Sandyford and Goldenhill

Councillor Candidates (Goldenhill & Sandyford Ward) “What did they have to say”

Councillor Candidates were invited to the Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents Public Annual General Meeting at Goldenhill Community Centre on Thursday 14^th April.

The meeting attracted one hundred and eighteen residents and guests on the night and the following extracts have been taken from their reports. Two of the councillor candidates were unable to attend and S.A.G.E. decided to read out a report from the Lib Dem candidate due to him being away on holiday and for Joy Garner to read out Martin’s report for Labour due to him being unwell and later finding out that he was admitted to hospital.

Dr Matthew Wyman – Lib Dem

Regarding local issues, I firmly believe that the Lib Dem approach is the right one for Stoke-on-Trent. We believe that decisions should be taken at the lowest possible level, so that people are able to influence the issues that affect their daily lives, rather than decisions being made for them by others. In an era of spending cuts, local people need more influence in deciding which services are indispensable, what the priorities are for their area, and how our community can ensure a clean environment, safe streets, good schools for all our kids, decent health care and economic regeneration to provide all of us with good life chances. We don’t believe that this can be done to people by elected politicians, we believe that communities need to be empowered to take responsibility for building their own futures. The role of a local councillor is to assist this in every possible way.

Martin Garner – Labour

Mrs Garner explained in more detail the reasons for Martin being absent from the meeting and thanked both the Chairman and Secretary of S.A.G.E. for allowing her to talk about Martin’s campaign.

Joy reported that Martin is aged forty-two and lives in Tunstall. Mrs Garner went onto say that Martin has done a lot of community work in the area and has been a governor in local schools as well as working with a number of local residents associations.

Mrs Garner explained, recently Martin has worked at Kidsgrove Job Centre and is familiar with the Sandyford and Goldenhill area. Joy reported that Martin has been delivering questionnaires to local residents and on occasion, some local people can recall knowing some of his family who used to live in the area.

Mrs Garner informed the meeting that if Martin is elected then he would work with S.A.G.E. and others as well as being in a position to work with Joan Walley M.P.

Joy went onto say that Martin is hoping to be well soon and then he will be in a position to come and see the people of Goldenhill and Sandyford.

Mrs Garner concluded by saying that if anyone has any questions for Martin that they could speak to her at the end of the meeting so she could give them to Martin for him to answer.

Councillor Megan Ryan – Independent

Councillor Megan Ryan introduced herself to the residents of Sandyford and Goldenhill and said that she has enjoyed working with everyone in the area.

The councillor reminded residents that the City Council closed Goldenhill Golf Course 06.01.11 (no rent paid). Councillor Ryan went onto say Jack Barker has six months until 16.07.11 to come back and put the golf course right. Megan Ryan added that the City Council would maintain the site in the meantime and there are two golfing organisations interested in taking the land over. The councillor advised residents that there is no talk of putting houses onto the golf course.

Megan Ryan said she has enjoyed working in the area and what a nice bunch of people everyone is.

Councillor Ryan informed residents (after action group confidentiality was wavered at the meeting) that she is working with the Swimming Association to keep Tunstall Pool open.

Craig Pond – England First

Craig Pond asked the residents of Sandyford and Goldenhill to vote for him so he could be their next councillor. Craig went onto say things that happen in the area are important and that is why we need the facts and figures.

Mr Pond said we need to have the big things right in our city first and then it comes down to us the people e.g. jobs “you can’t build a future for workers earning five pound an hour”.

Craig Pond informed the meeting that Pervez, Labour Council Leader decides what cuts are made, residential homes, baths etc.

Mr Pond asked residents, if they were happy with how the City Council was running things.

A resident asked Craig Pond who and what do you stand for. Mr Pond replied by saying the England First Party and was then cut short by someone mentioning comments that he made about gypsies on the “My Tunstall” website.

A gypsy resident said that her son aged fourteen has been hit and threatened by yobs.

Craig Pond reported that he would stand behind anybody who is law abiding. Mr Pond went onto say that he would meet up with the family later to discuss the issue further.

Dave Sutton – Non Aligned

Councillor Dave Sutton introduced himself to the residents of Sandyford and Goldenhill. Dave Sutton informed residents that he was a sitting councillor in another part of the city but he would like to stand in the Goldenhill and Sandyford Ward.

Mr Sutton reminded residents that he stood in the Tunstall Ward for four years as a Labour and Independent Councillor.

Dave Sutton said he is a community councillor and has helped to keep the Goldenhill Community Hall/Centre open to which he is now the Chairman of the committee.

Dave asked residents to vote for him on May 5^th “he is a good councillor” and said that his campaign leaflets would be going out on Monday.

Councillor Dave Sutton referred to the “My Tunstall” website and said you can see for yourself what Craig Pond says on it. Strong comments between Dave Sutton and Craig Pond were exchanged at the meeting.

For more local election updates go to http://mytunstall.co.uk/stoke-on-trent/election/may2011

Hundreds of Pounds Worth of Car Damage

In the early hours of Saturday morning, 23.04.11 local residents woke up to having door mirror damage to their cars.

It appears that six vehicles were affected in the Sandy Road and Russell Road area of Sandyford.

One resident who has contacted Staffordshire Police has estimated the cost to replace the door mirror to her car to be around £400.

Again, it appears to be a small minority of individuals who are making residents lives a misery with their antisocial activities.

At the Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents Association Public Annual General Meeting held on the 14.04.11 it was reported that local youths are encouraging others from Chell and as far away as Meir to join them in their plight to upset as many people as they can in the area.

The following statement has been forwarded to the S.A.G.E. website from a very concerned resident and she is encouraging others to step forward and do the same.

At 5am this morning Saturday 23rd April I was woken by noise, I went to investigate and did not see anything, I later found that my door mirror to my car and several others in the street had been damaged, I am waiting for a visit from the Police and I would like everyone to report any damage to the Police, as the vandals were seen. This is to ensure the Police have all the information needed to deal with these people.

To report any antisocial activity in your area, contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455.

Rescheduled Royal Visit to Officially Open Sandyford Community Fire Station

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex is to officially open Sandyford Community Fire Station.

The rescheduled date of the Royal Visit is to take place on the afternoon of Tuesday 3^rd May.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and residents of Sandyford and Goldenhill are looking forward to this very special day.

Residents I am sure will be seeing the special event as a very good distraction prior to them going to vote in the council local elections on May 5^th.

For more information on Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and other Royal’s then go to the website at www.royal.gov.uk

Songs from the Movies

Pupils from the Maxine Garner Singing Academy would like to invite you to

Songs from the Movies

at Sandyford Community Fire Station 23rd May at 6.30 p.m.

Admission Free

Seats are limited – please phone 01785 898734 to make your reservation

Election Fever “Goldenhill & Sandyford”

Martin Garner, Goldenhill & Sandyford Ward Councillor Candidate for the Labour Party has reported the following to the S.A.G.E. website.

He says he will be busy campaigning in the area between now and 5th May. If anyone would like to get in touch with him then they can do so on 01782 768846 or by emailing him at martin.j.garner@ntlworld.com

He is also expecting to have Joan Walley MP out with him in the area at various points.

He goes onto say that he looks forward to meeting as many residents as possible over the next few weeks.

Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents Association welcome comments from any Councillor Candidate standing for election in the Goldenhill & Sandyford Ward.

Please note that Councillor Candidates will be attending the S.A.G.E. Public Annual General Meeting on Thursday 14^th April at 7.30 p.m. Goldenhill Community Hall/Centre, High Street, Goldenhill.

Other candidates standing for election.

Craig Arthur Pond, England First

Megan Ryan, Independent

David Sutton, not declared

Matthew Douglas Wyman, Liberal Democrat

School Days in 1950s Goldenhill

David Wood takes us through a history lesson of what it was like to be a pupil in 1950s Goldenhill.

David says in his own words, My education began in 1950 when I was 4 years old.
It was the nursery class in Heathside Lane and the building is still standing.
At that time the lane was always referred to as Hodgefields, it was only later that they poshed it up with the Heathside name.
The old British Legion stood opposite the school gates, the building if my memory serves me well was a nissan hut type structure.
The nursery class teacher was Mrs Clarke and there was always a big roaring fire in the fireplace.
The next teacher was Mrs Chadwick, quite a stern lady who ruled with a firm voice.
After that came Miss Cooper’s class, she was a very nice teacher and I think that she was the one who organised the concerts.
The top class was the domain of Miss Clarke, a very tiny lady who took no prisoners with unruly boys, I found this out quite soon.
It was in this class that I remember being told to go straight to the classroom and wait, rather than stay in the hall for assembly.
After a short while we were told to go into the hall and the headmistress, Mrs Bailey announced to the school that the King had died, that was 1952.
We then sang God Save The Queen.

To continue reading the article, go to the forum tab and click on local memories “School Days in 1950s Goldenhill”

Voting for your next Councillor

It has been announced today who will be standing to be our next councillor in the Goldenhill & Sandyford Ward local elections being held on the 5^th May.

The following candidates are standing for election.

Martin Garner, Labour Party

Craig Arthur Pond, England First

Megan Ryan, Independent

David Sutton, not declared

Matthew Douglas Wyman, Liberal Democrat

Remember you will have the opportunity to listen to what each of the candidates has to say at the S.A.G.E. Public Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 14^th April at 7.30 p.m. Goldenhill Community Centre.

As a resident in the ward, you have the opportunity to ask candidates questions at the Public Meeting in relation to them standing to be your next councillor.

For more information on who will be standing for election in the rest of Stoke on Trent then follow the link http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Elections-2011-Stoke-Trent-City-Council-candidate-list/article-3410464-detail/article.html

Who will be your next Councillor “it’s your choice”

When you cast your vote in the May 5^th election for the new Goldenhill and Sandyford Councillor, the person who is elected will be in office representing the ward for the next four years.

It appears even though candidates have not yet been published that you will still have a minimum of four people standing.

S.A.G.E. is aware of the following people putting up for election in the Goldenhill & Sandyford Ward and they are

Megan Ryan, Conservative & Independent Alliance

Dave Sutton, Lib Dem

Martin Garner, Labour

Craig Pond, England First Party

As a resident of the Goldenhill and Sandyford Ward, you will have the opportunity to listen to what each of the candidates has to say at the S.A.G.E. Public Annual General Meeting on Thursday 14^th April at 7.30 p.m. Goldenhill Community Centre.

Remember as a resident you have the opportunity to ask candidates questions at the Public Meeting in relation to them standing to be your next councillor.

To view the new Goldenhill and Sandyford Ward, follow the link http://www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/cms-service/stream/asset/?asset_id=2370953

Police “Action”

Staffordshire Police are saying they are dealing with residents complaints against reports of antisocial behaviour in the Sandyford area.

Additional PCSO’s were drafted into the Ridge Road area of Sandyford on Thursday and Friday of this week to give support to local residents.

Police have informed S.A.G.E. that they are aware of the situation in regards to people being intimidated and threatened by small pockets of youths who are hanging around the area.

Yesterday evening, Friday 25.03.11 police were addressing antisocial activities in Ridge Road by visiting properties where known individuals live in an attempt to stamp it out.

Sergeant Marcus Ferns, P.C. Glyn Talbot & PCSO Michael Frost are encouraging residents throughout the Sandyford & Goldenhill area to come forward and report all antisocial behaviour incidents to them.

To visit Staffordshire Police website then follow the link www.staffordshire.police.uk/ or to view crime statistics go to www.staffordshire.police.uk/crimemapping/

Antisocial Behaviour “The Worst it’s been in 20 Years”

A Sandyford resident has made the following comments to the S.A.G.E. website of what is happening in and around the Ridge Road Estate.

The lady says, there is still an ongoing problem in the area with certain youths shouting/gesturing local residents, and when a young girl of 10 year’s of age has two fingers gestured at her, then I think something needs to be done, the size of the “gang” is growing counting approx 8 persons patrolling the street today, this can be very intimidating to the elderly or young and I feel if something is not done then all the decent people will leave and we all know what types will move in. The Police were contacted today and there response was that they need an order from the Council to breakup “gangs” of youths hanging around the streets, although they did attend but no-one was there. Just what, as residents do we have to put up with before something is done to put an end to this matter. I have lived in this area for approx 20 years now and this is the worst i have seen.

Upon S.A.G.E. contacting Tunstall Police, it was reported they are aware of the ongoing situation of antisocial behaviour and have agreed to make regular high visibility police visits to the area over the next four days.

The police further commented that they are hoping a high presence of officers patrolling the area will show support to local residents who are having to put up with high levels of antisocial activities.

Sandyford & Goldenhill Residents Association is advising all residents to report any kind of antisocial behaviour to the police and to let S.A.G.E. know how it is affecting them through the website.