Becky Hodgetts
Posts by Becky Hodgetts:
Weekly News 409
Only one week to go! 📢
Don’t forget to Register to Vote before 11th April!
The UK County Council elections are coming up on May 1st, and registering to vote is the first step in having your say on important local issues like transport, education, and social care.
The deadline to register is just one week away— on April 11th! Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard.
How to Register:
Registering online is quick and easy. You’ll need your National Insurance number, date of birth, and address.
Visit the Electoral Commission’s website to register before the deadline.
To register to vote in South Staffordshire, please visit the official government website at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or click the link below⬇️
Protecting nature together on the Wom Brook Walk
Last week, the Tree Team, joined force with our ecologist to carry out essential works on a tree at the Wom Brook Walk Local Nature Reserve.
The tree had structural defects and needed pruning, but it was flagged as a potential bat habitat in 2024. Bats are a protected and keystone species in our ecosystems and are vital for pest control, eating up to 3,000 mosquitoes in a single night, and their roosts are crucial for local populations. With only one or two pups a year, damage to bat habitats can have serious consequences.
The ecologist conducted a series of inspections starting in 2024, with a final check before the work began. While no bats were found, the team installed new bat roosting crevices to replace lost habitat.
The tree was also left standing, benefiting species like woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting wildlife.
When working in our Local Nature Reserves, we aim not only to avoid harm but to actively support nature in the long term. Measures like retaining standing deadwood, creating roosting crevices for bats and birds, and leaving logs on-site help support wildlife and create a thriving, balanced ecosystem.
As spring arrives, you can support wildlife in your own garden. Visit the Bat Conservation Trust (Gardening for Bats) or the Wildlife Trust (Wildlife Gardening) for more information.
Roadworks Notice: Wolverhampton Road, Codsall
Essential roadworks will take place from 7th April to 27th April, including resurfacing, drainage repairs, and footway improvements.
Work schedule:
- April 7th-17th: Preparatory works under temporary traffic signals (7:30am – 4pm).
- April 22nd-27th: Full road closures (7:30am – 5:30pm) for resurfacing, with temporary signals on April 23rd-24th for ironwork adjustments.
A signed diversion route will be in place, and personnel will assist with residential and business access. Emergency services will be allowed through when safe. Pedestrian access will be maintained, but some parking restrictions and bus stop suspensions will apply. During the road closure period, waste collections remain unchanged.
Unfortunately, with any major highway works, some disturbance is unavoidable, and there may be short delays even on the approaches to the closure points. We must ask that you drive carefully and slowly through any sections of live roadworks for both the workforces and your own safety.
Please note that all dates are subject to change due to operational requirements and weather conditions. Weekend working may be used where necessary.
Expect some noise and delays—thank you for your patience.
For updates, visit: 🔗 Staffordshire Roadworks Updates
Report concerns: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/reportit (Ref: CX054 C0006)
Breast Screening Unit returning to Codsall Community Hub
We are pleased to announce that the breast screening unit will be returning to the Community Hub on Wednesday, 7th May.
The unit will be located in the front courtyard off Wolverhampton Road and is expected to remain on-site for approximately three months.
This vital service provides routine breast screenings, helping with the early detection of breast cancer.
JOB VACANCIES
- Planning Apprentice, closing on 25th April
- Planning Solicitor, open closing date
- Water Assistant, Codsall Leisure Centre, closing on 11th April
- Water Assistant, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 11th April
- Relief Water Assistant, Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre, closing on 17th April
- Cleaner, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 4th April
- Fitness Instructor, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 4th April
- Relief Swimming Instructor, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 30th May
- Leisure Assistant, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 4th April
All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site.
Get the truth on vaccines
Unfortunately, we have seen a big increase in vaccine misinformation spreading online. With so much information at our fingertips, it can be really confusing and difficult to make informed decisions about our healthcare – and hard to know what’s true and what isn’t.
We are here to help you separate the facts from the fiction and understand the truth about vaccinations.
Let’s start with some facts:
- Vaccinations prevent up to three million deaths worldwide every year and help many more people avoid a stay in hospital.
- When more people get vaccinated, it helps protect vulnerable individuals for whom vaccination is not safe and/or effective by helping to stop diseases spreading.
- Wider vaccination benefits include keeping children in school by preventing illness, and freeing up NHS resources to support other patients.
Celebrate Staffordshire Day!
People from across the county are being invited to get involved in this year’s Staffordshire Day celebrations.
What is Staffordshire Day?
Staffordshire Day is the day we celebrate everything we love about Staffordshire.
Every year on 1st May, Staffordshire comes alive with events of all shapes and sizes across the county and loads of competitions and special offers from our great attractions, restaurants, pubs, and hotels.
Whether you love our captivating countryside, our thrilling theme parks or our eye-opening history and heritage, there will be something for you on Staffordshire Day!
It is a very special day for us. 1st May is the anniversary of our most famous son, Josiah Wedgwood, setting up his pottery company in 1759 and helping to transform Staffordshire into the centre of the world’s ceramics industry.
Organisers running events in Staffordshire as part of the Day’s celebrations can submit details of these via the Visit Staffordshire website.
Now that is something worth shouting about!
Let’s make this Staffordshire Day one to remember! 🎈
South Staffordshire Council have a range of free and instructor-led walks taking place throughout May as part of this years Walking Festival. The first walk kicks off on 5th May with regular walks available through to the end of the month.
The walks vary in length and difficulty and take place from various locations across the district.
For full details on the dates, times and locations of the walks, visit https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/south-staffs-walking-festival-2025
For more information contact the Walking Festival Coordinator Louise on 07939 631131 or email Louisecolman07@gmail.com
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Shape up for summer
SHAPE UP FOR SUMMER
Join South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres between 1st-30th April and enjoy April and May for just £20!
✅ Gyms
✅ Exercise and well-being classes
✅Indoor cycling
✅Swimming
✅Toning Suites
✅Use 4 leisure centres for the price of 1
✅Free health checks
✅Complimentary personal fitness programmes
To sign up, pop into your nearest leisure centre or join online quoting promo code SSU25.
Weekly News 403
WEEKLY NEWS
*Please note: there will be no newsletters next week due to the school half term holidays. Newsletters will resume week commencing 24th February*
Replacement footbridge installed over Wom Brook to restore local access
A particularly heavy flood in October 2023 surprised us all by damaging one of our footbridges crossing the Wom Brook, located in the village of Wombourne.
The flood completely lifted the bridge from its footings, rendering it unusable and reducing access for residents and visitors to the area. The damage to the bridge has been a hot topic locally and today we are pleased to announce that we have installed a replacement for this much-missed bridge over the Wom Brook.
Officers have worked closely with the Environment Agency to gather the necessary permits, as well as with a bridge manufacturer and a local contractor to ensure the new bridge has been designed and installed safely, with full regard for the local environment, and habitats along the brook.
Councillor Mike Davies Cabinet Member for Community Services at South Staffordshire Council commented:
‘I’m really pleased to be able to confirm the replacement bridge is now open to the public, and I hope that Wombourne residents and visitors to the area will enjoy using the bridge on their walks through this valuable Local Nature Reserve.”
The project has been part-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Changes to unoccupied, unfurnished and uninhabitable property discounts
From 1st April 2025 charges will be changing to unoccupied and unfurnished properties and uninhabitable properties.
Currently, unoccupied and unfurnished properties attract a 1-month discount of 100% and uninhabitable properties attract a maximum 12 month discount of 50%.
From 1st April 2025 both discounts will be removed.
Please click on the following info for further info ⬇️
Changes to unoccupied, unfurnished and uninhabitable property discounts
Supporting local entrepreneurs in South Staffordshire: Geoff Dooris’ journey to success
We are proud to spotlight the achievements of Geoff Dooris, a local entrepreneur who has turned his business idea into a thriving reality, thanks to the support provided by the ‘Start in South Staffs‘ programme.
Geoff’s entrepreneurial journey was boosted through participation in the programme’s start-up masterclasses, where he received expert insights and practical guidance. Additionally, with the benefit of one-on-one mentoring and grant funding, Geoff was able to purchase the essential equipment to expand his business and better serve the local community.
The ‘Start in South Staffs’ initiative is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs like Geoff transform their ideas into successful ventures.
Geoff’s business, The Lawn Cutter Garden Services, is now making a meaningful impact, and his story serves as an inspiration to other aspiring business owners in the region.
For more details on Geoff’s journey, visit the full article here.
South Staffordshire Council launches pilot scheme to improve health through energy efficiency
South Staffordshire Council has launched a new pilot scheme under the South Staffordshire Warmer Homes umbrella, aimed at improving the health of vulnerable residents in our community who may suffer from cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or mobility-related health issues.
The scheme provides access to free energy advice and retrofit measures to ensure households are thermally viable and energy-efficient, ultimately improving overall health.
This is a partnership scheme with Staffordshire County Council, Community Home Solutions, Optum health analysts from Staffordshire Integrated Care Board, and Russell House, located in the Codsall Community Hub.
Anyone suffering from the above health conditions can apply to the Warmer Homes Scheme through any GP surgery across the district, or by contacting our partners at Community Home Solutions at 0115 718 1822 or visiting the council website.
Little Gems event promotes healthy eating with free slow cookers for families
Little Gems recently hosted an event at the South Staffordshire Family Hub to encourage picky eaters to explore fruits and vegetables in a fun and engaging way.
As part of the initiative, South Staffordshire Council provided free slow cookers to support families on their healthy eating journey at home. The event was well received, with attendees expressing gratitude for the slow cookers, particularly families using Free Pass Cards who will benefit greatly from them.
One of the organisers shared their appreciation, saying:
“Thank you so much for the slow cookers, everyone was so pleased, and we have a few Free Pass Card families who will benefit from them so much.”
Job vacancies
Water Assistant, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 2nd March
Development Management – Arboricultural Apprentice, closing on 23rd March
Relief Leisure Assistant, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 21st February
Relief Leisure Assistant, Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre, closing on 24th February
Planning Solicitor, open closing date
All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site.
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February half term school holiday activities
From Monday, 17th – Friday, 21st February, South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres have a variety of activities on offer for children and young people.
Activities include:
- Aspire Sports activity camps for 4-14 year olds
- Wolves football and goalkeeping development courses
- Daily swimming sessions for children and families
- Active Youth – supervised gym sessions for 13-15 year olds
- Training courses enabling young people o train as pool lifeguards, swimming teachers and aquatic helpers
To find out more visit https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/activities-children-young-people
Leisure centre Valentine’s giveaways ❤️
South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres are spreading the love!
On Friday 14th February, all leisure centre users will be entered into a prize draw to win a fee-free month. Leisure centres will be randomly drawing one lucky member and one non-member to win – good luck to everyone!
Plus, Cheslyn Hay and Penkridge members can ‘Bring a Friend for Free’ – members will need to accompany their friend to the leisure centre reception to claim free access into activities including swimming, gyms, exercise classes and toning suites (access is subject to availability).
Wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day! ❤️
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