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Becky Hodgetts

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Weekly News

Creating Brighter Futures supports Francesca’s Café: A new hub for community and creativity

The Creating Brighter Futures programme has recently supported a new local business, Francesca’s Café, in Wombourne by providing staff training and development.

Although the café has only been open a few months, it is getting busier every day.

The owner, Francesca has introduced weekend crafting sessions, so Clare Stevens and Debra Friedl attended the recent Halloween themed ‘Paint & Sip’ session. It was great fun, with a wonderful atmosphere and new friends have now been made.

Looking ahead, Francesca is hosting a ‘Gonk’-themed crafting session on 22nd November, priced at just £15, which includes a hot drink of your choice.

A Christmas-themed session is also planned for early December. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

It was a great afternoon had by all, with lots of laughter – especially as not all participants were artists!

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just looking for a fun and relaxing afternoon, these sessions come highly recommended. It’s a great way to unwind, meet new people, and support a growing local business.

We’re already looking forward to the next meet-up!

 

Welfare services community roadshow, supporting residents and their families this winter

The Welfare services team, in partnership with Age UK, Staffordshire Cares, Homes Plus and the Warmer Homes program have launched their 2025 community roadshow. 

First stop was the Haling Dene at Penkridge where advisors supported residents with a wide range of topics, including:

Claiming benefits and completing forms
Local care options and housing needs/repairs
Possible home adaptations to help you stay independent
Cost of living support
Staying warm during the winter

Residents were thrilled to have the chance to meet the teams in person and access funds they never realised they could access.

Is this roadshow for me?

If you answer yes to any of the following, this roadshow is for you.

Do you need:

Adaptations to your home to help you stay independent
To report repairs
Support with increasing energy costs
To see if there are any benefits or discounts you are entitled to

Event details:

19th November – St Thomas Church, 18 Duel Way, Huntington, WS12 4GD, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
4th December – Codsall Hub, council offices, Codsall, WV8 1PX, 12.30pm to 3.30pm
10th December – Bilbrook Village Hall, Joeys Lane, Bilbrook, WV8 1JL, 11am to 2pm

South Staffordshire Council will be gifting slow cookers to residents living alone and/or on a low income, helping them prepare nutritious meals (whilst stocks last).

Winter Warmer membership savings

As the year winds down and festive expenses begin to pile up, South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres are offering a fantastic opportunity to invest in your health without breaking the bank.

Join this November for just £20 and enjoy unlimited access to gyms, swimming pools, exercise classes, and toning suites across all four leisure centres – Codsall, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge, and Wombourne. That’s two full months of fitness and wellbeing, with no further payments until January, 2026.

As part of the offer, normal membership fees will start on 1st January, 2026.

Ready to get started?

💻 Join online using promo code WW25 – Create an account – Leisure Hub
🏢 Or pop into your nearest leisure centre to sign up

**To refer a friend and earn rewards, you will need to pop into the leisure centre together! (Join online option unavailable when referring).

For full details and to find out how you can sign up and take advantage of big savings, visit 👉 Winter Warmer Membership Savings | South Staffordshire District Council

Become a volunteer walk leader and help your community thrive!

Are you passionate about walking, meeting new people, and promoting health and wellbeing in your local area?

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team of walk leaders who help deliver friendly, accessible walks across the district.

Many parishes already have volunteer teams leading weekly walks, offering flexibility and shared responsibility to make the experience easier and more enjoyable for all.

After a short training on leading safe and effective walks, you’ll be free to choose the length, day, and time that suits your schedule.

Volunteering as a walk leader is a fantastic way to:

• Meet like-minded people
• Stay active and enjoy the outdoors
• Support your community’s health and wellbeing

If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to find out more, please contact our Walking Co-ordinator, Louise Colman, at louisewalkingforhealth@gmail.com.

Let’s walk together towards a healthier, happier community!

Staffordshire Police appeal following serious collision

Staffordshire Police are appealing for information following a serious road traffic collision, in which a man sustained a potentially serious head injury.

Officers were called at 5.45am on Tuesday, 4th November to Stourbridge Road, near Beggars Bush Lane, in Wombourne following reports of a collision.

Two vehicles, a car and a van, were involved.

One man, in his 40s, in the car, sustained a potentially serious head injury. He was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Another man, from the van, was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.

The A449 southbound and northbound from Wodehouse Island remains closed while our inquiries continue.

Anyone who witnessed what happened or may have relevant information should contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting incident number 75 of 4th November or contact investigators directly at ciu@staffordshire.police.uk.

Traffic management update – A449 Stafford Road

We wish to inform residents that West Midlands Interchange (WMI) has completed construction of two new laybys on the A449 Stafford Road.

*Please note this is not a council-led project.

As part of post-construction works, WMI will carry out vegetation clearance and planting, requiring daytime lane closures:

  • 17th – 21st November: Northbound lane 1
  • 24th – 28th November: Southbound lane 2

Work hours are 8am-6pm (Monday-Friday), with occasional Saturday work (9am-1pm).

We would like to reassure you that Winvic and all involved in the project will ensure any disruption to road users and local businesses is minimised.

Please be aware you may see our workforce on site up to one hour before and one hour after these times to set up and secure our equipment.

For queries, contact us at 0800 377 7345 or contactus@communityrelations.co.uk.

Share your views on the future of libraries

Staffordshire County Council is inviting residents to shape the future of our libraries and community hubs.

A new consultation launched on Tuesday, 28th October, offering opportunities to share views via online and paper surveys, coffee drop-ins, and youth engagement.

With 27 libraries now community-managed, many have evolved into vibrant hubs offering services from IT support to dementia-friendly activities.

This is not about closures, but about growth.

Visit the Let’s Talk Community Hub Libraries webpage to get involved and help ensure libraries remain central to our communities: Staffordshire Libraries: Help Shape the Future of Your Local Community Hubs | Let’s Talk Staffordshire.

Have your say on community safety in your area:

Your opinion matters!

South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) works to ensure that South Staffordshire is a safe place to live, work and visit.

We want to hear your perception of crime in your local area, your opinion on the priorities in the 2025-26 Community Safety Partnership Plan and your thoughts on other areas the partnership should consider.

The closing date of the survey is Thursday, 21st November.

Click here to learn more and to complete the short survey.: Project: Community Safety in South Staffordshire 2025 | South Staffordshire District Council

Visit our website to find out more about the CSP: South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership | South Staffordshire District Council

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Environmental Health Officer

Post:            Part-Time (3 days per week) | Permanent

Hours:         3 days (24 hours per week)

Location:     Codsall Community Hub with ability for hybrid working

Are you an experienced Environmental Health Officer looking to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking local authority? South Staffordshire Council is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable professional to join our Environmental Health & Licensing Team, working specifically within the Environmental Protection function.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small, friendly, and supportive team that plays a vital role in protecting public health and the local environment. We deal with a wide range of environmental protection matters including statutory nuisance, pollution control, air quality, contaminated land, and public health concerns. 

About the Role

As an Environmental Health Officer in our Environmental Protection team, you will:

  • Lead on the assessment and response to planning application consultations, providing expert advice on environmental health impacts.
  • Investigate and resolve complaints relating to noise, odour, smoke, light, and other forms of nuisance and pollution.
  • Contribute to the development and delivery of environmental health policies and procedures.
  • Support the wider Environmental Health & Licensing Team across all functions when required, including food safety, health and safety, housing, and licensing matters.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to work across multiple disciplines, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and help shape the future of South Staffordshire’s environment and public health.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Professionally qualified with a degree in Environmental Health and a minimum of two years post-qualification experience.
  • Skilled in interpreting and applying environmental health legislation, particularly in relation to nuisance and pollution.
  • Experienced in providing technical advice on planning applications and environmental assessments.
  • A confident communicator with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, developers, residents, and partner agencies.
  • Flexible, proactive, and committed to delivering high-quality services.

You’ll be joining a team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. We’re proud of our reputation for delivering excellent services and are looking for someone who shares our passion for making a difference.

 What We Offer

  • A supportive and inclusive working environment.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Essential car user allowance.
  • Payment of one professional membership fee.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible working arrangements.

This is a part-time permanent position working three days per week. We welcome applications from candidates seeking a positive work-life balance while continuing to develop their career in environmental health. 

Join us and help shape a cleaner, safer, and healthier South Staffordshire.

For further information, please contact one of the Environmental Health and Licensing Managers: Lee Jamieson (l.jamieson@sstaffs.gov.uk) or Laura Nichols (l.nichols@sstaffs.gov.uk).

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd November 2025

To apply visit: Find a job | South Staffordshire District Council

Weekly News

Antisocial behaviour could result in £1,000 fine under new orders

Those committing antisocial behaviour could be fined up to £1,000 under new orders in South Staffordshire.

Four new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) have been put in place covering the Railway Walk, Baggeridge Country Park and Himley Plantation; Perton centre; Wheaton Aston; and Iverley.

Signage in these areas outlines the specifics of each order – and anyone committing antisocial behaviour in the specified zones could receive a fixed penalty notice of £100 or summoned to attend court and face a fine of up to £1,000.

Cabinet member for community services at South Staffordshire Council, Cllr Mike Davies, said: “We at South Staffordshire Council have a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to behaviour which has a detrimental effect on our communities.

“We are very proud of our district as a beautiful and idyllic place to live and putting these Public Space Protection Orders in place goes a further step towards keeping South Staffordshire a place where people want to live, work and visit.”

For further information on the orders can be found at: Antisocial behaviour | South Staffordshire District Council

Envirocrime helping residents to avoid rubbish scams

The Envirocrime Team have launched a social media campaign to help protect residents from being scammed by illegal waste carriers.

Much of the fly-tipping in South Staffordshire occurs when well-meaning residents pay a contractor to clear their house or garden, trusting that the waste will be disposed of responsibly.

In reality, the rubbish is often dumped illegally – and in some cases, the resident who paid for its removal is held responsible for failing in their “household duty of care.”

This can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice of £600 or even formal legal action.

The law requires householders to take “reasonable steps” to ensure their waste is only transferred to an authorised person. Although the law does not clearly define what these steps are, the Envirocrime Team has produced practical guidance to help residents make safer, better-informed choices about who they trust with their waste.

By raising awareness, we hope to:

  • Encourage illegal operators to either leave the industry or become properly licensed.
  • Make it easier for responsible contractors to compete fairly.
  • Reduce fly-tipping incidents across the district.

We’re asking residents to share this advice as widely as possible to help friends and neighbours avoid becoming victims of fly-tipping scams. If everyone follows this guidance, criminals will no longer be able to undercut legitimate businesses, cleanup costs to the community will fall, and South Staffordshire will be an even cleaner and more pleasant place to live.

Everyone wins when we work together to stop fly-tipping.

Say hello to reporting anytime, anywhere

We’re getting ready to launch our new My South Staffs app, designed to make your life easier.

Whether you’re on the school run, at work, or relaxing at home – managing your council services will soon be right at your fingertips.

With just a few taps, you can:

Sign up for garden waste collection – Never miss a pickup again

Report community issues – Quickly flag fly-tipping, litter, planning breaches, or antisocial behaviour.

Request council services – From garden waste to housing services, we’ve got you covered.

Use location services – Pinpoint exact locations for faster response times.

Upload photos – Help us see what you see for quicker resolutions.

No queues. No fuss. Just quick, simple access to the things that matter.

Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play!

Job vacancies

Looking for a new opportunity?

Explore the latest vacancies at South Staffordshire Council and find a role that suits your skills and interests.

Vacancies

  • Relief Fitness Instructor, Penkridge Leisure Centre, closing on 31st October
  • Fitness Instructor, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 31st October (earlier if sufficient applications received)
  • Water Assistant, Penkridge Leisure Centre, closing on 31st October
  • Street Scene Operative Level 5 (Tree Surgeon), closing on 7th November
  • Cleaner, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 28th November (earlier if sufficient applications received)

All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site.

 

Children’s October half-term activities

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre will be holding a swimming lessons crash course over the October school holiday for children aged 3 years+ who are non-swimmers.

The aim of the crash courses is to help learners increase their confidence, and enhance their swimming skills.

Crash course details
Monday, 27th – Friday, 31st October 3-3.30pm or 3.30-4pm. The course fee is £35.

To book, call Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre on 01922 417790 or pop in to reserve a place.

Spooky season has arrived 👻

A huge shoutout to Claire and Helen at Wombourne Leisure Centre who’ve been working their magic, getting the centre Halloween-ready!

From creepy cobwebs to fang-tastic decorations, the place is looking absolutely fab and full of spooky spirit!

Here’s what’s on this October half term:

  • October half-term swimming
  • Aspire holiday camps
  • Wolves Halloween Soccer Schools
  • Active Youth gym access for 14+

For full details go to 👇

Activities for children & young people | South Staffordshire District Council

Get flood ready: Flood Action Week

People across England are being urged to prepare for flooding as Environment Agency launches Flood Action Week.

With wetter winters and recent storms highlighting rising risks, the public is encouraged to check flood risk, sign up for warnings, and create a flood plan.

Around 6.3 million homes and businesses face flood threats, yet many remain unprepared.

The government is investing £10.5 billion in defences through 2036, with mobile pumps and temporary barriers ready for deployment.

Officials stress that simple steps now can help protect lives, homes, and communities from devastating impacts this winter.

For more guidance 👉 Public urged to get flood ready as Environment Agency launches Flood Action Week – GOV.UK

Pensioners warned to stay alert as Winter Fuel Payment scams rise

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging pensioners to be cautious of Winter Fuel Payment text message scams.

Payments are automatic, and the government will never ask for bank details by text.

The DWP, in partnership with Action Fraud and charities like Independent Age, is raising awareness through social media and trusted networks.

Payments will be made between mid-November and December.

Suspicious emails can be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, texts to 60599, or scam calls reported via GOV.UK.

Those concerned can contact Independent Age’s free helpline on 0800 319 6789 for advice.

For more support and guidance👉 Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report internet scams and phishing – GOV.UK

 

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