Posts

Posted on

New opportunities for children with special educational needs

Source: City of Portsmouth

A new inclusion centre has opened at Arundel Court Primary Academy. The provision will support twenty-four primary aged children who have difficulties with learning and cognition.

The inclusion centre is situated in the grounds of Arundel Court Primary Academy but will be available for children across the city.

Pupils using the inclusion centre will have most of their lessons there, in small teaching groups, and will access a curriculum appropriate for their stage of development.

The council’s in-house architect and design team worked closely with the academy to ensure all building elements were suitable for the needs of the staff and children. Using their expertise and knowledge, the centre includes three classrooms with built in storage, group therapy and sensory rooms as well as facilities for specialist teaching staff and visiting professionals.

There will also be opportunities to join in lessons and activities in the main school building and make use of school facilities, which will be needs-led for individual children.

Like the other inclusion centres in Portsmouth, this setting is for children with more complex and long-term needs. Children will have an Education, Health and Care Plan in place and there is a set of criteria to make sure that places are allocated fairly and according to need.

Cllr Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children Families and Education said: “The inclusion centre will create new opportunities and increase capacity for young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Portsmouth. This furthers our work and commitment to needs led provision for all children in the city. I am delighted to attend the opening today and see the brilliant facilities. ”

Ruth Worswick, Headteacher of Arundel Court Primary Academy said: “Arundel Court has always been a truly inclusive school.  Providing a nurturing and enriching education for our most vulnerable children is at the heart of what we do.  The Nest is a wonderful addition to our school and we are delighted with our new building and at being able to welcome new families from across the city. “

Posted on

Derry’s Ebrington Square to light up for Halloween

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Derry’s Ebrington Square to light up for Halloween

20 October 2023

Derry’s historic Ebrington Square will be transformed into a magical arena of fire and shadow next week, as it hosts ‘Rise – Ring of Fire’ as part of this year’s Derry Halloween programme.

It was confirmed today by Derry City and Strabane District Council that £25,000 of funding support has been allocated by The Executive Office.

Renowned performance group Luxe are set to deliver the stunning spectacle overlooking the River Foyle for three nights from Saturday October 28th – Monday October 30th. The show is an addition to the wider Awakening the Walled City Trail which runs over the three nights from 6pm – 9pm throughout the city centre.

Making the announcement today, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, said she was delighted at the news.

“Halloween is our most internationally acclaimed festival, and it’s hugely important for the profile of the wider region as well as the local economy. We rely on a wide range of partners to ensure the quality of the event meets international standards, and I want to thank The Executive Office for their support in delivering this additional highlight which will really enhance the Halloween experience for our visitors.

“Ebrington is an iconic site which commands fabulous views over the Foyle, making it the perfect backdrop for a breathtaking night time performance, I am really looking forward to seeing what they bring to the festival.”

The Ebrington installation will create a world illuminated by inflatable Babel Towers, fire installations and a fiery procession of elegant illuminated processional sculptures brought to life by the company of international performers, which will light up the historic parade ground.

Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have The Executive Office on board once again for this year’s Halloween festivities. Last year the Ebrington Elemental installation was one of the real highlights of our celebration and I know this year it will be just as spectacular. Luxe always bring some extra drama and ambience to the festivities, so we are thrilled to be able to announce that they will be bringing their carnival magic to the Awakening the Walled City Trail once again.”

Joan O’Hara, Director of Urban Villages and Infrastructure at The Executive Office, commented: “The city is renowned for its Halloween celebrations and the Department has supported this for a number of years. We are delighted that working in partnership with Council, we can again offer support which will see Ebrington play a part in the festivities.

“Ebrington Square is a shared space and animating the Square throughout the year with a range of events and activity, provided by charities, local people as well as larger scale event promoters, will be important as we look to develop the site for the years ahead.  We will be consulting on this in the coming weeks and we look forward to developing a vibrant programme of animation and events on Ebrington Square which benefits local people, tenants and the city.”

Derry Halloween is being delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council, with support from Tourism Northern Ireland, BT and The Executive Office.

Find out more about the full Derry Halloween programme at derryhalloween.com

Posted on

Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, writes for Westminster Extra | Westminster City Council

Source:

Councillor Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, writes for Westminster Extra

The unfolding tragedy in the Middle East is an incredibly challenging situation – both in the region and in the rest of the world as the repercussions of the conflict play out. As home to many diverse communities, Westminster is feeling the impact. We understand the depth of feeling and hurt that events have caused among some residents. People living here may have friends and relatives in the war zone; they may simply feel angered and traumatised by what they are seeing.

Our role at the Council is reassurance; to support residents through frightening and uncertain times. In recent days I have visited synagogues, mosques and community organisations along with fellow councillors and senior officers. Faith and local community leaders are uniquely positioned to help with our message – that nobody should be anxious about where they walk or where they worship. Antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in Westminster, although reports of both have spiked in recent days. We talked to police commanders about providing additional support around buildings where there is particular concern.

The West End is the location for many demonstrations throughout the year, and our role as local authority is to support and assist the work of the police, who manage routes and operations, to see they go ahead peaceably. At Westminster City Council our focus is clear – to ensure the right to protest is safeguarded, but to support communities on their routes and to support the police in preventing disorder, intimidation or incitement.

The Council’s focus will continue to be supporting local people in any way we can, either through networks of community organisations or individually.  The Westminster Faith Exchange – drawing together faith leaders – is proving an invaluable way of talking to and hearing the concerns of our communities.

It is horribly clear from the pictures and reports that a major humanitarian disaster is descending on Gaza and surrounding areas. The Council is promoting support for the Disasters Emergency Committee Charities, for example the British Red Cross’ Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal, as the need for basic supplies becomes acute.

It is clear this conflict will continue for weeks or even months, evolving in ways we can’t predict. But however long it lasts, we will keep reaching out to those communities in Westminster impacted by the conflict.

  • This article first appeared in the Westminster Extra
Posted on

Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, on the tragedy in the Middle East | Westminster City Council

Source:

Councillor Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, writes for Westminster Extra

The unfolding tragedy in the Middle East is an incredibly challenging situation – both in the region and in the rest of the world as the repercussions of the conflict play out. As home to many diverse communities, Westminster is feeling the impact. We understand the depth of feeling and hurt that events have caused among some residents. People living here may have friends and relatives in the war zone; they may simply feel angered and traumatised by what they are seeing.

Our role at the Council is reassurance; to support residents through frightening and uncertain times. In recent days I have visited synagogues, mosques and community organisations along with fellow councillors and senior officers. Faith and local community leaders are uniquely positioned to help with our message – that nobody should be anxious about where they walk or where they worship. Antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in Westminster, although reports of both have spiked in recent days. We talked to police commanders about providing additional support around buildings where there is particular concern.

The West End is the location for many demonstrations throughout the year, and our role as local authority is to support and assist the work of the police, who manage routes and operations, to see they go ahead peaceably. At Westminster City Council our focus is clear – to ensure the right to protest is safeguarded, but to support communities on their routes and to support the police in preventing disorder, intimidation or incitement.

The Council’s focus will continue to be supporting local people in any way we can, either through networks of community organisations or individually.  The Westminster Faith Exchange – drawing together faith leaders – is proving an invaluable way of talking to and hearing the concerns of our communities.

It is horribly clear from the pictures and reports that a major humanitarian disaster is descending on Gaza and surrounding areas. The Council is promoting support for the Disasters Emergency Committee Charities, for example the British Red Cross’ Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal, as the need for basic supplies becomes acute.

It is clear this conflict will continue for weeks or even months, evolving in ways we can’t predict. But however long it lasts, we will keep reaching out to those communities in Westminster impacted by the conflict.

  • This article first appeared in the Westminster Extra
Posted on

Safer Crossings Ahead: Second Tiger Crossing in Portsmouth

Source: City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council’s work to continue creating better cycle routes and crossing locations for people walking is set to see the start of the next phase of work with the creation of another tiger crossing.

Work will start on Victoria Road North on 23 October with the removal of the pedestrian crossing island near to the Jami mosque, and all the work in this location will take approximately five weeks to complete. People on foot will still be able to cross while the work takes place, by following a signed pedestrian route.

This initiative follows the recent improvements to the cycling route along Goldsmith Avenue, and the forthcoming creation of a new crossing near Lidl. Following the completion of these phases, the next area earmarked for improvements will extend from the western end of Bradford Road to the junction where Rivers Street converges with the Somerstown Community Hub.

People travelling through the area are encouraged to plan their journey during the road works. Signs will be prominently displayed on street with road work information. The majority of roadworks will occur during daytime hours between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. An overnight road closure of Victoria Road North, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, is scheduled for , with diversions in place to ensure minimal disruption.

Cllr Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The continued work to enhance the cycling and pedestrian route from Milton to the city centre is an essential part of our commitment to make Portsmouth safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. While we understand that the roadworks may present some temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits they offer our city, and future generations, are undeniable.”

For more information about the East West Corridor project, please visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/east-west-corridor

Posted on

An update on the Tadcaster Road scheme Published Thursday, 19 October 2023 City of York Council is holding a series of drop-in sessions to provide an update on the Tadcaster Road scheme, as well as writing to residents and businesses in the area.

Source: City of York

City of York Council is holding a series of drop-in sessions to provide an update on the Tadcaster Road scheme, as well as writing to residents and businesses in the area.

We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and support during the construction phase. We appreciate that any roadworks can be disruptive, and we want to reassure everyone that the council and contractors are doing everything reasonably possible to keep any disruption to a minimum.

However, there have been a number of challenges faced by the construction team, and these have been difficult to control. These include archaeological excavations requiring teams to hand dig on-site, navigating uncharted utility mains services and preserving and working around tree roots, which have all required significantly more time and cost.

Therefore, construction of the Tadcaster Road scheme which started at the beginning of January 2023 is now due for completion by the end of February 2024.

Work has progressed well in a number of areas such as the installation of new drainage, which enables us to tackle substantial longstanding issues affecting highway drainage, and physical improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, including the installation of a cycle bypass, cycle lane and footway improvements.

Although a significant amount of work has already been completed, elements of the scheme including the resurfacing, will take place later than originally planned.

As with any major project, potential delays which are beyond our control can happen, and we’ve financial contingencies in place to address this.

Our project team and contractors are now putting in place a range of measures to manage this situation and to ensure there is no overspend.

We are holding a series of drop-in sessions to update residents, key stakeholders and businesses in the coming weeks to update you on this progress and next steps.

These will be held at St Edward’s Church, Tadcaster Road on the following dates:

  • Saturday 4 November 2023, 12.30pm to 5.00pm, Hall meeting room
  • Saturday 11 November 2023, 12.30pm to 5.00pm, Hall meeting room
  • Saturday 16 December 2023, 12.30pm to 5.00pm, Hall meeting room
  • Sunday 7 January 2024, 12.30pm to 5.00pm Community Hall

For more information about the whole scheme please visit: www.york.gov.uk/TadcasterRoad, and www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/tadcasterroad.

The Tadcaster Road scheme is being funded and delivered by City of York Council in partnership with the Department for Transport (Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund : £5 million) and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Transforming Cities Fund : £1.4 million).

Significant investment is happening in the city over the next 10 years, with developments to build new homes and attract more well-paid jobs to the city, means we’re working on York’s transport and travel network to make improvements to roads, footpaths and cycle ways, and to increase safety measures in the city centre.

The council is providing information on our major transport projects to help you plan journeys in advance, and understand any impact on your travel routes. Find out more at www.york.gov.uk/PlanAhead.

Posted on

Warning issued over dangers of fireworks ahead of Halloween

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Warning issued over dangers of fireworks ahead of Halloween

19 October 2023

As Halloween fast approaches, people are being warned to be mindful of the dangers of fireworks and the very serious risk they pose to people, pets and property.

Council’s Environmental Health Team today issued a reminder that a valid fireworks licence issued by the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland, is needed to buy, possess and use certain types of fireworks. You must show your licence to the registered/licenced retailer when you buy your fireworks.  

They also highlighted that only fireworks marked with a CE mark should be purchased – this shows that the firework meets European safety standards which all fireworks must meet and a reputable shop will know this.

Fireworks also cause serious distress to pets, and animals kept outdoors unsupervised during firework season can be injured by or may become so frightened that they can cause themselves injury.

Looking ahead to Derry Halloween, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, urged people not to cause unnecessary fear or harm by throwing fireworks near homes, people or late at night.  “I’m sure we have all heard fireworks being set off recently as we approach the Halloween season,” she explained. “While this might seem like a bit of harmless fun, the dangers are very real, and fireworks can cause serious distress, or serious physical harm.

“I am appealing to everyone to please be mindful of others, don’t set out to deliberately frighten or disturb anyone, and never set fireworks off near people or pets. Halloween is a celebration we all look forward to – so please don’t spoil it for others.”

Council’s Head of Health and Community Wellbeing, Seamus Donaghy, issued a reminder to retailers to be aware of their responsibilities, and also appealed to pet owners to keep animals indoors: “Retailers should remember that they must display their certificates of registration at the point of sale.

“Pet owners please be aware of the risk to animals. The best place for your pet to be during firework season is indoors at home, and they should have somewhere safe to hide if they are in distress. No one should ever throw fireworks at animals or people.

“If you are purchasing fireworks only buy from a licensed retailer and please follow the Firework Safety Code to help minimise risk. You can find a list of licensed retailers on the NI Direct website.”

For more information on how to purchase and use fireworks responsibly, go to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks

Posted on

Update: Tadcaster Road scheme Published Thursday, 19 October 2023 City of York Council is holding a series of drop-in sessions to provide an update on the Tadcaster Road scheme, as well as writing to residents and businesses in the area.

Source: City of York

City of York Council is holding a series of drop-in sessions to provide an update on the Tadcaster Road scheme, as well as writing to residents and businesses in the area.

We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and support during the construction phase. We appreciate that any roadworks can be disruptive, and we want to reassure everyone that the council and contractors are doing everything reasonably possible to keep any disruption to a minimum.

However, there have been a number of challenges faced by the construction team, and these have been difficult to control. These include archaeological excavations requiring teams to hand dig on-site, navigating uncharted utility mains services and preserving and working around tree roots, which have all required significantly more time and cost.

Therefore, construction of the Tadcaster Road scheme which started at the beginning of January 2023 is now due for completion by the end of February 2024.

Work has progressed well in a number of areas such as the installation of new drainage, which enables us to tackle substantial longstanding issues affecting highway drainage, and physical improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, including the installation of a cycle bypass, cycle lane and footway improvements.

Although a significant amount of work has already been completed, elements of the scheme including the resurfacing, will take place later than originally planned.

As with any major project, potential delays which are beyond our control can happen, and we’ve financial contingencies in place to address this.

Our project team and contractors are now putting in place a range of measures to manage this situation and to ensure there is no overspend.

We are holding a series of drop-in sessions to update residents, key stakeholders and businesses in the coming weeks to update you on this progress and next steps.

These will be held at St Edward’s Church, Tadcaster Road on the following dates:

  • Saturday 4 November 2023, 12.30pm to 5.00pm, Hall meeting room
  • Saturday 11 November 2023, 12.30pm to 5.00pm, Hall meeting room
  • Saturday 16 December 2023, 12.30pm to 5.00pm, Hall meeting room
  • Sunday 7 January 2024, 12.30pm to 5.00pm Community Hall

For more information about the whole scheme please visit: www.york.gov.uk/TadcasterRoad, and www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/tadcasterroad.

The Tadcaster Road scheme is being funded and delivered by City of York Council in partnership with the Department for Transport (Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund : £5 million) and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Transforming Cities Fund : £1.4 million).

Significant investment is happening in the city over the next 10 years, with developments to build new homes and attract more well-paid jobs to the city, means we’re working on York’s transport and travel network to make improvements to roads, footpaths and cycle ways, and to increase safety measures in the city centre.

The council is providing information on our major transport projects to help you plan journeys in advance, and understand any impact on your travel routes. Find out more at www.york.gov.uk/PlanAhead.

Posted on

Deadline approaching for shared home landlords

Source: City of Portsmouth

Landlords of homes in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Portsmouth are being asked to make sure they apply for a new licence before the grace period ends on 1 December.

Additional licensing was introduced on 1 September by Portsmouth City Council to complement existing HMO licensing and make sure tenants of smaller HMOs are safe and live in decent conditions. It governs minimum acceptable accommodation and management standards, as well as gas, fire and electrical safety requirements. Landlords have until 1 December to apply.

This new licence means there are now three types of licence HMO landlords can apply for depending on how many people live in the HMO, or if the property is converted into flats.

  • Additional licence – for HMOs of three or four people
  • Mandatory licence – for HMOs of five or more people
  • 257 licence – if the property has been converted into flats, does not comply with 1991 building regulations, and two thirds or more of the flats are rented out.

The scheme is set up to encourage best practice from landlords, with longer licencing terms and cheaper fees available for those that meet certain criteria.

The grace period for applications ends on 1 December 2023 and landlords must apply by this date. Landlords that submit their applications late will face penalties of up to £30,000 and a shorter licence term. Please contact the team if you are unsure whether you need to apply or need any assistance with your application.

Cllr Ian Holder, Cabinet Member for Safety in the Community said: “We have already received a good amount of applications for the new licence but we know there are many more landlords that are yet to apply. I want to urge people not to wait until the last minute, but to apply sooner. We have an excellent team in place who will work with you to make sure your application is the best it can be and help you avoid unnecessary penalties. If in doubt, get in contact and talk to someone about your application.”

Resources to help landlords apply and the application form are available on the webpage on the licensing webpage. Landlords can also contact the licensing team on 02392 841 659 or by email at hmo.licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Posted on

Press Release: AI International Trailblazer to Address North West Regulation Conferenc

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Press Release: AI International Trailblazer to Address North West Regulation Conferenc

19 October 2023

Eleanor ‘Nell’ Watson, a trailblazer in emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical and safe use, will be a keynote speaker at the ‘Navigating the Future of Regulation’ conference at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny on 25th October 2023.

Nell is a pioneering ethics and machine intelligence researcher who dedicates her work to protecting human rights and infusing ethics, safety and ‘values that elevate the human spirit’ into technologies like Artificial Intelligence. She has been a driving force behind some of the most crucial AI ethics standardisation and certification initiatives from organisations such as the IEEE – the world’s largest technical professional organisation dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

This conference is part of initiative being developed by Donegal County Council, Derry City & Strabane District Council, ATU, Catalyst and ALPHA Innovation, to establish the world’s first multi-sector Regulatory Supercluster in the North West City Region – working across sectors and borders to become a recognised world leader in regulatory technology.

The conference will be an important platform to discuss and shape the future of regulation, and the role of emerging technologies, in our rapidly changing world. Panels of experts will also explore issues for specific sectors including financial services, health & life sciences. MC for the event is Richard Curran, presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s show ‘The Business’, and other speakers include, for example, Minister Dara Calleary; President of the ATU; Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Ulster University; and Chief Executive of FinTech Scotland.

Nell holds the position of Executive Consultant on philosophical matters for Apple, as well as the President of EURAIO, the European Responsible Artificial Intelligence Office. Her interdisciplinary research has attracted audiences from all over the world, and inspired leaders to work towards a brighter future at venues such as The World Bank and The United Nations General Assembly. She is currently writing a book ‘Taming the Machine’.

Nell was inspired by her father who she described as a ‘rocketry guidance engineer and a mechanical and electrical boffin’ and was an inspiration in pursuing a doctorate and career in engineering. She was also influenced by engineer Thomas Andrews, architect of the Titanic, which was famously built in her hometown of Belfast:

“Andrews’ streamlined designs inspire many to this day, but what captivates me was his interest in lesser-known stakeholders, such as the stokers… This humanitarian aspect of engineering stuck with me, along with the ironic tragedy of the tremendous loss of life later on that voyage, and the gross inequity of who was able to survive. Poignant lessons such as this have encouraged me to focus on responsible and ethical engineering, to help to de-risk ambitious initiatives, such as the present wave of emerging technologies, which are as exciting as they can be terrifying”.

“As technology becomes ever more intertwined with our personal and professional lives, we are ever more at its mercy. We are being steered, cajoled, and manipulated by various algorithmic processes hundreds of times per day. In a world of autonomous systems, it’s crucial that we also enshrine human autonomy”.

Welcoming the opportunity to speak at the conference, Nell said “ I am delighted to participate in this very important event and for the opportunity to explore some of the greatest questions of our time, to ensure we get the best out of machines for the good of humanity. I am particularly excited that this initiative is cross border which makes it even more powerful and impactful. “

You can register for a place at the conference at: https://plannd.co.uk/regtechconference