Here are a few statistics below which gives an overview of the scale of the event:

• 618 people supported the delivery of the election.
• 137 Presiding Officers and 261 Poll Clerks worked at our polling stations.
• 129 Counting Assistants counted the ballot papers until the early hours of the morning – 88,836 ballot papers were counted.
• We issued 24,033 postal voting packs and the Postal Voting team opened and processed 20,150 of returned postal voting packs.
• This is the largest cross-boundary election we have ever run – taking on thousands of electors from both Dudley MBC and Stafford BC.

Working together to reduce climate change impacts across Staffordshire is a top priority.

The Climate Change Action Fund offers financial assistance to local communities to build resilience and reduce Staffordshire’s contributions to climate change.

For more info please click on the link below ⬇️

Climate Action Fund – Staffordshire County Council

We are targeting a portion of our UKSPF allocation to support our local business, with a focus on those operating in the village centres

We have established a ‘shop front’ grant scheme to support and sustain existing businesses in the village centres, this grant will help to improve the look and feel of our village centres, making those shops more attractive to passing visitors and local residents increasing trade and footfall.

The Shop Front Grant is available to independent retail and hospitality businesses and property owners in South Staffordshire’s village centres to improve their shop front or to bring vacant premises back into use.

The objective of the grant is to support traders and the local economy as well as improving the retail environment for shoppers, residents, and visitors.

For further information, please visit here.

• Get your children school ready for the new term, stationery give away to support those in need.
• Looking for ways to create a warmer home at a fraction of the price this winter? Pop along and meet our Community Homes Solutions team and see how we can help you.
• Do you look after someone with dementia? Do you know someone who does and is struggling? Pop along to our stand today, we will have support materials on hand.
• Creating brighter futures – Are you out of work and looking to launch a career but need the training?
• Free doggy poo bags, courtesy of our Street Scene cleansing team. Help us to keep community play areas and streets clean.

📅 July, 21st

⏲️10am – 3pm

The event is being organised by Cheslyn Hay & Great Wyrley Running Club to help promote healthy lifestyles and exercise with lots of local companies on hand throughout the day to share their knowledge and experience.  South Staffordshire Council will be on hand to tell you all about their leisure offer, Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre and the opportunities for resident to get involved .

Also attending the event will be Staffordshire County Council and their ’Carbon Bubble’ which is an interactive way for us all to think about climate change issues and get handy tips for reducing our carbon footprint.

This is being led by Staffordshire County Council in partnership with Staffordshire’s eight district and borough councils and all part of plans to help the county reduce its carbon footprint and get to net zero by 2050.

There will be live music, entertainment along with cake and food stalls and something for all of the family.

Please do come along and say hello, we’d love to see you!

🏘️: Cheslyn Hay Park, Rosemary Road

📅 Saturday, 13th July

⏲️ 11am – 5pm

Pop into your nearest leisure centre to get your card activated and start saving NOW.

Find out more here.

The programme will offer additional classes for Yoga, Pilates, Vibe Cycle, Legs, bums n tums and more!

To view the new programme go to ⬇️

CHLC NEW Exercise class timetable 2024

For the summer holiday swimming timetables, click on the links below:

Cheslyn Hay summer swimming times

Codsall summer swimming times

Penkridge summer swimming times

Wombourne summer swimming times

• Swim for £1
• Gym for £1
• 3G pitch hire for £10.

For full details, click here.

If you have previously registered, then please wait for your polling card to arrive with further details.

If you have moved address, recently turned 18, never voted before or changed your name then you will need to register to vote online using your national insurance number.

Please use this link to register to vote.

Below are some handy links to any questions that you may have regarding the upcoming general election on Thursday, July 4^th.

• We’re proud to support the My Vote My Voice campaign which makes elections and voting more accessible for everyone.
• If you are unable to make it to a polling station, you can apply to vote by proxy before 5pm on June 26^th or apply to vote by postal vote before 5pm on June 19^th.
• Watch this YouTube video guide on how to register to vote.
• Unsure who to vote for? View candidates for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire or the candidates for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge.

Still have questions? 🤔

Visit our elections and voting webpage or contact our elections team.

A full resurface and relining of Landywood Station Car Park is in progress. Access to platform 1 is maintained throughout the work via a temporary footpath.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

You can collect your alarm from Codsall Community Hub between now and Friday, August 30th, from 9am to 5pm (or contact your local parish council).

Read the latest Business Support newsletter.

Week-long and day-long courses are running throughout July and August available to people aged 14+ and 16+. Limited spaces – reserve your place NOW!

Candidates attending the pool lifeguard courses can also now claim UCAS points for completing the course.

For more information click here.

Pop into your nearest leisure centre to get your card activated and start saving NOW.

Find out more here.

Book now for the best price

Unfortunately, we are experiencing a high number of fully booked classes with only half the attendees showing up.  By cancelling your spot, you can help make space for each other.

Did you know that we provide a weekly programme of free instructor-led wellbeing walks; plus gentle exercise classes all of which take place from various locations around the district.

Find out more and view the programmes of classes and walks by clicking on the links below:

South Staffordshire Walking Programme

Exercise Classes in the Community

A full resurface and relining of Landywood Station Car Park will take place as part of a wider £360,000 investment programme.

Access to platform 1 will be maintained throughout the work via a temporary footpath. Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

The Ask for Angela initiative aims to ensure that anyone who is feeling vulnerable or unsafe is able to get help and support discreetly. This could be on a night out, on a date or meeting friends.

The initiative works by training staff in vulnerability management and what to do when someone does ‘Ask for Angela’. When someone asks for Angela, the trained member of staff will understand the person is in need of help and support and will be able to respond in an appropriate, discreet way. This could be offering them an alternative way out of the venue, calling them a taxi, or in a more serious situation alerting venue security and/or calling the Police.

The Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) wants to reinforce the message that women and girls, including anybody who may find themselves vulnerable during the night-time economy, has the right to feel safe. To support this night-time economy workers to do this, there is free Vulnerability Training for anybody working in the night-time economy.

You can find out more information and resources for the Ask for Angela campaign here: Ask for Angela – Violence Reduction Alliance.

You can collect your alarm from Codsall Community Hub between now and Friday, August 30th, from 9am to 5pm (or contact your local parish council).

If you have not done so already, you can sign up online or over the phone now to ensure your collections start or continue from the new collection year the beginning of July 2024.

https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/garden-waste-collections

Below is some key information:

• Permit price is £45.50.
• The 2024/25 collection year starts on Monday, July 1, 2024.
• Please sign up before Monday, June 24th, 2024 to ensure your bin will be emptied from Monday, July 2st, 2024.

Our waste collection crews will put a permit sticker on your bin when collections start in July.

The winner will receive the personalised STAnley swim cap with their design printed, and 200 more of these designs will be produced by Zoggs for STA to raise funds to support water safety education in STAnley’s name.

The deadline for entries is June 30th, 2024.

Find out more at https://www.sta.co.uk/news/2024/04/30/happy-21st-birthday-stanley/

To enter the Zoggs Swim Hat Competition, simply download the colouring-in template here, and email your colourful designs of STAnley to marketing@sta.co.uk – include ‘STAnley’s 21st birthday’ in the subject header.

All swim school entrants will also be able to download a special ‘thankyou’ certificate from STAnley for their students – and in STAnley tradition we also have a new 21st birthday colouring-in-sheet which can also be downloaded for free via STA Online.

Week-long and day-long courses are running throughout July and August available to people aged 14+ and 16+. Limited spaces – reserve your place NOW!

Candidates attending the pool lifeguard courses can also now claim UCAS points for completing the course.

For more information click here.   

Funded Training Available:  Find out if you’re eligible for funded training – call 01902 696228 or email peopleandskills@sstaffs.gov.uk.

Did you know that we provide a weekly programme of free instructor-led wellbeing walks; plus gentle exercise classes, all of which take place from various locations around the district?

Find out more and view the programmes of classes and walks by clicking on the links below:

South Staffordshire Walking Programme

Exercise Classes in the Community

The event is at 6pm – 7.30pm.

You are warmly invited to become a Dementia Friend, if you are a business or a resident.

Come and hear how businesses can welcome more people living with dementia and their carers and become a ‘Dementia Friendly Business’ and hear about some of the support available in South Staffordshire.

You will be joining South Staffordshire Council as we work together to make South Staffordshire a dementia friendly district.

Call 01902-696000 to book a place and learn more about dementia support.

We are keen to reach more providers to offer fun and exciting activities for children and teenagers.

We’re looking for schools, private, community and voluntary sector organisations who can offer four hours per day, for four days of the week during the summer break July 23rd- August 30th.

This includes a range of enriching activities with a hot, nutritious, and healthy meal.

Alternatively, they can offer HAF Light (two hours or more) of enriching activities with a hot, nutritious, and healthy meal.

@Berry, Debra (C&F) and @De Clercq, Margaretha (Corporate) can help with ideas for providing food and are on hand to answer any questions.

The grant application form is available here:

➡️Provider – Staffordshire County Council

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 29 May at 12pm.

Collect your FREE alarm from Codsall Community Hub from Monday, April 22 to Friday, August 30, between 9am and 5pm (or contact your local parish council).

The leisure centres will be closed for the Bank Holiday on Monday, May 27^th.

• Discounted ‘Active Youth’ gym sessions for 13 yrs+
• School holiday Aspire Active Camps for 5-14 yr olds
• Wolves Soccer Schools
• Training Courses for 14 yrs+
• Swimming and swimming lessons
• Student and Apprentice membership packages
• A variety of clubs

To find out more click here.

You can now also claim UCAS points for pool lifeguard courses!

Limited spaces – reserve your place NOW!

National Pool Lifeguard Courses (16 years+)

• August 5th – August 10th – 9am-5.30pm at Wombourne
• August 19th – August 24th – 9am-5.30pm at Cheslyn Hay

Candidates can claim 8 UCAS points for NPLQ courses.

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming (16 years+)

The first step to becoming a swimming teacher!

• July 21st – July 26th – 8.30am-5.30pm at Cheslyn Hay
• August 18th to August 23rd – 8.30am-5.30pm at Wombourne

STA Level 2 Certificate in teaching swimming (16 years+)

The next step to enable candidates to teach higher level groups.  The STA Level 2 Award course must be completed first.

• August 6th – Friday, August 9th – 8.30am-5.30pm at Codsall

STA Level 2 Safety Award for teachers (14 years+)

This is to give teachers peace of mind on poolside when there is no permanent lifeguard.

• August 5th, 9am-5pm at Codsall Leisure Centre.

Aquatic Helper Course (14 years+)

This trains candidates to assist in the water and support the swimming teacher to deliver swimming lessons.

• July 29th, 9am-5pm at Penkridge Leisure Centre.

Find out more:  For more information click here.

To check availability and book onto the courses, email trainingacademy@sstaffs.gov.uk

Funded Training Available:  Find out if you’re eligible for funded training – call 01902 696228 or email peopleandskills@sstaffs.gov.uk

Find out more about the free instructor-led walks and gentle exercise classes on offer at various locations across the district.

South Staffordshire Walking Programme

Exercise Classes in the Community

Did you know you can easily view plans, supporting documents and also make your views known by using our online Public Access system.

You can see a list of the planning applications we have received by date, or you can search by address, application number, or key words.

Using the online system means you can see key dates, and upload your comments without needing to email or write in.

Just so you know, sometimes developers carry out their own consultation before they submit a planning application to us, but we will only have the details when they have made a formal application.

You can check the weekly list to see if the application has come in, and that’s the time you can make comments.

The Local Plan sets the planning framework for the district and includes sites for housing and employment, and policies to decide planning applications.

The strategy has been revised following changes by the government to national planning policy in late 2023, and updated evidence.

The Publication Plan, FAQs and supporting documents can be viewed at Local Plan Review | South Staffordshire District Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

All comments must be made in writing before 12 noon on May, 31st.

Please sign up before Monday, 24th June, 2024 to ensure your bin will be emptied from Monday, July 1st, 2024.

Our waste collection crews will put a permit sticker on your bin when collections commence in July.

Permit price is £45.50.

If you have not done so already, you can sign up online now to continue having your green bin collected on the following link:

https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/garden-waste-collections

This includes roof insulation, wall insulation, upgraded heating systems and solar panels; all completely free!

This exciting new partnership provides an additional £200,000 funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which forms part of the government’s Levelling Up funds to support residents living in South Staffordshire.

This will build on the strong track record of South Staffordshire Council’s Warmer Homes Scheme supporting residents in fuel poverty and living with health conditions to reduce their energy bills and maintain proactive solutions to aid sustainable living.

You can apply for the schemes, by contacting Community Home Solutions on 0115 718 1822, emailing at info@communityhomesolutions.co.uk or by visiting the South Staffordshire Warmer Homes website and submitting an application.

The Black Poplar tree (Poplus Nigra) is considered one of Britain’s most endangered rare species, with only approximately 7,000 remaining in the UK. The majority of these trees are male so reproducing these trees can be difficult, with very limited supply available.

Black Poplar’s can grow to an impressive height of 25m and live for up to 200 years. They are very rugged in their appearance with deep fissured bark. They are deciduous trees, meaning they drop their leaves in autumn time.

They have become rare due to excessive harvesting over the centuries and priority was given to planting other tree species due to the potential size of this tree resulting in their scarcity.

Darren Allen, Tree Inspector and Tree Team Operational Manager, would like to give special thanks to Keri Lloyd, Chairman of the Friends of Bilbrook, for sourcing the trees and to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for supplying the trees.

The leisure centres will be closed for the Bank Holiday on Monday, May 27^th.

Did you know you can easily view plans, supporting documents and also make your views known by using our online Public Access system.

You can see a list of the planning applications we have received by date, or you can search by address, application number, or key words.

Using the online system means you can see key dates, and upload your comments without needing to email or write in.

Just so you know, sometimes developers carry out their own consultation before they submit a planning application to us, but we will only have the details when they have made a formal application.

You can check the weekly list to see if the application has come in, and that’s the time you can make comments.

The Local Plan sets the planning framework for the district and includes sites for housing and employment, and policies to decide planning applications.

The strategy has been revised following changes by the government to national planning policy in late 2023, and updated evidence.

The Publication Plan, FAQs and supporting documents can be viewed at Local Plan Review | South Staffordshire District Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

All comments must be made in writing before 12 noon on May, 31st.

Please sign up before Monday, 24th June, 2024 to ensure your bin will be emptied from Monday, July 1st, 2024.

Our waste collection crews will put a permit sticker on your bin when collections commence in July.

Permit price is £45.50.

If you have not done so already, you can sign up online now to continue having your green bin collected on the following link:

https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/garden-waste-collections

• Wombourne Leisure Centre changing rooms will be temporarily closed from Monday, May 20^th to Friday, May 24^th (inclusive).
• Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre changing rooms will be temporarily closed from Tuesday, May 28^th to Friday, May 31^st.

The swimming pools will be open as normal however the leisure centres will be adopting a ‘Robe and Go’ policy.

Customers will be required to arrive swim-ready, with swimwear worn underneath their clothing. All personal belongings should be left on poolside. At the end of the swim, customers are to remain in their swimwear, towel-dry, and then put their clothing back over their swimwear before exiting the poolside area.

It is imperative, for safeguarding purposes, that customers refrain from attempting to remove swimwear.

During this period, there will be diversions, temporary traffic lights, and periods where access may not be possible.

Codsall Leisure Centre will be accessible however allowing extra time to travel is recommended as routes in and out of the centre may be temporarily affected.

For full details visit: codsallroadclosure

Please complete this short survey to tell the Community Safety Partnership how safe you feel living in South Staffordshire.

The closing date for the responses is Friday, 31^st May and if you choose to leave your email, you will be entered into a prize draw for a Streetwize Urban X Steering Wheel Lock.

Please share this link with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues who live in South Staffordshire: https://forms.office.com/e/UdNigb64Eu”

Thank you for your time, it is appreciated!

They will be targeting young people through social media advertising to encourage them to seek help if they are being pressured, or feel that they need to carry a knife.

Key messages for the campaign are as follows :

Messages aimed at young people

• Most young people don’t carry knives, it’s not normal behaviour.
• When you carry a knife, you could risk 4 years in prison, being a victim of crime, your future employment and your ability to travel to other countries.
• Knife crime doesn’t just affect the person who carries the knife, it can also affect your friends and family.
• You may think it keeps you safer but carrying can put you in danger as your own knife could be used on you if things escalate.
• Don’t feel pressured to carry a knife, get support if you need it.

Messages aimed at parents/carers

• Start a conversation and let your young person know that carrying a knife isn’t normal behaviour – 99% of young people don’t carry (national figure from Fearless).
• Support agencies can help you, you’re not being disloyal by getting support if you think your child is carrying a knife/involved in knife crime. Please reach out for support.
• Spot the signs – understand common signs of carrying a knife/involvement with knife crime, and don’t stereotype as any child from any background could be carrying.
• We’re working with partners to tackle knife crime in Staffordshire, using a multiagency approach to tackle this issue.

You can find more details on the campaign website: #DitchTheBlade | Staffordshire Police

The Local Plan sets the planning framework for the district and includes sites for housing and employment, and policies to decide planning applications.  The strategy has been revised following changes by the government to national planning policy in late 2023, and updated evidence.

The consultation runs until midday, Friday, May 31, 2024.

The Publication Plan, FAQs and supporting documents can be viewed at Local Plan Review | South Staffordshire District Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

We are holding a number of in person consultation events and two online Q&A sessions.  Our next in person event is at the Haling Dene Centre in Penkridge on Tuesday, May 7 and you can book a slot by calling 01902 696423.

Our first online Q&A session is scheduled for the following day, Wednesday, May 8th, starting at 6pm.

There is no need to register, anyone can join the meeting, just click on the link under the Consultation Events tab here: Local Plan Review | South Staffordshire District Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

All comments must be made in writing before 12 noon on May 31, 2024.

Are you a husband or partner of a menopausal woman, and you want to understand more about this life change?

Are you curious about the menopause in general and what it means?

Then come along to an empowering and informative Menopause Meet-Up.

Break the taboo and share experiences and tips, and support each other through this phase.

The Menopause Meet-Up is at Bilbrook Village Hall, on every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm.

Thank you to South Staffordshire Council for funding the meetings.

Everyone is welcome ♀️

Community Foundation Staffordshire (CFS) are administering the Grants.

The funds are intended to help organisations in order to:

• Support, sustain and/or build on Supportive Communities outcomes (thematic)
•  Support, sustain and/or build on Better Health Staffordshire outcomes (thematic)
• Initiatives which promote mental health and wellbeing through at least 2 of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing
• Building skills, knowledge, and confidence around self-help or in finding help with mental and emotional wellbeing
• To support costs that are associated with the above outcomes but not limited to: training, equipment, promotional activity, venue hire, staffing or volunteer expenses

We are looking for projects that:

• Enable mental wellbeing and the promotion of healthy lifestyles as the norm
• Prevent ill health & promote self-care to enable individuals to be independent and live in their own homes for as long as possible
• Reduce loneliness and social isolation
• Increase access to affordable healthy, nutritious food
• Increase access to opportunities for people to ‘move more’
• Supporting healthy aging

Grants are available from £3,000 to £25,000.

This programme is for over 18’s and families.

The timetable is as follows:

• 29/04/2024 – Scheme to be launched
• 31/05/2024 – Closing date for applications to be submitted
• wc 24/06/2024 – Successful applicants informed/funds distributed
• 02/09/2024 – 2^nd round of funding to commence

Further details and the application form to the VSCE (Supportive Communities and Better Health Staffordshire) grants can be found here VCSE Grants – Supportive Communities & Better Health

The team attended the Wombourne Parish Council Community Engagement event on Wednesday evening to showcase their funded training opportunities.

On Thursday, the team hosted yet another successful Skills and Jobs Fair, this time in locality one, Penkridge.

Over 200 local students attended and more than 80 members of the public.  Feedback from the 25 employers was very encouraging and attendees rated the event a fantastic score of 4.5 out of 5.

Customer feedback included:

‘Deb from Creating Brighter Futures was very helpful made me feel positive and hopeful had lots of helpful ideas and a fresh perspective’

‘Came for advice on training opportunities and have had some very helpful information’

‘Excellent help and advice’

‘Good variety of employers’

‘Came regarding business startup info not for employment but was given great advice’

‘Helpful staff who gave me some useful information’

‘Keep going, do more’

Michelle Kettles, Welfare and Benefit Team Manger stated ‘we are working with local employers to fill their vacancies, so it was great to see so many people attend the fair’

Councillor Helen Adams stated “Penkridge Parish Council were pleased to host the Skills and Jobs Fair and are delighted that it was such a well supported and successful event”.

To find out where the team will be next, please visit our website www.sstaffs.gov.uk/events or sign up to our welfare services updates https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/alerts

These Walx make every step count! Total Body walking is a unique mix of walking drills, strength and balance exercises with or without total body walking poles. Delivered by our fully qualified WALX Masters who will teach you how to walk well and help you improve how you look and feel with every step, in sessions that are full of fun and variety.

The Walx will take place every Thursday, starting June 13^th from 12pm-1pm.  Everyone is welcome – meet at Codsall Community Hub reception (Please wear suitable trainers for flexibility – not walking boots). The Walx are free to attend and Walx poles will be provided however there will be limited places.

For more info and to book your place contact Lisa at  lisaembrey@hotmail.com or call 0777 332 6373.

For more information email footballdevelopment@wolves.co.uk  or to make a booking, click here

Wolves Soccer Schools will also be running during May half-term providing 2-day sessions for children in reception to year 7. For full details and to book click here.

Non-members can sign up at their nearest leisure centre at a nominal cost of just £5 for an adult and £2.50 per child with savings then available for an entire year.

For full details, click here.

Young people can also use the gyms at any time when accompanied by a participating parent/guardian.

To find out more about the Active Youth gym sessions and other services available for children and young people including training courses, and membership packages for students and apprentices, click here.

Dates: May 28th to May 31st

Aspire Active Camps will be offering children’s sports-based activities for young people aged 5-14 year olds.

Bookings are already being taken – book before May, 10th for the best possible price.

To find out more, view activity timetables and book, click on the following links:

Wombourne active camps – https://www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-wombourne

Codsall active camps – https://www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-codsall

The webinars are provided by Wellbeing People and start on 16th May.

Every year, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem.

To help prioritise mental wellbeing in the workplace, register your place for our first free webinar.

Resilience and Mental Fitness:

Date: Thursday, May 16th ⏰ Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Zoom)

Register now and download the poster.

Let’s create a mentally healthy workplace together! 🌿

As part of Green Libraries Week, the Sustrans team will be visiting several libraries to engage with residents who live in each of the areas and encourage them to take part in the survey.

The data collected will help the Active Travel team to understand what improvements are needed for each area to benefit local residents and feed into the Local Transport Plan.

The link to the survey is as follows:

Have your say on walking in your community | Let’s Talk Staffordshire

The survey will close on May 31^st.

To vote in elections in England in May, you will need to show photo ID.

Find out what is accepted and apply for free voter ID if you need one by clicking here.

The Local Plan sets the planning framework for the district and includes sites for housing and employment, and policies to decide planning applications.  The strategy has been revised following changes by the government to national planning policy in late 2023, and updated evidence.

The consultation runs until midday, Friday, May 31st.

The Publication Plan, FAQs and supporting documents can be viewed at Local Plan Review | South Staffordshire District Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

We are holding a number of in person consultation events and two online Q&A sessions.

Our next in person event is at Wombourne Civic Centre on Wednesday, May 1st and you can book a slot by calling 01902 696423.

Details of all the events and links for the meetings are our website.

All comments must be made in writing before 12 noon on May 31st.

The Innovate in South Staffs programme provides dedicated support, including bespoke workshops, tailored one-to-one consultation and the opportunity to apply for an innovation grant of up to £3,000. The programme is delivered by Staffordshire University, who have a proven track record working with businesses in innovation and training via their Innovation Enterprise Zone and have expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Net Zero, Big Data, Machine Learning, Automation Robotics, Immersive Technologies, Health, Games, Bioscience, CPD micro-credentials and have links to more funding opportunities. The programme benefits businesses by increasing competitiveness, increasing profits, stimulating R&D and innovation capacity, driving new product development and retaining skilled employees.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in one-to-one consultations with the team, who gave guidance on topics such as funding opportunities, marketing strategies and digital transformation.

Business Drop in Session’s will be run regularly so make sure to follow South Staffordshire Council’s social media platforms to attend the next one.

To find out more about Innovate in South Staffs, please click here.

These Walx make every step count! Total Body walking is a unique mix of walking drills, strength and balance exercises with or without total body walking poles. Delivered by our fully qualified WALX Masters who will teach you how to walk well and help you improve how you look and feel with every step, in sessions that are full of fun and variety.

The Walx will take place every Thursday, starting June 13^th from 12pm-1pm.  Everyone is welcome – meet at Codsall Community Hub reception (Please wear suitable trainers for flexibility – not walking boots). The Walx are free to attend and Walx poles will be provided however there will be limited places.

For more info and to book your place contact Lisa at  lisaembrey@hotmail.com or call 0777 332 6373.

The class will run every Tuesday from 7.15-8pm.

Aqua aerobics is a cardiovascular pool-based workout. It gently increases your pulse and breathing rate, so it’s great for helping to improve your heart health. It strengthens and tones muscles using the resistance of the water and engaging opposing muscle groups in each movement as you push and pull against it.

Members can book 14-days in advance; and non-members can book 7 days in advance.

Call Penkridge Leisure Centre on 01785 714152 to reserve your place.

Non-members can sign up at their nearest leisure centre at a nominal cost of just £5 for an adult and £2.50 per child with savings then available for an entire year.

For full details, click here.

Date: May 27th – June 1st

Time: 9am-5.30pm

Cost: £280 for the course (£100 deposit required on booking).

For more information go to https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/training-and-courses

To check availability and book onto the course, email trainingacademy@sstaffs.gov.uk

Funded Local Training Available:  See if you’re eligible for funded training – call 01902 696228 or email peopleandskills@sstaffs.gov.uk

Dates: May 28th to May 31st

Aspire Active Camps will be offering children’s sports-based activities for young people aged 5-14 year olds.

Bookings are already being taken – book before May, 10th for the best possible price.

To find out more, view activity timetables and book, click on the following links:

Wombourne active camps – https://www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-wombourne

Codsall active camps – https://www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-codsall

If you do not have any photo ID; you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online at Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The deadline to apply is 5pm, April 24th.

Find out what is accepted and apply for free voter ID if you need one by clicking here.

The Local Plan sets the planning framework for the district and includes sites for housing and employment, and policies to decide planning applications.  The strategy has been revised following changes by the government to national planning policy in late 2023, and updated evidence.

The consultation runs from Thursday, April 18 until midday, Friday, May 31, 2024.  The Publication Plan, FAQs and supporting documents can be viewed at Local Plan Review | South Staffordshire District Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

There are also two online Q&A sessions and five in person consultation events in Brewood, Codsall, Essington, Penkridge and Wombourne where you can speak with the strategic planning team.

Details of the events and links for the meetings:

• Wednesday, May 8th (Localities 1, 2, and 3) Meeting Link1
• Monday, May 13th (Localities 4 and 5) Meeting Link2

All comments must be made in writing before 12pm, May 31st.

Leisure centre users can now sign up and enjoy savings of up to 10% off on individual activities.

Non-members can sign up at their nearest leisure centre at a nominal cost of just £5 for an adult and £2.50 per child with savings then available for an entire year.

For full details, click here.

Date: May 27th – June 1st

Time: 9am-5.30pm

Cost: £280 for the course (£100 deposit required on booking).

For more information go to https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/training-and-courses

To check availability and book onto the course, email trainingacademy@sstaffs.gov.uk

Funded Local Training Available:  See if you’re eligible for funded training – call 01902 696228 or email peopleandskills@sstaffs.gov.uk

Dates: May 28th to May 31st

Aspire Active Camps will be offering children’s sports-based activities for young people aged 5-14 year olds.

Bookings are already being taken – book before May, 10th for the best possible price.

To find out more, view activity timetables and book, click on the following links:

Wombourne active camps – https://www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-wombourne

Codsall active camps – https://www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-codsall

On Monday, April 9th and Tuesday, April 10th Bilbrook Climate Action Group, a working Group of Bilbrook Parish Council, carried out an anti-idle campaign outside of Lane Green Primary School between 2.30pm and 3.30pm each day.

The council’s lead officer in air quality, Wendy Green, joined them on Tuesday to see how things were going.  Several people were there to support the campaign ranging from volunteers, parents, PCSO’s and local Councillors Gary Burnett and Fiona Hopkins.

Monday was clearly a success as by Tuesday the group went from having to ask 15 car drivers to switch off their engines to 5.  In addition, there were no dangerously parked cars that had to be moved on by the PCSO’s on Tuesday.

The air quality throughout the district of South Staffordshire is of a good quality.  However, there is always room for improvement and campaigns such as these really help focus the public attention on simple things that can be done to help everyone.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of anti-idling and the legislation in place to support it, click here.

You must be registered by midnight on April 16th to be able to vote on May 2nd.

You can apply online at Register to vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Working at a polling station or unable to get to the polling station on polling day?

Apply for postal vote by 5pm on April 17th online at Apply for a postal vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or proxy vote by 5pm, April 24th at Apply for a proxy vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are planning to vote in a polling station, remember you need to bring Photo ID to vote. If you don’t have any photo ID don’t worry you, can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online at Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

If you have any questions about voting please speak to a member of the elections team.

The event, held at the picturesque Weston Park, proved to be a resounding success with a sold-out crowd of industry professionals and educators.

Following the values of our Business Partnership; the event aimed to bridge the gap between local businesses and the future workforce, providing a platform for meaningful connections and insightful discussions. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with influential leaders, industry experts and innovators, gaining valuable knowledge into various careers paths.

The Business Partnership unites businesses and public sector partners to network, share knowledge and best practice.

Featuring an impressive line up of speakers, who shared their experiences, providing inspiration and guidance to the next generation of professionals and how we can implement this as business providers. The event also included a mini market, which provided an open network for all guests to get further guidance on potential employees, to discuss career prospects and establish valuable connections.

Click here to watch the full video.

As South Staffordshire Council continue to support growth and development of the local business community, be sure to keep up to date with our latest events by joining our Business Partnership.

To find out more about joining our Business Partnership, please email: businesspartnership@sstaffs.gov.uk. 

Leisure centre users can now sign up and enjoy savings of up to 10% off on individual activities. Non-members can sign up at their nearest leisure centre at a nominal cost of just £5 for an adult and £2.50 per child with savings then available for an entire year.

For full details, click here.

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification: Penkridge Leisure Centre, May 27th – June 1st , 9am-5.30pm

The cost of the course is £280 (£100 deposit required on booking).

For more information go to https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/training-and-courses

To check availability and book onto the course, email trainingacademy@sstaffs.gov.uk

Funded Local Training Available:  See if you’re eligible for funded training – call 01902 696228 or email peopleandskills@sstaffs.gov.uk

I have been within the Police service for 15 years and have experienced a multitude of differing roles at various ranks, in a number of different locations across Staffordshire. The opportunities I have enjoyed have provided me with experience and skills that I believe will be of benefit to South Staffordshire.

I am very passionate about Policing and my ambition is to improve in all areas of our business.

My current priorities for South Staffordshire are:

• Reducing violence and protecting vulnerable people within our communities
• Preventing the theft of motor vehicles and bringing offenders to justice.
• Maintaining excellent standards of investigation and victim care.

These priorities are identified from early discussions I have held with partners, community representatives and our community safety partnership, all of whom have been extremely welcoming and are keen to continue working with our service so that we can collectively provide an outstanding service to the general public of South Staffordshire.

I have already been out and about in many of the parishes in South Staffordshire and will be attending various events over the coming weeks and months. If you see me ‘out and about’ don’t be shy and feel free to say hello or have a conversation about concerns or good news in your area.

I will continue to keep you informed and will hopefully see some of you soon.

The council’s lead officer in air quality, Wendy Green, joined them on Tuesday to see how things were going.  Several people were there to support the campaign ranging from volunteers, parents, PCSO’s and local Councillors Gary Burnett and Fiona Hopkins.

Monday was clearly a success as by Tuesday the group went from having to ask 15 car drivers to switch off their engines to 5.  In addition, there were no dangerously parked cars that had to be moved on by the PCSO’s on Tuesday.

The air quality throughout the district of South Staffordshire is of a good quality.  However, there is always room for improvement and campaigns such as these really help focus the public attention on simple things that can be done to help everyone.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of anti-idling and the legislation in place to support it, click here.

For fortnightly dates to Shareshill, Featherstone, Pattingham, Essington and Coven, click here Route 7 (Week 2- Tuesday) – Staffordshire County Council

For fortnightly visits to Wheaton Aston, click here Route 1 (Week 1- Monday) – Staffordshire County Council