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Becky Hodgetts

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Council News

Shaping South Staffordshire:

Take part in a digital democracy trial that will shape the future South Staffordshire

Residents are being invited to take part in a new and exciting way to have their say on the future of South Staffordshire.

Shaping South Staffordshire is a new digital engagement project that asks people what they want the district to be like by 2045. It is a different kind of consultation, designed to be easy to use and open to everyone who lives in, works in, or visits South Staffordshire.

Taking part is quick and can be done online at a time that suits you. You can share your views, respond to ideas from others and help shape a shared vision for the future of our area.

This project is about listening to a wide range of voices and making sure decisions about planning reflect what really matters to local communities. Whether you have strong views or just a few thoughts to share, every contribution counts.

The first phase is open now and we would encourage everyone to get involved and have their say – and if you do, you could be in with a chance of winning £1,000.

 

 

 

Invitation – Shaping South Staffordshire 

Invitation – Shaping South Staffordshire 

Weekly News

Easter Holiday Bin Collections

There will no changes to your bin collections over Easter.
________________________________________

Bins will be collected as usual on Good Friday, 3rd April and Easter Monday, 6th April.
Please make sure your bins and bags are out by 7am, with the lids closed.

If you need to report a missed bin over the Easter Holiday period, please telephone Biffa on 01543 578832.
Customer Services will reopen at 9am Tuesday, 7th April.
________________________________________

Easter creates a lot of recyclable waste, did you know a whopping 80 million Easter eggs are sold in the UK every year – and most come wrapped in recyclable aluminium foil!
This Easter, do your bit for the planet by remembering to
• Scrunch your foil and place in your blue recycling bin
• Flatten cardboard boxes and recycle in your blue bag
• Plastic trays can be recycled in your blue recycling bin.

 

 

Monthly News

My Staffordshire Newsletter

Latest News

Hop into Easter half term adventures

The Easter holidays are almost here, and Staffordshire is packed with activities to keep your children entertained. Whether your little ones enjoy crafting, exploring history, or hunting for hidden treasures, there’s something for everyone this half term.

Libraries across the county are getting into the Easter spirit. Over at Stone Library, kids can try their hand at rock painting on Friday 10 April, and Leek Library is offering a fun Easter craft session for children aged three and over on Monday 30 March – no booking needed.

The Staffordshire History Centre is also bursting with family fun. On Tuesday 31 March, you can enjoy watercolour painting sessions and a free spotlight talk about 1920s artist Mabel Layng. On Thursday 2 April, the centre hosts the Vicious Victorians Family Fun Day, where children can dress up, try hands-on activities, and explore 19th-century life – all free of charge.

For outdoor fun, Cannock Chase has Easter scavenger trails starting Saturday 28 March. Children can search for hidden eggs, collect items along the way, and even spot the conservation cows. There’s a prize for every completed trail, which costs just £3.

From arts and crafts to egg hunts and historical adventures, there’s plenty for you and your children to enjoy this Easter across Staffordshire.

https://news.comms.staffordshire.gov.uk/4D4EE46E966B7FBABA0669D536780D32CF80EA0855270B9B6D9A9F43A555DB25/D10F063B183F8DE628C8813F0C9AB9E7/LE35

Last chance to book Easter HAF activities

Easter holidays start next week – don’t miss out on free Holiday Activities and Food sessions packed with fun, friends and hot meals for eligible children.

Sessions run from Monday 30 March to Friday 10 April 2026.

Holiday Activities and Food | Staffordshire County Council

Get outdoors this Easter

Easter is the perfect time to explore Staffordshire on foot.

Enjoy woodland trails at Cannock Chase, lakeside walks at Tittesworth Water, or gentle family routes at Trentham Gardens and Ilam Park.

Walks in Staffordshire | Walking in Staffordshire

Upcoming Easter events in Staffordshire

Lots happening this Easter in Staffordshire!

If you’re planning days out over the Easter holidays, there’s plenty happening right across the county. From theme parks to animal adventures and garden trails, here are some highlights to enjoy with the family:

  • Alton Towers Resort
    Enjoy big rides like Oblivion and Wicker Man, revisit Nemesis: Reborn, or head to CBeebies Land, where the brand‑new Bluey ride ‘Here Come the Grannies’! Opens from 28 March.
  • Drayton Manor Resort
    With over 50 rides and attractions, Easter fun includes Thomas Land and the Care Bears Spring Celebration, running from 28 March to 19 April.
  • Easter Eggstravaganza – National Forest Adventure Farm
    Meet baby animals, enjoy Easter shows, ride through Bunny Woods and let off steam in huge indoor and outdoor play areas.
  • National Memorial Arboretum 
    Join Albie the Owl for spring‑themed trails, music workshops, drop‑in crafts and the popular Stick Man Outdoor Trail.
  • Easter Egg Hunt – Apedale Railway
    Hop on a steam train and take part in a free Easter egg hunt on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
  • Snoopy Trail – Trentham Gardens
    Explore the gardens and spot a collection of Snoopy sculptures hidden along the walking route.

Contact us

You can find ways to contact us via our website.

Find events near you   Whats On in Staffordshire | Events & Festivals

 

 

Weekly News

Community Safety Newsletter

Crime figures, shed security, and keeping vigilant

South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership continues to work collaboratively to ensure South Staffordshire remains one of the safest areas in the country.

Here’s an overview of recent crime trends across the district:

Overall Crime – all recorded crime has fallen by 1% over the past 12 months. Key reductions include:

  • Vehicle crime theft of down by 19% and theft from down by 20%
  • Burglary of homes down by 6%
  • Burglary of business down by 12%
  • Less serious violence down by 1%

Numbers of crimes for vehicle crime and burglary remains low and the partnership focus is to sustain these reductions.

Domestic abuse has recently seen an increase of 4%, which includes violence against women and girls (VAWG). Support for victims in South Staffordshire is available through New Era https://www.new-era.uk/ or the 24/7 confidential helpline for victims 0300 303 3778.   

The stop and search rate in South Staffordshire is 60%, higher than the Staffordshire Police average, and the new Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel has recently met to look at the outcome rate and how it’s being achieved.

For further advice about home and/or vehicle security Crime prevention advice | Staffordshire Police

To report a crime call 999 if it’s in progress, call 101 or online at Staffordshire Police – report

If you don’t want to click on the link then contact communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk

Keep your garden tools and other property secure this spring

Sheds are often targeted by thieves as an easy option as they often hold valuable items that can be sold on quickly such as bikes, mowers, power tools, garden tools and garden furniture.

Have you thought about marking your property?

Security marking your tools and equipment using a Secured By Design recognised asset marking or etching kit is a highly effective and visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.

Other things to consider include keeping items out of view with netting or a permanent spray-on frosting to the glass. Shed windows can be fitted with a weld mesh or grille ont he inside or glass panes can be replaced with perspex or polycarbonate as a more secure alternative.

Wrap a security chain around and through the handles of garden tools, lawn mowers and bikes and where possible secure the chain to the wall using a purpose made shed shackle and padlock. If you have battery operated garden tools, store the batteries and chargers in the house away from the tools, this makes them less attractive to steal and less valuable to sell on.

For further advice about any of the security tips listed above, or to find out how to buy police recognised security products, visit: https://www.securedbydesign.com/ or call the general enquiry line 0203 8623 999

Keeping communities safe is everyone’s responsibility

As a residents, community group, local business or volunteer you can help to keep South Staffordshire one of the safest areas by reporting anything you see or hear that you think is suspicious or out of character for your local area.

  • If you see/hear a group or individual living or working in South Staffordshire using means including: leaflets; social media sites; a website; WhatsApp messages; graffiti  or word of mouth, to express views which justify or glorify violence, foster hatred or seek to provoke others into acts of violence or extreme behaviour – this is something that needs to be reported.
  • If you have concerns about a person potentially being drawn into terrorism or know of any group based in South Staffordshire who use threatening language or threats of violence to justify their cause – this is something that needs to be reported.
  • If you see graffiti that you know or believe to be a symbol of an organisation linked to extremist views – this is something that needs to be reported.

Doing nothing should never be an option and the Community Safety Partnership is encouraging residents and communities to work together to keep South Staffordshire one of the safest districts in the county.

Community safety is everyone’s responsibility and if you have any concerns there are several ways to report:

0800 011 3764 is the National Police Prevent advice line

Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism on https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

Contact the Community Safety Partnership at communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk to report of for further information

 

Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-2029

South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership will have a new plan from 1st April 2026 with outcomes to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour, disorder, the fear of crime and increase reassurance for residents, visitors and anyone working in the district including those who have been a victim..

Councillor Mike Davies, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership states “The 2026 Plan is available to view from 1st April 2026 on South Staffordshire Council’s website, it details what crime looks like now in South Staffordshire based on a comparison of police data over the last three years; partner data and resident feedback, and details challenging outcomes to keep South Staffordshire one of the safest areas in England and Wales”.

The top three priorities for the district are:

  • Reduce Serious Acquisitive Crime : Including cross border crime; vehicle crime; support for victims.
  • Protect and safeguard victims of violence: Supporting victims including violence against women and girls (VAWG) through partnership working; justice for victims through restorative justice; targeting resources through problem solving.
  • Prevention of Anti-social Behaviour to ensure continued good relations in communities: Improve reassurance to residents; support for victims of hate crime and hate incidents; promote good relations in communities; hear the voice of young people.

Areas of focus include:

  • Rural Crime
  • Road Safety
  • Drug use and drug dealing
  • Health and Wellbeing: Mental Health in young people and adults, whole life disability and neuro-disability
  • Counter Terrorism

Visit https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/communities/community-safety or contact communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk for more information.

 

Competition time

To say thank you for being a subscriber to this Newsletter the Community Safety Partnership is offering you the chance to win a Streetwise Urban X Steering Wheel Lock”.

Please send an email with the title “Community Safety Newsletter Competition” to communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk and you will be entered into a prize draw.

Terms and conditions are available on South Staffordshire Council’s website South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership | South Staffordshire District Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

Closing date for entries is Thursday, 30th April, 2026 at 5pm.

There have already been five lucky winners from previous editions of the Community Safety Newsletter.

 

Monthly News

My Staffordshire Newsletter

Children help bring the Staffy trail to life

Local artists are working with schoolchildren to turn their ideas into large-scale sculptures 

Artists have begun visiting schools and colleges to turn students’ ideas into eye‑catching, larger‑than‑life Staffy sculptures, which will launch on 1 May as part of the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day.

The trail will feature ten unique sculptures designed by professional artists, all inspired by Staffy, the county’s new canine visitor mascot.

By working directly with students, the artists are helping young people explore Staffordshire’s heritage, creativity and communities – while giving them a chance to see their ideas transformed into real public artwork.

The Staffy Trail will celebrate Staffordshire as the nation’s playground, attract visitors to towns and villages, and support local businesses along the way.

Want to keep up with Staffy’s journey before the trail launches? Sign up to the Staffy Blog for the latest updates and behind‑the‑scenes news.

 

Local artists are working with schoolchildren to turn their ideas into large-scale sculptures 

Artists have begun visiting schools and colleges to turn students’ ideas into eye‑catching, larger‑than‑life Staffy sculptures, which will launch on 1 May as part of the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day.

The trail will feature ten unique sculptures designed by professional artists, all inspired by Staffy, the county’s new canine visitor mascot.

By working directly with students, the artists are helping young people explore Staffordshire’s heritage, creativity and communities – while giving them a chance to see their ideas transformed into real public artwork.

The Staffy Trail will celebrate Staffordshire as the nation’s playground, attract visitors to towns and villages, and support local businesses along the way.

Want to keep up with Staffy’s journey before the trail launches? Sign up to the Staffy Blog for the latest updates and behind‑the‑scenes news Sign up

 

Latest News

Have your say on the future of local councils

A government consultation is asking for your views on plans to replace current councils with new ‘unitary’ councils that would run all local services.

Don’t miss your chance to take part – the deadline is Thursday 26 March.  Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Government Reorganisation Hub

£138m investment to improve Staffordshire’s roads

We have approved a £138 million programme to improve roads and transport across the county.

The investment will focus on fixing and preventing potholes, improving safety, and making it easier for people to travel by car, bus, bike or on foot.

Find out what this means for local roads and journeys near you.

Major investment to fix more roads, improve Staffordshire’s highways and boost transport connections | Staffordshire County Council

Upcoming events in Staffordshire

There’s loads happening across Staffordshire over the coming weeks – from family fun to spooky tours and volunteering opportunities. Take a look at what’s coming up near you:

  • Volunteer Open Morning – Middleton Hall & Gardens
    Find out how you can get involved, meet current volunteers and explore a range of roles. Friday 27 March, 11am–1.30pm.
  • Lichfield Ghost Tour
    Join a 90‑minute guided walk through Lichfield city centre and hear spine‑chilling stories from the past. 20 March – 28 March.
  • Easter with the Alpacas – Wetley Moor
    Meet baby animals, enjoy an Easter egg hunt and decorate your own ceramic egg. 28 March – 4 April.
  • Easter Fun at Statfold Country Park
    Unlimited train rides, soft play, fairground fun and special Easter Bunny activities over the Easter weekend. 30 March – 12 April.
  • Lambing Live at Trentham
    Get up close to newborn lambs and learn all about lambing from Trentham’s expert team this Easter. 30 March – 12 April.

Find events near you   Whats On in Staffordshire | Events & Festivals

Contact us

You can find ways to contact us via our website.

 

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