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Becky Hodgetts

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South Staffs Library update

What’s happening at Your Library in South Staffordshire this February

Rediscover Your Library

As we recover from COVID-19 why not reconnect with Your Library and get access to all these resources and services?

Not already a member? Give us a try, it’s FREE and easy to join.

You can:

  • Relax with a good book, borrowing as many as you would like
  • Always on the go?  Download to your tablet, e-reader, mobile phone from a range of eBooks, eAudio, the latest eMagazines, eComics and read online newspapers
  • Don’t know what to read next and too little time to choose?  Let us choose for you with our Order and Collect service based on favourite genres and authors
  • Feel connected just by sitting and reading and having a chat
  • Use the PCs and Wi-Fi and brush up on your digital skills – help is at hand if you need it
  • Find a quiet spot and sit and study
  • Print and photocopy those important documents
  • Discover your story and use Ancestry and Find My Past
  • Take part in activities and events and make new friends
  • Find out about local groups, clubs, societies and volunteering opportunities

And much more…

Just pop in and see us, visit https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries/libraries.aspx or find us on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll open your eyes to a world of possibilities.

Calling all Family History sleuths!

Perton Library will be offering 2 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.

Perton Library

5 week courses

Starting Tuesday 1st February to 1st March or Tuesday 8th March to 5th April

2:15pm – 4:15pm

The courses are absolutely FREE, but please book as places are limited.

Contact Perton Library on 01902 506050 to book.

Your Winter Reads

Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up with a good book in your favourite cosy chair. Now that the nights are longer and colder, and the garden has gone to sleep, why not discover some new authors or even try a different genre than you would normally choose. Be daring!

Your Winter Reads collection has a title to suit all tastes whether it be a spooky tale, a whodunnit, a bit of humour or imagining times gone by.

Winter Reads are available at selected Staffordshire libraries, but they can be reserved at any library.

Compassionate Communities – Bereavement Information Hubs

After what has been a challenging year for so many people, we are really pleased to say the Community Development Team  at Compton Care have reopened the Bereavement Information Hubs in Perton Library and Wombourne Library.

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 – Maz Kull, Community Engagement Coordinator

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

Places of Welcome – Can you offer a couple of hours on a Monday to help?

The Friends of Perton Library are hoping to restart their  weekly ‘Place of Welcome’ at Perton Library in the new year, but they need some more volunteers to help make drinks and talk to visitors.

A Place of Welcome offers your neighbourhood a place where everyone can go for a friendly face, a cup of tea and a conversation if and when they need it. Places of Welcome are a place where people can feel safe to connect, belong and contribute.

Find out more about Places of Welcome here: www.placesofwelcome.org.uk/ or pop into Perton Library. If you are interested in supporting our Place of Welcome please contact Keith Elder from the Friends of Perton Library at keith.elder@hotmail.co.uk or on 07477075899

 

Weekly News 249

This week’s news from around the council

This is the last issue of the Council News Round Up for 2021 – so let us start by wishing everyone a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

The first issue of 2022 will be on Friday, January 7.

WATCH: Video shines light on South Staffs’ high streets

Stay local, stay safe – and support South Staffordshire high streets.

Watch South Staffordshire District Council’s Christmas 2021 video here

Festive period

We’re still here for you

The council offices will be closed from 5pm on December 23 to January 4, 2022. 

We will be working as usual on Christmas Eve, but our offices will not be open.

Some services will still be running as usual over the festive period.

Information can be accessed via our website – www.sstaffs.gov.uk – or by emailing info@sstaffs.gov.uk

If you have an urgent matter that cannot wait until January 4, please call 01902 696000.

Covid update

Weekly Covid updates bulletin

We are now sending out a weekly update on the latest regulations surrounding Covid-19, local walk-in vaccination centres, and testing.

If you haven’t already signed up to receive these, please do. Simply input your email address when prompted and select Covid Updates.

Sign up here

Council news

Local Plan Review update

The six-week consultation period for the Preferred Options closed at 5pm on Monday, December 13, 2021. 

During this consultation, the council has undertaken a record number of consultation engagements with residents, both online and in-person.

The Local Plans Team will now read through all the responses made and comments reviewed as we move forward with the review. Once the comments have been read and redacted to remove personal information, they will be made publicly available. This may take some time due to the level of responses – we will update the website and social media when they are published.

We will automatically write to anyone who has made a comment to let them know when the next stage of consultation will take place in 2022. 

Many thanks to all those who participated in the consultation by sending in their views or attending our in-person appointments and online Q&A sessions.

Waste and recycling updates

Bin collection calendars

A new printed calendar will be issued in Spring 2022 to include information on the new blue bags for recycling card and paper. 

In the meantime, bin collection dates can be viewed on our website.  Simply pop in your postcode and select your address from the drop-down menu. 

A downloadable, print friendly calendar is also available online. Follow the same process as above and scroll down the page to your downloadable calendar. 

Please note there are no changes to your bin collection day or pattern to be aware of in this interim calendar (except for the usual changes over Christmas which are detailed below).  You can continue to present your bins on your normal collection day, in the normal pattern.

Christmas waste and recycling collection dates 

Waste and Recycling bins will be collected Monday to Friday as normal over this Christmas and New Year period.

With Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Saturdays this year, there will be no change to your collection day.

For example, if your bin collection day is normally a Monday, please continue to present your bins on every Monday over Christmas and New Year as normal. 

We will also be collecting grey bins every week until Monday, January 10, 2022. You can present your grey bin on your normal grey bin collection day, and alongside your blue bin until this date. 

Find your Waste and Recycling Collection Day here

Garden Waste Collection Service

The garden waste collection service is now suspended over the Christmas holidays as normal. 

In place of the green bin, all residents can present their grey bin weekly (both on the normal grey bin collection day and alongside the blue bin on recycling collection day). 

Green waste collections will recommence from week beginning Monday, January 10, 2022. 

 Find your Waste and Recycling Collection Day here

Real Christmas tree collections 

Residents who have signed up for a green waste permit can recycle real Christmas trees on their first green waste collection day after Christmas. 

On your green waste collection day between Monday, January 10, and Friday, January 21, simply put your green waste bin out for collection and leave your real tree next to it. 

Please ensure all decorations, lights, stands etc. are removed from the tree. 

Wombourne Enterprise Park re-development 

The re-development of Wombourne Enterprise Park took a step closer when the council exchanged contracts with Quantum Construction Ltd this month to undertake construction of new retail and industrial units at the Enterprise Park.  

The scheme, which will see retailer Lidl taking a large retail unit, is planned for completion in early 2023.

An additional 10,000 sq ft of retail space will also be created as part of the development and discussions are ongoing with prospective occupiers. 

Two of our existing tenants will relocate and take occupation in the re-developed part of the Enterprise Park when construction of three new industrial units is completed in Summer 2022.

Phase one of the development will commence in January 2022, with demolition of existing buildings and creation of the new industrial units. 

Business Place Partnership on tour at Halfpenny Green 

Last week, the council’s Business Hub team collaborated with the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub to host a business support drop in event at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate.

The event saw qualified business advisors provide direct one-to-one advice and support to local businesses on finance and funding, HR, marketing, skills in addition to general business support. 

For more information on the South Staffordshire Business Hub, click here

Council job vacancies

Leisure News

Christmas rewards for leisure centre members

South Staffordshire leisure centres are rewarding their members every day until Christmas Eve. 

All leisure centre members will be automatically entered into daily draws with fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Leisure facilities Christmas opening times 

The opening times for Baggeridge Country and the leisure centres can be found at Leisure Centre and Baggeridge Opening Times South Staffordshire Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

Christmas activity camps

From Monday, December 20 to Thursday, December 23, South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres are providing children’s activity camps. 

For information about camps at Codsall and Wombourne leisure centres visit Active Camps | Aspire Sports (aspire-sports.co.uk) 

For camps at Cheslyn Hay and Penkridge, visit Booking Page | The Playscheme

Holiday Activities and Food Scheme

The Holiday Activities and Food Scheme is available for families in receipt of free school meals, providing free activity camps plus a free hot meal. 

Food at Codsall is being provided by The Kitchen Bilbrook and food in Wombourne is being provided by The Springhill.

To find out more and book your free place and hot food visit Holiday Activities and Food – Staffordshire County Council 

Partnership updates

Could you care for people in their homes this winter?

Become a Home Care Worker and make a difference today!

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Health and Care People Hub is searching for people to join as Home Care Workers in North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent at this important time.

This winter, they need caring individuals who can help look after people in their own homes. This might include delivering personal care, administering medication, providing a listening ear and companionship – and raising the alarm if things don’t look right. Could that be you?

For more information and to apply, please visit NHS Jobs for the application process or visit the campaign landing page.

FREE play pack and TV subscription for kids

Staffordshire County Council has teamed up with Bee Active, so that children who are eligible for the council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme can access a FREE Bee Active Play Pack and FREE subscription to Bee Active TV.

The packages are designed to help families keep themselves healthy and active over the festive period.

The whole package is worth £45 and is completely free to eligible families – order yours here: beeactive.co.uk/scchaf

For more information please contact info@beeactive.co.uk or call 01782 205915.

Weekly News 248

Covid update

We’re still here for you

Our services to the public will remain unchanged through the latest series of restrictions imposed by Government this week in a bid to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.

Those wishing to get in touch should do so by accessing the council website – www.sstaffs.gov.uk – or by telephone on 01902 696000. You can also email us at info@sstaffs.gov.uk

The deadline to submit responses to the Local Plan Review Preferred Options is Monday, December 13, at 5pm. Staff will be available on site at the Community Hub during office hours to receive written submissions until that time.

You can see the Preferred Options, FAQs, an interactive map showing proposed sites, and links to supporting evidence here: http://ow.ly/N0R550H6NpC

You can still call the Local Plans Team on 01902 696000 if you want to discuss the proposals in person before making your comments.  

Watch Councillor Terry Mason, cabinet member for Planning and Business Enterprise talk about the Local Plan Review and explain the Preferred Options here:

https://youtu.be/xhK2lXuh5iE 

New Covid updates bulletin

We are now sending out a weekly update on the latest regulations surrounding Covid-19, local walk-in vaccination centres, and testing.

If you haven’t already signed up to receive these, please do. Simply input your email address when prompted and select Covid Updates.

Sign up here

Council news

WATCH: South Staffordshire District Council’s first Christmas advert

South Staffordshire District Council’s first Christmas advert is here.

Featuring Penkridge, Wombourne, Great Wyrley, Brewood, Cheslyn Hay, Kinver and Codsall , the video shows the stunning district’s high streets in all their unique glory.

Watch South Staffordshire District Council’s Christmas 2021 video here

Environmental Health update – Bilbrook Train Station

The council has received a section 61 notice (a prior consent for works to be carried out) at Bilbrook Station in three stages, under Control of Pollution legislation. 

Stage 1: November 8 – December 24, 23:00 – 07:00 or 08:00- 18:00, sporadic working on occasional weekends and weekdays throughout these dates 

Stage 2: December 24 – 27, 24-hour working 

Stage 3: December 27– January 10, 23:00 – 07:00 or 08:00 – 18:00, sporadic working on occasional shifts throughout these dates

Works will be carried out throughout the Christmas period for 24 hours between Christmas Eve and the day after Boxing Day.  These works may cause disturbance from a noise and dust perspective but Environmental Health have made no objections to the proposals, as the works are essential maintenance to essential infrastructure. 

The council has liaised with the principle contractor to minimise any disruption caused (as far as possible).

Council job vacancies

Leisure News

Work is underway for Wombourne Leisure Centres new 3G pitch

Work is well underway at Wombourne Leisure Centre which will see a new 3G all-weather pitch.

The scheme is due for completion in March 2022 and also includes the refurbishment of changing areas within the leisure centre that will serve the new pitch. 

Christmas rewards for leisure centre members

From Monday, December 13, South Staffordshire leisure centres will be rewarding their members every day until Christmas Eve. 

All leisure centre members will be automatically entered into daily draws with fantastic prizes up for grabs. 

Partnership updates

Parish councillor carries out litterpick to clean the streets of Great Wyrley

Great Wyrley Parish Councillor and Keep Britain Tidy Ambassador, Mark Dabbs took part in a clean-up around the lanes of Great Wyrley recently – yielding more than five bags of rubbish, ranging from fast food wrappers and bags, to beer cans and discarded cartons.

“Whilst doing my daily training runs, I was quite frankly disappointed that the lanes around the village were rife with such rubbish in large amounts,” he said.

“As a Keep Britain Tidy Ambassador, I decided that I would devote a full morning to cleaning up areas when I see the state, they are in. I have done further clean ups, as well as taking down bill posters which are a blight on our village.”

The five bags of rubbish – as seen in this picture – were removed and taken to the recycling centre in Cannock, the correct method of disposal of such waste.

Weekly News 247

District Council News

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Council job vacancies
• Swimming Instructors, Codsall, Penkridge, Wombourne and Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centers, open closing date.
• Cleaner (part-time) – two positions available, closing 5pm on December, 20, 2021.

Click here for application information
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Local Plan Review
Our live online Q&A Sessions proved very popular, giving people the chance to pose questions about the Preferred Options to a panel of officers.
Unfortunately, we were unable to get through all the questions asked at the Locality 5 session within the timeframe.
• All outstanding Locality 5 questions and answers have now been published online – click here to view
The consultation ends at 5pm on Monday, December 13, 2021, so make sure you have your say in writing before the deadline!

Click here 
________________________________________
Covid update

Omicron Variant
Masks must now be worn in shops, post offices, banks, takeaways without space for the consumption of food, on public transport and more.
• See here for the full list of where face coverings are now mandatory

New Covid updates bulletin

We will now be sending out a weekly update on the latest regulations surrounding Covid-19, local walk-in vaccination centres, and testing.
If you haven’t already signed up to receive these, please do. Simply input your email address when prompted and select Covid Updates.
• Sign up here
________________________________________
Winter Vigilance Campaign

The threat to the UK from terrorism is severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.
Communities defeat terrorism.
We are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to keep South Staffordshire safe, as your safety is our priority.
If you see something out of place while doing your Christmas shopping or at an event, report it confidentially at gov.uk/ACT
It’s quick, easy, and saves lives.
________________________________________
Partnership updates
SPACE Scheme

More than 6,000 young people, aged between 8 and 17, enjoyed over 1,600 activities as part of the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Space programme this summer.
The summer programme brought together public, voluntary and private sector organisations to provide support for potentially vulnerable young people to help increase their skills, improve their health and wellbeing and create opportunities, while also aiming to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour.
• Click here for more information
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Supportive Communitities Training Sessions
FREE online bite-sized training to gain new knowledge and skills around supporting communities
The training sessions cover:
• Session 1: Signposting and Resources
• Session 2: Communication and Safeguarding
• Session 3: Assistive Technology and Digital Skills
• Session 4: Mental Health Awareness
To book, please click on the links in the flyer
Recorded versions of all the previous training sessions have been included in the flyer (if people would prefer to watch a video of the training, at a more convenient time). Training certificates are still available via this route.
Supportive Communities Training Survey
Support Staffordshire is also carrying out a Supportive Communities Training Survey to identify any additional training needs people may have around supporting people to stay healthy and independent. The deadline for responses is Friday, December 10, 2021.
________________________________________
Book your free place – Driving Safely for Longer

Join Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership and RoSPA on Wednesday, December 8 for a FREE Webinar. This webinar is intended to help mature drivers stay safe on the roads for longer.
• Register now for a FREE place
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Mature Driver Reviews

Mature Driver Reviews can help you refresh your skills and boost your confidence behind the wheel.
Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership is offering Mature Driver Reviews for less than half the cost to the first 20 people who sign up. Use the code ‘STAFFS50’.
• Book here
________________________________________
#TisTheSeasonToLearn

From Christmas cake decorating, to wreath making, festive origami and more, the WEA is running a range of festive workshops over the next few weeks.
Most of these will be online using Zoom so you can join from anywhere in the country.
Please follow this link to find out more details: Seasonal courses with the WEA | WEA

________________________________________

Safe+Sound is aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 pupils.
Topics for this week’s programme are:
• Green Cross Code – Gist
• Independent Journeys – Staffordshire Safe Roads Partnership
• First Aid Kits – HMB Training
• Railway Safety – Network Rail and the Track Pack
• Share Aware, Think Before You Share – Staffordshire Police
• Making a 999 Call – West Midlands Ambulance Service
Please follow this link for more information
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Weekly News 246

This week’s news from around the Council.

Council News

Council job vacancies

  • PA to Chief Executive and Corporate Leadership Team, closing 5pm on November 25, 2021. Application Information 
  • Street Scene Operative – Level 5 (Tree Surgeon), closing at 5pm on December 1, 2021. Application Information  
  • Swimming Instructors, Codsall, Penkridge, Wombourne & Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centers, open closing date. Application Information 

Local Plan Review

We are now almost halfway through the public consultation on our Preferred Options.

The in-person appointments and locality online Q&A sessions proved very popular with around 460 attendees, plus numerous telephone calls to the Strategic Planning team. 

 You can still make virtual appointments or telephone a member of the team to find out more. Call 01902 696000 to arrange a call back or to arrange an online appointment. 

We have updated our Preferred Options FAQs which help to explain the process and the reason for carrying out the review. 

Remember, your comments need to be made in writing by 5pm on Monday, December 13, 2021. 

Four Ashes Enterprise Centre

The official opening of the latest extension to our Four Ashes Enterprise Centre took place on Monday, November 15.

We were delighted to be joined by South Staffordshire’s Madam Chairman Councillor Lin Hingley who officially opened the site.

We were also joined by several other councillors and senior officers who have all played an integral part in achieving the development.

Many of the business owners attended the event too – and all were treated to a hot breakfast roll, and a guided tour of the estate and an opening speech.

We are very fortunate to be able to offer such fantastic facilities within the district. 

Councillor Code of Conduct public consultation 

To ensure the maintenance of our standards as a Council we are seeking public consultation for our Code of Conduct to make sure we align our standards with those expected of us by the public and central government.  

To express your views and help in the process of creating a fair, inclusive and equal democratic environment please answer the questions on our survey by clicking here.  

Your responses will help in cultivating a progressive and effective Code of Conduct for South Staffordshire District Council. The closing date to respond is February 4, 2021.  

It’s Flood Action Week: Prepare. Act. Survive.

Nearly two in three households at risk of flooding don’t believe it will happen to them.

The Met Office has forecast an above average chance of the UK winter being wetter than normal over the next three months.

The Environment Agency is urging people to check their flood risk online, sign up for flood warnings and, if they are at risk, know what to do if flooding hits.

Leisure and events latest

Member rewards

Leisure centres are running a members-only prize draw throughout December with a huge range of prizes up for grabs.

Details and winners will be posted on the leisure centres’ Facebook pages throughout the month.

Leisure Centre & Baggeridge Christmas opening times

The Christmas opening times can now be viewed at Leisure Centre and Baggeridge Opening Times South Staffordshire Council (sstaffs.gov.uk). 

Full details on swimming and exercise class programmes will be available on the website and posted on social media in due course.

Christmas holiday activity camps 

The leisure centres will be holding a selection of children’s activity camps which will run from December 20-23, giving parents the chance to get ready for Christmas and do their last-minute shopping. 

For Codsall and Wombourne camps visit Active Camps | Aspire Sports (aspire-sports.co.uk) and for camps at Cheslyn Hay and Penkridge, go to Home | The Playscheme

Holiday Activities and Food Programme

The Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) is a central government initiative that requires all Local Authorities to deliver a programme of inclusive activities including a hot meal over the school holidays for children aged 5 to 16 years. It is free to those who receive benefit related school meals.

If your child is eligible for a free place on the winter Holiday Activities and Food programme, they will receive a letter via their school. This letter will contain a unique code which you will need to register your child. You can register from 7pm on 29th November 2021, giving you access to the timetable of activities.

For more information, click here

Father Christmas and festive activities at new community nursery event

Train to be a swimming teacher

Training for swimming teachers took place over October half term.

Six external candidates completed their Level 2 Certificate course, enabling them to teach the advanced levels of the STA Learn to Swim programme. 

Dates for 2022 courses will be released next week. If you would like to undertake this training please contact Bridget Chambers, Swimming Academy Co-ordinator, for further details:  swimcoordinator@sstaffs.gov.uk or 07966255432 

There is a chronic national shortage of swimming teachers.

The qualification is accredited by OfQual and is accepted nationally and internationally. 

The STA (Swimming Teachers Association) is looking at potential funding sources for training – so watch this space for further information.

Covid Update

Vaccines for 12-17 year olds

Cases are higher in the younger population and while they may not become seriously ill, there is a risk is they may pass the virus onto the the more fragile in society.

Booster vaccines

The NHS will contact you when you are due your booster vaccine – please respond to this correspondence as soon as possible.

Vaccine walk-in clinics

A series of walk-in clinics for Covid vaccinations are scheduled to take place this month.

See here for a list of clinics in Staffordshire

Door-to-door testing

Due to the high rates of COVID-19 in South Staffordshire, the County Council fleet of community testing vehicles are now visiting targeted postcodes.

This is to ensure that residents can access testing on a more regular basis to try and slow down the spread of the virus.

Partnership Updates

Smart Alert

This is a Staffordshire Police scheme which alerts you to crime happening locally.

Any resident, community group, business or parish council can register and receive regular information about local crime; local police events; crime reduction tips and advice; local business crime and more. 

There are several ways to receive alerts including email, SMS, smartphone app or landline phone message. 

See Staffordshire Smart Alert | Staffordshire Police for more information and to register to receive Smart Alert messages. 

Community Safety Partnership Plan

The Community Safety Partnership Plan sets out the priorities of the Community Safety Partnership for three years (2020-2023) – and the actions to achieve those priorities.  

For further information on the Community Plan click here and/or contact m.quinn@sstaffs.gov.uk  

WEEE Campaign

Have you got a broken electrical item that you don’t want any more but just needs fixing?

Around 5kg per household of small electrical items are thrown away each year.

Instead of throwing away your small appliances, we are working with local prisons to give your broken Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment a new lease of life.

Simply drop off your broken items at the Bilbrook Recycling Centre or the Wombourne Recycling Centre and we will send them item off to prisons to be repaired and PAT tested by trained prisoners and forward them onto charity to be resold.

You can donate most of your small household appliances to the scheme. If it has a plug or needs a battery, we will take it.

Anything that you think is beyond repair should go in the general waste bin at the Home Waste Recycling Centres for recycling.

Click here to find out the types of items that can be recycled – Together WEEE can reduce waste & re-offending

When it’s urgent but not an emergency, visit NHS 111 online

Get the advice you need at home

Get a face-to-face timeslot if you need one

Be advised how to get any medicine you need

Find out how you can ‘self care’ at home

In an emergency, always call 999

 

Weekly News 244

This week’s news from around the Council.

Council News

New warding pattern for South Staffordshire – draft recommendations for public consultation

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England have now published their draft recommendations, proposing that South Staffordshire District Council should have 42 councillors, a decrease of seven from the existing arrangements. Those councillors should represent 6 three-councillor wards, 10 two-councillor wards and 4 one-councillor wards across the council area. The boundaries of three wards (Essington, Himley & Swindon and Huntington & Hatherton) will stay the same; all others should change.

Before drawing up the draft recommendations, the Commission carried out a public consultation inviting proposals for a new pattern of wards for South Staffordshire. They have considered all of the submissions that they have received during that phase of consultation.

A detailed report on the recommendations is available on their website at: www.lgbce.org.uk.

A summary can be found here

For the public consultation on the draft recommendations visit consultation.lgbce.org.uk where you will also be able to view the map of their recommendations down to street level.

This stage of the consultation closes on 10 January 2022

The Preferred Options public consultation got underway on Monday 1 November and runs for six weeks until 5pm on Monday 13 December 2021. 

Our online Q&A sessions are proving popular, giving people the chance to listen to a presentation on the proposals and to ask questions of the Strategic Planning Team.   

Don’t miss the final session, anyone can join.  It starts at 6pm: 

You can also book an in person appointment between 10.30am and 7.30pm at the following venues (please note the change of venue for 18th November):

  • Essington Community Centre – Monday 15 November 2021 
  • Coven Memorial Hall – Thursday 18 November 2021 
  • Penkridge, Haling Dene Centre – Monday 22 November 2021 

Call 01902 696000 to book your slot.  

Click here to watch Councillor Terry Mason, Cabinet Member for Planning and Business Enterprise, explain the Local Plan review, Preferred Options consultation and how you can have your say.

To find other ways you can speak with the Local Plans Team click here 

Baggeridge Park Walk

Join Baggeridge Country Park every Thursday at 10am for a 90-minute Health Walk.

To find out more about the walks and how you can become a walk leader; visit Good Life Health & Fitness in the Community South Staffordshire Council (sstaffs.gov.uk) 

The Big Winter Saver

Last chance to join your local leisure centre as part of their Winter Saver offer. 

Join before 14 November and receive the rest of November, plus December for just £15.  

For details on membership packages visit https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure/memberships 

To join, pop into your nearest centre or alternatively complete the membership form and direct debit form and email to Leisure@sstaffs.gov.uk quoting promotional code ‘NRU-novprom21’ 

Volunteers Needed at our Community Bulb Planting Events

 We are very pleased that we are once again able to hold our bulb planting events at our cemeteries this year and would love you to come along and join us to help plant some spring flowering bulbs including bluebells, daffodils and crocus. 

  • Monday 15 November between 10.00 and 12.00 at Sytch Lane Cemetery, Sytch Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0JP 
  • Monday 22 November between 10.00 and 12.00 at Strawberry Lane Cemetery, Upper Landywood Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 7AU 

There’s no need to book, just turn up, meet others from the local community and get some fresh air and gentle exercise.  Just wear sensible footwear and warm clothes and we will provide gloves, hi-vis vests and other equipment. 

 If you would like to find out more about our two cemeteries and the services we provide, including the option to pre-purchase a grave plot, please contact us on 01902 696000 or by email: bereavementservices@sstaffs.gov.uk or visit our website https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/life-events/bereavement-services.cfm 

Train to be a Swim Teacher

Training for Swim Teachers took place over October half term – 6 external candidates completed their Level 2 Certificate course enabling them to teach the advanced levels of the STA learn to Swim programme. 

Dates for courses for 2022 will be released next week so if you think you would like to undertake this training please contact Bridget Chambers, Swimming Academy Co-ordinator for more details:  swimcoordinator@sstaffs.gov.uk or 07966255432 

There is a chronic national shortage of swimming teachers and we would like to train and recruit more to support our current teams at the lesiure centres alongside continuing educating people of all ages in this vital life skill. 

The qualification is accredited by OfQual and is accepted nationally and internationally. 

The STA (Swimming Teachers Association) are looking at potential funding sources for training so watch this space for further information!  

Regular News

Public Meetings

  • Your Council Challenge Panel  will be held virtually on 17.11.21 at 16:00pm.

Members of the public can virtually attend this meeting via Microsoft Teams – a link can be found in the news section on the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk

Council Job Vacancies

  • PA to Chief Executive and Corporate Leadership Team, closing 5pm on 25th November 2021. Application Information 
  • Street Scene Operative – Level 5 (Tree Surgeon), closing at 5pm on 1st December 2021. Application Information  

Have Your Say

Have your say on Primary and Community Care services

Healthwatch Staffordshire are the independent local champion for health and social care services in Staffordshire. Part of our role is to understand the experiences of people who are using the services and to give people an opportunity to speak up and have their voices heard

On this occasion, we are interested in your opinion of primary care and community services in Staffordshire. The future provision of primary and community care services is being considered, with the aim of offering enhanced services for residents as part of the Integrated Care System Plans.

We want to capture your views about Primary and Community Care services and how you think they could be better.

  • What services are important to you in your local area?
  • What would you like to see added to the current services?

Click here for further information and to complete the survey.

Survey closes 14 November 2021

Have your say on policing, and fire and rescue, in Staffordshire

Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams would like to give you the opportunity to take part in a consultation to provide feedback on the key priorities in his proposed Police & Crime Plan, and Fire & Rescue Plan 2021-2024.

The plans set out his priorities for the next three years. How effectively the services perform against these plan priorities is a key part of how he holds the Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer to account on behalf of the public.

The plans highlight how important it is for Staffordshire Police and Fire & Rescue to work with health, councils, the wider criminal justice system and community groups to keep us safe while supporting victims.

Have we got the balance right? Do these plans reflect your priorities, and the concerns of your community? Your views matter to us, and we want to hear from as many of you as possible.

The consultation is available to complete online until 23 November.

Please visit Have Your Say – Staffordshire Commissioner (staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk) to share your views with the Commissioner, and see the full draft Police & Crime Plan, and Fire & Rescue Plan 2021-2024.

All responses will be collated anonymously and used to inform the plans’ priorities.

Staffordshire County Council

The County Council are committed to ensuring families have access to the right support at the earliest opportunity. A Task and Finish Group has been established to refresh Staffordshire’s “Early Help Strategy”, and want to hear from families and young people to understand what is working well but also anything that could be improved.

Click on this link to access the online survey Early Help Strategy

The survey will close on Friday 26 November 2021. Those who complete the survey can enter a free prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a £50.00 e-Voucher.

Partnership Information and Helpful Resources

Flood Action Campaign – Prepare. Act. Survive.

Flood action week from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 November.

Taking steps to prepare and knowing what to do in a flood can significantly reduce the damages to a home and possessions, reduce risk to life and reduce the likelihood of suffering from mental health impacts in the future.

The Environment Agency’s campaign continues until the end of March, helping people in flood risk areas to know what to do in a flood and encouraging them to download the ‘Prepare. Act. Survive.’ flood plan to help reduce the impact of flooding.

Covid Update

NHS issues plea for people in the Midlands to stay safe and get the COVID booster vaccine

People in the Midlands who are eligible for the COVID-19 booster vaccine are being urged to stay safe and book a jab as soon as possible. The booster vaccine is offered to those eligible who had their second dose of the COVID vaccination six months ago as protection will have deteriorated.

The NHS will be in touch to notify eligible people when they are due their booster jab at least six months – that’s a minimum of 182 days – after their second vaccination.

Appointments can be booked quickly and conveniently at www.nhs.uk/book-covid-booster. People that can’t go online can book by phoning 119.

Those who are eligible for a booster at least six months after their second dose include:

  • those living in residential care homes for older adults
  • all adults aged 50 years or over
  • frontline health and social care workers
  • all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the green book), and adult carers
  • adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.

Recently, the NHS encouraged pregnant women to get the COVID-19 vaccine as data showed that nearly 1 in 5 of the most critically ill COVID patients were unvaccinated pregnant women.

Anyone receiving a text or letter inviting them for a booster jab should come forward as soon as possible to get crucial protection.

NHS Opens Online Covid-19 Vaccination Bookings For 12-15 Year Olds

Parents will be able to book covid-19 vaccinations online for their 12-15 year old children, the NHS has announced.

People will be able to go online and check the National Booking Service to see if their local site has appointments to vaccinate children and young people, as the NHS covid-19 vaccination programme continues at pace.

If a child has already been invited through their school, they do not need act on their invite unless parents wish to get their child vaccinated outside of school.

Click here to book a vaccine appointment for your 12-15 year old.

Staffordshire information for parents of 12-15 year olds.

Click here on Staffordshire information on how and where to get a vaccine.

Rising COVID-19 Cases

Staffordshire has seen a huge rise in cases and the NHS is urging people to be vigilant to prevent further lockdowns.

The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated. People who are fully vaccinated should continue to follow safer behaviours set out below to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes:

  • Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer;
  • Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed settings where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet;
  • Get tested, and self-isolate if required;
  • Try to stay at home if you are feeling unwell;
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day;
  • Download and use the NHS COVID-19 app to know if you’ve been exposed to the virus.

Door to Door Testing

Due to the high rates of COVID-19 in South Staffordshire, the County Council fleet of community testing vehicles are now visiting targeted postcodes. This is to ensure that residents can access testing on a more regular basis to try and slow down the spread of the virus.

 

When it’s urgent but not an emergency, visit NHS 111 online

Get the advice you need at home

Get a face-to-face timeslot if you need one

Be advised how to get any medicine you need

Find out how you can ‘self care’ at home

In an emergency, always call 999

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2021/22

Do you know someone who makes a real difference in our community?

if you know someone who should be recognised for the work and commitment they have shown to our community then please complete a nomination form.

Download a copy Nomination Form 21-22

Weekly News 243

Council News

New warding pattern for South Staffordshire – draft reccomendations for public consultation

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England have now published their draft recommendations, proposing that South Staffordshire District Council should have 42 councillors, a decrease of seven from the existing arrangements. Those councillors should represent 6 three-councillor wards, 10 two-councillor wards and 4 one-councillor wards across the council area. The boundaries of three wards (Essington, Himley & Swindon and Huntington & Hatherton) will stay the same; all others should change.

Before drawing up the draft recommendations, the Commission carried out a public consultation inviting proposals for a new pattern of wards for South Staffordshire. They have considered all of the submissions that they have received during that phase of consultation.

A detailed report on the recommendations is available on their website at: www.lgbce.org.uk.

A summary can be found here

For the public consultation on the draft reccomendations visit consultation.lgbce.org.uk where you will also be able to view the map of their recommendations down to street level.

This stage of the consultation closes on 10 January 2022

DECLARATION OF RESULT OF POLL 28/10/21 – Kinver & Wombourne South East By-Elections

Last week the Council held two District By-Elections for Kinver and Wombourne South East to replace the late Brian Edwards and Reg Williams. Conservatives held the seats and the Council would like to welcome Mark Evans, Wombourne South East and Geoffrey Sisley, Kinver, to the Council.

Mark Evans was also elected for Wombourne Parish Council, South East Ward.

To view the results for the Kinver and Wombourne South East By-Elections click here.

The Preferred Options public consultation got underway on Monday 1 November and runs for six weeks until 5pm on Monday 13 December 2021. 

We are holding locality based online Q&A sessions to explain the Preferred Options to help people understand the plan and make their representations.   

They will be held between 6pm-8pm: 

You can also book an in person appointment between 10.30am and 7.30pm at the following venues (please note the change of venue for 18th November): 

  • Bilbrook Village Hall – Wednesday 10 November 2021 
  • Essington Community Centre – Monday 15 November 2021 
  • Coven Memorial Hall – Thursday 18 November 2021 
  • Penkridge, Haling Dene Centre – Monday 22 November 2021 

Call 01902 696000 to book your slot.  

Click here to watch Councillor Terry Mason, Cabinet Member for Planning and Business Enterprise, explain the Local Plan review, Preferred Options consultation and how you can have your say.

To find other ways you can speak with the Local Plans Team click here 

The Big Winter Saver

Join your nearest South Staffordshire leisure centre between 1-14 November and pay just £15, then nothing more until January 2022; giving you access to a wide range of fitness facilities throughout November and December for just £15. 

Member Benefits:

  • Priority and online booking 
  • Free online and on-demand classes 
  • Complimentary Health Check 
  • Free personal fitness programme 
  • Portable packages so you can switch at any time 

For details on packages visit The Big Winter Saver  

To join, pop into your nearest centre from 1 November.

Work on new 3G sports pitch in Wombourne underway  

Young people, sports clubs and the wider community in Wombourne are soon to benefit from a new 3G sports pitch thanks to funding from South Staffordshire council and the Football Foundation.  

The work, which is currently underway, will see a new 3G all-weather pitch at Wombourne Leisure Centre.  The scheme which is due for completion in March 2022 also includes the refurbishment of changing areas within the leisure centre that will serve the new pitch  

Councillor Len Bates, Cabinet Member for Community Services at South Staffordshire Council said: “It’s great news that work has now started on our new 3G all-weather sports pitch.The pitch will make an excellent addition to the existing facilities already available at the Leisure Centre. It will offer local residents, pupils, groups and teams a wonderful venue whilst promoting active lifestyles.”

Volunteers Needed at our Community Bulb Planting Events

 We are very pleased that we are once again able to hold our bulb planting events at our cemeteries this year and would love you to come along and join us to help plant some spring flowering bulbs including bluebells, daffodils and crocus. 

  • Monday 15 November between 10.00 and 12.00 at Sytch Lane Cemetery, Sytch Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0JP 
  • Monday 22 November between 10.00 and 12.00 at Strawberry Lane Cemetery, Upper Landywood Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 7AU 

There’s no need to book, just turn up, meet others from the local community and get some fresh air and gentle exercise.  Just wear sensible footwear and warm clothes and we will provide gloves, hi-vis vests and other equipment. 

 We look forward to seeing you there and please feel free to share the details with your friends and family.  If you know any local community groups that may be interested please pass on the details. 

 If you would like to find out more about our two cemeteries and the services we provide, including the option to pre-purchase a grave plot, please contact us on 01902 696000 or by email: bereavementservices@sstaffs.gov.uk or visit our website https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/life-events/bereavement-services.cfm 

Regular News

Public Meetings

  •  Licensing Sub-Committee – Monday 8 November 21 at 10:30am
  • Audit and Risk Committee – Tuesday 9 November 21 at 16:00pm

Members of the public can virtually attend this meeting via Microsoft Teams – a link can be found in the news section on the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk

Council Job Vacancies

  • Planning Officers (Graduates/Assistants to Senior roles within Development Management, Planning Enforcement and Strategic Planning), closing at 5pm on 9 November 2021. Application Information 

Partnership Information and Helpful Resources

Morgan’s Story

Local teenager Morgan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. He was only given a very small chance of surviving, but luckily he pulled through.

Morgan is running a half marathon to raise money for cancer charities and also the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where his life was saved. Read his full story.

Morgan’s ‘Still Me’ Half Marathon fundraising on JustGiving

Meet your Local Police Officers – Locality 3

Your local Police Officer will be at Shareshill Post Office at 2.00-3.00pm on Monday 8 November.

 It is an opportunity for District and Parish Councillors and the community to meet and speak to their local officers.  

Just call in and have a chat any time within the hour.  

Healthcare Surveys

Have your say on the Mental Health Strategy

Staffordshire County Council have a public survey out at the moment to capture feedback from Staffordshire residents on their Mental Health Strategy. The survey closes 12 November 2021. Please share your views, thoughts, and feelings via the:

Staffordshire Mental Health Strategy Public Engagement survey

Have your say on Primary and Community Care services

Healthwatch Staffordshire are the independent local champion for health and social care services in Staffordshire. Part of our role is to understand the experiences of people who are using the services and to give people an opportunity to speak up and have their voices heard

On this occasion, we are interested in your opinion of primary care and community services in Staffordshire. The future provision of primary and community care services is being considered, with the aim of offering enhanced services for residents as part of the Integrated Care System Plans.

We want to capture your views about Primary and Community Care services and how you think they could be better.

  • What services are important to you in your local area?
  • What would you like to see added to the current services?

Click here for further information and to complete the survey.

Survey closes 14 November 2021

Covid Update

NHS issues plea for people in the Midlands to stay safe and get the COVID booster vaccine

People in the Midlands who are eligible for the COVID-19 booster vaccine are being urged to stay safe and book a jab as soon as possible. The booster vaccine is offered to those eligible who had their second dose of the COVID vaccination six months ago as protection will have deteriorated.

The NHS will be in touch to notify eligible people when they are due their booster jab at least six months – that’s a minimum of 182 days – after their second vaccination.

Appointments can be booked quickly and conveniently at www.nhs.uk/book-covid-booster. People that can’t go online can book by phoning 119.

Those who are eligible for a booster at least six months after their second dose include:

  • those living in residential care homes for older adults
  • all adults aged 50 years or over
  • frontline health and social care workers
  • all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the green book), and adult carers
  • adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.

Recently, the NHS encouraged pregnant women to get the COVID-19 vaccine as data showed that nearly 1 in 5 of the most critically ill COVID patients were unvaccinated pregnant women.

Anyone receiving a text or letter inviting them for a booster jab should come forward as soon as possible to get crucial protection.

NHS Opens Online Covid-19 Vaccination Bookings For 12-15 Year Olds

Parents will be able to book covid-19 vaccinations online for their 12-15 year old children, the NHS has announced.

People will be able to go online and check the National Booking Service to see if their local site has appointments to vaccinate children and young people, as the NHS covid-19 vaccination programme continues at pace.

If a child has already been invited through their school, they do not need act on their invite unless parents wish to get their child vaccinated outside of school.

Click here to book a vaccine appointment for your 12-15 year old.

Staffordshire information for parents of 12-15 year olds.

Click here on Staffordshire information on how and where to get a vaccine.

Rising COVID-19 Cases

Staffordshire has seen a huge rise in cases and the NHS is urging people to be vigilant to prevent further lockdowns.

The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated. People who are fully vaccinated should continue to follow safer behaviours set out below to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes:

  • Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer;
  • Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed settings where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet;
  • Get tested, and self-isolate if required;
  • Try to stay at home if you are feeling unwell;
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day;
  • Download and use the NHS COVID-19 app to know if you’ve been exposed to the virus.

Door to Door Testing

Due to the high rates of COVID-19 in South Staffordshire, the County Council fleet of community testing vehicles are now visiting targeted postcodes. This is to ensure that residents can access testing on a more regular basis to try and slow down the spread of the virus.

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