SAFER PETERBOROUGH BACKS NATIONAL DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN

The SaferPeterborough partnership is supporting a campaign launched by the Department for Transport to tackle drug driving.

Washroom posters and a first national TV advertising campaign titled, 'Your eyes will give you away', are targeting drug drivers.

New research revealed one in 10 young male drivers admit to driving after taking illegal drugs. A recent survey undertaken across Cambridgeshire concluded that 23 per cent of all respondents had driven after taking drugs.

Local and regional radio adverts produced by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership and featuring real-life cases will run for the rest of August to support the new campaign.

The hard-hitting advert features a mother talking about the loss of her son in a crash involving a drug driver. She describes in harrowing detail how two policemen knocked on her door in the early hours of a Sunday morning to say her son had been killed in a car crash. She later discovered her son’s partner and brother had also died in the same collision.

Clair George, road safety officer for the SaferPeterborough partnership, said: "Driving under the influence of drugs, whether prescribed medication or illegal substances, is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Young people may not be aware it is an offence to drive under the influence of drugs, so it is important we get the message across."

"Driving under the influence of drugs carries the same penalties as drink driving offences, including a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison. If a death is caused, the penalties are even more severe."

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR PERKINS GREAT EASTERN RUN

The organisers of the Perkins Great Eastern Run 2009 are looking for volunteers to help make the event a success.

The Perkins Great Eastern Run will take place on Sunday 11 October 2009 and looks set to be bigger and better than ever. The half-marathon and fun run were revived by Peterborough City Council in 2006 after a 10-year break and have gone from strength to strength ever since.

To date, 1,814 people have signed up for this year's 13.1 mile half marathon and 414 have signed up for the 4km fun run. More than 5,000 entries are expected by race day.

Volunteers are needed to act as marshals to oversee the course on race day. People are also needed to help prepare in the days leading up to the event. Duties on race day will include road supervision, baggage handling and operating water stations. All volunteers must be available between 9.30am and about 3pm on race day, although finish times will vary depending on where people are stationed on the course.

Two types of volunteers are sought:

• Key volunteers who will be responsible for co-ordinating a group of volunteers (these people will need to meet at 8.30am for a briefing)

• Volunteers who will carry out duties including supervision, baggage handling and operating water stations under the guidance of key volunteers

Volunteers can either enrol as an individual or sign up as a small group who will work together throughout the race.

Councillor Matthew Lee, cabinet member for environment capital and culture, said: "This is a chance for people to play their part in making the race a success, whilst getting involved in one of the city's biggest annual events. Volunteers play a key role in the Perkins Great Eastern Run and I would encourage everyone to spare some time and get involved."

For more information about volunteering for the event, call Nicky McCready on (01733) 863866 or email nicola.mccready@peterborough.gov.uk

TRIBUTES PAID TO 'EXCELLENT' DEPUTY HEADTEACHER

Tributes have been paid to Matthew Warn, the deputy headteacher of Norwood Primary School in Peterborough, who was found dead at his home on Sunday (9 August 2009).

Mr Warn (35) was appointed deputy headteacher at Norwood Primary School in 2007 after previously working as a teacher at Fulbridge Primary School and Gladstone Primary School.

Norwood Primary School headteacher Deborah Reynolds said: "Matthew was a highly respected and well loved member of our team. He had a significant impact in moulding our curriculum to meet the needs of the whole school community and has been fundamental in creating a culture where our children understand the importance of, and acquire the skills to develop, a life long approach to learning.

"All those who had the privilege to work with Matthew will understand what a dedicated and inspirational teacher he was. He will be greatly missed by colleagues and pupils. Our most sincere condolences go to his loving family and network of friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

"As a school our priority is the children and supporting them through this difficult time. I am sure that the wider community will support us by giving our school the time and space to come to terms with such a tragic situation."

Matthew's family has asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time. However they issued the following statement: "This is a difficult time for the people whose lives were touched by Matthew. He was one of God's true gentlemen and will remain treasured in our hearts and the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
"We are a close family who will stay strong by supporting each other, remembering the good times and celebrating the achievements of Matthew’s life."

John Richards, Peterborough City Council's director of children's services, said: “We were shocked and saddened to hear of Matthew's death. He was an excellent deputy head teacher and highly respected by all those who knew him. We offer our condolences at this sad time to Matthew's family, friends and colleagues.

"Whilst this is very sad news the family and the school are keen to celebrate Matthew’s life and all that he achieved."

A book of condolence will be available to sign in Paston All Saints Church, Fulbridge Road, Peterborough, on Sunday 16 August 2009 between 1pm and 5pm and Tuesday 18 August 2009 between 12noon and 2pm. The book of condolence will also be be available during usual service times and by prior arrangement with Reverend Clive Deverell by calling (01733) 572991.

Well-wishers have been asked to make donations to a memorial fund rather than laying flowers at the entrance to the school. More information about the fund will be made available in the new school year.

The city council's educational psychology service has set up a consultation line for anyone affected. Pupils and parents who would like to talk to a psychologist should call (01733) 863690, Monday to Friday between 11am and 2pm. The service will be available from tomorrow (Friday 14 August 2009) until Friday 4 September 2009.

NEW MAP OF CITY'S NATURAL ATTRACTIONS LAUNCHES

A new interactive map will help people enjoy the city's parks, woodlands and other places of historical and natural interest.

Whether you are looking for circular walks, nature reserves or other open spaces, information about where they are, when they are open and how to get there can be found on the Natural Networks Green Grid map.

Natural Networks is a group of organisations including Peterborough City Council, Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), Natural England and the Wildlife Trust who work to improve the green spaces of Peterborough for the benefit of both people and wildlife. The map can be found on its website www.naturalnet.org.uk.

The map has been developed with digital communications agency Pixelwork, and is very simple to use. Firstly, choose the area of Peterborough you are interested in, select the information categories you would like to find out about and click ‘go’. You can then click on individual sites to find out more details.

Louise Tuffin, the city council's Natural Networks co-ordinator, said: "We want the map to be as useful and user-friendly as possible and welcome any comments and suggestions. If you know of a site you would like to see on the map, or maybe a circular walk that you think other people might enjoy walking, let us know by emailing us at info@naturalnet.org.uk. You can also use the contact form on the website, and we’ll do our best to put it on the map for you."

Natural Networks is also launching an interactive facility for visitors to Nene Park this autumn. The Mobile Explorer uses mobile devices with inbuilt GPS receivers to bring alive the history and wildlife of four new circular trails. The technology has again been developed with Pixelwork, and automatically delivers information on different historical and ecological points of interest along the route when the user enters invisible ‘trigger zones’.

In addition to the walks there is also a ‘wildlife browser’ which gives information on all sorts of species you may come across while out on your walk, and a ‘tracks and signs’ section which helps people identify which birds or animals have left the tracks. You can check your location on the route at any point by accessing the live map, which will pinpoint exactly where you are.

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) will be available to hire free-of-charge from the Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre where the walks start and finish, from September 2009. If you have your own mobile device, the walks will be available to download from www.naturalnet.org.uk and as MP3 audio tours.

Two guided taster sessions have been organised in August 2009, which are the first chance for people to try out this exciting new way of walking. The free sessions will run from 1pm to 3pm on both Tuesday 18 August 2009 and Tuesday 25 August 2009 and PDAs will be available. Places are limited so please be sure to book yours by emailing info@naturalnet.org.uk or telephoning Louise on 01733 454435.