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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