*names have been changed

Spring 20145

Helping you Connect toSupport in Wakefield

Connect to Support is a new website where you can choose and buy support, equipment, services and activities that can help you in your home and life. It brings together information from a large number of organisations that provide services, making it easier for you to find out about your options, all in one place. Connect to Support can help you• find a coffee club nearby to get you out of the house• remember to take your tablets with a telephone reminder service• find support to get your confidence back if you’ve just come out of hospital.

The website is easy to use and you can browse what’s on offer in the different sections - such as ‘activities and leisure’ and ‘home support’. You can also contact service providers through the website, who can answer any questions you may have about something on offer.Anyone can use the website - you don’t have to have a care plan or a social worker. If you do have a care plan then you can use the money allocated to buy from Connect to Support.Want to find out more? Visit www.connecttosupport.org

Getting help and support with a Personal Assistant?Wakefield also has a new website that can help you find a Personal Assistant. It holds an online list of local Personal Assistants (PAs) available for hire.PAs can do a wide range of care and support tasks, including support with personal care, cooking and shopping, managing your bills and getting out and about.For more information visit www.wakefield.padatabase.org or call 0300 111 1977

Scan this QR codewith your smartphone

Dementia friendly communities - get involvedWakefield has been successful in achieving the ‘working towards being dementia friendly’ status 2014/15 - recognising that we are taking steps to make Wakefield more inclusive for anyone living with dementia.Dementia Friendly Communities are cities, towns or villages where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported, and confident they can contribute to community life.

We want anyone living with dementia to confidently access all the great

facilities available in Wakefield, but we need your help to make this a reality.

We need more local organisations, businesses and community groups to become dementia friendly. Even simple adjustments make a huge difference to remove as many barriers as possible to everyday living, from going shopping, getting money from the bank to using public transport.

Find out more about becoming dementia friendly by contacting the Wakefield District Dementia Action Alliance by emailingwakefielddaa@wakefield.gov.uk

Make a differenceSome people in our communities need a bit more support to live a full and active life.Our Shared Lives service supports adults who need help to stay as independent as possible by living with their carer on a long or short term basis, such as a couple of nights a month.

It provides care for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health needs and older people.

Marie has been a Shared Lives Carer for 13 years.

“I originally started as a foster carer looking after Debbie,” said Marie. “She meant the world to me so I decided to become her full time Shared Lives Carer so I could always be there for her as long as she needed me.

“I also care for Carol and Neil, as well as having two children of my own, so life can get a bit hectic at times.

“But it’s rewarding to know that I have played a part to help them do the things they like to do, such as going to the centre, out to work and even to the local pub to see a band and sing some karaoke.

“I would recommend being a Shared Lives carer. The support you get is brilliant - it doesn’t feel like a working relationship, it’s like having extra friends that you can rely on for support.”

Like Marie, all of our Shared Lives Carers receive full training and on-going support, and no experience or special qualifications are needed.

Both long term and short term carers are needed and you will be paid an allowance for the support you provide.

For more information visit

www.wakefield.gov.uk/SharedLives or call 01977 722254.

Leaving school this year?

Doing NOTHINGis not an option!

Apply for full-time education, an apprenticeshipor a job with accredited training

www.ucasprogress.com

Leaving school this year?

Doing NOTHINGis not an option!

Apply for full-time education, an apprenticeshipor a job with accredited training

www.ucasprogress.com

Keep on earning

Spring 20146

Pontefract

Liqu ricePontefract

FestivalFestivalLiqu rice

Pontefract Town Centre will be transformed into a liquorice lover’s dream as the festival returns for its 19th year from 10am - 4pm.

With over 50 market stalls there will be plenty of free family workshops, crafts, gifts, food, drink and liquorice - not to be missed.

Find out more

Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/PLFCall 0845 601 8353

liquoricefestival

#liquoricefestival

A real sweet treatThe famous Pontefract Liquorice Festival returns on Sunday July 13.

With just over two months to go until Le Tour Yorkshire on July 5 and 6, we have a programme of activities taking place across the district so you can get more involved in cycling.

The opportunities are happening at all our sports facilities with both indoor and outdoor activities on offer.

Take part in our studio cycling classes and receive a special Tour de France incentive card - and win prizes at certain points.

If you are interested in outdoor cycling there are cycle groups from Thornes Park, Sun Lane Leisure and Knottingley Sports Centre starting from April.

You can also join a Bike 4 Life ride taking place weekly at Pugneys Country Park and Nostell Priory. These are short rides for cyclists of all abilities. You don’t even need to have your own bike - these can be provided by booking in advance.

Skyride Local rides start in May with rides at Frickley Country Park, Nostell Priory, Ossett, Hemsworth, Thornes Park and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. These free rides are led by fully trained leaders and are suitable for all ages. For more details visit www.goskyride.com/wakefield

Cycling - dates for your diary 27 March - 100 days to go to the Le Tour Yorkshire

April - indoor and outdoor cycling activities start at Council sport facilities

April - Wakefield Cycle Forum rides start www.cycling-wakefield.org.ukMay - Join us for group led rides in partnership with British Cycling and Skyride Local

8 June - The Tour De Wakefield - cycling event for all the family

15 to 23 June - National bike week

29 June - Pontefract Road Race - a challenging race for the competitive cyclist

To find out more about all these events and activities visitwww.wakefield.gov.uk/cycling

Cycle for fun, fitness and for life

Let’s get sporty If you want to get active this spring, there’s a lot more going on than just cycling.Taking part in sport and physical activity can boost your mental and physical wellbeing. So no matter what activity you fancy giving a try, there is something for everyone to take part in across the district.

Feeling inspired? Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/sal for more details on ways to get active in the district or join our facebook page

www.facebook.com/wakefieldsportandfitness

Get rugby fit

We’ve joined forces with Sports England, Wakefield Wildcats, the Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers to help improve men’s health and fitness.

Men aged 35-50 can take part in the ‘get rugby fit’ sessions - whether a beginner or returner to sport - which include rugby, football, golf, boxercise and much more.

This Sport England funded initiative is part of a brand new three year project to get more men in the Wakefield district enjoying fun sporting activities, all for free.

There are different ten week programmes of activities happening across the district. Find out when and where by calling 01924 307820 or email sportymates@wakefield.gov.uk.

Sport for all

Check out our directory of all disability sports clubs and facilities in the district. It details all the opportunities available to disabled people, at all ages and levels of ability.

It also includes information on various health initiatives and other useful websites.

Sport is open to everyone - view the directory atwww.wakefield.gov.uk/SALor pick up a copy at any Council leisure facility.

Need a bike?You can hire one from Anglers Country Park for just £2 an hour. Various bike sizes available - call 01924 303980 to find out more.

Get golfing Looking for another way to become more active? Try out golf.

City of Wakefield Golf Course on Horbury Road is set within the grounds of the 18th century Lupset Hall and welcomes golfers of all abilities.

For more information and prices call 01924 360282 or visitwww.wakefield.gov.uk/getoutdoors

Spring 20147

Listening to you

That is why, this year, we are changing the way we consult with you - giving you more opportunities to share your views and opinions on the priorities that matter most to you.

We have used feedback from residents, elected members and partner agencies to make sure that we communicated with you in a way that you prefer.

Here are some of the ways you can join in the conversation:

Ward meetingsWard meetings give you a chance to meet with your local elected members. These meetings will take place three times a year in each of the 21 wards.

Area eventsEvents will still take place in the district’s seven areas, tailored towards the needs of each community.

District debatesJoin in the district debates twice yearly on current topics affecting you. These events will move around the district so look out for an event near you.

Cabinet question timeTwo meetings of the Council’s Cabinet will be held in different parts of the district each year. After the meetings you’ll have the chance to ask questions to the Council’s key decision makers.

Leader’s Annual State of the District eventHear directly from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Box, about key topics for the Council and ask him your questions.

Scrutiny meetingsOverview and scrutiny meetings are an important part way we make decisions. These are open to the public. For more information visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/councilmeetings

We’ll keep you updated on up-coming events and meetings through your Citizen newspaper. You can also find out more information about the events once they are known atwww.wakefield.gov.uk

We want to improve the way we communicate with you so that we can make sure that the services we provide are effective and meet your needs.

Big cuts to the Council’s budget mean we now have to save even more money over the next two years. We need to save £61m in 2014/15 and 2015/16 as a direct result of Government cuts - providing a major challenge to how we provide services.

As a result some services will change and you may see the quality of these services decline.

We will be talking to you throughout this difficult time because we need your input into how we shape our services with less money than we have ever had before.

We have made savings of £65m in the past three years (£19m in 2011/12, £22m in 2012/13, and £24m in 2013/14), but this is only around a third of what is needed overall.

As part of the budget, we plan to increase Council Tax by 1.99%. The huge savings needed means that Council Tax has to rise. Not increasing it would just mean more cuts to your services.

The number of staff we employ is likely to fall again as jobs move out of the Council as a result of the reorganisation of our services.

Around 1,400 people are expected to leave the Council as a result of these changes.

And more than 1,000 posts have already been lost, taking

£1.5million off the monthly paybill.

We have already taken some very difficult decisions in the past few years, including:

• closing some Neighbourhood Nurseries

• closing Clarke Hall and the Hornsea Centre

• reducing collections of garden waste.

Savings of £23m for 2014/15, previously announced, include:

• £250,000 from schools support

• £10m from Adults, Health,and Communities, including the transformation of adult social care and how these services are commissioned

• £400,000 as a result of the end of the grant to parish councils.

In 2015/16 the proposed savings will impact more directly on service areas, including:

• £20m from adult careas there is a shift towards community based services and self-help, and potential increases in fees and charges

• £5m from services forchildren and young people, half of which will come from reduced spending in early years including fewer children’s centres, the rest coming from services for youth support and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

• £8m as a result of a changein the way bereavement services are organised

• £383,000 as a result ofending sports development activity and disbanding the sports development team

• reducing the maintenance ofparks and open spaces, leaving around one third of park areas across the district in a more unkempt ‘natural state’

• reducing CCTV coverage

• increasing charges for bulky waste collections

• reviewing the visitor centre at Sandal Castle

• transferring the management of Pugneys to commercialise the provision of the service

• £2m from the review of buildings related trading services

• £550,000 from reducing customer services costs.

Although the proposed cuts for adult care and children’s services seem high, spending in these areas makes up around 60% of our budget - so this is unavoidable.

These cuts will mean a significant change in the way our services are delivered to you. Savings are being made right across the Council, reflecting what you told us in last year’s online consultation. And we will be speaking to you again about future changes.

Your changing Council

For information about all Council services go towww.wakefield.gov.uk or call 0845 8 506 506

Next steps for leisure servicesIn February we announced our proposals for the future of the district’s leisure facilities.The proposals gave a detailed review of the leisure facilities that we currently offer and showed options that will help us to provide the best for you in light of increasing financial challenges.

As part of this the go ahead was given for a new pool in the South East. We plan to build a modern, high-quality and fit-for-purpose swimming pool and will be asking people in this part of the district about where the new pool should be. Minsthorpe Pool closed last March after an inspection revealed it needed major repairs, costing well over £1.2m which just isn’t feasible.

We are still looking at the facilities across the rest of the district as part of the leisure review and we will consult specifically on the options within the five towns area and Knottingley.

Over the next few months we will be going into more detail and we would like to hear from you and groups such as schools and sports clubs who may be potentially affected by these changes.

If you would like to be part of the consultation process you can register your details at www.wakefield.gov.uk/leisureconsultationIn the meantime regular updates will be made on Wakefield Council social media accounts, the Council website and local newspapers.

Spring 20149

Spring 20148

We have worked with the White Rose Forest group and more than 500 volunteers to plant 27,000 trees in Ossett and Normanton. Planting events have taken place throughout the year with families, schools and businesses taking part.

These areas were chosen as part of a pilot Carbon Code scheme by the Forestry Commission to create more woodland areas.

Planting the trees will remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which can help protect against climate change and help support local wildlife.

For more information visitwww.wakefield.gov.uk/treeplanting

Rooting for Wakefield

In Wakefield, around half of what is thrown in the waste bin could have been recycled.

Waste that isn’t recycled is sent to landfill which can then produce the harmful greenhouse gas

methane. By recycling we can limit what is sent to landfill, save money, protect the environment and

make the most of our natural resources. If we all do our bit then we can achieve a lot.

Recycle for Wakefield

Myth buster n You don’t have to take labels off jars and bottles.n Bottle tops can be left on glass and plastic bottles. n Lids can be left on jars.n You don’t need to remove windows from envelopes.

Homecomposting

Whether you’re a year-round gardener or simply enjoy potting plants in the summer, home composting is a cost effective way of making

more from your waste. Home composting might seem a little daunting but in reality, the

most difficult part is deciding where to put the composter in your garden. Over time, your home composter will turn your garden

waste into rich compost that you can use to provide nutrients to your plants and improve the quality of your soil.

To produce quality compost you’ll need a 50/50 mix of green waste (fruit and vegetables, grass cuttings, old flowers and

plants, coffee grounds) and brown waste (cardboard, eggshells, leaves, toilet roll tubes).

It then takes around 9-12 months to produce compost so if you start now you’ll have the perfect supply ready for next summer.

If the cost has put you off in the past, you’ll be pleased to hear that we offer low cost compost bins to make it easy for you to get started.

Medium - £14.98220 litres/height 90cm,

diameter 74cm

Large - £19.28330 litres/height 100cm,

diameter 80cm

The bins can be boughtMonday to Friday,8am - 4pm, from:

Newton Bar DepotBradford Road, Wakefield WF1 2TY

Castleford DepotCarr Wood Road, Castleford WF10 4PS

South Kirkby DepotClock Tower Row, Minsthorpe Lane

South Kirkby WF9 3AR

Composters can also be orderedby calling 0845 8 506 506

COMPOST

Find out how you can reduceyour waste and recycle more by:

www.wakefield.gov.uk/recycle

0845 8 506 506

recycling@wakefield.gov.uk

Did youknow?

In one year, a single drink can, could be recycled up to eight

times, saving enough energy to make 160

new cans.

Did youknow?

About 145,000 tonnes of household waste is

produced in thedistrict every year.

Did youknow?

It takes 25 recycled drinks bottles

to make afleece jacket.

Yes please 4newspapers4 magazines and catalogues4 card and cardboard4 junk mail4 phone directories 4 envelopes

No thanks8 plastic bags8 shredded paper8 waxed/greased paper8 juice and milk cartons 8 card with food on it (e.g. pizza boxes)

Paper and cardboard - brown bin

Yes please 4plastic bottles4glass bottles4 drink cans4 food tins4 glass jars4 clean tin foil4 aerosols

No thanks8 window glass8 Pyrex dishes8 plastic food packaging8 glass and plastic items not listed as accepted

Recycling box- green box

Yes please4flowers and plants4 leaves4 grass cuttings4 bark, wood shavings, sawdust4 hedge trimmings and pruning waste4 weeds

No thanks8 soil, turf, compost8 pet waste and cat litter8 food8 bones and eggshells8 vacuum contents and hair8 planks of wood and timber8 large branches8 fruit and vegetables

Garden Waste - brown bin

Recycling is easy when you know how!Cut out and keep our handy recycling guide to make

the most of your waste collection service. It’s estimated that the average household throws away food to the value of £450 each year and families with children up to £700 a year! If that’s not shocking enough, around half of what’s thrown away could actually have been eaten.

There has been a lot in the news recently about the foods that large supermarkets throw away, and it’s a similar picture in our homes. The main offenders are fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and cakes. Things that don’t have a long shelf life and if not stored correctly can go off very quickly.

There’s some simple ways you can reduce the amount of food you waste at home and save a few quid at the same time:

• Only buy what you need - planyour menu and try not to get lured into special offers on perishable items.

• Making soups and casserolesare great ways to use up vegetables and can be frozen once cooked to last even longer.

• Store fruit and vegetables in the fridge to extend their shelf-life.

• Freeze fresh produce you don’t intend to use immediately.

• Over ripe fruit might not be tooappealing to eat but it will still taste great once baked. Turn your left over bananas into delicious banana cake or apple, plums and peaches into a tasty crumble.

If you need some inspiration for how to use up the food in your fridge, the Love Food Hate Waste website has lots of suggestions. You can find the link from our website.

wakefieldparksandcountryside

@MyWakefield #treeplanting

Did youknow?

In 2013, 40%of the district’s waste

was recycled.

Safety checks onmemorial headstones

We want to make sure our cemeteries are safe places for you to visit. This is why we’re rolling out an on-going

programme of safety checks on memorial headstones.

Each one will be tested to make sure it’s not at risk of falling. It is the responsibility of the grave owner, or their next of kin, to

make sure that the memorial headstone is kept in a safe condition, so if yours

fails you’ll be asked to get it repaired.

You can find out more informationabout the memorial safety check

programme online atwww.wakefield.gov.uk/bereavement

or by calling 0845 8 506 506.

Children from HorburyPrimary School planting trees

Win a composterWe’re giving away 20 free composters. Just answer the following question and send to the address below by Friday 4 April for a chance to win one.

How many tonnes of household waste isproduced in the district every year?Name:

Address:

Telephone number:

Entries to be sent to Composter Competition, Room 201, County Hall, Freepost NEA 5394, Wakefield, WF1 2QL. Entries must be received by the closing date Friday 4 April 2014 for a chance to win. Only one entry per person is allowed.

answer

Spring 201410

A West Yorkshire Combined Authority is set to be established from April to oversee an investment of £1.5bn in local transport and economic infrastructure.The Combined Authority will be made up of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield councils and will also include York City Council and the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership as partner members.

Establishing a Combined Authority in this area is a key component of the ‘City Deal’ that was agreed with Government last year. It will give the districts greater control over local decision making and investment and paves the way for the further

devolution of power and resources from Whitehall in the future.

The initial investment will include a ten year £1bn West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund and a £400m Leeds City Region Economic Investment Fund, both of which will accelerate economic growth and create jobs in the district and across West Yorkshire.

The Transport Fund alone is expected to deliver 20,000 jobs in the medium term, boosting the wider ‘Leeds City Region’ economy, which also includes Barnsley and parts of North Yorkshire, by over £1bn a year.

For further information please visit www.awya.gov.uk/combinedauthority

The Wakefield Business Support Programme helps local businesses in the district to create much-needed jobs.It is a partnership between Wakefield Council, RCP 21, South Elmsall Town Council and South Kirkby and Moorthorpe Town Council and is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The programme supports new and established businesses to grow in the Wakefield district and offers a wealth of support including mentoring sessions, enterprise clubs, advice on funding and support with recruitment.

The programme has already supported well over 100 people and businesses and has helped to create over 30 new businesses - that’s 28 new jobs.

One company that has benefitted from the support is Rough Peaks, owned by Christopher East.

Chris was unemployed then set up his online trading business from home in June last year.

The Wakefield Business Support Programme helped Chris relocate his business from home into a unit within the Ferrybridge Workspace, Ferrybridge (one of the Council’s managed workspaces).

Chris said: “The Wakefield Business Support Programme helped me access finance and supported me through the application process all the way, helped me with my business plan and into managed business premises.

“It is good to know that there are business support people with you every step of the way on a new start business venture.”

If your business would like any of the above support please call 01924 306008 or visit www.wakefieldfirst.com/wbsp

Boost your business West YorkshireCombined Authority

Connecting Wakefield

Last month, Westgate Station celebrated its official opening with the Council, East Coast, Network Rail and others. The new £8.8m rail station has been keeping Wakefield connected since the end of December. If you’ve already been to the station you may have seen the new sculpture in front of the main entrance. The artwork was a joint project by the Council, East Coast and local company Beam to celebrate Wakefield as a welcoming and creative city. Artists from the Studio of Cinematic Architecture (SOCA) designed the piece of 13 small-scale metal models of Wakefield’s amazing buildings, including the Town Hall, Cathedral and The Hepworth. The Leader of Wakefield Council, Cllr Peter Box, said: “This artwork complements the new station as a gateway to the city and is an innovative way to introduce people to the art and cultural experience Wakefield has to offer.”

Council Leader Cllr Peter Box andChief Executive Joanne Roney at the official opening of Westgate Station

KirkgateThe restoration of Kirkgate station continues, expected to be completed this autumn. Plans for the proposed new design of the area, including road layout and designs for the new West Yorkshire Archive building went on display in January and we are considering feedback from these events.

Civic QuarterA master plan is being developed for this area, including the road layout and improvements to the local area.

Other city centre improvementsThe Springs refurbishment is now complete. Work is underway at Upper Kirkgate to renew the paving and new planting and green areas are being put in at the Bull Ring.

CastlefordImprovements to Castleford bus station have started, including new pedestrian links between the bus and rail stations.

Three Shop Front Grant schemes have been completed and a number of others have now started to upgrade the front of properties. The scheme offers 50% of funding up to a maximum of £20,000 and is still open for applications. For more information call 01924 306008.

We have provided support to the development of new tourist information facilities at Queen’s Mill, as part of the exciting refurbishment of this historic riverside building by Castleford Heritage Trust.

FeatherstoneThe Green Lane link road is now open, improving access. We have also produced a delivery plan for Featherstone which will provide guidance on regeneration in the town over the next three years.

Pontefract The Pontefract Townscape Heritage Initiative works have started at 39/41 Ropergate to ensure the structural stability of the building.

Plans for the Northern Link Road in Pontefract went on display in January. The new road will help ease traffic congestion in Pontefract, improve transport links and tie in with improvements proposed at junctions on Pontefract Road and Town End and improvements to Monkhill Station. We are also working with Harworth Estates to bring forward housing redevelopment on the former Prince of Wales pit yard.

KnottingleyThe new Dish Hill roundabout is now complete with an order to prevent HGVs from travelling through the centre of Ferrybridge. Further improvements are taking place around Hill Top.

NormantonMetro have allocated £150,000 Local Transport Hub Funding towards improving connectivity to Normanton Railway Station from the town centre and key bus arrival stops.

South KirkbyWorks have started on site at the South Kirkby Business Park for the Council’s new waste facility in partnership with Shanks - due to open spring 2015. Works are also due to start soon for a new fire station to be located at the business park.

To keep up to date with our key regeneration schemes visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/regeneration

And across the district…

Spring 201411

SMOKE INSIDE YOUR HOME AND POISONOUS CHEMICALS LINGER ON EVERYTHING.

EVEN ME.

Poisonous chemicals such as arsenic, cyanide, carbon monoxide and many others linger on everything, including furniture, carpets, bed linen and even your childrens’ toys. These chemicals can linger for weeks after you’ve stubbed your cigarette out.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, TAKE THE SMOKE OUTSIDE

To find out more about second & third hand smoke, or to watch the Smoke Outside video visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/smokefreewakefieldFor help to quit smoking call 01977 465449 or visit wakefieldstopsmoking.co.uk

WAKEFIELD

Over a quarter of people have high blood pressure, often without even realising it.High blood pressure doesn’t always make people feel unwell and can be impossible to spot without a test.

Silent, but dangerousIf left undetected high blood pressure can come with hidden dangers, it causes half of all strokes and 20% of heart attacks.

Take the testIf you’re over 40, drop in for your free confidential blood pressure test.

Look out for our mobile “pressure stations” taking place throughout the district this March, or visit a pharmacy displaying the Blood Pressure Drop-in sign.

Get the test and know instantly whether you’re at risk, high blood pressure can be treated by your GP if detected.

For a full list of mobile pressure stations and dates, or to find out more about blood pressure in general visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/bloodpressuredropin

Blood pressure- know the score

WAITINGAREA

CONSULTATION AREA

Are you Calorie Clever?are you Calorie Clever?

Recommended calories for a man is 2500 and for a woman 2000. Women should aim to eat no more than 2000 calories a day and men no more than 2500. This is just a guide based on 30 minutes of exercise per day. The actual amount of calories that’s right for you will depend on how active you are or whether you’re trying to lose weight.Here’s how you could breakdown your daily calories to ensure you get all that you need:

Using calories as a guide is the easiest way to make healthier food choices and to ensure we’re not eating too much. Too much saturated fat and too much sugar can mean we eat too many calories. Try comparing food labels and choosing the lower fat, lower sugar options.Remember, we don’t all need to eat the same amount of calories and children need fewer than adults.

For more information on being calorie clever visit www.nhs.uk/change4life/Pages/calories.aspx

TIP: Don’t forget to include calories from drinks or alcohol, these are often high in calories

300kcalfor breakfast

600kcalfor lunch

750kcalfor dinner

350kcalfor healthy

snacks and drinks throughout the day

Over time, consuming more calories than we need leads to weight gain and carrying excess weight puts us at greater

risk of serious health problems.

Spring 201412

• Income Support

• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999

• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit, providing you have an annual gross income of not more than £16190 and not in receipt of Working Tax Credit

• Looked after children

Please contact your local Children’s Centre or Wakefield District Families Information Service on 0800 5878042 for further information.

15 hours of Free Early Education for Two Year OldsIf you are claiming one of the following benefits your child could be eligible for up to 15 hours of early education over 38 weeks a year.

Additional criteria starts in September - further details will be available from August.

Every child in the district deserves to receive the highest standard of education possible.

Our ambition is for every child and young person to attend an Ofsted rated good school. That is why we have produced an action plan with our partners which is designed to improve our work with schools which are not yet good. This follows on from disappointing findings from a national report at the start of the year.

Secondary schools in the district are improving rapidly with 66% of 16-year-olds passing five A*-C GCSEs, including English and maths, last summer. This is a 6% increase on performance in 2012 and 6% above the national average.

We are continuing to work with maintained schools and academies to provide support to increase the proportion of children who attend a good or outstanding rated school.

To achieve this, over the last year we have established four focused programmes to improve writing, reading and mathematics at Key Stage 2, improve the proportion of good or better schools, narrow the attainment gap and improve governance.

We are working with all head teachers to create a coherent and co-ordinated school improvements system across the district. We have appointed a partner to work with us, called Navigate. They have spent time talking to schools to explore the work schools are doing themselves

to improve and the barriers and challenges they face sowe have a better understanding of what we need to do to boost performance.

We are determined to continue our schools’ support and improvement programme to ensure that children and young people in Wakefield are given the best start in life that we and our partners can provide.

Our ambition is to develop our school improvement work from the school improvement service to self-improving partnerships. By holding schools accountable for the results they achieve and raising standards in under-performing schools, we can make sure that all children in the district receive the high standard of education they deserve.

Improving our schools We are continuing to work with our local schools to improve their standards and boost performance

New city centre developmentWe are consulting with Wakefield market traders, following an offer from Sovereign Land (Management) Ltd,the owners of the successful Trinity Walk shopping centre, to redevelop the current market hall site. They propose to redevelop the site with a new multi-screen cinema and some shops and restaurants.

This is going through the planning process. The plans would see the outdoor market moving to the Cathedral Precinct and Teall Street in the city centre.We are looking at making a fund available to help market traders who want the opportunity to re-locate to other premises.Views from the consultation will be used by Cabinet to make a decision on the plans in the summer.

Spring 201413

Ward 1Ackworth, North Elmsall & Upton

Cllr Jean Askew (Lab)07803 931520jeanaskew@wakefield gov.uk

Cllr Allan Garbutt (Lab)01977 780742agarbutt@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Martyn Ward (Lab) 01977 644689martynward@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 2 Airedale & Ferry Fryston

Cllr Linda Broom (Lab)01977 550166lbroom@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Yvonne Crewe (Lab)01977 550510ycrewe@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Les Shaw (Lab)07827 283103lesshaw@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 3Altofts & Whitwood

Cllr Peter Box CBE (Lab)01977 514715pbox@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Heather Hudson (Lab)01924 220710 hhudson@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Darran Travis (Lab)01977 519702dtravis@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 4Castleford Central & Glasshoughton

Cllr Richard Forster (Lab)07500 950583rforster@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Denise Jeffery (Lab)01924 368628djeffery@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Tony Wallis (Lab)01977 731651awallis@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 5Crofton, Ryhill & Walton

Cllr Maureen Cummings (Lab) 01924 363165mcummings@wakefield. gov.uk

Cllr Faith Heptinstall (Lab) 01226 725183fheptinstall@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Albert Manifield (Lab)01226 726219amanifield@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 6Featherstone

Cllr June Cliffe MBE (Lab) 01924 862018jcliffe@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Graham Isherwood (Lab) 01977 602172gisherwood@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Dick Taylor (Lab)01977 796188dicktaylor@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 7Hemsworth

Cllr Shaun Hodson (Lab) 01977 644672shodson@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Glyn Lloyd (Lab)01977 618193glynlloyd@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Sandra Pickin (Lab)07821 227340spickin@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 8Horbury & South Ossett

Cllr Jack Hemingway (Lab) 07933 183684jackhemingway@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Rory Bickerton (Lab)07540 240774rorybickerton@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Janet Holmes (Lab)01924 380490jholmes@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 9Knottingley

Cllr Glenn Burton (Lab)01977 678895gburton@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Harry Ellis (Lab)01977 672027hellis@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Graham Stokes (Lab)01977 675110gstokes@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 10Normanton

Cllr Elaine Blezard (Lab)01924 894581eblezard@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr David Dagger (Lab)07901 990736 ddagger@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Alan Wassell (Lab)07760 182798alanwassell@wakefield.gov.uk

Your local councillors are active on your behalf, holding surgeries where you can meet to discuss your own issues, attending meetings to get the best they can for everyone in the district.

We have 63 councillors, representing and serving more than 315,000 people in the district, listening to your views and acting on your concerns.

To find your councillor, please see this list or visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/councillors

Ward 11Ossett

Cllr Ian Bunney (Con)01924 265753ibunney@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Tony Richardson (Lab) 07897 516565tonyrichardson@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Angela Taylor (Con) 01924 270729actaylor@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 12Pontefract North

Cllr Pat Garbutt (Lab)01977 780742pgarbutt@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Paula Sherriff (Lab)01977 550365 / 07944 444023psherriff@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Clive Tennant (Lab)01977 708461clivetennant@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 13Pontefract South

Cllr Tony Dean (Lab) 07929 929825tonydean@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Celia Loughran (Lab) 07565 227628cloughran@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Geoff Walsh (Con)07973 747342gwalsh@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 14South Elmsall & South Kirkby

Cllr Michelle Collins (Lab) 07525 327945michellecollins@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Laurie Harrison (Lab)01977 642343lharrison@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Steve Tulley (Lab) 01977 608263 / 07725 745136stulley@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 15Stanley & Outwood East

Cllr Clive Hudson (Lab)01924 220710chudson@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Matthew Morley (Lab)07719 904085mmorley@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Jacqui Williams (Lab)01924 278007jacquelinewilliams@wakefield. gov.uk

Ward 16Wakefield East

Cllr Ron Halliday (Lab)01924 211469rhalliday@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Ros Lund (Lab)01924 826696rlund@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Olivia Rowley (Lab)01924 360871orowley@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 17Wakefield North

Cllr Tracey Austin (Lab)07887 594707taustin@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Margaret Isherwood (Lab)01977 602172margaretisherwood@ wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Elizabeth Rhodes (Lab)01924 377973brhodes@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 18Wakefield Rural

Cllr June Drysdale (Con)07885 269754jdrysdale@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Lawrence Kirkpatrick (Lab)07917 422561lkirkpatrick@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Ian Sanders (Con) 07762 835149isanders@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 19Wakefield South

Cllr Nadeem Ahmed (Con)07736 844085cllrnahmed@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Monica Graham (Con)01924 258214mgraham@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr David Hopkins (Con)01924 257698dhopkins@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 20Wakefield West

Cllr Hilary Mitchell (Lab)01924 386514 / 07810 010430hilarymitchell@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Bill Sanders (Con)01924 365003wsanders@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr John Stone (Con)01924 369376johnstone@wakefield.gov.uk

Ward 21Wrenthorpe & Outwood West

Cllr Martyn Johnson (Lab)01924 781602martynjohnson@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Charlie Keith (Lab) 01924 299699ckeith@wakefield.gov.uk

Cllr Betty Liles (Con)01924 370740bliles@wakefield.gov.uk

Contactyour

Councillor

Through this feature we celebrate the achievements of women who have made a difference to their own lives and in our local communities. In the past editions of The Citizen we have seen examples of women from all over this district aiming high, grabbing life’s opportunities and doing non-traditional jobs.

One of these is Amy Garcia (pictured).

Wakefield born and bred, Amy is now a familiar household name since she joined BBC Look North at the end of last year.

Amy grew up in Wakefield and attended Kettlethorpe High School and Wakefield College before moving to London for her first job in children’s TV. She has also worked for

CBBC, CITV, the Disney channel and Sky.

Amy has now moved back to her native Yorkshire to front one of the region’s key news programmes.

“I worked in the television industry for 10 years before going

to university to study for a Masters in TV Journalism,” said Amy.

“Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and take a step back before you can move forward. I started

at the bottom again and worked my way up. Believe in yourself and focus on what you want

to achieve. It certainly worked for me.”

Amy is a high-profile reminder of what hard work and determination can achieve.

If you are a woman of the district with an inspirational story to tell, we’d like to hear it. Please let us know by emailing thecitizen@wakefield.gov.uk

Council Contact Centre (24 hrs) 0845 8 506 506 www.wakefield.gov.uk/councilcontacts

Wasps, bees and pest problems 0845 8 506 506

Social Care Direct (24 hrs) 0845 8 503 503 www.wakefield.gov.uk/scd

Council Tax 0844 902 0205 www.wakefield.gov.uk/CouncilTax

Business Rates 01977 727121 www.wakefield.gov.uk/BusinessRates

Housing & Council Tax benefit 0845 8 504 504 www.wakefield.gov.uk/benefits

Wakefield & District Housing (24 hrs) 0845 8 507 507 www.wdh.co.uk

West Yorkshire Police (24 hrs) 101

Automated Council payments (24 hrs) 0845 603 1539 www.wakefield.gov.uk

Street Lighting 0800 783 1654 wakefieldstreetlighting.amey.co.uk

Wakefield Together (Wakefield District Partnership) 01924 305120 www.wakefieldtogether.org.uk

Wakefield District Families’ Information Service 0800 587 8042 www.wakefieldfis.org.uk

NHS Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) 0800 0525 270

Contact the Council

Join the conversationLike us on Facebook

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Wakefield Council

Follow us on Twitter

@MyWakefield

Women of the district Tell us whatyou think

We always welcome feedback on The Citizen so you can email us at thecitizen@wakefield.gov.uk, contact us on Twitter or Facebook or write to us at:The Citizen, Communications, Room 202, County Hall, Freepost NEA 5394,Wakefield,WF1 2QL.

Spring 201414

Sign up with Wakefield Adult EducationYou too can make a change like Marie. Courses start every month - it’s never too late to learn!Centres across the district run both day and evening courses - maybe try a new hobby or take a course to improve your job prospects. For many people looking for work there won’t be a cost, so just ask us for help.Try construction, beauty, cake decorating, maths, cookery, first aid, learn Italian, start using computers and much more. We offer free level 2 apprenticeship training to those working in customer service, health and social care and those employed as teaching assistants.

Sign up for Adult Education

Just give us a ring on 01924 303302 or email ACES@wakefield.gov.uk

Find us on FacebookScan this code with your smartphone

www.facebook.com/wakefieldadulteducation

When her son turned one year old, Marie started to think more about her

future and what she wanted from it. Marie decided to make a change to help boost her career prospects but

she knew that she needed her English GCSE to open up opportunities. “I enrolled on an English Level 1

course which I passed and went on to study Level 2, which I enjoyed and

passed first time,” said Marie. It was on this course that Marie’s tutor told her that the Manygates Education Centre was opening a

beauty salon for training. “I went for a look around and enrolled

on the Level 2 course there and it was one of the best years of my life.

My confidence grew along with my goals and the determination to better

myself, my future and my children’s future.”

“I loved every minute of my course with great colleagues and a fantastic

tutor - I then decided that this was the career for me.”

Make a change coursesmay be

freeplease ask

Enter our competition to win a course for you and a friend up to the value of £500 each. Enter at www.wakefield.gov.uk/adulteducation

Save Energy, Save Money

Help to reduce your fuel bills by installing energy saving measures into your home.

Wakefield Council Home Energy Team is setting up a new scheme to enable householders to have measures installed by the Council approved contractor and is taking names and addresses of households who are interested.

Private households who own or rent their home from a private landlord may apply.

Don’t miss out when the scheme is launched in April - enquire today to be added to the waiting list.

Contact 08449 020 222 or email eat@wakefield.gov.ukAll interested parties will be contacted when the scheme is up and running and will also receive a copy of WHET the Energy Team Newsletter.

Although some people may qualify for free measures, and some may receive a discount, this won’t apply for everyone.

Our Scheme may include:

• Cavity wall and loft insulation • Cavity wall insulation for narrow cavities • Gas heating repairs • Central heating systems• Gas heating replacement boilers

Spring 201415

Wakefield Road Safety and School Crossing Patrol TeamPost Ref 217626

The Service is currently responsible for approximately 90 school crossing sites across the district, safely crossing thousands of adults and children every year.

We have vacancies for School Crossing Patrols and Mobile Relief School Crossing Patrols. Uniform and training will be provided free of charge and the current rate of pay is £6.69 per hour, plus shift allowance.

To view current vacancies, please visit the School Crossings website at www.wakefield.gov.uk/crossing or call 01924 305721/01924 306000.

Kingswood Catering & CleaningAll Areas of Wakefield District

Casual Catering AssistantsVariable Hours - at lunchtime £6.69 per hour term time onlyPost Ref 217600

Casual Cleaning AssistantsVariable Hours£6.35 per hour - early morning up to 8.30am or late afternoon after 3.15pmPost Ref 217601

We need relief staff to provide cover in case of illness, sometimes at very short notice. Applicants may apply for both posts if the hours required are suitable. Please quote both reference numbers on applications.

No previous experience is required as full training will be provided. These posts usually lead to permanent employment with all the benefits this entails.

For further information, please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/jobs or call 0845 8506506 (type talk calls welcome).

Successful applicants for all these jobs will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.

… and get involved in the year of cycling

With just months to go until the Tour de France’s Grand Depart in West Yorkshire, now is the time to get kitted out for a summer of cycling.Wakefield Cycles, on 37-39 Westgate in Wakefield city centre, is just the place to find all styles, makes and models of bikes, and all the accessories you will need, whether you want to race or just cycle for fun.

Opened in 2003, the store has built up an excellent reputation for its quality of service. There is a range of bikes for all the family and the store offers services ranging from bolt tightening to full bike restorations.To help get your summer of cycling off to a flying start, Wakefield Cycles is offering one lucky winner £250 to spend in store on anything they choose.

Entries must be received by the closing date of Wednesday 30 April. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Only one entry per person is allowed. We will only use your personal details for the purpose of running the competition. The details provided by you will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and will not be shared with third parties. We may contact you in connection with the competition, i.e. if you are a winner.

To enter, just answer the following question, complete the form and return it to the address below by Wednesday 30 April.

When did Wakefield Cycles open? a) 2001 b) 2002 c) 2003Answer

Name

Address

Postcode

Daytime telephone number

Email address

Please return completed forms to:The Citizen Competition, Room 202, County Hall, Freepost NEA5394, Wakefield WF1 2QL

Win

£250in

vouchers

Wakefield Cycles inc GTP Cycles Telephone: 01924 367070 www.wakefieldcycles.co.uk

Spring 201416

The Citizen is the newspaper of the City of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, edited and designed by the Council’s Communications Team and printed by Cumbrian Newsprint. This newspaper is produced from sustainable resources and is the product of managed forests.

A new look for Sandal CastleVisitors to Sandal Castle will notice some recent improvements.New look information signs tell the history of the site, including artist’s impressions of how the castle would have looked as well as some of the other items that would have been in the castle. The drawings are based on evidence found in excavations at Sandal in the 60s.

Visitors can discover interesting facts about the castle including which part was used for practising alchemy and which part was refurbished upon orders from King Richard III.

The signs were funded by a grant from the George Hyde Legacy, administered by English Heritage. The fund has also paid for all of the

paths around the site to be re-laid, improving accessibility for visitors with disabilities and those with buggies.

Last year the legacy paid for the installation of steps into the moats and for urgent conservation work to the Great Hall and other parts of the monument.

Friends groupsInterested in supporting our castles or helping out at events? Get in touch with our Friends groups through the castle visitor centres or email pontecastle@btinternet.com for the Pontefract friends, orcastles@wakefield.gov.uk for the Sandal friends.

Easter Fun Polish style, Sandal CastleWed 16 April, 10.30am -12pm & 1pm - 2.30pm, for ages 5-12.

Discover how Easter is celebrated the Polish way and decorate pisanki Easter eggs. Workshops are free but booking essential by calling 01924 302700.

Easter Egg Trail, Pontefract CastleThurs 17 April, between 10am & 2pm, all welcome.

Free event includes Easter crafts. No booking necessary.

Shakespeare Day, Pontefract CastleWed 23 April, 10.30am -12pm & 1pm - 2.30pm, ages 5-12.

Celebrate the date of Shakespeare’s birth and discover the Bard’s connections with Pontefract Castle. Free events but booking is essential on 01924 302700.

Smelly, Sandal CastleFri 25 April, 10.30am -12pm & 1pm - 2.30pm, ages 5-12.

Make a host of medieval style smellies including pomander beads, soap and lavender bags. Free but booking essential on 01924 302700.

The King is Coming, Pontefract CastleWed 28 May, 10.30am -12pm & 1pm - 2.30pm, ages 5-12.

Prepare for the arrival of Henry VIII at Pontefract Castle, there’s lots to be done. Free but booking essential on 01924 302700.

Sandal Castle Tapestry, Sandal CastleFri 30 May, Drop-in between 10am & 2pm, all welcome.

The Bayeux tapestry tells the story leading up to the Battle of Hastings. Come and help make a Sandal Castle tapestry inspired by this great work. Free - no need to book.

Holiday activities