Your Wentworth Valley Community NewspaperAugust 2009

S-Factor

page 3

Maltby Main Page 16

In response to local concerns, the deadline for comments on the Local Development Framework Core Strategy Revised Options Document has been extended yet again. This provides a welcome opportunity for the many residents, who missed out on Maltby’s poorly advertised 25th June consultation meeting, to become involved in long term decisions about how best to meet the Borough’s future housing and employment land needs. Responses can now be sent in up to the end of August. Coun. Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation for the authority, said: “We have already held extensive consultations

More time to have your say

on the Core Strategy since May 29 but we are taking a fl exible attitude to further comments because we appreciate this is a very important stage in planning for the future of the Borough. “We have extended the period for comments until the end of the month because of the holiday period and because we have received additional requests from various organisations, such as Ravenfi eld Parish Council, and this will allow their views to be included. However, we must emphasise there will be more opportunities to comment on this very important document in the future. This is certainly not the end of the consultation process.” By applying for Growth Point Status

and to achieve ’top-down’ regional (Government) requirements to provide more housing, Rotherham MBC is now seeking to build some 25,000 homes between 2008 and 2026 (10,000 more than the previously planned 15,000 homes). Much additional “employment land” is also being sought. Together, it is envisaged that these increased requirements will take up much brown fi eld land and that they will put very considerable pressure on the Borough’s Green Belt. Three options are out for consultation and, as far as Maltby and Hellaby are concerned, Options One and Two envisage that the two settlements will provide sites for 243 houses

and two hectares of employment land by 2026. The more challenging Option 3 would look to Maltby and Hellaby fi nding sites for a whopping potential 1472 houses as well as a potential 29 hectares of employment land, over the same period. The only way in which Option Three could be achieved is by reallocating green belt land near the motorway and by pushing out new housing to the north and beyond the Borough boundary. Karl Battersby, Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services for Rotherham Borough Council, said: “We welcome the signifi cant public interest this consultation has brought about, and understandably much of this interest has focused on issues of local concern to communities. However, further detailed work needs to be carried out to choose the best sites for future development. Extensive consultation on individual sites will be carried out with local communities next year.” Many concerns have already been expressed about the proposals. Has Rotherham behaved foolishly in deliberately seeking to expand at such a rapid rate? Will the Borough’s schools, roads, public transport infrastructure, community facilities, utilities and drains have the capacity to meet the additional need? Should we even be considering giving up productive corn fi elds and attractive wild-life sites in order to provide overspill housing for Sheffi eld commuters? Initial surveys have been undertaken by the Borough’s Planning Offi cers in order to identify potential sites for development and the one undertaken for Maltby and Hellaby (available on the Borough’s website) draws attention to a wide range of potential diffi culties. Consultation documents are available at www.rotherham.gov.uk. Paper copies of the Consultation Documents are also available for both inspection and loan from Maltby Library and from Maltby Services Centre. by Alice Rodgers

page 12

Events Calendar2 www.maltbynews.co.uk August 2009

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Maltby Town Council Surgery

Edward Dunn Memorial HallEvery Friday 14:00-16:30

Everyone welcome

SUPERTOTSParish Centre (next to METS)

Morrell Street, Every Tues/Thurs

9:00 - 11:00, 1st session 50pTel: 07817 405255

1251

Wickersley Old Village CC Vs

Hallam CCNorthfi eld Lane, Wickersley

13:00

Maltby CragsWomen’s Group

Crags School Community Room 9:00 - 11:00. Every Wednesday

Term Time. Speakers, Crafts etc.For info: 07817 405255

Rotherham Fun FestHerringthorpe Playing Fields

11:00 - 16:00Over 20 different activities

Free Admission

Wickersley Writers WorkshopWickersley Community CentreEvery other Tues, 13:00 - 15:00

Tel Margaret: 01709 543991Tea, coffee & biscuits served

Maltby Town Council Meeting

Edward Dunn Memorial Hall,18:30

All Welcome

1sept

Wheelie Good StreetSports

Maltby Manor Fields Skate Park10:00 - 13:00 All Welcome

BMX bikers, skateboard jumpers& in-line skate

dare devils

Miners’ Musical Medley

Coronation Park, Maltby13:00 - 15:00Free Entry

Rotherham by the Sea

10th - 14th AugustAll Saints Square, open from 9.30

For details drop into visitor centre

Rock in RotherhamMusical FestivalRotherham Town Centre,

15:00-22:30, £7 on the doorProceeds to Rotherham Hospice

www.rockinrotherham.co.uk

Be Cool in the Pooluntil 2nd September 2009

Maltby Sports CentreFree swimming for

those aged 16 yrs and undertel: 01709 813511

Multi-Sport CampMaltby Community School

extensions fi eld, Lilly Hall Rd 5-7yrs: 10am - 12 noon

8-13yrs: 10am - 3pm£2 half day, £4 full day

£18 per week

Maltby Miners Welfare CC Vs

Wath CCMuglet Lane, Maltby

13:00

Wickersley Operatics Society

Wickersley Community CentreTues 18:30 - 21:30 Thurs 19:30-21:30

Open to all over 16yrs

1

Folk and AcousticNight

The Three Tuns, Stainton20:00 Folks, Blues, 60s,

Anything acousticCall John: 01709 813530

Maltby Main VsHallam

Muglet Lane, Maltby15:00

Maltby Main VsParkgate

Muglet Lane, Maltby15:00

Bartholomew & SonsFuneral Directors

est 1891

Serving Maltby and surounding areas for over 40 years.

For a caring, professional service 24 hours a day

812158 & 363706The Funeral Home, Coleridge Road, Maltby S66 7LT

Pre Payment Funeral plans available.

Jeremy NealFuneral DirectorOffice & Chapel of Rest

Maltby Independent Funeral Service

17 Morrell StreetMaltby

S66 7LL

01709 815959Pre paid funeral plans available

24 hr serviceDedicated to Dignity, Care & Respect

www.rotherhamfunerals.co.uk

www.maltbynews.co.uk 3August 2009

Community News

This year’s S Factor proved a resounding success as some local talent thrilled an enthusiastic audience at Magna last month.S factor is a singing and dancing competition where students from Kelford and Hilltop schools compete against each other. This year marked the fourth anniversary of the event, which was attended by a crowd of over 500. Judges were Jonathan Wainwright from Hallam University, Chris Hopkins from U-explore and Mick Connel one of Hilltop’s school advisors. The winners were - 1st Laura Gregory (Hilltop) singing The Rose 2nd - The Ting Tings (Hilltop) - Stephen Read, Thomas Harrop, Christopher Revill, Carla Fretwell, Autumn Simpson Clayton, Bryoney Price

singing That’s Not My Name 3rd - Glen Makin (Hilltop) singing Goodmorning Judge. All three acts have won recording time at The Music Factory to record their songs and gift vouchers. Special mentions went to Ellie Blackburn (Kelford), Joe Wiggett, Emily Critchlow and Andrew Dearden (All from Hilltop) The night was a real celebration of the effort all the students put in to over come their disabilities and it was a truely inspirational night full of tears and laughter.

Clockwise from top left:Laura Gregory, Glen Makin with judges, Stephen Read and then as the Ting Tings - Stephen Read, Thomas Harrop, Christopher Revill, Carla Fretwell, Autumn Simpson Clayton and Bryoney Price.

Local and Family History WeekendMaltby Local History Society will be contributing resources to a Local and Family History Weekend on 22nd and 23rd August, to be staged at St Bartholomew’s Church as part of its Patronal Festival. There will be displays of photographs and documents including the earliest known list of employees at Maltby Colliery. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the church, the parish and its families. The event will be open from 10am-4pm on the Saturday and from 2pm to 4pm on the Sunday. Further information is available on 812035.

S-Factor wows the Magna

Community News

4 www.maltbynews.co.uk August 2009

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Members of the Rotary Club of Rotherham organised and took part in one of the walks in this year’s tenth Rotherham Walking Festival last month. Over 40 walkers led by club Past President John Wadsworth set off on a six mile ramble around Whiston and Wickersley, using part of the famous Rotherham Rotary Roundwalk course. Historical comments were provided by Len Wilson and John also gave some facts about the Roundwalk and Rotary. A shower of rain was soon shrugged off when the sun came out as the walkers fi led through this cornfi eld near Royd’s Moor on the way back to Whiston (right). The Club also staged a Charity Concert at the Rotherham Arts Centre entitled “An Evening with Benjamin Frith.” Guests in the packed auditorium included the Mayor Cllr.

Shaukat Ali, Rotary District Governor Peter Manton and Past District Governor Mohammad Ali. Locally born concert pianist Benjamin Frith has acquired an international reputation, and demonstrated why in playing a variety of sonatas and other pieces from Haydn to Wagner. Concert organiser Michael Sumption said the event should raise around £1360. This will be divided between the Rotherham Gamma Scanner Appeal, and the Rotary Foundation “End Polio Now” campaign. Along with international partners, the Rotary Polio Plus vaccination programme has now limited endemic polio to four countries. It currently needs to raise $200 million, to be matched by the Bill Gates Foundation, to make the fi nal push to eliminate this crippling disease.

Rotary take round walk for charity aims

Horse riders who have taken over a farm fi eld for showjumping events have been given just over a year to prove they can be good neighbours. Despite opposition from residents living near the fi eld in Tickhill, offi cials of Maltby Riding Club persuaded Doncaster councillors to give them temporary planning permission to change the use of the land from agricultural to equestrian. A similar application was rejected last December but, this time, councillors agreed to grant permission until September 2010 when the usage will be reviewed. The decision did not go down well with residents of Lancaster Crescent, some of whom attended the planning committee to hear the outcome after writing 40 letters of objection. They have been angered by traffi c problems and disturbance on Sundays caused by large numbers of horse boxes and trailers using

Lancaster Crescent to get to the fi eld. Maltby Riding Club has previously been able to use the fi eld for 28 days a year to hold events without planning consent providing that all showjumps are taken down. Their latest application was for permission to allow them to leave the showjumps in situ for the entire summer and use the land for grazing horses. About a dozen residents attended the meeting to press for refusal, with town councillor Frank Frith stating some people living in Lancaster Crescent had to go away for the days when shows were on because of the inconvenience. On one day of a competition in 2008, they counted 374 extra vehicle movements on the street, which led to near misses, and this year that had increased by nearly 60 per cent to 588.

“That is a clear indication that events will get bigger and more unacceptable environmentally,” said Mr Frith. Louise Elliott, speaking for the riding club, said membership had increased since they moved to Tickhill but there was no intention of increasing the number of events. After the decision, she said: “We want to work with the community, because we are there now and we might as well get on. We don’t want animosity and we would like to work with them rather than against each other.” The club is planning a charity show on August 23 to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to thank them for taking one of their young members to hospital following a fall a few weeks ago. See next month’s news for more coverage of Maltby Riding Club.

Riding club out to be good neighbours

www.maltbynews.co.uk 5August 2009

Community News

Britain’s sexiest soap siren Michelle Keegan met one of Maltby’s most stunning slimmers when she swapped the Coronation Street cobbles for a national slimming competition. Phil Hare lost an amazing 4st 1.5lbs winning him a coveted place in the semi-fi nals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2009. Gorgeous Michelle, who was named Sexiest Female at the British Soap Awards 2009 and Best Newcomer in 2008, attended the event at Slimming World’s head offi ce in Alfreton, Derbyshire, and was wowed by Phil’s amazing weight loss. The 22-year-old actress, famed for playing tearaway David Platt’s feisty ex-girlfriend Tina McIntyre in the ITV1 soap, says: “I am stunned by what Phil has achieved. He looks so fi t and healthy that I can’t believe he was ever 4st 1.5lbs heavier. One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet so many inspirational people and Phil is one of them - the way that he’s changed his life is really amazing.” Phil attends the Maltby Slimming World group which runs every Monday at 17:00 at Full Life Centre, High Street. His fellow members voted him their local Man of the Year making him eligible for the national stages of the annual contest, which recognises the exceptional weight losses among the growing number of men attending Slimming World groups. Slimming World, the UK’s leading weight loss organisation, has around 10,000 men attending groups, 75 male

Slimming World Consultants and eight men-only groups. Phil says: “I was thrilled to be Maltby’s Man of the Year and to represent my Slimming World group, who have all supported me on my weight loss journey. Losing weight really has transformed my life and meeting Michelle Keegan was an extra bonus - she was really impressed with my weight loss. I hope it shows other men in Maltby who want to lose weight that it is achievable - if I can do it anyone can.” Slimming World Consultant Jovita Langley, who runs the Maltby group, says: “I’m so proud of Phil. He’s a great advocate for Slimming World. Men are often worried about walking into a Slimming World group because they see slimming clubs and “dieting” as “women-only zones”, but Phil’s proved that’s not true.

“Men who are brave enough to join their local Slimming World group are often surprised at how many other men are there already and how welcoming everyone is. Even better than that, they’re shocked at how much food they can eat and that they really can lose weight without going hungry. They love the freedom and fl exibility they get at Slimming World. No food is banned and they can still enjoy all their favourite meals like steak and chips, curry or a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, all while losing weight successfully. That, combined with encouragement to become a bit more active and the support of the group is all Phil needed to achieve his personal target weight.”

For more information about Jovita’s group call her on 01709 816482.

Corrie star Michelle says Maltby slimmer is streets ahead!

A Woodlaithes hair salon is staging a charity evening in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. The whiterooms@woodlaithes will present a hair and fashion show at Carlton Park Hotel on Tuesday 1st September between 7pm and midnight. “MacMillan is a very much needed charity which is highly valued by all who have been unfortunate enough to need it. These nurses are angels and a breed of their own and rely totally on donations to give this fantastic care and service, who would you call at 4am if you needed help?” said salon owner Amanda Jebson. “The staff of the white rooms are organizing the event and contributing all their time, effort and skill to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan.” Tickets cost £7.00 and can be purchased from the white rooms@woodlaithes tel: 01709 532323, Muse shoes in Wickersley, SprayT’ann Rotherham Rd Maltby and from KS fashion boutique in Wellgate who will be showing their latest collections from teenagers to mature adult, or by contacting the maltby news or wickersley news. There will be many stalls where people can buy goods or receive information and consultations examples of stalls that will be there who are all contributing to the cause are. 1/ the white rooms will be available for consultations, freebies, skin testing, selling products and general hair care advice. 2/ Birkdale clinic - advice on cosmetic surgery, Botox etc. 3/ SprayTann, skin testing and advice products for sale.

4/ Muse shoes with their latest collections. 5/ A new gym opening at Woodlaithes 6/ Virgin Vie - accessories, home ware 8/ Cup CakesPlus many more There will be two hair and fashion shows, a dance troop, the singer Tristen Drew a silent auction and a raffl e with many prizes which include: 2 tickets for Sheffi eld United 2 tickets for Sheffi eld Wednesday 10 tickets for Owlerton Stadium Greyhound VIP Suite An original sculpture £20.00 discount at the Earl of Strafford restaurant £20.00 discount at the Pastures Lodge Mexborough Two passes to Pleasure Island Family Theme Park One night accommodation at the Ibis hotel for two people with breakfast £10.00 meat voucher from smiths of Wickersley One complimentary night’s stay at the Brentwood Rotherham Morrisons wine and chocs Many restaurants meals for two Cosmetics, Paul Mitchell hair care Tigi hair care L’oreal hair care The white rooms Plus many many more of these fantastic prizes.

White rooms charity event

Local and Family History WeekendMaltby Local History Society will be contributing resources to a Local and Family History Weekend on 22nd and 23rd August, to be staged at St Bartholomew’s Church as part of its Patronal Festival. There will be displays of photographs and documents including the earliest known list of employees at Maltby Colliery. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the church, the parish and its families. The event will be open from 10am-4pm on the Saturday and from 2pm to 4pm on the Sunday. Further information is available on 812035.

Community News6 www.maltbynews.co.uk August 2009

Volunteers from a Wickersley park went to Buckingham Palace last month to pick up the voluntary sector’s most prestigious award. Winthrop Park has won the highest UK merit award - The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The award is the equivalent of being awarded an MBE to a charity or voluntary group. “It recognises the hard work and dedication of our growing numbers of volunteers and the provenpositive impact we have achieved on

the environment, well being, and the community,” said David Bowser who along with wife Carol and Pauline Lee attended the presentation. “It is a privilege and honour that Her Majesty The Queen should recognise the work of a small charity in South Yorkshire as champions of excellence in the work we do,” David added. Robert Wright, Winthrop Park’s manager, said the trip had been “a day to remember”. He said: “It was brilliant to be inches away from the Queen.”

The volunteers transformed land from a contaminated sewage works into a park, providing nature therapy for elderly and disabled people. They planted more than 15,000 plants, shrubs and trees, and removed 26 tons of toxic earth to make the area safe. To demonstrate the positive impact of Nature Therapy on well-being and healthcare, Winthrop Park was created to provide facilities for the elderly and

disabled. This former contaminated Sewage Treatment Works was an environmental black-spot, and following months of hard work and bio-environmental recovery this site was opened for free public access in August 2005. Recently hailed as a blueprint and world class example of bio-diversity and Nature Therapy, Winthrop Park daily provides visitors with practical support and interactive demonstration of the power of nature to change lives.

Here are a few vital statistics on how Winthrop Park was created:

• 18 tons of dumped scrap metal and fl y tipped rubbish removed from site.

• Over 2,500 self-set sapling trees removed by hand to make pathways and boarders.

• 26 tons of contaminated soil and rubble removed off site.

• 92 tons of landscaping materials and soil brought in to rejuvenate the site.

• 145 tons of tarmac, block pavers, and concrete to lay disable access pathways.

• As a Charity we raised over £187,000 to complete the work so far.

• Volunteers have played a major part in this urban park being created.

• Over 15,000 plants, shrubs, and trees planted.

• Over 9,000 spring bulbs set.

• 325 sq m of lawn laid

Winthrop Park wins Royal approvalVolunteers win top service award for creation of bio-diversity and Nature Therapy site

Rotherham Borough Council has a new Chief Executive. Martin Kimber, currently Executive Director of Environmental Services at Wigan Borough Council, has been appointed to the role, subject to formal ratifi cation at the Full Council meeting later this month (July 22).

He will take over from retiring Chief Executive Mike Cuff, who joined Rotherham Borough Council in 2004. Said Martin: “I am delighted with the opportunity to join Rotherham, and to to build on the great work of my predecessor Mike Cuff. “Yorkshire people are the most friendly I have ever met. I am sure

together we will go from strength to strength.” Martin is no stranger to South Yorkshire. He is a former Assistant Director of Planning and Transportation at neighbouring Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, where he spent six years until moving to Wigan Council in 2002.

He has a BA in Social Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning. He is also a Corporate Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Martin (53), is married with one daughter, and currently lives in Bury. His start date in Rotherham has yet to be confi rmed.

Martin returns to take the helm at Rotherham Borough CouncilKH

Volunteers from Children’s Charity SAFE@LAST attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace last week as part of the celebrations after the local charity was awarded this years Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The prestigious National Honour, which is equivalent to the MBE, sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, and the activities of those awarded have been judged of the highest standard. SAFE@LAST has received the Award for its work with vulnerable young people from South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North East Debyshire who are at risk through running away either from what they are running from or where they are running to. SAFE@LAST provides services for the 1 in 9 children in South Yorkshire who run away from home or care. SAFE@LAST provides preventative work, a 24 hour helpline (0800 335 SAFE), a MISPER (Missing Persons) Scheme and an emergency refuge for young people who are 16 and under. Four volunteers from the charity who had previously won SAFE@LAST’s Volunteer of the Year award enjoyed a day out in London visiting Buckingham Palace to celebrate the achievement. Volunteers who attended were Sue Norton who supports the charity by working on the helpline as well as supporting fundraising events, Danielle Fitzpatrick who volunteers on the helpline and delivers preventative work in schools, Pam Forbes who volunteers in the SAFE@LAST offi ce on a frequent basis providing admin support and Dane Howard

who also works on the helpline. Sue Norton said of the day “I thoroughly enjoyed the totally elegant experience of visiting the palace. The whole event had a wonderful atmosphere and it was magical to be inside Buckingham Palace. We didn’t have the opportunity to speak to the queen but she walked close by us and looked beautiful. We were all proud to have been asked to represent SAFE@LAST and all the volunteers at the charity that this award recognises.” SAFE@LAST will receive a certifi cate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal. These will be presented by Her Majesty’s representative in South Yorkshire the Lord-Lieutenant David Moody at a special ceremony arranged by the Lieutenancy offi ce. Group representatives have also received an invitation to a Royal Garden Party event at Buckingham Palace in the summer. The Award is overseen by the Offi ce of the Third Sector, in the Cabinet Offi ce. Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said, “Volunteering binds communities together and builds a stronger and kinder society. Often these unsung heroes go about their work without much recognition, that’s why I’m particularly pleased to see their efforts recognised and rewarded by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.” More than 700 groups around the UK have now won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, over the seven years since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002. For more information about

SAFE@LAST, the services it offers and how you can help visit safeatlast.org.uk Young people wishing to contact SAFE@LAST can call on their 24hour confi dential helpline on 0800 335 SAFE. For details of all this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service winners and information on how to nominate a group that really makes a difference, visit www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk where a nomination form can be downloaded.

www.maltbynews.co.uk 7August 2009

Community News

Thanks for your email. Our most signifi cant and exciting event this summer is the BIG Sleepout which is back for its third year and going to be bigger and better than ever. The actual event takes place is October but is launched next week and we will be actively seeking supporters to sign up over the summer. I am hoping to send out more information about this next week – when is your deadline.

The Queen pays tribute to SAFE@LAST with prestigious Award

Maltby Wool Shop Showcases Autumn and Winter Collection

Unravel your creative side at Knit & Stitch this autumn. Knit & Stitch in Maltby High Street will be hosting an open day & coffee morning on Wednesday 26th August between 10am and 4pm. The new autumn and winter collections will be revealed including exquisite new yarns from Italy & New Zealand as well as a collection of quilting fabrics introducing this years Christmas projects - Stockings, Santa’s sacks & advent calendars. There will be a chance to talk to one of the workshop tutors and discover more about the new term timetable which begins in September. Kathleen Knight comments “We are excited to be introducing a brand new timetable for the autumn with textile craft classes suitable for all levels. Whether you want to learn to knit and crochet or make a patchwork quilt, create

handmade Christmas decorations or learn to dress make, there really is something for everyone” In addition to the showcase of events, there will be special offers & discounts on selected fabrics and yarns exclusively for this day. With the craft industry booming during this economic downturn, there has never been a better time to get involved with a new craft hobby. So pop along for a yarn and a look around the newly refurbished store in Maltby to see if your creative side can be unravelled.

For more information and a timetable of workshops, visit any of the Knit & Stitch stores - 92 High St, Maltby, 01709 817944 or The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Doncaster Market, 07840 420390 or email info@uknitandstitch.co.uk

Comments & Letters

8 www.maltbynews.co.uk August 2009

CONCERN ON FILMINGSirI am a concerned parent of a child at Maltby Comprehensive School. The concerns that I would like to express at the moment are over the fi lming of our children by a media company, to be used for what they term “promotional use”. The problem that I have is that fi rstly they do not say how they intend to use this fi lm and secondly I am not so sure that it is being or has been done legally. They started fi lming without any permission from parents then upon realising their mistake sent out forms to parents not asking for permission to fi lm but stating that if you did not agree to the children being fi lmed you must sign and return the form. I am positive that this should have said that you must sign and return the form if you agreed that your children could be fi lmed. This form was worded in a way that implied that they already had permission unless you actually wrote to disagree. I have always been led to believe as a junior football manager that permission must be gained before children can be fi lmed or photographed and not be presumed just because the child or children are in your care at that moment, this is also the impression of my wife who has been a school governor for a number of years and also used to run a playgroup. Our concerns only got worse when we had pupils telling us that they had been told that the fi lm was to be sent to France to show how good our education system was, and that children were being pulled out of lessons to be fi lmed. I myself think that this is just more propaganda for the school becoming an academy and although I am not getting into that in this letter That is not a good idea either.Glyn JonesAddress Witheld

SirWe now have an online petition requesting that the Prime Minister looks into the proposed academy that has been given the go-ahead without the proper consultation of Maltby people. The petition can be found at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Maltby-Academy/even if you signed the paper petition you can still sign this one as this one is aimed at the Prime Minister and not those that allowed it to go through Please also forward this to all your friends and colleagues so that they may do the same.S.E.M.

I DON’T WANT MY CHILDREN GOING TO AN ACADEMY...SIMPLES.SirI want to talk to someone regarding the LEA handing over our local secondary school to a Private company in U-XPLORE in January 2010. And as a parent was NOT given notice of this or given the choice if I want them to continue at the school when it changes (WHICH I DON’T). As they have NOT reassured me that it is in the best Interest of my children and even if they will in fact be even taught by fully qualifi ed teachers as I hear this could happen and I want the council to move them and as it means further afi eld I want them to supply transport as this move is NOT though choice. When I signed them up to the school it was an everyday normal run of the mill school, which never done me, or any other members of our families

any harm but now IF it is handed over to them businessmen in U-XPLORE, well that’s NOT CHOICE.Mrs. K Derriman 19 Millicent Square,Maltby,Rotherham.S66 7JD

IDENTITY FRAUDSirNot long ago, I was playing on the South Yorkshire Police website when I turned up the mapped month by month recorded crime data. I wanted to fi nd the fi gures for Maltby so I scrolled down the alphabetical list of local settlement names and found that this went straight from ‘Hyde Park’ to ‘Manor’. Enquiries for the villages of Hellaby, Bramley and Wickersley revealed that they had also been omitted. I fed a local postcode into the system and pressed “go” and that brought up a mapped blob called “Wentworth Valley”. Now anyone can make statistics look better by the somewhat dubious tactic of combining posh and poorer areas and calling them something unrecognisable. What faced me appeared to be a case of “Community Identity Erasure with Intent to Defraud” and, what is more, the crime I suspected was both expert and organized. Could anything be done combat it? In the face of challenge, the Chief Constable would doubtless plead that the “Wentworth Valley” fraud is an RMBC responsibility. Sadly, Rotherham Borough has a track record of offences against local identity. The nonsensical “East Maltby” was devised to bring in external funding and the new double barrels “Matby/Hellaby” and “Bramley/Wickersley” are a fudge allied to a plot to diminish their Green Belt. A technical appendix to the RMBC Local Development Framework’s rather niftily entitled “Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy Revised Options” document includes the following gem of local government-speak about Bramley/Wickersley. “The settlement has two separate town centres, a retail park, an excellent bus service and has easy access to the strategic road network”??! So how come the Rotherham numpties dubbed this area “Wentworth Valley” and lived to tell the tale? The truth is that the Area Assembly boundaries, which have from their inception been allied to Parliamentary Constituencies, had to be re-drawn. Wickersley, Bramley, Sunnyside, Hellaby and Maltby were grouped together but the new area crossed constituency boundaries so some nerd came up with a “cut and shut” name. This combines the Wentworth constituency title with the Valley bit of Rother Valley. It dangerously defi es geography by being neither close to Wentworth village nor in its valley. The Area Assembly, the Police and the Safer Neighbourhood Team are stuck with this silly handle which makes any information they publish far less accessible to local people than it ought to be. The Wentworth Valley cut and shut is now spreading from its statutory base and it has even hit this noble publication. Please can someone come up with a way to kill it off before we all forget where we live?

Alice Rodgers, Maltby

BEREAVEMENT GROUP SirOn the 30th July we all enjoyed a barbecue, it was a lovely evening and the

weather was kind to us. The event was held at the home of Rev Peter and Rev Dhoe Craig-Wild at Maltby Vicarage, Blyth Road. A big thank you to the Branch Committee of the Mothers’ Union for cooking and baking - well done, a brilliant job. If anyone, male or female, who has lost a loved one would like to attend our group all would be welcome.It is very informal, we have a chat and express our different opinions on how we are coping, we are all in the same situation. These monthly meetings do help to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. In September a cheese and wine evening and a quiz will be held. If you require further information contact Peter or Dhoe on 01709 812684. I can assure you these meetings are very good and also help everyone. Eventually you will see a light at the end of the tunnel and realise life is for living.Thanking Peter and Dhoe and the Branch Members.Kind regardsDorothy StrawAddress supplied

MESSAGE FROM MALTBY TOWN COUNCILSirI would like to inform your readers that access to the offi cial Maltby Town Council website can be made via the URL www.maltbytowncouncil.gov.uk where you will fi nd copies of agendas, minutes, news and forthcoming events. I would like to point out that the council is no way connected to www.maltbytc.forums-free.com which is usually found by entering Maltby Town Council into the search engine Google. Maltby Town Council is not responsible for any views expressed on any site other than www.maltbytowncouncil.gov.uk YoursMrs J M Andrews, ChairMaltby Town Council

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EditorialThe Rotherham Local Development Framework, dealing with the building of new homes and work space has caused controversy across the Borough. The glossy brochure produced by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is full of the jargon beloved of planners and architects, even down to its subtitle Core Strategy Revised Options published in May of this year. The document provides three options, and a “Baseline” plan showing the Council’s interpretation of the current Regional Spatial Strategy which focuses on development in Rotherham’s urban area and the Principal Town of Dinnington. Under this Maltby and Hellaby get 243 new houses and Bramley and Wickersley would see 173. The former also gets two hectares of employment land. This is now Option One in the new document, which envisages 23,886 homes and 221 hectares of employment land. This option means 408 hectares of land would disappear from the Green Belt. Option Two sees development along “Transport Corridors”, and leaves the Wickersley new homes fi gure the same, but increases Maltby and Hellaby new housing to 1,472 homes and 29 hectares of work space. This option more than doubles the amount of Green Belt land used, this means 30,175 new homes across the borough by 2026. Finally and more worryingly we have Option Three with 1770 homes suggested for Wickersley and Bramley with the Maltby and Hellaby fi gures unchanged. In this option 33,965 dwellings would be provided, 70% of which would be on greenfi eld land. It is vital that residents respond to these plans before the deadline at the end of the month. Wickersley Parish Council mobilised their residents for the presentation at the Community Centre, and the other Councils affected must try to do the same. This is a long-running consultation which must be challenged at every stage to protect our Green Belt.

The Maltby News and The Wickersley News13 Blyth RoadMaltbyRotherhamS66 8HXcontact: 01709 819566email: kevin@maltbynews.co.ukwebsite: www.maltbynews.co.uk

Published by Joker Publications Ltd at their registered offi ce, Unit 6, Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffi eld S8 0TB.Company No. 6504103.

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www.maltbynews.co.uk 9August 2009

Community News

Maltby Forum held a Public Meeting last month at the Wesley Centre. In his opening remarks meeting chair Ken Pickering welcomed everyone and referred to the Forum’s March meeting where an agreed 20 minute address, by Headteacher David Sutton, on proposals for a Maltby Academy had extended to some 55minutes with a total of three senior staff attending to present a pro-Academy case. In order to redress the balance, Ted Millward, a speaker from the ‘Save Maltby Education Group’ was now to address the Forum. Mr Millward recalled the role of both the March Wentworth Valley Area Assembly Meeting and the March Maltby Forum in raising local awareness of the imminent proposals for a Maltby Academy. The plan was to close Maltby Community School in order to transfer its assets to a trust led by Andy Pickles of the local media company ‘u-xplore’ who intended re-open the school as an Academy. The so-called consultation process had left parents and the local community with the clear perception that they had been “kept in the dark”. Although Local Authority offi cers had admitted publicly that the consultation had not been well handled RMBC continued to regard it as a basis on which to proceed. Mr Millward explained that a programme of meetings had been hastily organised in an attempt to convince the people of Maltby that an academy would be a good thing. He feared that, in this endeavour, the truth had been distorted. An attempt had been made to convince parents that a new-build could not go ahead without Academy status, but Mr Millward provided evidence that this was not, in fact, the case. Parents and community members had been so incensed by the lack of consultation that they had formed the “Save Maltby Education Group” and they had gathered some 800 signatures on a petition against the Academy. A copy of this petition had been forwarded to the Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families some weeks ago although no response had yet been received. A copy had also gone to the leader of Rotherham MBC and a further copy had recently been presented, by a group of parents, to the current chair of Governors of Maltby Community School. The latter’s alleged response had been quoted as “I think you should hand this to someone of higher authority who makes the decisions”. Of course, the plan could not have been progressed without the support of the current governors. Mr Millward also expressed concerns about the “lead sponsor” and his recently co-founded company ‘u-xplore’. The company is already heavily involved in the advertising and promotion of the Academy proposal and parents had expressed disquiet that some children had been taken out of lessons to take part in the fi lming of promotional material. Particular concern had been expressed about the Child

Protection implications of a letter which had asked parents to tell the school if they objected to their child being fi lmed as part of a multi-media promotion. A number of parents felt that a letter asking for positive consent to take part would have been infi nitely more appropriate. Also, although Rotherham Metropolitan Borough is listed as a co-sponsor, its future role is far from clear aside from initial substantial fi nancial support and a couple of places on the new governing body. Similarly there is a lack of clarity about the nature of the proposed future relationship between Sheffi eld Hallam University and the proposed Maltby Academy. Mr Millward went on to detail wider concerns more generally expressed about the ability of academies, in general, to provide appropriate educational environments. At a local level, Sheffi eld Springs Academy had recently been issued with a “notice to improve”. There were also concerns about whether Academies, which initially attract additional funding, are actually a cost effective means of educating children. Mr Millward quoted reports from both Price Waterhouse Coopers and the Nuffi eld Foundation which call into question both the effi cacy and the cost effectiveness of the Academies Programme. Academy schools are operated by trusts which are not accountable to local electors and “lead sponsors”, who have a majority of seats on the governing body, are in a position to call the shots. Parents with concerns have to deal with the school, the governing body and fi nally the DCSF but have no recourse to the Local Authority. It has been suggested that the Government has been bullying politically sympathetic Local Authorities in order for its failing Academy policy to seem to continue to be credible. In view of the fact that Rotherham Labour Group is opposed to Academies, Mr Millward suggested that such bullying of RMBC appeared to be a distinct possibility. The Chair thanked Mr Millward for his contribution. The following questions were then posed by people in attendance. What was happening about Lilly Hall School? Was it going to move and if so where to? There was still said to be nothing defi nite on paper. In view of the fact that Surveyors had been seen on MCS site by local residents, had a decision been taken about which public assets are to be given or otherwise transferred to the proposed Academy Trust? Some of the contents of the RMBC/ u-xplore “Expession of Interest” document to the DCSF dated December 2008 were then shared with the meeting and a resolution was passed unanimously which requests the early release of the map associated with the “Expression of Interest” document. The Forum went on to discuss issues around Maltby Services Centre and concluded with a workshop session entitled “Does Maltby get all the public information it needs?” By Alice Rodgers

Over the last few weeks I have heard and read the latest views of opposition directed at the new Maltby Academy. The criticisms shown by certain sections towards anything new in Maltby continues to surprise me. The recent fl urry of letters sent into this newspaper contained the usual mixture of misinterpretation and mistrust that tries to undermine any attempt to try and improve the lives of Maltby people. This resistance to change and opposition for opposition’s sake continues to fuel hostility towards any new project that is ever proposed for our town. I found it particularly ironic that one of the letters referred to grammar schools, illustrating the point that for some their ideas about education are rooted fi rmly in the middle of the last century. I have even heard some suggest that children in Maltby aren’t capable of higher education, an attitude which is both offensive and insulting. It might have been acceptable to write off children at the age of 11 all those years ago but it isn’t now. Debate at the latest round of meetings also seems to confi rm that there are some who would prefer our children to receive education fi t for the last century instead of this one. From what I have been told, trying to engage in argument at these meetings is like having a dialogue with the deaf. We need to grasp this opportunity to enhance the educational prospects of our young people and learn from the past not hark back to it. Some of the letters raised issues about the funding of the new schools. The funding for the Academy is secure and to make comparisons with Barnsley is misleading as the situation there has nothing to do with the Building Schools for the Future programme. The role played by the sponsors has also been questioned. I for one though think it is a good sign that someone ‘extremely successful’, as described by Jack Lincoln in his letter, is going to be involved in the new academy. Mr Lincoln then went on to describe an academy as a school that ‘has been rescued’. According to the dictionary to rescue something is to ‘set it free’

or ‘bring it away from harm’. The arguments put forward by opponents of the new schools seem to fl ip from one point of view to another. On the one hand they suggest that the local council does not care about Maltby but then on the other hand oppose every new project that is ever proposed for the town. On the one hand they continually attack Rotherham Council but then on the other hand they want them to remain in control of the school. On the one hand they praise the hard work of Dave Sutton and his staff but then on the other hand call into question his judgement about what is best for the children. On the one hand they say they don’t want an academy in Maltby but then on the other hand they say one would be alright as long as it is in Rotherham town centre. I was also interested to read the comments made by Ted Millward about academies at the recent Maltby Forum meeting. He talked about the consultation process for Maltby Academy. This is the same consultation process as took place for the new Maltby Crags Infant School, a school which has gone from being ‘satisfactory’ to ‘outstanding’ in just three years. Mr Millward admitted at a recent meeting that he had opposed the Maltby Crags School. Mr Millward also referred to the role of the Academy’s sponsors. The major sponsors are u-explore, a company who have been carrying out innovative work all over Britain by connecting educational aspirations with employment. As the other two sponsors of the school are Rotherham Council and Sheffi eld Hallam University there is little doubt that the public interest in the school will be protected. The involvement of one of the country’s largest universities should have a positive effect on encouraging more of our young people to go on into higher education. Mr Millward quoted at length from the independent PricewaterhouseCoopers report into the academies programme. He failed to mention that this

report clearly states that academy sponsors contribute signifi cantly to school improvement. He didn’t say that the same report also concludes that leadership and governance are very good in academies and that in general, standards in academies are rising at a faster rate than the national average. Taking highly selective quotes out of context appears to be the central basis of his argument, as well as being a main feature of the anti-academy website. As Mr Millward likes to bandy around quotes and statistics from reports, let us add a few more to the debate. Let us look at the National Audit Offi ce independent report on the Academies Programme published in 2007, which found that GCSE performance is improving faster in academies than in other types of school. Let us look at the independent report by Ofsted. Out of the 37 academies that have had full Ofsted inspections, the overall effectiveness of 57% of them has been rated as good or outstanding. With regard to the leadership and management of academies, Ofsted graded 34 out of the 37 as good or outstanding. Let us look at last year’s GCSE results. If you compare the 62 academies which had GSCE results in 2008 to their predecessor schools in 2001, there is an improvement in the number of pupils achieving fi ve or more GCSEs at A* to C, going up from 23.2% in 2001 to 55.5% in 2008. The 2008 GCSE results also showed that academies have almost doubled the number of pupils achieving fi ve or more GCSEs at A* to C including English and Maths, going up from 14.9% in 2001 to 29.7% in 2008. Mr Millward has been anti-Crags School, anti-service centre and is now anti-academy. Perhaps the time has come for Mr Millward and others to let us know exactly what they are in favour of, as I believe that the majority of people in Maltby back the new schools and back our young people to benefi t from them in the future. Councillor Amy Rushforth

Local Concerns Regarding Maltby Academy Proposals

The latest Save Education in Maltby (SEM) meeting was held at the Catholic Club at the end of last month. Of those invited Jill Adams (SEM), Ted Millward (SEM) and Jane Eades (Anti-Academy Alliance) were in attendance along with around 50 members of the public, including the MP for the Rother Valley constituency Kevin Barron. The Maltby development will be a 0-19 campus, including the new Academy, Hilltop Special School, Maltby Hall Infants and Lilly Hall Junior schools. From the very start it was clear everyone in attendance was there for the same reason, to ensure the best education is available for the children and the future generations of Maltby. Disappointingly as no one from RMBC or Maltby

Comprehensive School or U-explore were in attendance, many of the answers that parents and concerned community members want were not provided. One of the main concerns is the curriculum that is to be introduced. Although the four core subjects (English, Maths Science and IT) have to be taught in an academy, the rest of the curriculum is left for the academy and its sponsors (in this case U-explore) to decide. The alternatives to the standard courses that would be on offer are typically GNVQ’S, NVQ’S and BTEC’S. These are designed to ensure that the children who take

them have the relevant skills for the local employment market and do not leave school “un-employable”. But as the ‘Save Education in Maltby’ group has quite rightly pointed out there have been reports of children elsewhere being forced to undertake these courses without other options being offered. Ms Eades raised the issue of unqualifi ed staff leading lessons. She claimed that their unpopularity among qualifi ed staff often led to a large number of the latter leaving Academies within the fi rst few years. Another main concern is the promise of a newly built school

and other facilities, which many people are led to believe would only be possible if the school was turned into an academy. The Local Education Authority (LEA) have already granted fi ve other local schools the funding for a new build, and these are not going to be turned into academies. The control of the school is to be shared between the LEA and the sponsor. A large worry of the people of Maltby is how much control the LEA will have over the school once it is turned into an Academy, a question which seems to be left un-answered. The only person in attendance to provide some

sort of clarifi cation to the proposed change was Kevin Barron, whose attendance showed his commitment to the Maltby community. However he claimed that SEM had been selective in its use of quotes and reports about Academies which are already operating. He added that BTECs and NVQs could well lead to jobs for life for children who began them at 14, and that they offered a more fl exible approach to education. What is certain is that everyone wants the best for their children and future generations. However it is clear that the lack of consultation and the apparent reluctance to engage in debate has left bitterness in many residents and created an atmosphere of distrust. by Aimee Wilding

Wanting the best for future pupils

Community News10 www.maltbynews.co.uk August 2009

Muse shoes on the marchThe popular Muse shop in Wickersley is spreading its wings and expanding into Sheffi eld. Owner Emma Woodcock, who opened the Hastings Court shop in February 2007 has recently created a new shop in Campo Lane in the heart of Sheffi eld’s Cathedral Quarter. “We will be maintaining our philosophy of providing gorgeous, quality products which are generally not available on the High Street,” said Emma. She has done this by sourcing ranges herself, and developing a reputation amongst manufacturers which means she is able to stock lines which few shops outside of international cities can match.

A committee had already been � appointed by the Council which had the delegated authority to settle the claim by the former Clerk & Financial offi cer. The committee in place at the time of settlement consisted of Councillors J Andrews, A Laird, C McMahon, P Scholey and C Stringer. The committee therefore had the authority to settle the matter and I reported to the last Town Council meeting on the outcome.

The Council’s legal adviser, Mr Serby � of Wake, Smith and Tofi elds Solicitors, repeated to me the advice he had given

to the previous committee members. His own unequivocal advice plus the advice of the council’s barrister was that the council would almost certainly lose if the claim went to Tribunal. This was because of the appalling way in which the former clerk and fi nancial offi cer had been treated by Councillor Slade and his eight colleagues which was compounded by the decision of the Adjudication Panel to suspend Councillor Slade which signifi cantly weakened the council’s position even further. Mr Serby’s clear advice was that

it was in the best interests of the council to reach an out of court settlement. This was because there would be additional legal costs in preparing for the hearing + the solicitors and barrister’s fees for attending the hearing which were likely to be over £20,000.00.

The committee appointed to deal with � the claim met on 24 June 2009. Councillor Laird was the chairman of that committee but stormed out of the meeting before the business could be discussed.

I advised the committee of the �

comments I had received from the council’s legal advisers and, on the basis of that advice, the committee agreed on a majority vote that it should settle the claim on the terms recommended by the council’s legal adviser.

The decision to settle was made by � a properly constituted committee of the council with delegated authority. The decision was not made by myself in isolation.�

Mrs J M Andrews, Chair MTC�

Public statement from Maltby Town Council ChairMaltby Town Council leader Jenny Andrews has issued a public statement on the settlement of the Council’s tribunal case with former Town Clerk

www.maltbynews.co.uk 11August 2009

Community News

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MPC Northern Group have been providing specialist surveying services for 20 years. MPC provide specialist asbestos surveying services and insurance validation surveying across the UK from their Maltby head offi ce. Carolyn Potts, a business adviser of The Junction, was out introducing herself and The Junction when she fi rst met with MPC Northern Group. Jackie and Bill Perratt have grown their team to 11 in Rotherham and 3 in Glasgow and

now require an experienced Administrator to help both with the increasing demands of the business and to develop the internal systems. The Junction took MPC’s ideas and opinions of what they were looking for in an Administrator, then designed a job description, interviewed and tested the candidates and as a consequence, MPC have now recently taken on Carli to join them. “Carli is fantastic!”

Beswicks the Cleaners (telephone 01709 546548)Claire Kilner owner of Beswicks the Cleaners took the opportunity of using the Junction in helping to fi nd an extra pair of hands. Claire formed the company just over 12 months ago and has seen her business rapidly grow and develop. Claire says: “The Junction gave me the support I needed just when I needed it, which allowed me to carry on operating my business and earn money!” Claire goes on to say:” Both Noreen Skinner and Carolyn Potts set up both the job description and advertisement, interviewed a number of candidates on my behalf (including very specifi c questions that I set). The Junction worked at fi nding me the person with the right skills and the right personality to fi t in with our company. We are very happy with The Junction

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Community News12 www.maltbynews.co.uk August 2009

Last month saw a night of glitz and glamour as children and adults from schools across Rotherham attended the towns version of the Oscars – the Roscars. This year the event was held at St Bernards Catholic High School in a circus style tent complete with daring people dressed up as classic characters such as Shrek, Tinkerbell and Cruella de Ville to name a few. The event celebrates and rewards media work by young people from primary, secondary and special schools across Rotherham. This year it was hosted by children’s television presenter Dave Benson Phillips who certainly kept the audience entertained throughout. Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd also made an appearance to present an award and have photos with many fans. Look North sponsored the TV News category. Over 700 people attended

the event which included many attendees from Maltby Community School. This year was the fi rst year Maltby had entered the Roscars with both entries coming from the A Level Media class, which is the fi rst ever class to experience A Level Media at the school. The two entries were movie trailers made by four students and appeared in the Film:Fact or Fiction and Film in a Foreign Language categories. The entry for Film:Fact or Fiction, made by Grace Goodwin and Tammy Golightly, came runner up in that category just loosing out to Hilltop School. However Maltby’s entry in the Film in a Foreign Language category, made by Matt Cheetham and Jennifer Bower, came fi rst with their production “Bourreau”. The winners were rewarded with a glass

award, certifi cate and a computer programme worth £300 for the Media Department. Winner Matt Cheetham said after the event “We had a great night and we’re so excited to have won!” Maltby’s Hilltop Special School won “Film:Fact or Fiction” Key stage 5 and their fi lm was called “A Fragment of Sleep”. Dawn Fletcher, head of Media Studies at Maltby Community school, commented on the night saying “It was great to see the students win and to see how much they supported each other.” The night was a complete success which was made better by the win from Maltby. It’s fair to say that following the win, next year will see more entries and more wins from the many talented people at Maltby.

By Sophie Howard

www.maltbynews.co.uk 13

Community News

August 2009

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Maltby Colliery’s parent company Hargreaves Services said it was confi dent about the future as it reported a strong performance from its energy and commodities division.It also revealed that it was considering further “strategic investments” in Maltby Colliery. The group said it was pleased to announce that it expects to report results that are in line with market expectations. Net Debt at May 31 was slightly lower than market expectations at £69.2m. In the energy and commodities division, the UK operations continued to perform very strongly with profi ts and volumes ahead of internal expectations. Gerry Huitson, Managing Director of Hargreaves’ Production Division said: “Hargreaves is committed to continuing its programme of investment to upgrade both surface and mining equipment at Maltby. “This will minimise the risks of production

disruption - and will support our plans to extend mine life to the targeted 2025 by allowing longer panels of coal to be mined” The production division has performed in line with expectations in the second half. The face change at Maltby Colliery was completed in January and production has already increased to the budgeted levels with the new face equipment performing “very well”. In a statement the Hargreaves board said it was “confi dent about the prospects for the group and is actively considering opportunities to deploy its strong operating cash fl ow to accelerate growth and investment. These opportunities in the short term will focus on coal operations, renewables and further strategic investments at Maltby.” Maltby Colliery was bought from UK Coal for just over £30m in February 2007, safeguarding nearly 500 coal mining jobs.

Things can be strange in Maltby as we know but surely this is a step too far!If you have any curious photossend them in.

Good news for Colliery

Community News14 www.maltbynews.co.uk August 2009

What Are Compromise Agreements? They have only been around for about 15 years, but have been becoming increasingly common for reasons that will become apparent. They are legally binding documents used to end employment on a mutually satisfactory basis. They can also be used when someone is changing roles and is being paid a lump sum to compensate for a reduction in salary. The agreement will set out the amount the employee is to be paid and give a breakdown of what the payments are for. This is important for two reasons; it clarifi es payments for, for example notice and severance, so that all parties can se that the statutory and contractual entitlements of the employee have been at least met, and will also clarify the tax position as severance payments and notice payments have different tax treatment.Do I have to pay tax on any amounts paid ? No....and yes. Notice pay and accrued holiday pay are paid subject to income tax and national insurance (although if you receive a payout at the beginning of the tax year it may be worth contacting your tax offi ce to see if a change in your tax code is possible that would refl ect your likely income for the remainder of the year). Severance, or redundancy paid is normally paid gross. Gordon Brown will only come looking for a share if HMRC judge that the payment was disproportionate to the salary and benefi ts package being received. Most agreements, however, will contain a tax indemnity clause that states that the employee is liable for any tax should the taxman come calling.

Why are Compromise Agreements increasingly common? Two reasons. Firstly people are increasingly likely to challenge any decision to make them redundant or downgrade them and employers are seeking to protect their position. It is possible to make someone redundant, pay them their contractual and statutory entitlements and still loose in tribunal as the process was unfair. A compromise agreement prevents that happening. Secondly, there has been a large increase in redundancies and downgrading of staff, which employers are again at pains to protect themselves against litigation over.What do Compromise Agreements contain? Apart from the payments received and the tax position, there is normally a list of claims which the employee is debarred from bringing. Separately, the employee confi rms that he does not have any ongoing claims. In addition, there will be a confi dentiality clause stating that the terms of the agreement and any negotiations surrounding the document are to be kept confi dential. Again, should the tax man query a lump sum hitting your bank account, you are able to disclose it then. Normally there will be a clause stating that neither party is to make derogatory statement about the other. Sometimes the duty of confi dentiality of an exemployee that is either explicit or implicit in every contract of employment will be restated. In addition, there may be a list of ‘post-termination covenants’, in effect restrictions on the actions of a former employee.

There may also be an agreed reference and details of any ‘outplacement’ provision.Does that mean that my former boss can restrict my future employment? Yes, and curiously hairdressers and, err, solicitors provide some of the interesting case law in this area. Courts instinctively dislike limiting anyone from making a living and such clause are interpreted contra preferentem, which is Latin for prove it. A court will fi rstly look to see if a business has a legitimate interest to protect. The next consideration is the nature of the restrictions; how long they last for, the geographical area covered and what the ex-employee is prevented from doing (working for a competitor, recruiting former colleagues, contacting former clients for example). In all of this, the court will use that most frequent of legal considerations, reasonableness.How much does it cost? To you gov, nothing. As these agreements are drawn up by the employers and protect them, they contain a clause stating that they will pay your legal costs for having it explained to you. A solicitor will also have to sign to say that the have advised you. In the rare event that an employer does not pay the amount due or provides an incorrect reference the solicitor will treat this as a separate matter and charge accordingly. (There may have been a free lunch but dinner will be on you). The above article does not constitute advice in any form. No reliance should be placed upon it by any readers. Tierney & Co accept no liability for any reliance upon it for any loss or damage suffered as a result of such reliance.

Compromise agreements in employment Maltby Show and memorial appealMaltby Horticultural Show is set to take place at the Edward Dunn on Saturday August 22nd. The event will also feature a bouncy castle for kids behind the building. As always there will be great interest in the Children’s Colouring competition. The age groups will be ages fi ve, six, seven, eight, nine and ten. Any materials can be used for your effort but it must be on A4 paper. On the back include your name and address, date of birth and address to claim your certifi cate. There will be cash prizes for fi rst, second and third. Get your entries in to the Edward Dunn. Moves are afoot to create a Maltby Horticultural Society as outlined in last month’s maltby news. Everyone who signs up for the Society will receive free seeds from the maltby news. The town council are also asking residents of Maltby for their ideas for a permanent memorial to the men who lost their lives in the Maltby Pit Disaster of 1923. The council is particularly keen t to trace living relatives of miners who lost their lives. People are asked to contact the Town Hall, with their ideas for what form the memorial should take.Telephone: 01709 814060.

If you have any legal issues, the best advice we can give you is to consult a solicitor. For all your employment law (and other legal) needs, please contact Ian Clay at Tierney & Co on 01709 709000.

A major glazing contractor has chosen South Yorkshire as the location for their new national headquarters and call centre operation. Greenberg Glass and Glazing Ltd will be based in a modern 11,000 Sq Ft unit at Kea Park Close, Hellaby, Rotherham, and will also hold operational glass stocks, and offer supply and cut services. The company will employ 30 people initially, with plans to increase this number to 80 by the end of the year. Greenberg provide a comprehensive range of glazing services, from emergency property securing and re-glazing to new works contract glazing. They service a wide variety of properties from domestic and retail through to commercial and industrial premises, and include; British Heart Foundation, Rowlands Pharmacy & GT Retail amongst an impressive list of current clients on the emergency side. On the contract side of the business, they have recently been awarded the specialist glass packages by Kier for the Presidential and Junior executive suites to the new Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, and a new 22 metre long, toughened glass window display, for Slaters Menswear in their fl agship store in Manchester, on behalf of Nexus retail interiors. In addition to the Rotherham headquarters, Greenberg will operate initially from two regional branches in Leeds and Nottingham. They are already looking at opening a major facility in the North West and expect to ultimately operate from fi ve regional centres across the country with the Rotherham head offi ce and call centre forming the main hub. Greenberg Glass and Glazing Ltd has been formed, following the purchase of Greenberg Glass and EG Glass Ltd, by a management team led by John Askew, previous owner and managing director of EG Glass Ltd. Mr Askew explained the reasoning behind the new venture; “We realised that we needed a centrally located location for the call centre and head offi ce, primarily servicing South Yorkshire and with excellent connection to the motorway network. The Sheffi eld / Rotherham area was chosen after considering Leeds, Nottingham, and West Midlands as its central location gives good coverage to the North, South and

East of the country. Another major consideration is the quality of staff which, from previous experience we knew to be available in this area.” Greenberg were helped to fi nd the ideal location in the area by the Advanced Manufacturing: Sheffi eld Region team; a joint project set up by Creative Sheffi eld and Rotherham Investment & Development Offi ce (RiDO) with Yorkshire Forward funding. The team’s senior business development manager, Joe Anwyl welcomed Greenberg’s decision to locate here; “It is great to welcome a nationally renowned company like Greenberg to our area. Their high quality products and service fi t well with the other fi rst-class manufacturing companies which we have in the Sheffi eld / Rotherham area, and with their expansion plans we see a positive future for Greenberg. Their decision to locate here is also testament to the excellent skilled workforce that we have in the area.”

www.maltbynews.co.uk 15

Community News

August 2009

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Major glazing contractor chooses Hellaby

Solaglas Windowcare have continued their success with their shortlisting as a fi nalist for a prestigious award for innovation in human resources practice, following on from winning the Overall Award at the 2008 Rotherham Business Awards. The company battled it out with business big boys McDonald’s, Barratts Developments and Zenith Optimedia for the Best Talent Management award in the HR Excellence Awards and Solaglas Windowcare’s Ian Davy has spoken of the impact the fi rm’s success in their hometown has had on the company. Ian, Managing Director at Solaglas Windowcare, said: “Winning the prestigious Overall Award at last year’s Rotherham Business Awards, and two category awards, was a huge achievement for the company and gave us a great sense of pride. “At our recent Employee Communications Day, the senior management team highlighted that we are an award-winning company and spoke about the need to maintain our high quality service – whether that is over the phone to policyholders or with domestic or commercial clients in the fi eld. “We have displayed the trophy and certifi cates in our reception area as a constant reminder

to employees of the standards expected of them every day. It also highlights our credentials to the many business visitors who visit. It’s important they know that they are dealing with a premier business, and indeed, they also want to deal with successful companies.” The 2009 Rotherham Business Awards ceremony takes place on Friday 23 October and Ian was quick to encourage companies to enter this year. “There are two benefi ts to entering. Firstly, there is the kudos and motivating factor of winning (or just even being shortlisted) – let alone the experience of attending the event itself. “Secondly, and just as importantly, the process means you are analysing different elements of your business – particularly in those areas where you surpass customers’ and clients’ growing expectations. It also allows you to highlight initiatives that put you in a leadership position in your sector and of course identify gaps in your businesses.”

Companies wishing to enter the 2009 Rotherham Business Awards should contact the Chamber on 0844 414 5100. The deadline for entries is Friday 18 September.

Rotherham’s fi nest hail awards kudosGreenberg provide a comprehensive range of glazing services

16 www.maltbynews.co.uk August 2009

Sport

Maltby edge low-scoring thriller

Maltby Main (0) 1 Long Eaton United (0) 0Main got their season off to the best possible start with a 1-0 win over title favourites Long Eaton Utd at Muglet Lane. Main were straight at United when Scott Somerville dispossessed Ian Wheat and played the ball to Simon Hickey, whose low cross was hit just wide of the near post by Rob Branagan in the fourth minute.

United’s fi rst attempt came in the nineteenth minute when Jared Holmes headed wide from ten yards following Nathan Parker’s cross. United almost took the lead in the twenty third minute when Paolo Piliero looping cross had to be tipped away from under his own crossbar by Jamie bailey in the Main goal. The visitors did have the ball in the Main goal in the twenty ninth minute, when Piliero side footed past Bailey and into the bottom

corner but the goal was ruled out for offside. With fi ve minutes of the second half gone Holmes wasted a great chance when he shot wide from the edge of the box while under pressure from Danny Reilly following Kelvin Mushambi’s great ball forward. United forced Bailey to pull off a great save to catch Holmes’s curling free kick from twenty yards out in the sixty ninth minute. Keeping up the pressure Lee Sutton had his shot

fi rstly blocked by Reilly, but the ball looped goalwards were Craig Roden was there to head the ball off the line and away from danger. Roden had a shot cleared off the line in the seventy eighth minute by Wheat following Paul McGinty’s weak clearence. Finally the deadlock was broken and Main took the lead in the eighty second minute when Reilly headed John Wall’s free kick back across goal, Whalin palmed the ball away but only as far as Mellon who headed into the United goal to give Main their dream start to the new campaign. Main had strong appeals for a penalty turned down by the referee in the third minute of added time when

Wall burst onto Somerville’s ball forward and as he rounded Whalin the big keeper upended him but to no avail. In the tense closing minutes the visitors also had claims for a penalty in the ninety fi fth minute when Holmes looked to have been pushed over in the area by Paul Lavender.

Maltby Main: Jamie Bailey, Simon Megson( Greg Mason 75), James Ellis, Danny Reilly, Craig Roden( Dave Shepherd 85), Lee Mellon( Danny White 90), Paul Lavender, Simon Hickey, Rob Branagan, Jonathan Wall, Scott Somerville. by Philip Hulley

Main make a dream start to season

Maltby Miners Welfare had their supporters biting their fi nger nails as they almost threw away a low-scoring game against Rossington Main. Rossington won the toss and decided to bat but were soon in trouble as Paul Pendle whipped through their top order taking four of the fi rst fi ve wickets in a brilliant spell, fi nally ending with four for 24 off 11 overs. He was ably assisted by Gary Mills and Gary Porter who claimed three wickets each as

Rossington were skittled out for 76 off just 36.2 overs. What looked a simple task began disastrously when Michael Richardson almost matched Pendle’s spell, and the fi rst fi ve Maltby wickets garnered two runs between them. Fortunately the ship was steadied by Kevin Porter, whose unbeaten 45 held the innings together as wickets fell at the other end. In the end Maltby staggered home by two wickets, using 37.5 overs to reach their target.