Driving up taxi standards

Travelling by taxi in Hull is now safer and more comfortable, thanks to a new partnership between Hull City Council and the Hull Hackney Drivers' Association.
Hull is one of the only cities in the country to have a Taxi Quality Partnership, which will raise standards by introducing measures, including sheltered taxi stands and training courses for drivers (for example, in customer care).
Meanwhile, taxi travellers are being urged to beware of bogus vehicles, in which they could be at risk; for example, if the vehicle is unsafe.
The Taxi Quality Partnership does not involve the city's private hire cars, of which there are around 900, which operate from offices, and are not licensed to pick up on the street or at ranks.

Switch on to Hull TV

Hull's first Internet TV channel is looking for staff to help it develop.
The award-winning channel - known as Stream - was launched earlier this year at www.streamonline.co.uk *.
It plans to offer news and support to the city's businesses – plus run profiles of local companies.
People with creative and media expertise - such as documentary and film-making, video production, and graphic design -are now needed to help develop the service.
In return they will receive free office space for six months, as well as funding, training, equipment and specialist advice.
Stream was set up by Broadband Capital Ltd, a company created by Hull City Council.
For information call, Ray McPhee on Hull 482900.

Sledge-skating boost

Thanks to Hull in print, more disabled sports people are taking part in sledge hockey.
New interest was generated through last month's article which featured Simon Berry (pictured above), a veteran of the sport, who lost use of his legs following a motorcycle accident in 1982.
Simon said: "The article helped us find out how many disabled young people would like to go on the ice.
"We then approached Hull Arena, and the hour slot was arranged."
Sessions of Junior Sledge Skating take place on Thursdays from 7.15pm, and are open to young people with impairments who cannot skate on their own feet. (Carers are also welcome.)
To book, call Chris Wilson on 01482 571025 (between 6 and 8pm on Monday and Tuesday evenings).

Royal approval

A car safety scheme that has helped cut the number of children injured in road accidents by 20 per cent in five years is to receive a top award.
The scheme – known as Precious Cargo – encourages parents to put their kids in child safety seats
It's managed by Hull City Council road safety officers, but also relies on other professionals within the community - including midwives, health visitors, teachers and police officers - to inform parents about the importance of seat belts.
The scheme will receive an International Road Safety Award from Prince Michael of Kent at the Savoy, London, on December 11.
The Prince will hand the award to Cllr Mark Collinson, who will attend on behalf of the council and everyone involved with Precious Cargo.

Planning ahead

Discussing plans for the city centre at a conference at the Quality Hotel Royal

Would you like to have a say on what is built in Hull, where it's built and what it looks like?
Hull City Council wants to encourage more people to have their say on how land is used or developed in the city both now and in to the future up to 2021.
Events such as workshops, conferences, exhibitions and focus groups are good ways to find out public opinion, say council planners.
They are now asking for feedback on a document which sets out the different ways in which they intend to involve the public.
Known as the Draft Statement of Community Involvement, the document will be available for public viewing between December 18 and January 29 in libraries, customer service centres and on the council website (at www.hullcc.gov.uk *).

A chance for all

Looking to the future: Victoria Sutton (16) of Frederick Holmes School, Inglemire Lane, with the Lord Mayor at the careers event

Work and college opportunities for young people with learning and physical disabilities were the subject of an exhibition at the Guildhall.
Local colleges and employers set up stalls, and there was also information on health, sport and leisure activities.
The event, aimed at 14 to 19 year olds, was held as part of Hull City Council's commitment to building a family-friendly city where no child is left behind.
Cllr Mike Ross, who has responsibility for lifelong learning, said: "It showed there are opportunities out there for everyone, no matter what their circumstances may be."

21 years young

CASE volunteers display bird boxes they have made

A charity which provides training and support to around 120 people with learning difficulties will round off its 21st anniversary year this month.
CASE Training Services helps its members to move towards employment and independent living – through a range of courses, including craft workshops, printing greetings cards, gardening skills, and training in catering and computers.
The Charles Street charity began in a church hall, but now has two training centres, a shop in Hessle Road and a website (www.casetraininghull.co.uk *).
"It has been a tremendous achievement to reach 21 years of providing a quality service to vulnerable people," said CASE spokesperson Kevin Corbett.

History in the making

It's been described as "a building for the people" and will provide a wide range of learning and cultural opportunities in the city.
The £10.7 million Hull History Centre is set to be built next year on the Mason Street car park, near Hull New Theatre, with its opening in 2009.
It will bring together the City Archives, the Local Studies Library and the University of Hull archives – all under one roof.
Meanwhile, people had the chance to see drawings and a model of the centre (pictured above) in a consultation event at the Guildhall.
There was also a chance to learn about the services and activities which the centre will offer - including tracing family trees and gaining access to some of the city's most important historical documents, including the speeches of Wilberforce and the papers of poets Larkin and Marvell.