Press Release 11 June 2008

South Derbyshire District Council is on the road to becoming an excellent authority and it is taking other organisations on the journey with it.

To mark National Food Safety Week, the Council is launching its star ratings for organisations which provide food including cafes, shops, schools and clubs.

On Tuesday 10 June, Cllr Heather Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council presented Cheral Eidukas, Manager of the Newhall Centre and also members of the Centre with Council's Five Star Certificate.

Says Cllr Heather Wheeler, "The South Derbyshire way is to make life better for everyone. We are giving ratings to all organisations which provide food ranging from five stars to no stars. If they don’t make the top rating, our Environmental Health Officers will provide help and advice so they can be amongst the best.

"Everyone benefits. The organisations have staff who look after food correctly. The people of South Derbyshire have more top standard places to eat. It’s our aim to make our District healthier and this is one way of us achieving this together."

At the Newhall Centre, Cllr Heather Wheeler presented the Five Star Certificate with Cllr John Lemmon who, as well as being Chairman of South Derbyshire's Housing and Community Services Committee is a member of Derbyshire County Council's Supporting People Board.

Says Cllr Lemmon, "Derbyshire County Council’s Newhall Centre is helping people in the community. Its five star café based in its garden centre not only provides refreshment for local people, it also offers training for adults with learning disabilities."

Newhall Centre Manager Cheral Eidukas explains, "Blooming Marvels is a garden centre with a café which is available for the whole of our community. Blooming Marvels is run and financially managed by adults who have learning disabilities who are developing skills to become ready for work. People are getting skilled not only through work experience, but also by attending courses such as food hygiene, computer and customer service skills. This Five Star Certificate shows how good Blooming Marvels is as it has reached the top just like a hard-working, professional and committed commercial organisation."

picture shows Cllr Heather Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council presenting Cheral Eidukas, Manager of the Newhall Centre and also members of the Centre with Council's Five Star Certificate