Flood defence planner praised

A Hull City Council planner who helped develop plans which could protect Hull from flooding has been shortlisted for a national award.
City planning manager Alex Codd (pictured above), worked with the council's planning committee to develop a flood defence policy – known as the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) – which is now recognised as leading practice across the country.
As this issue of Hull in print went to press, Mr Codd was on a shortlist with four other planners from councils across the country to receive the Royal Town Planning Institute Young Planner of the Year award.
The winner was to be announced at the London Hilton on February 5.

Cheers for awards

The University of Hull's Students' Union is officially the safest place to have a drink in the city.
The union recently scooped the Best Bar None Awards for best and safest licensed premises.
The awards are part of a national campaign to recognise responsible licensees and reduce drink-related crime and disorder.
They are run locally by crime-reduction partnership Hull Citysafe, along with Viking FM, Hull Business Improvement District (BID), the Home Office and other local sponsors.
Any premises in Hull accredited under the scheme will display a Best Bar None plaque.

Action in the east

Young people in east Hull have taken part in a Community Safety Action Partnership event to raise their concerns about community safety issues.
Partners including Humberside Police, Hull City Council officers and youth workers asked young people what they like about living in east Hull and what could be done to make them feel safer.
Young people responded by telling of their concerns which include adults drinking in the street in summer, drugs, and bullying.
They also said they would like to see more CCTV to make the area safer, and litter clean-ups to improve the environment.
Hull City Council's East Area Team is now looking at how their concerns and suggestions can be addressed.

Beware unlicensed landlords

Tenants who live in multiple-occupation properties are being encouraged to make sure their landlords are properly licensed.
Rental properties which have three or more floors, and are let to five or more tenants, forming two or more households which share amenities, must be licensed by the council.
"This ensures that properties in multiple occupation are well managed and have adequate amenities and fire precautions," said housing services manager Angela Dearing.
Landlords have amnesty until February 27 to make sure they have a proper licence, otherwise they could be fined up to £20,000.
Any tenants who believe their landlords are not licensed should ring the private sector housing team on 300300

Half-term museum fun

If you're stuck for things to do this half term, why not visit some of Hull's amazing museums? The museums are putting on workshops and activities for children and young people between February 14 and 22.
Handle weapons and tools made 5,000 years ago at Hull and East Riding Museum, discover how the Victorians cured their illnesses at the Streetlife Museum, or design your own coat of arms at Wilberforce House Museum.
For more details about what's on, visit the children and young people's website www.cluedupinhull.co.uk or call 300300.

Electronic book

Families can now view the names of their loved ones throughout the year thanks to a new service at Chanterlands Crematorium.
An electronic book of remembrance, with easy-to-use touch screen technology, has been installed at the west Hull site to allow bereaved families to view their loved ones' entries at any time.
Viewing the original book of remembrance (which is still available in the book room at the crematorium) can only be done on the anniversary of when a loved one passed away or after making an appointment, but the electronic book can be seen throughout the year.
There are plans to install electronic books at other Hull cemeteries.
For more information call Bereavement Services on 300300.

Tribute to councillor

Former councillor Eric Waudby (pictured left) died late last year aged 80.
He served as a Labour councillor in Hull's Marfleet ward from 1988 to 1997, and was chairman of the Highways and Road Safety Advisory Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Technical Services Committee and a member of both the Leisure Services and Cultural Services committees.
Having retired as a councillor in 1997 after suffering a stroke, he continued to attend council meetings with his wife Cllr Sheila Waudby who was his full-time carer.
"Eric worked tirelessly for the people of Hull," said Labour Group leader Cllr Stephen Brady.
"His record for the council was outstanding and he will be missed by many people."

Housing service award

Hull City Council is the first local authority in the country to receive a national award for involving local residents in improving housing services.
The award was presented by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) to residents and housing staff recently at the Freedom Centre in east Hull.
TPAS is a not-for-profit agency which provides advice and training on all aspects of resident involvement in housing and community development.
"As the first council to gain the award, Hull has demonstrated excellence in terms of tenant involvement," said Sara Thakker, the chair of TPAS.
From joining a tenants and residents association to getting involved in an area housing board, there are many ways to have your say.
For details call the Tenant Participation Team on 300300, and for TPAS visit www.tpas.org.uk See also page 33 for more on this story and other tenant news.

Jobs boost

Builder Dave O'Loughlin (left) and finishing foreman Sean Parker of Hobson and Porter

More than 120 jobs have been secured and several new ones created after Hull-based building contractor Hobson and Porter was awarded a contract to refurbish homes in west Hull.
The 400 homes, in Alliance Avenue, Carew Street and part of De La Pole Avenue, are being given external facelifts to restore their Victorian character, as part of the Gateway project.
Hobson and Porter recently worked with Gateway to complete more than 370 similar refurbishments on Plane Street, St George's Road and Sandringham Street.
Hundreds of millions of pounds of government money is being spent through Gateway in the Newington and St Andrew's areas of west Hull, and in the Ings and Preston Road areas of east Hull, in order to breathe new life into communities and revive the Hull housing market.
Visit www.gatewayhull.co.uk for more information.