Bransholme beach

A beach made of 80 tonnes of sand will be one of the attractions at the North Carr Play Partnership Fun Day.
The beach, complete with paddling pools, is expected to attract hundreds of families to the free event which also includes sandcastle competitions, native American teepees, archery, and more.
The fun day has been organised by several partners including Hull City Council's North Carr area team, local schools and community groups.
"We held a fun day last year which was a huge success and hopefully Hull families will attend again and really enjoy themselves," said Cllr Anita Harrison, who represents the Bransholme East ward.
The fun day is on 19 August from 10am - 4pm at Lothian Way, next to the community centre.

Tribute to councilor

Former Hull City Councillor and Honorary Alderman Dennis Barber died on 20 June, aged 81.
He was a councillor for 27 years, representing the Holderness ward and then the Ings ward until his retirement in December 2000.
He was Lord Mayor in 1992 and was made an Honorary Alderman of the city in July 2001.
A retired train driver, he was the deputy leader of Hull City Council for three years, chair of the Environmental Health Committee, and deputy chair of the Personnel Committee.
He was also chair of the Sutton and Bilton Area Committee and sat on the Leisure Services Committee and the Policy and Resources Committee.

Avoid library fines

Library staff are helping the public avoid fines – by reminding them by email that items are due for return.
At present, around a quarter of the 46,000 regular borrowers at Hull's libraries have registered their email addresses to receive helpful reminders.
Other library users are now being urged to register their email addresses to use the service.
"People are often concerned about facing fines if they forget to return their items on time, so we hope this will give readers more confidence," says Sue Richmond, strategic library manager.
Meanwhile, anyone with a Hull library card can now access hundreds of reference books and newspaper articles via the Hull City Council website.
For more information about library services, including free Internet access, cheap DVD rental and free courses, contact 300300 or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk

New bin collection times

Hull residents are being reminded that they need to put out their black bins half an hour earlier.
As part of the new arrangements for household waste collections, Hull City Council's waste management team is now collecting black bins from 7am, not 7.30am.
The collection day for some residents has also changed, and those residents have already been notified by letter.
For more information about waste management call 300300 or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk

Students 'Love Local'

A retail discount scheme set up to help Hull beat the recession by encouraging people to use local shops is going from strength to strength as more shoppers sign up.
So far more than 3,000 people have signed up to receive a free Love Local bag, which can be used to claim discounts in 70 shops and businesses in Newland Avenue.
"There has been a tremendous response to Love Local since its launch in May," said Pascal Dannerolle of Community Church Hull, which runs the scheme with support from Hull City Council and other partners.
"We are hoping to build on this initial success by asking the new intake of University of Hull students to sign up when they arrive in the city next month."
For information visit www.lovelocal.org.uk

Planting our futures

Acting head Louise Oddy, City Works chargehand Mick Carrie (standing) with jobseekers and a Collingwood pupil

Jobseekers have helped a local primary school by clearing an area where pupils can plant vegetables.
The jobseekers, who are being supported to find permanent work and access training through the City Works project, cleared pavers, broke up concrete and prepared ground at Collingwood primary school.
"It has opened up a world of learning opportunities for our children," said Lousie Oddy, acting head teacher.
"From taking responsibility for the upkeep of the garden, to fostering an understanding of sustainability, or simply knowing where food comes from, the list is endless."
The jobseekers are taking part in the Local Work Guarantee (LWG) Scheme, through which they are employed on a community-based project for the first three months before entering long-term posts in which employers are offered financial incentives to take them on.
For more information contact City Works on 308711.

Wheelie bin warnings

Police are urging residents not to leave out wheelie bins for long periods – as they can be a target for arsonists.
"The deliberate ignition of these bins can threaten life and property," says Pc Trevor Waudby, of Hull Citysafe.
"Therefore we would urge residents to only put them out on the day of collection and to return them onto their property as soon as possible.
"Bin bags shouldn't be left near to a bin for collection as they won't be taken – and could be another target for arsonists."
Bins should also be kept away from property or walls as they can assist intruders, say police.
Meanwhile, residents are also urged to have bulky waste items disposed of by ringing the council on 300300, as these can also be a target for arsonists.

Good news for tenants

Hull council tenants are being helped through the credit crunch with lower rents.
Due to the recession, the government has decided to lower the rate of increase in rents this year from 6.08 per cent to 3.06 per cent.
Tenants who have already been paying the higher rate since April will have their accounts adjusted accordingly.

Hull's got talent

More than 600 young musicians from across Hull performed in three summer concerts at the city hall to mark the 50th anniversary of the Hull Music Service.
Part of Hull City Council, the service is based at the Albemarle Music Centre, on Ferensway, and provides music tuition for pupils in Hull schools.
Past students include cellist Gay-Yee Westerhoff, who is part of all-girl classical pop group Bond, Lisa Featherstone, who is bass player for pop star Katy Melua, and Paul Frankish, a successful musical director in London's West End.
"We're delighted to be celebrating our 50th anniversary, and these special concerts were a fantastic chance for people to come along and see some of the talented young musicians we have in the city," said Chris Maynard, head of the service.