Becky Hodgetts
Posts by Becky Hodgetts:
Weekly News 293
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Weekly News
What’s on
Festive events across the district
Traditional Victorian Fair
Enjoy a Christmas fair from years gone by in Penkridge this evening (Friday).
Running from 4 till 8pm in Market Place, Market Street and Crown Bridge, the Traditional Victorian Fair will include stalls, costumes, performances from a choir, fairground rides, face painting, and a Santa’s grotto.
Enchanted Weston
The forest at Weston Park will be illuminated, as guests follow the woodland trail.
The event will also feature street food, drinks, live music, and fire pits on which guests can toast marshmallows.
It takes place from December 9th – 11th and 15th – 23rd.
Tickets must be booked in advance – for more information, click here
South Staffordshire Council’s Environmental Health and Licensing Team has worked with the organisers, with a view to helping them deliver a safe and successful event.
Magical Christmas Portal
Take a magical trip to the home of Father Christmas at this Himley Hall event.
Set in the courtyard, guests will be invited to take their seats upon arrival ready to be whisked off to the North Pole, where little ones can interact with Santa.
This event takes place from December 14th to 18th at 7.30pm.
For more information, click here
Council and district news
Local Plan Review
There are just two weeks to go until the deadline for comments to be made to the Publication Plan consultation.
| Your comments should be made in writing and the simplest way is to use our online consultation portal.
You can make comments direct to different parts of the plan and there are prompts to guide you through the system. We have also produced a step-by-step guide to help. Visit Local Plan Consultation South Staffordshire Council (sstaffs.gov.uk) for more information. You can also email your comments or post to South Staffordshire Council, Community Hub, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, WV8 1PX. Remember your comments much reach us by 12 noon on Friday, December 23rd, 2022. We have one more online Q&A session scheduled for Wednesday, December 14th, focussing on the north of the district. This covers Penkridge, Huntington and the land proposed south of Stafford. Anyone can join, there is no need to register and the link for the meeting can be found here: Publication Plan Public Engagement South Staffordshire Council (sstaffs.gov.uk) If you missed our earlier sessions, it’s not a problem, just join next week’s meeting, wherever you live and whatever village you want to know more about. We’ve made it really easy to view the plan and supporting documents online. Just go to the main page of the council website, click on the consultation banner at the top of the page and it takes you straight to the consultation page. Here you can view the plan itself, or read the FAQs, Local Plan summary, guidance note for making comments, or response form and there are links to our consultation events and the supporting evidence. Hard copies of the documents are also available at parish council offices and libraries in the district, and at the Community Hub in Codsall. This is the final stage of consultation before the new Local Plan is submitted to the Government and an independent planning inspector is appointed to carry out a public examination into whether it is sound and legally compliant. The Publication Plan, FAQs and supporting documents can be found here: Local Plan Review Publication Plan South Staffordshire Council (sstaffs.gov.uk) All comments made to the plan must be made in writing, and during the 6-week consultation period. For more information see the council website www.sstaffs.gov.uk/localplanreview or email localplans@sstaffs.gov.uk |
Cold weather warning
The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning that all regions of England will experience severe cold weather starting this evening.
With low temperatures and potentially severe overnight frosts forecast, the UKHSA is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.
Play the Census 2021 quiz:
How well do you know your area?
See how well you know the population of your local authority area with this interactive quiz.
Go to the following link, enter South Staffordshire in the search box, then answer the questions to see how much you know about the district.
Help us to aid rough sleepers
With colder nights starting to set in, it more important that ever that those found to be sleeping rough in South Staffordshire receive help with finding a warm place to stay.
Below are details to notify the Councils Housing Team of anyone you are made aware of sleeping rough, to ensure they receive the support they need:
Housing team contact information in work hours:
Email: Homes@sstaffs.gov.uk
Tel: 01902 696504 (Customer Services will take information and pass back to the team to prioritise and action)
Members of the team are on a rota to monitor emails and call backs throughout the working day to prioritise and action.
Out of hours emergency contact number:
Tel: 01384 679027
This service is delivered by our contracted provider. They are able to deal with most type of homeless issues. However, if they are unable to resolve, a member of the team is also on call to help to resolve more complex issue outside of office hours.
Further information on housing advice and how we can support those who are homeless can be found on the councils website Housing Advice & Homelessness Service South Staffordshire Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)
Waste and Recycling Christmas Collections
December 2022 – January 2023
Garden waste
Garden waste collections have now finished for four weeks (two collections) between Monday, December 12th, 2022, and Friday, January 6th, 2023.
Collections will resume on Monday, January 9th, 2023 for all current subscribers.
During the garden waste collection break, you can present your grey bin for collection every week.
Click here to view your bin calendar online
Bank holiday
There are changes to your waste and recycling collections due to the Boxing Day bank holiday.
There will be no collections on Monday December 26th. All collections will be one day later than normal for that week only.
Find out more about festive bin collections via this link
Treecycle
Real Christmas trees will be collected on your first garden waste collection in the new year (between Monday, January 9th and Friday, January 20th).
No need to book, just put your real tree out next to your green bin on your normal collection day.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Waste and Recycling Team.
Council job vacancies
- Environmental Health Officer (Housing Lead), closing on December 12th.
- Benefit Assessment Officers, closing on December 9th.
All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our new recruitment site: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/vacancies
Leisure latest
Penkridge Leisure Centre: Further upgrades
Penkridge Leisure Centre’s gym will be temporarily closed from Monday, December 12th whilst work is carried out on the air conditioning and to raise the ceiling.
This work is not only being done to further improve the facility, but to also allow the leisure centre to add additional pieces of gym kit including the Pulse Fitness Stairmaster and functional rig.
The facility is planned to re-open for use from Wednesday, December 28th.
For more information email Penkridge@sstaffs.gov.uk or call 01785 714152.
Leisure centre member rewards
South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres are rewarding members this month with daily rewards announced between December 13th and 24th.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank leisure centre members for their ongoing support and loyalty and wish everyone the best of luck.
Free holiday food and activities for kids
Codsall and Wombourne Leisure Centres will be holding Aspire Active Camps for young people aged 5-14 years old.
| The Active Camps will be on offer at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre from Monday, December 19th to Thursday, December 22nd.
The camps at Penkridge Leisure Centre will be available from Tuesday, December 20th to Friday, December 23rd. For more information and to book visit https://www.aspire-sports.co.uk/active-camps People in receipt of free school meals are also eligible to free active camps and hot food parcels which will be available Monday to Thursday at Cheslyn Hay, Codsall and Wombourne; this scheme will be available at Penkridge Leisure Centre from Tuesday to Friday. Registration for the free camps and hot food is now open. For more information visit https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Education/Educational-awards-benefits/Holiday-activities-and-food/Holiday-Activities-and-Food.aspx?Rating=3 |
Leisure centre Christmas opening times
For Christmas opening times at South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres, visit https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure/leisure-centres-opening-times.cfm
Baggeridge Country Park visitor survey
Let us know what you think of Baggeridge Country Park and help us to improve the facilities and services on offer.
By completing this short survey, you can choose to be entered into a draw to win one of two annual parking passes.
Partnership updates
UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases continue to remain higher than typical at this time of year.
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
For more information, click here
Recycling centre consultation
Staffordshire County Council are consulting on the proposed introduction of free van permits and changes to trade waste prices at their recycling centres.
To find out more and to complete their survey, please visit: Resident Van Permitting and Trade Waste Disposal Consultation – Staffordshire County Council
Newsletter – Staffordshire Libraries
South Staffordshire Newsletter article January 2023
There’s always a warm welcome at Staffordshire Libraries
Did you know Staffordshire Libraries provide safe, warm, and welcoming spaces with access to lots of great services, such as FREE books and electronic resources. With a Staffordshire library card, you can download eBooks, eAudio books, eMagazines, eComics, and eNewspapers on the go!
At Staffordshire Libraries you have access to Wi-Fi and desktop computers and can use a range of subscriptions such as Ancestry, Driving Theory Test Pro and Go Citizen and much more, FREE across our 43 libraries.
Staffordshire library staff and volunteers can signpost you to information and services in your local area – getting you the help and support you may need. Many of our libraries can help with online applications for Bus Passes and Blue Badges, and our Business Start-Up Hubs can provide anyone looking to start a business with information to get them on the right path.
Looking for something to do? We have a huge range of activities and events from Baby Bounce and Rhyme time for little ones, Coffee and Chat sessions, Local History activities, Craft sessions plus lots more. So, what are you waiting for! Why not Discover Your Staffordshire Library Today! And Join Up. Join In. Discover. Explore. Create.
Find out more about Your Staffordshire Library Service here: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries/join/ON35Join.aspx
Or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube – search Staffordshire Libraries and follow us for updates.
Join us at Perton Library for a cuppa and a chat
Pop along to Perton Library every Wednesday and Sunday and join us for a hot drink and a chat.
Staffordshire County Council: Here to Help Campaign
Across Staffordshire many people are feeling the pressure from increasing cost of living.
If you’re struggling financially or concerned about the future, getting help early can make a big difference.
Lots of support is available from many different organisations, and it is often closer than people think.
You can find information, advice, and support to help you manage cost of living pressures at a dedicated webpage: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/heretohelp
Calling all Family History sleuths!
Perton Library will be offering a FREE 5 week Family History Course in association with Penny from Midland Ancestors, starting in February. Get help and advice to begin your journey into your family’s story.
Starting Tuesday 28th February 2:15pm-4:15pm
The courses are absolutely FREE, but please book as places are limited.
Contact Perton Library to book on 01902 506050
Wombourne Library Weekly Baby Bounce
Thursdays 2pm -3pm.
Parents and children come and join our fun, hands on activities for 0 to 4 year olds.
Activities include:
- Interactive nursery rhymes and songs
- Story reading
- Craft and play activities
- Refreshments
A great opportunity for you and your child to socialise, gain great ideas for language and play development, explore the fantastic facilities available and meet our friendly team at your local Wombourne Library.
Pregnant mums very welcome!
Need advice on Wills and Power of Attorney
Thornes Solicitors will be offering free pop-up advice sessions
Codsall Library – Every Third Thursday of the month at 10am – 11:30am (Starting 15th September)
Perton Library – Every First Wednesday of the month at 10am – 1130am (Starting 7th September)
Contact Perton Library on 01902 505050 or Codsall Library on 01902 506060 for more information.
IT Buddy available at Wombourne Library
Every Wednesday
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Free-Bookable slots
Please contact Wombourne Library for more information or to book on 01902 506055
IT Buddy available at Codsall Library
Every Tuesday
2:00pm-4:00pm
Free – Bookable slots
Please contact Codsall Library for more information or to book on 01902 506060
Perton Library Astronomy Club
Pop along to our next meeting for informal chat, presentations and observing if the skies are clear. Bring your own telescope or binoculars if you have them and get help in making the most of them.
Beginners welcome!
Thursday 19th January 7:00pm-9:00pm (and every third Thursday of the Month)
Contact us for more information on 01902506060 or email: perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk
Compassionate Communities – Bereavement Information Hubs
Compton Care’s Bereavement Information Hubs run across Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire and offer peer support for those who have or are currently experiencing loss and grief. The hubs provide a safe space to meet people in situations similar to your own and a shoulder to cry on should you need it!
“It is great to be back in the libraries offering this much needed support within the heart of local communities”
Perton Library 2:00pm – 4:00pm on the second Friday of the month.
Wombourne Library 1.30pm-3.30pm on the first Monday of the month.
Ask at the library for more information or contact: compassionatecommunities@comptoncare.org.uk or 01902 774570
Start-Up Hubs
Are you ready for an exciting opportunity to start working for yourself?
Staffordshire Libraries and Arts Service have received Arts Council England funding to work with Business Enterprise Support (BES) to set up Start-up Hubs in all libraries across Staffordshire.
This is an information awareness service available to anybody who is interested in working for themselves.
You can find information on self-employment and a dedicated space allocated for start-up promotional materials, leaflets, business related reading books and information fact sheets.
Hubs are now available at Codsall, Perton and Wombourne and others will be coming online throughout 2023 across our Library network in your area.