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*Please note: there will be no newsletters next week due to the school half term holidays. All newsletters will resume week commencing 2nd June*
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Local Plan Review
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The first of three weeks of public hearing sessions for the Local Plan examination begins next week on Tuesday, 27th May at 10am.
The final two weeks will run in July, from Tuesday, 22nd July to Friday, 1st August.
All sessions are virtual and will be live streamed and available to the public via a link which will be published in advance of the sessions.
The Local Plan was submitted for independent examination by the council in December 2024 and is being scrutinised by two independent planning inspectors.
Participants at the hearings include officers of the council, representatives from professional planning groups and developers, other local authorities, residents and statutory consultees such as National Highways. They have been invited to take part by the inspectors based on the representations made in 2024 as part of the final public consultation on the Local Plan.
The Local Plan sets out the future planning framework for the district, including housing and employment sites and policies for the determination of planning applications.
To find out more about the examination, details of the programme officer, and for the live streaming link, visit Local Plan Review Examination.
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Start-Up Support scheme extended in South Staffordshire
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South Staffordshire’s flagship business support programme, Start in South Staffs, has been extended for another year – offering continued guidance and resources to new and early-stage businesses across the district.
The scheme, delivered by award-winning business experts Good2Great on behalf of South Staffordshire Council, provides a valuable mix of online and in-person workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and practical advice for businesses trading for up to two years. Eligible participants may also be considered for council grant funding following programme completion.
The extension means the programme will now run until early 2026, ensuring even more entrepreneurs can access the support needed to turn business ideas into sustainable ventures.
Good2Great, based in Bridgnorth, has supported over 1,000 start-ups and was recently recognised with a Service Excellence award from the Federation of Small Businesses.
To learn more or register your interest, visit: https://bit.ly/4b8R0Bo
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Job vacancies
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JOB VACANCIES
• Relief Receptionist, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 30th June
• Relief Leisure Assistant, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 30th May
• Relief Swimming Instructor, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 30th May
• Planning Solicitor, open closing date
All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site.
Work for us
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Training for young people aged 14+ & 16+
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This summer, dive into a rewarding role – become a qualified pool lifeguard, swimming teacher, or aquatic assistant.
National Pool Lifeguard courses
• 18th – 23rd August at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre or Wombourne Leisure Centre.
• Candidates must be 16 years+
Award in teaching swimming
• 27th July – 1st August at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre.
• Candidates must be 16 years+
Aquatic Helper course (one-day course)
• 25th July at Codsall Leisure Centre
• 8th August at Penkridge Leisure Centre
• 29th August at Wombourne Leisure Centre
🕰️ BOOK: To check availability and book onto the course, email trainingacademy@sstaffs.gov.uk
🤩Funded training available: find out if you’re eligible for funded training – call 01902 696228 or email peopleandskills@sstaffs.gov.uk
To find out more about all of the courses on offer this year, visit: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/training-and-courses
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Preparing for the 2G network switch off
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The UK is decommissioning its 2G and 3G mobile networks in a phased approach due to several key factors:
1. Spectrum re-allocation: The radio frequencies used by 2G and 3G will be repurposed to improve 4G and 5G services.
2. Infrastructure modernisation: Maintaining old 2G/3G infrastructure is costly and inefficient compared to newer technologies.
3. Technological advancements: The demand for high-bandwidth mobile data and advanced services makes 4G and 5G necessary, leaving older technologies obsolete.
4. Energy efficiency: Newer networks are more energy-efficient.
The 2G switch-off, part of the UK Government’s strategy, is set to happen by 2033, with each operator setting its own timeline. The move will free up resources for better 4G and 5G connectivity. Many global operators have already retired their 2G networks. The 3G switch-off is also underway, with some operators like Vodafone and EE already completing it.
This transition ensures the UK’s mobile networks remain secure, reliable, and capable of supporting future demands.
For further info click HERE📱
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Support for Loan Shark victims – help is always here
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A national campaign, Stop Loan Sharks Week (19th – 26th May), is raising awareness about the dangers of illegal lending and encouraging those affected to seek support.
This year’s message – “We’re here whenever you’re ready” – highlights the confidential, no-pressure help available through the Stop Loan Sharks team. Many victims face fear, stress, and isolation, but support is always available.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a loan shark, contact the team in confidence:
📞 0300 555 2222 (24/7 helpline)
📱 Text: 07860 022116
📧 Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
💻 Visit: www.stoploansharks.co.uk
You’re not alone. Help is here when you’re ready.
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Garden Waste Collection 2025/26 – Sign up now 🌿
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You can now sign up online for the new garden waste collection service 2025/2026.
To ensure your bin is emptied from Monday, 30th June 2025, please sign up before Monday, 23rd June 2025.
• Permit price: £47.50
• Collection year starts: Monday, 30th June 2025
When collections begin, our waste collection crews will apply a permit sticker to your bin.
👉 Important: Please make sure your bin is clearly identifiable, with your house number visible, to ensure the sticker is applied to the correct bin.
Thank you for helping us keep South Staffordshire clean and green!
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