Local Plan Review – Locality 4 (Bilbrook, Codsall, Pattingham & Perton) 

We will be 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: 

• Locality 4 – Thursday 11 November * Join this meeting 

You can also book an in person appointment between 10.30am and 7.30pm at the following venues: 

• Wombourne Civic Centre – Tuesday 2 November 2021 
• Bilbrook Village Hall – Wednesday 10 November 2021 
• Essington Community Centre – Monday 15 November 2021 
• Jubilee Hall, Brewood – Thursday 18 November 2021 
• Penkridge, Haling Dene Centre – Monday 22 November 2021 

Call 01902 696000 to book your slot.  

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

Council News

Local Plan Review

We will be holding 5 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: 

• Locality 1 – Wednesday 3 November *Join this meeting 
• Locality 2 – Thursday 4 November * Join this meeting 
• Locality 3 – Tuesday 9 November * Join this meeting 
• Locality 4 – Thursday 11 November * Join this meeting 
• Locality 5 – Wednesday 17 November * Join this meeting 

You can also book an in person appointment between 10.30am and 7.30pm at the following venues: 

• Wombourne Civic Centre – Tuesday 2 November 2021 
• Bilbrook Village Hall – Wednesday 10 November 2021 
• Essington Community Centre – Monday 15 November 2021 
• Jubilee Hall, Brewood – Thursday 18 November 2021 
• Penkridge, Haling Dene Centre – Monday 22 November 2021 

Call 01902 696000 to book your slot.  

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

By Elections – Thursday 28 October 2021

The following District By-Elections have been called:

Kinver

Wombourne South East

The following Parish By-Election has been called:

Wombourne South East Ward

Click here to find out more information

October School Holiday Activity Camps 

School holiday Activity Camps 

From Monday 25 – Friday 29 October, South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres will be providing holiday activities for children from 5 years+. Find out more by clicking on the links below. 

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre Camps 

Codsall Leisure Centre Camps 

Penkridge Leisure Centre Activities 

Wombourne Leisure Centre Camps 

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.

Regular News

Council Job Vacancies

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

• Leisure Assistant Dryside (Astro Turf) at Codsall Leisure Centre, closing 5pm on 22nd October 2021.  Application Information 

Partnership Information and Helpful Resources

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.  

Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery is used as umbrella terms to refer to the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. It covers a wide range of abuse and exploitation including, slavery, human trafficking, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour. Victims of Modern Slavery can be of any age, gender, nationality, and ethnicity. They are tricked or threatened into work and may feel unable to leave or report the crime through fear or intimidation. They also may not recognise themselves as a victim. Victims may also be subject to more than one type of exploitation at the same time. 

Modern Slavery is real and it is happening in Staffordshire. 

If you see any of the signs, outlined in this poster, report it to the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline 08000 121 700 

Looking after your mental health

There are little things we can all do to help look after our mental health. Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.

The NHS has expert advice, practical tips and a mind plan quiz to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing, so discover what works for you.

Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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 Urgent and Emergency Care

This questionnaire has been designed to gather comments and public experience of using urgent and emergency care services

Urgent and Emergency Care Involvement Survey

Volunteering

Do It to FEEL GOOD!

Volunteering helps in many ways:

• Connect – allows people to build good relationships and sense of belonging as well as supporting others in their local community
• Give – By giving your unpaid time, it’s a very kind thing to do and will improve self-esteem and emotional health
• Learn – You may learn new skills which can boost your confidence and give a sense of achievement – making you happier and more motivated

“If you’re thinking of volunteering, honestly do it! The difference you can make to the lives of others is phenomenal.

It’s not just working for free or ‘just’ helping others it’s also helping yourself.

Helping you to gain confidence and grow as a person. It gives you that ambition back to do whatever it is your looking for in life and helps those that need it along the way. “

Stephanie, volunteer at Maryhill Children’s Centre

Find local volunteering opportunities at:

Do It Staffordshire

Or get help and guidance from Support Staffordshire

Safe+Sound is aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 pupils.  Topics for this week’s programme are:Safe + Sound Programme

• Feeding Birds – Silverdale Country Park
• Electrical Safety – Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service
• Candle Safety – Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service
• Winter Road Safety – Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership
• Halloween Safety – Staffordshire Police

Please click here to access all programmes

Covid Update

Rising COVID-19 Cases

Staffordshire has seen a huge rise in cases and the NSH 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

Council News

World Mental Health Day 

We want to help start the conversation about Mental Health. 

World Mental Health Day was on Sunday 10 October, however, we should have the conversations all year round! Join us as we move forward together, for mental health.  

Let’s talk openly about mental health- chat with a friend, family member or work colleague.  

It can be tricky to know how to have that chat, or to find the ‘right’ words once you do. To support those moments, please take a look at the link provided below which offers guidance on how you can help.  

Conversation Guide: Talking to someone about mental health   

Healthy Mind – Healthy Body

It’s vital to recognise the importance of how a healthy mind defines a healthy body. Keeping your mind active and healthy is more important now, than ever before, and there are a whole combination of ways to promote a positive mind-set: 

• MOVE – physical exercise is great for your mind 
• NOURISH – a healthy balanced diet is vital in promoting a positive mind 
• SLEEP – Sleep will boost your mood, energy levels and stimulate your brain 
• CALM – Time out to relax and unwind will help to reduce stress and anxiety 

To find out about mindfulness and relaxation based exercise classes, contact your local leisure centre 

Cheslynhay@sstaffs.gov.uk 01922 417790 

Codsall@sstaffs.gov.uk 01902 844032 

Penkridge@sstaffs.gov.uk 01785 714152 

Wombourne@sstaffs.gov.uk   01902 898202 

New Wellbeing Walk at Baggeridge Country Park

Baggeridge Country Park are pleased to welcome newly qualified walk-leaders who will be starting a brand new weekly walk at the park, starting Thursday 4 November. 

• Thursdays (starting 4 November) 
• 10am start (meet at the band stand on top carpark, behind the back of the childrens play area) 
• Approximately 90 minute walk 
• No need to book, just turn up  
• Arrive 15 mins early to your first session to allow time to register 
• Free and instructor-led walks (car parking charges apply) 

This grade 3 walk will be around 45-90 minutes and may include steeper slopes, steps, uneven surfaces and stiles so please wear comfortable shoes. 

For more information contact our Walk co-ordinator Louise on 07939 631131 

By Elections – Thursday 28 October 2021

The following District By-Elections have been called:

Kinver

Wombourne South East

The following Parish By-Election has been called:

Wombourne South East Ward

Click here to find out more information including the Statements of Persons Nominated

October School Holiday Activity Camps 

School holiday Activity Camps 

From Monday 25 – Friday 29 October, South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres will be providing holiday activities for children from 5 years+. Find out more by clicking on the links below. 

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre Camps 

Codsall Leisure Centre Camps 

Penkridge Leisure Centre Activities 

Wombourne Leisure Centre Camps 

Swimming Teachers Course – October half term

Wombourne Leisure Centre will be hosting 2 courses over the half term week in October as follows: 

STA Level 2 Safety Award for Teachers (SAT)

• This course is designed for Water Assistants and others who help with swimming lessons anywhere in the county covering first aid, CPR and water rescue techniques.  You must be 16 years+ and be able to retrieve a manakin from the bottom of the pool.
• Costs £95 and runs on Monday 25 October 2021 0800-1600hrs 

STA Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Swimming

• Costs £295 and runs on Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 October 2021. You must be 16 years+ and already hold the Award in Teaching Swimming qualification. It is also desirable for you to hold a recognised Safety Award (SAT, NRASTC,NPLQ) 

For more information, or to book, please call 01902 898202.

Regular News

Council Job Vacancies

• Leisure Assistant Dryside (Astro Turf) at Codsall Leisure Centre, closing 5pm on 22 October 2021.  Application Information 

Next week’s Council Committee meetings

• Planning Committee – Tuesday, 19 October 2021 – 6.30 pm

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

Partnership Information and Helpful Resources

County Lines 

County Lines can often involve the exploitation of young, vulnerable people who are targeted and manipulated into selling drugs by criminal gangs. 

How you can help police disrupt County Lines  

Staffordshire Police along with referral agencies are encouraging parents and carers to look closer to spot the signs of County Lines. 

County Lines is used to describe the networks of gangs and organised criminals who export illegal drugs into other areas of the country, often smaller areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines known as ‘deal lines.’  

Dealers will take orders from drug users through mobile phones and exploit children and vulnerable people to move and store drugs and money. Often, they do this using blackmail and intimidation and violence. 

Children and vulnerable people can be groomed online or face-to-face by a stranger or someone they know. They can receive money, mobiles, credit, expensive clothing, jewellery, or other items/gifts in exchange for a specified task. 

Staffordshire Police is committed to cracking down on this crime with the help of partner organisations but they also need your help to stop this happening in your area. Information from witnesses and local communities is vital to building evidence, making arrests and prosecuting members of organised crime gangs. If you know something you can call Crimestoppers anonymously 24 hours a day by dialling 0800 555 111. 

Restart a heart – FREE Event

What: Restart A Heart FREE CPR and First aid skills Sharing

When: Saturday 16 October 2021 / drop in anytime between 3pm and 5.30pm – plenty of people and equipment available to share and demonstrate skills on a 121 or group basis.

Where: St John Ambulance, Upton House, 18 Lichfield Road, Stafford, ST17 4LJ

Activities for children with special educational needs or disabilities

Activities for 8-18 year olds who have special educational needs or disabilities from Staffordshire.

Let Us Play is running some new activities over October half term:

Golf Day – Wednesday 27 October – 3 Hammers Golf Club, Wolverhampton.

Hogwarts Halloween Party – Saturday 30 October – The Royal British Legion, Wolverhampton.

Full details are available at the links below:

Aiming High – Let Us Play – Golf Day | Staffordshire Connects

Aiming High – Let Us Play – Hogwarts Party | Staffordshire Connects

To take part or if you have any queries please call 0300 111 8007. 

Please click here for full details of Aiming High activities around Staffordshire throughout the year.

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. Please share your views, thoughts, and feelings via the:

Staffordshire Mental Health Strategy Public Engagement survey

Have your say on Urgent and Emergency Care

This questionnaire has been designed to gather comments and public experience of using urgent and emergency care services

Urgent and Emergency Care Involvement Survey

Have your say on the School Nurse Service

Staffordshire County Council are undertaking a survey to inform what is working well and any areas that need some improvement.

The survey closes on 24 October. Please click on the appropriate link below:

Children and Young People Survey

Parent and Carers Survey

Schools Survey

Childhood Respiratory Illnesses

NHS England warned earlier in the year that a possible increase in childhood respiratory illnesses was on its ‘radar’, and this might cause an issue moving forward. The reason for the expected surge is that we have had two winters where children have had limited exposure to common respiratory illnesses and have not been able to build up a strong immunity.

It is normal for a child to have 8 or more colds a year. Children gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds over time. Most colds get better in 5 to 7 days but can take up to 2 weeks in small children.

Here is a list of things that can be bought from a pharmacy or supermarket which might help you care for an unwell child at home:

• Children’s paracetamol
• Children’s ibuprofen (children with asthma may not be able to take)
• Ibuprofen (check with a pharmacist)
• Digital thermometer
• Vapor rub
• Children’s cough syrup
• Nasal saline drops
• Honey (not suitable for under 12 months)
• Ice-lollies
• Soft tissues

If your child has a high temperature of 38C or more and is generally unwell for more than 4 days, go to 111.nhs.uk or download the NHS app for health advice, to book an appointment and more

Safe &Sound programme

The topics covered this week were:

• Wildlife Crime – Silverdale Country Park
• Road Safety – Gist
• Chief Fire Officer Q&A – Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service
• Railway Safety – Network Rail
• Water Safety – Canal & River Trust
• Kitchen Fires – Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service

Please click here to access all programmes

Save Lives by Donating Blood Plasma

Medicines made from plasma save and transform the lives of over 17,000 people in England each year.

NHS Blood and Transplant is asking for men between the ages of 17 and 66 to consider donating their blood plasma. Men are more likely to have the blood plasma volumes and larger vein sizes making them ideal donors.

Last year, more than 450 people received medicine made from plasma at Birmingham’s hospitals. Currently the NHS relies on plasma from the USA.  Donating in the UK will bolster long term NHS supplies. The plasma being donated now will reach hospitals from 2022 onwards. Appointments are available at your local Donor centre in New Street, Birmingham.

For further information on donating plasma or to register please click on this link.

Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards

The Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards sponsored by We Are Staffordshire are back for 2021/22 and their new competition is now open for entries.

Any Staffordshire tourism business can enter

Further information on the Tourism & Good Food Awards can be accessed here.

Covid Update

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.

Next week this will be available in the following areas:

16 October      8:00-14:00       Penkridge Market

16 October      door to door    Featherstone postcodes

Key changes to Lateral Flow Test Kit Supplies

Changes have been made to the service to support the need for increase traceability of test kits and to continue to assist NHS Test and Trace with efforts to identify COVID-positive cases in the community and break the chain of transmission. The changes to the service specification apply from 4 October 2021 and they include:

• A reduction in the number of packs of test kits contractors can supply per transaction from four to two, which brings the service in line with other providers of test kits.
• The introduction of the requirement for citizens to register for a collect code via gov.uk/get-collect-code or 119 prior to making a collection from a pharmacy.
• If citizens do not wish to register for a collect code, a supply can still be made as an anonymous collection, but people should be encouraged to use collect codes wherever possible.
• A reduction in the minimum recommended age for a person to collect LFT kits to 16 years.

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 told how to get any medicine you need

Find out how you can ‘self care’ at home

In an emergency, always call 999

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email
comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

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 told how to get any medicine you need
• Find out how you can ‘self care’ at home
• In an emergency, always call 999

This week’s news from around the Council.

Council News
• Change to Council News Round Up
The Parish Council News Round Up will be moving to our external communications platform (Gov
Delivery E-alerts system) from Friday 1 October.
Whilst you will still receive the Council News Round Up via email, it will now appear as an ebulletin. You will still be able to forward it on to other people, just as you would a normal email.
The significant change here, is that it will also go out to residents that are subscribed to the
‘Council News’ e-alert topic which currently has almost 9,000 subscribers and is growing every
day.
By changing to this platform, we will reach a wider audience and communicate with residents
directly. It will also enable us to see what is working well and what isn’t, as the platform reports
on the number of times each link is accessed.

• South Staffordshire Business Place Partnership Event
We are delighted to inform you about the first of our Business Place
Partnership Roadshow events.
Stoke and Staffordshire Growth Hub will be joining us at The Enterprise
Centre at Four Ashes on 29 September between 10am and 3pm.
The accredited Business Advisors are people who understand the day-to-day pressures of
running a business. They can work with you to overcome barriers, solve problems and develop a
strategy for growth. They all have specific knowledge of certain areas within Staffordshire and
work closely with the relevant local authorities and Business Support organisations to ensure
they are up to date on the variety of support options readily available to businesses.

The event will also be an opportunity for people to view the new development at Four Ashes
where we will be based in Unit 18.
Come along and meet representatives from the Councils Enterprise and Growth team who can
discuss your business needs.
Please register your interest via businessplacepartnership@sstaffs.gov.uk

• Waste and Recycling service disruption
As you will have no doubt seen in the news, there is currently a national
shortage of HGV drivers resulting in disruption across various sectors,
including Council waste services across the UK.
We have been feeling the impacts of this in South Staffordshire for
several weeks. As staff numbers begin to dwindle below
the minimum that we need to deliver a ‘normal’ service, unavoidable delays to a number
of collection rounds across the district have occurred. To date, the vast majority of delayed
rounds have been resolved within 48 hours of the normal collection date, although there are
some pockets of the district that have unfortunately been subject to longer delays.
To maintain a service which is as close to normal as possible, our collection crews are working
overtime every day, and a number of crews are also working Saturdays to catch up on collections
not completed during the week.
Biffa, our waste collection service provider, have issued the following statement:
“Biffa would like to apologise to the residents of South Staffordshire for the disruption to the
waste and recycling collection services. The national driver shortage has led to extreme problems
for Biffa in many areas and we are working hard to address the current 30% shortfall.

Unfortunately, the disruption will continue for a while yet and we kindly ask that if your bin is not
collected on its scheduled collection day you leave it at the collection point for up to 72 hours / 3
working days to allow us to collect before reporting it as a missed collection.

We thank all residents for their patience and understanding at this difficult time.”

Residents who have not had their bin emptied can report it to us after 72 hours by calling
Customer Services on 01902 696000.
We apologise for any disruption caused.

We encourage residents to sign up for our email updates

• National Fitness Day
#Fitness2Me #fitnessday #NationalFitnessDay
Wednesday 22 September marked National Fitness Day, a chance to highlight the role physical
activity plays across the UK, helping us raise awareness of its importance in helping us lead
healthier lifestyles through being physical active.
In celebration the council launched an offer on our online membership and had Love2Shop
vouchers up for grabs. Click here if you would like to enter our competition to win a voucher.

• Make a splash this Winter
Cheslyn Hay and Penkridge Leisure Centres have adult and junior swimming places available and
have an offer up for grabs to help you get started! If you’d like to know more, contact your local
centre for details:
o Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre cheslynhay@sstaffs.gov.uk or call 01922 417790
o Penkridge Leisure Centre penkridge@sstaffs.gov.uk or call 01785 714152
• Running Groups
Codsall and Wombourne Leisure Centres are holding Couch to 5k programmes which are: 9-week
courses, £15 per person, and open to people aged 14 and over for Wombourne and 8 and over
for Codsall. The course runs every Tuesday night at 6pm. Wombourne are also offering an
Improver Running session every Tuesday 7-8pm for people that want to do a continuous run. To
book contact:
o Codsall Leisure Centre – 01902 844032
o Wombourne Leisure Centre – 01902 898202

Regular News
• Council Job Vacancies
o Water Assistants, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge, Codsall & Wombourne Leisure Centres, closing
midnight on 6 October 2021. Application Information
o Swimming Instructors, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge, Codsall & Wombourne Leisure Centres,
closing midnight on 6 October 2021. Application Information
o Leisure Assistants, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing 5pm on 29 September
2021. Application Information
o Customer Services Specialist Advisor (Fixed Term), closing 5pm on 28 September
2021. Application Information
o Homelessness Prevention Officer, closing midday on 30 September 2021. Application
Information

• Next week’s Council Committee meetings
o Overview & Scrutiny will be held on Tuesday 28 September at 6:30pm
o Standards & Resources Committee will be held on Thursday 30 September at 2:30pm
Members of the public can virtually attend meetings via Microsoft Teams – a link can be found in
the News Item section at the bottom of the Council’s website.
Partnership Updates

• Open Letter from Together We’re Better
Health and care is facing unprecedented demand across the whole system – GP surgeries, walkin centres, 111 helpline, ambulance services, hospitals etc. Click here to open a letter outlining
the current challenges across health and care in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The letter also outlines some of the actions that have been agreed to support a system-wide
response to the current urgent and emergency care pressures.
Page 5 of 7
Issue 237
24 September 2021
• Free Awareness Session – Spotting the Risks in Vulnerable People
Do you work with or support vulnerable people? Do you ever have concerns but are not sure
what they mean? Do you know how to support them? Click here for more information on the
free awareness session.

Covid-19 Update
• The Government’s Winter Plan for Covid-19
The Governments Plan for Covid-19
• COVID-19 Booster Jabs
A coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine dose helps improve the protection you have from your
first 2 doses of the vaccine and helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill
from COVID-19.
• Who can get a COVID-19 booster vaccine?
Booster vaccine doses will be available on the NHS for people most at risk from COVID-19 who
have already had 2 doses of a vaccine. This includes:
o people aged 50 and over
o people who live and work in care homes
o frontline health and social care workers
o people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting
seriously ill from COVID-19
o carers aged 16 and over
o people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such
as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer,
lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
o People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.
How and when to get your COVID-19 booster vaccine
You’ll be offered a booster dose at least 6 months after you had your 2nd dose. The NHS will let
you know when it’s your turn to have a booster dose. It’s important not to contact the NHS for

one before then. Once you have received your text/letter you can book through the NHS website
or by ringing 119. Click here for further information on COVID-19 booster jabs.
NHS COVID-19 Pass
The Government has stated that, at present, there are no plans to mandate the use of the NHS
COVID Pass and will keep it as a contingency to help manage a significant increase in transmission
if needed in the future. However, some high-risk venues can legally use the pass to reduce
transmission in their venue.
In addition to the NHS App, people can access their NHS COVID Pass via the NHS website
(England/Wales) or via 119 (England only). The NHS COVID Pass letter received will be in English.
Additional languages can be requested via 119 but people will still need to show the original
English letter to demonstrate their COVID status. The letter is also available in Easy Read, Braille,
Large Print, and an audio file on a CD. Click on this NHS website for further information on the
COVID-19 pass.

Helpful Resources
A range of on-going support resources are now accessible from South Staffordshire Councils Website
which will be added to regularly:
• Adults
Click here to find Support Resources for Adults
Including – Mental health, dementia, loneliness, domestic abuse, carer support, Parkinson’s, drug
misuse.
• Children and Young People
Click here to find Support Resources for Children & Young People
Including – Family Support, keeping children safe, keeping children safe online, keeping babies
safe, Teen mental health.

This week’s news from around the Council.

Council News

• New Leader and Cabinet

At Full Council on Tuesday 14 September, Councillor Roger Lees was elected as Leader of the Council. Councillor Rita Heseltine is the new Deputy Leader with Cabinet as follows:

• Business Transformation – Councillor D Williams
• Welfare Services – Councillor R Reade
• Regulatory Services – Councillor R Heseltine
• Community Services – Councillor L Bates
• Planning and Business Enterprise – Councillor T Mason
• Partnership Services – Leader of the Council
• Assistant Cabinet Member Planning – Councillor V Wilson

Councillor Mike Lawrence takes the Chairman of Planning Committee role with Councillor Bob Cope as Vice-Chairman. Members also agreed several other changes to committee memberships, and these can be viewed here.

• Waste and Recycling service disruption

As you will have no doubt seen in the news, there is currently a national shortage of HGV drivers resulting in disruption across various sectors, including Council waste services across the UK.

We have been feeling the impacts of this in South Staffordshire for several weeks. As staff numbers begin to dwindle below the minimum that we need to deliver a ‘normal’ service, unavoidable delays to a number of collection rounds across the district have occured. To date, the vast majority of delayed rounds have been resolved within 48 hours of the normal collection date, although there are some pockets of the district that have unfortunately been subject to longer delays.

To maintain a service which is as close to normal as possible, our collection crews are working overtime every day, and a number of crews are also working Saturdays to catch up on collections not completed during the week.

Biffa, our waste collection service provider, have issued the following statement:

“Biffa would like to apologise to the residents of South Staffordshire for the disruption to the waste and recycling collection services. The national driver shortage has led to extreme problems for Biffa in many areas and we are working hard to address the current 30% shortfall.  

Unfortunately, the disruption will continue for a while yet and we kindly ask that if your bin is not collected on its scheduled collection day you leave it at the collection point for up to 72 hours / 3 working days to allow us to collect before reporting it as a missed collection.  

We thank all residents for their patience and understanding at this difficult time.” 

Residents who have not had their bin emptied can report it to us after 72 hours by calling Customer Services on 01902 696000.

We apologise for any disruption caused.

We encourage residents to sign up for our email updates

• Unauthorised 4-bedroom house demolished

An unauthorised 4-bedroom house on Green Belt land in Trysull has been demolished as the result of action by the Planning Enforcement Team. The building was constructed in 2019 without planning permission and a retrospective planning application was refused. The owner of the land appealed the decision which was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in April this year. A Planning Enforcement Notice was served to force the removal of the unauthorised house resulting in the house being demolished. This sends out a firm message to landowners that the Council will take firm action against unauthorised development when necessary.

• Community Lottery welcomes a new worthy cause – Staffordshire Search & Rescue Team 

Staffordshire Search & Rescue are Staffordshire’s only approved volunteer lowland search & rescue team with specialist training in locating and rescuing missing people in urban and rural lowland areas. The service is funded entirely through donations from the public and local businesses, so when the team are not on a call out or training, they are kept busy raising essential funds throughout the year to keep the service operational.

Click here if you would like to support them through the Community Lottery.

• Resident Survey success

South Staffordshire’s Residents Survey has achieved a grand total of 1,315 responses. In previous years, when using an external provider we would gain around 500 responses, so this is a great achievement. Whilst a summary report is now being prepared, we are pleased to announce a key highlight in line with previous years, that 92% of residents would recommend South Staffordshire as a place to live, with a locality breakdown below:

• Drop in fly tipping figures 

During April to August this year, we have recorded 528 fly tipping incidents across the district. We noted 868 for the same period during 2020, which is a 39% drop in incidents.

We are confident that our engagement with partners and local parishes, coupled with our enforcement actions are playing a huge role in this positive trend and hope to see it continue.

• Baggeridge Weekly Walk 

We are delighted to have 11 people interested in becoming volunteer walk leaders to help lead a weekly walk at Baggeridge Country Park. Before walks commence, the volunteers need to go through their walk leader training which is planned to take place later this month. More information, including a start date for the walks will follow in due course. If you or anyone you know would be interested in becoming a walk leader, contact Louise Colman our fitness and wellbeing co-ordinator. Tel: 07939 631131 Email: louisecolman07@gmail.com

Regular News

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Leisure Assistants, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing 5pm on 29 September 2021.Application Information
  • Customer Services Specialist Advisor (Fixed Term), closing 5pm on 28 September 2021. Application Information
  • Homelessness Prevention Officer, closing midday on 30 September 2021. Application Information

• Next week’s Council Committee meetings
  • Planning Committee – Tuesday, 21 September 2021 – 6.30 pm

Members of the public can virtually attend meetings via Microsoft Teams – a link can be found in the News Item section at the bottom of the Council’s website.

Partnership updates

• Wombourne Parish Council to host 3rd #shoplocal event

Wombourne Parish Council will be hosting their 3rd #shoplocal event this Saturday 18 September in the village centre from 11am to 3pm. Local residents and visitors are encouraged to #shoplocal whilst enjoying free entertainment themed around Fairy Tales as part of the initiative to recover and rejuvenate local High Streets. There will be fairy tale princesses, live music, a storyteller, as well as a free fairy tale trail around the village shops and a memento for attending in fancy dress. The Parish Council will also be hosting their first free to enter craft fayre in the Council Chamber where local residents will be showcasing their homemade goods, this is also running from 11am to 3pm. For more information, follow the Parish Council on Facebook and Instagram – @Wombourne Parish Council.

·  Difficult Decisions – Help us to Prioritise and Align Clinical Policies

In January 2020, the six NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) began the first phase of engagement about five areas of care: assisted conception, hearing aids for non-complex hearing loss, male and female sterilisation, breast augmentation and reconstruction, and removal of excess skin following significant weight loss.

The eight-week engagement work ended on 1 March 2020. More information and the report of findings can be found online here.

Since then, there have been changes to the way the NHS has been able to deliver services and see patients. We know this may have affected the way people feel about or changed their experience of the services.

This most recent questionnaire is mainly to understand if anything new needs to be considered since the pandemic and can be accessed here.

• Free Awareness Session – Spotting the Risks in Vulnerable People

Do you work with or support vulnerable people? Do you ever have concerns but are not really sure what they mean? Do you know how to support them? Click here for more information.

Covid-19 Update

• The Government’s Winter Plan for Covid-19

Between March and July this year, the Government’s roadmap for England reopened the economy and lifted restrictions in four steps. This week the Prime Minister announced the COVID-19 Response during autumn and winter. The Government plans to achieve this by focusing on five key areas:

• Building our defences through pharmaceutical interventions: vaccines, antivirals and disease modifying therapeutics.
• Identifying and isolating positive cases to limit transmission: Test, Trace and Isolate.
• Supporting the NHS and social care: managing pressures and recovering services.
• Advising people on how to protect themselves and others: clear guidance and communications.
• Pursuing an international approach: helping to vaccinate the world and managing risks at the border.

Under Plan A of the autumn and winter plan, announced by Health Secretary Sajid Javid, ministers will:

• Encourage the unvaccinated to be jabbed.
• Offer the vaccine to 12- to 15-year-olds.
• Begin a booster vaccination programme for millions.
• Continuing testing, the tracing of cases and self-isolation for those who catch the virus.
• Businesses will also be encouraged to consider using the NHS Covid Pass to check the vaccination or test status of customers.

Under Plan B – which ministers say will only be enacted if further measures are needed to protect the NHS:

• The public would be urged to act more cautiously
• Mandatory vaccine passports could be used for mass events and other settings
• Face coverings could be legally mandated in some places
• Guidance on working from home may also be issued under this plan.

• Encouraging Safer Behaviours and Actions

It remains important for everyone, including those who are fully vaccinated, to follow behaviours and actions that reduce transmission and help to keep people safe. Following the recommended actions will also help limit the spread of seasonal illnesses, including flu:

• Invitation from The Cabinet Office & NHS Test & Trace – Keeping communities safe during winter

Monday 20 September 2021 – 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Community leaders have played a vital role during the pandemic. Before the colder months set in, we are holding a Keeping Communities Safe During Winter webinar to support community and faith leaders, voluntary and community groups with their ongoing engagement and communications. The Zoom webinar on Monday 20 September 2021 at 3.00 pm is an opportunity to:

• keep up to date with the latest information on COVID-19 from Government officials
• ask questions and discuss ideas for effective engagement
• inform the Government about challenges, barriers, and experiences in communities

All community leaders are welcome to attend; please click here to register.

There will be opportunity to ask questions. To submit a question in advance or if you have any questions about the webinar, contact Obaayaa Asantewaa or Pascoe Sawyers at community.resources@dhsc.gov.uk

Helpful Resources

A range of on-going support resources are now accessible from South Staffordshire Councils Website which will be added to regularly:

• Adults

Click here to find Support Resources for Adults

Including – Mental health, dementia, loneliness, domestic abuse, carer support, Parkinson’s, drug misuse.

• Children and Young People

Click here to find Support Resources for Children & Young People

Including – Family Support, keeping children safe, keeping children safe online, keeping babies safe, Teen mental health.