Would you like to be a Councillor?

South Staffordshire Council are holding two sessions for anyone who is interested in local government, and wants to discover what it’s like to be a Councillor.

Find out how rewarding the role can be at South Staffordshire Council’s ‘Be a Councillor’ event on Tuesday 8th January 2019.

The event will feature two ‘Be a Councillor’ sessions at the Council Offices in Codsall. The first session will run from 1pm to 4pm and the second from 5pm to 8pm.

At the sessions, you will find out what the Council does, what the role of a Councillor is and the important skills that Councillors need to have. It will give you a chance to build relationships, begin networking, meet stakeholders and start influencing.

The sessions will feature serving District Councillors and a team from the Local Government Association, who work to support Councillor Development across the Country.

To reserve your place at either of the sessions, please contact the Elections Team at elections@sstaffs.gov.uk or 01902 696231.

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council 

• Be A Councillor

The Council is holding two ‘Be a Councillor’ sessions in the New Year on Tuesday 8 January 2019 from 1pm to 4pm and from 5pm to 8pm for people interested in standing as a Councillor in the elections next May. During the sessions, we will explain out what the Council does, what the role of a Councillor is and the important skills that Councillors need to have. Click here to find out more and to reserve a place at either of the sessions, please contact the Elections team.

Email: elections@sstaffs.gov.uk or call 01902 696231. 

• My Account reaches 3,000

This week, the number of My Account users exceeded its target and gained its 3000^th registration. Well done to the ICT team. 

• Warmer Homes – funding now available for broken gas boilers

Do you or anyone you know need help to replace an old or broken has boiler? Funding is available through the Council’s Warmer Homes scheme so please get in touch. Funding is for South Staffordshire residents on limited household incomes with hard to heat homes or for residents who are vulnerable to the cold through ill health or age. Please apply now before the funding runs out.

Warmer Homes South Staffordshire.

Freephone 0800 193 1902 or email info@mea.org.uk 

• South Staffordshire Connect to return in January

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service will be returning to the areas of greatest demand in the district from Tuesday 15 January 2019. This local, bookable bus service will once again help many people who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard bus.

The new Connect service will operate between 10am and 3pm on the following basis:

• Locality 3 (Great Wyrley, Cheslyn Hay, Essington, Featherstone, Shareshill, Wedges Mills and Hilton) on Tuesdays and Fridays. This service will connect with Cannock Bus Station.
• Locality 4 (Codsall/Bilbrook/Perton/Pattingham) on Tuesdays and Fridays.

• Locality 5 (Wombourne and the surrounding villages of Seisdon, Trysull, Lower Penn, Gospel End, Swindon and Himley) on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Further information about how to access the South Staffordshire Connect service will follow shortly. 

• Leisure Centres – festive opening times

Click here for your local South Staffordshire Leisure Centre opening times and programmes over Christmas and the New Year. 

• Green bin collections

Green bin collections have now finished for the year and will recommence from Monday 14 January 2019. Click here to view your bin collection dates. 

• UK Youth Parliament

Applications are now open for the 2019 Youth Parliament Elections in Staffordshire. The UK Youth Parliament provides opportunities for 11-18 year olds to encourage young people in their local area to make a difference on issues that matter to them. Four young people will be elected to represent Staffordshire at a national level and they will be in their role for one year, until February 2020. Applications close on Monday 7 January 2019.

For more information, please click here. 

• Lottery’s festive super draw

Buy a lottery ticket for the South Staffordshire Community Lottery and as well as the chance to win a £25,000 jackpot you could win six 50% off tickets to see the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Play today at www.southstaffslottery.co.uk or call 01902 213777 to find out more.

• VCSE Locality Forum – Volunteer Star Awards

Earlier this month, the awards presentation took place for the 2018 Volunteer Star Awards – click here to see some of the pictures taken at the event. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to our sponsors Heaven (health and beauty), Support Staffordshire, Jeremy Lefroy MP, the Co-op, Supported Futures, SCVYS, and South Staffordshire Housing Association.

• Coming soon – Big Energy Saving Week (21 to 28 January 2019)

The New Year is when high winter energy bills start coming in and our Good Life Energy team is here to help residents and business check they are getting the best price for their energy and make them aware of any savings they can make. We would love Parish Councils and partners to support us by hosting our Energy Surgeries during Big Energy Saving Week, a national campaign taking place in January that encourages residents and local businesses to ‘Check, Switch, Save’.

If you can host an energy bill surgery for residents or would like a no cost one-to-one energy review for your Parish or community buildings, please email the Good Life Energy team now. Email: a.munro@sstaffs.gov.uk to book a preferred location, date and time between Monday 21 January and Friday 25 January 2019.

Many residents and local businesses have already saved hundreds of pounds on their energy bills and have seen the benefits and been quick to praise the initiative. Local MP the Rt Hon. Gavin Williamson CBE gave his wholehearted support to the Good Life Energy Bill scheme earlier this year – read more at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy  

• Community safety advice

When you’re out shopping:

• Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
• Keep valuables in your inside pockets of clothing or bags.
• Only carry the cash and cards that you need and always shield the PIN pad when entering your PIN.
• Avoid going back to your car to leave your shopping part-way through your trip. If you have to keep presents in the car, make sure they are out of view in the boot, the car is locked, and keep the receipts with you.
• Deter pickpockets and muggers. Don’t overburden yourself with bags/packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Always carry a purse close to your body and not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket, likewise with your phone and keys.
• Shopping with children? Make sure they learn to go to a store attendant or security guard if you get separated.
• Never leave your bag unattended on your trolley whilst shopping and don’t leave it in your vehicle when returning your trolley.

At home:

• Never keep large amounts of cash at home.
• Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times.
• Keys should always be kept out of sight and not left in doors or in view of windows.
• Make your house look occupied; use a timer switch to operate lamps as it starts to get dark and leave a radio on.
• Don’t open the door to anybody you don’t recognise. Not sure? Then don’t open the door. 

• 5 Rating

The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following its food inspection this week – Dunsley Hall Hotel in Kinver. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

 Remember that the District Council offices will close at 12.30pm on Monday 24 December and will re-open on Wednesday 2 January 2019 at 9am 

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

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council. 

• South Staffordshire Connect to return in January

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service will be returning to the areas of greatest demand in the district from Tuesday 15 January 2019.  This local, bookable bus service will once again help many people who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard bus.

The new Connect service will operate between 10am and 3pm on the following basis:

• Locality 3 (Great Wyrley, Cheslyn Hay, Essington, Featherstone, Shareshill, Wedges Mills and Hilton) on Tuesdays and Fridays. This service will connect with Cannock Bus Station.
• Locality 4 (Codsall/Bilbrook/Perton/Pattingham) on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Locality 5 (Wombourne and the surrounding villages of Seisdon, Trysull, Lower Penn, Gospel End, Swindon and Himley) on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Further information about how to access the South Staffordshire Connect service will follow shortly. 

• Be A Councillor

Would you like to represent your community, stand up for the interests of residents and make a difference?  Becoming a Councillor requires commitment and hard work and no other role gives you the chance to make such a huge difference to the quality of life for people in your local area.  Interested?  Find out more at our ‘Be a Councillor’ sessions taking place in the New Year on Tuesday 8 January 2019. There will be two sessions from 1pm to 4pm and from 5pm to 8pm. During the sessions, you’ll find out what the Council does, what the role of a Councillor is and the important skills that Councillors need to have.  Click here to find out more and to reserve a place at either of the sessions, please contact the Elections team.

Email: elections@sstaffs.gov.uk or call: 01902 696231. 

• #FestiveBinMen 2018

Thank you to everyone who has viewed or shared our #FestiveBinMen video.  It’s had a great response and there have been over 15,000 views and 172 shares on Facebook so far.  Click here to view the video on Facebook and click here to view it on YouTube. 

• Fly-tipping incidents

Old carpets and flooring were the latest things to be fly-tipped recently in Pendeford Hall Lane in Codsall.  Click here to see more and if you have any information please contact our Planning Enforcement team on 01902 696000. This week, Baggeridge Country Park also experienced fly-tipping and a load of tools were dumped there. The tools are safe with the park ranger and if you believe they could be yours, please contact 101.  Click here to view. 

• Telephone lines information

Today, the Council will be closing its telephone lines early at 4.30pm to enable necessary updates to be carried out to the system.  The face-to-face desk at the Council Offices in Codsall will remain open until 5pm and our web chat services will be extended until 5pm.  Telephone lines will re-open at 8.30am on Monday 17 December 2018. 

• Community safety update

Staffordshire Police has received several reports across the county of purse thefts over the Christmas shopping period. Remember:

• It’s easy for pick-pockets and shoplifters to conceal themselves amongst the crowds in shopping areas at this busy time of year.
• Often working in pairs or groups, pickpockets will use various ways to lift your purse or wallet out of your pocket or bag.
• One can purposely bump into you, or sometimes distract you while another will adeptly help themselves to your money and cards. You won’t feel them stealing from you.
• Don’t put your money or wallet in a back pocket. Carry your bag close to you and so it opens facing you, keep a hand on it.
• Don’t leave bags on a shopping trolley, wheelchair, motorised scooter, or pushchairs. 

• Fourth wedding for the Ceremonial Suite

The Ceremonial Suite at the Council Offices in Codsall hosted its fourth wedding last Saturday. The happy couple were thrilled with the venue and support given on the day.  Well done and thank you to Karen Riley and the team.  A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make these days very special for our couples. 

• Christmas closing times

The Council Offices will close at 12.30pm on Monday 24 December 2018.

• VCSE Locality Forum – Volunteer Star Awards

On Wednesday 5 December 2018, the awards presentation took place for the 2018 Volunteer Star Awards.  Congratulations to all the winners.

• Emma Churchill, Business Contribution to Volunteering Award.
• Brewood Community Managed Library, Community Impact Award.
• Ellie Hickman, Volunteer of the Year Award.
• William “Bill” Hill, Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Jeanette Griffiths, Volunteer in Self Development.
• David Millington, Volunteering Support by a team or individual working primarily with the over 65s.
• Keri Lloyd, Volunteering Support for young people by a team of individuals.
• David Norman, Volunteering Through Adversity Award. 

• UK Youth Parliament

Applications are now open for the 2019 Youth Parliament Elections in Staffordshire.  The UK Youth Parliament provides opportunities for 11-18 year olds to encourage young people in their local area to make a difference on issues that matter to them.  Four young people will be elected to represent Staffordshire at a national level and they will be in their role for one year, until February 2020. Applications close on Monday 7 January 2019.

For more information, please click here 

• Lottery’s festive super draw

Buy a lottery ticket for the South Staffordshire Community Lottery and as well as the chance to win a £25,000 jackpot you could win six 50% off tickets to see the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.  Play today at www.southstaffslottery.co.uk or call 01902 213777 to find out more. 

• Home alone at Christmas

The annual Christmas lunch for retired residents of the district takes place on Friday 21 December 2018 from midday to 2.30pm in the Academy Restaurant at the Council Offices in Codsall. The lunch is free for pensioners over the age of 60 who don’t have friends or family visiting them on Christmas Day.  Numbers are limited to 50 people so early application is recommended.  Click here for more information. 

• Coming soon – Big Energy Saving Week (21 to 28 January 2019)

The New Year is when high winter energy bills start coming in and our Good Life Energy team is here to help residents and business check they are getting the best price for their energy and make them aware of any savings they can make.  We would love Parish Councils and partners to support us by hosting our Energy Surgeries during Big Energy Saving Week, a national campaign taking place in January that encourages residents and local businesses to ‘Check, Switch, Save’.

If you can host an energy bill surgery for residents or would like a no cost one-to-one energy review for your Parish or community buildings, please email the Good Life Energy team now. Email: a.munro@sstaffs.gov.uk to book a preferred location, date and time between Monday 21 January and Friday 25 January 2019.

Many residents and local businesses have already saved hundreds of pounds on their energy bills and have seen the benefits and been quick to praise the initiative. Local MP the Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson CBE gave his wholehearted support to the Good Life Energy Bill scheme earlier this year – read more at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy   

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meeting is scheduled:

• Planning Committee – Tuesday 18 December 2018 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber 

• 5 Rating

The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following its food inspection this week – The Fox at Shipley 

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

UK Youth Parliament Elections – Staffordshire

“Get Involved! @StaffSCVYS are looking for young people to represent 11-18 year olds from Staffordshire in the @UKYP. Could it be you? Apply to be a candidate in next year’s elections here: http://staffscvys.org.uk/ukyp”

“You could improve your public speaking, build your confidence and work in teams all through @UKYP! @StaffSCVYS are looking for applicants to stand in elections next spring. Apply online here: http://staffscvys.org.uk/ukyp”

“Do you want to represent the views of young people from Staffordshire on a regional and national level? @UKYP could be for you! Apply to stand as a candidate in the elections next year here: http://staffscvys.org.uk/ukyp”

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

•  Local Plan consultation closing soon

This is the last week for comments on the Local Plan review ‘Issues and Options’ consultation, which closes at 5pm on Friday 30 November 2018. Thee drop-in sessions have taken place and the main issues raised included the need for more smaller, affordable homes and bungalows, the impact of new development on existing and future local services and facilities, and how best to protect sensitive and important areas of the natural environment, including wildlife. Click here to find out more.

• Reminder – relocation of County Council data centre

The Staffordshire County Council’s secondary data centre is in the process of relocating and there is a potential risk of disruption to our internet service this weekend commencing Friday 23 November 2018 from 5pm. The work is scheduled to run throughout the weekend and they hope any unintended disruptions will be resolved over the weekend although there is a risk that disruption may occur early next week too. 

• #OurDay trends at number 1

Thank you to all staff who took part in this year’s #OurDay on Tuesday, the annual social media day organised by the LGA that takes a look at a day in the life of local government. More than 10,000 different contributors took part including South Staffordshire Council and a collective 33,558 tweets were sent during the day. Our combined efforts saw local government trending at number one in the UK all day and peaking at number four worldwide.

• Locality Profile now available to view online

Click here to see this year’s Locality Profile for South Staffordshire, which captures and compares a range of data sets across the district. This year, we’ve included data from a wider range of sources including Mosaic and the document is structured around the Council’s three key priorities. 

• Donations for food bank needed

The Waste and Recycling team at the Council is once again joining with Biffa Municipal Ltd to collect food and toiletries for the local food bank based in Wombourne. If you would like to help, please bring any donations to the Community Services team based on the second floor by Friday 14 December 2018. Blue bags for donations will also be available in the Leisure Centres and Depot. For every item donated, Biffa will match the equivalent. Click here to see the full list of accepted food, toiletry and household items. 

• Volunteers needed – spring bulb planting continues

Thank you to everyone who helped plant spring flower bulbs at Sytch Lane Cemetery in Wombourne on Wednesday. We’ll be doing the same at Strawberry Lane Cemetery in Great Wyrley on Monday 26 November 2018 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and everyone is welcome. All bulbs will be provided as well as gardening equipment. Please wear sensible footwear and warm clothing. If you would like to help, please contact Rebecca Morgan (r.morgan@sstaffs.gov.uk) so we can co-ordinate transport. 

The Community Services team will also be holding its annual bulb planting event here at the Council Offices on Thursday 29 November 2018 from 1pm to 2pm. There are 1000+ spring bulbs to plant so please come along and help. This year, we will be focusing on the area by the wedding entrance/exit. If you’d like to help, please contact Andy Aston (a.aston@sstaffs.gov.uk).

• Are you #WeatherReady?

The annual #WeatherReady campaign launched by the Met Office earlier this week aims to help the public prepare for and cope with severe weather. Run in partnership with Cabinet Office, this initiative provides expert advice on travel, protecting your home and your health and wellbeing. Click here for more information. 

• Christmas lights switch on across the district

• Friday 23 November 2018 – Bilbrook Christmas lights switch on at Bilbrook Village Green (from 6pm). Click here for more information.
• Friday 30 November 2018 – Wombourne Christmas lights switch on, outside the front of the Civic Centre (from 5.40pm). Click here for more information. www.wombourneparishcouncil.org.uk

• Saturday 1 December 2018 – Perton Christmas Fair from 1pm to 5pm in Anders Square, the church, the Civic Centre and the library. Lots of craft stalls to buy Christmas presents, food stalls, Father Christmas plus Animal Man, Punch and Judy, and story time in the library.
• Friday 7 December 2018 – Codsall Christmas Fair from 2pm to 9.30pm – live music, carols around the tree, Santa’s Grotto, hot food, entertainment, fairground rides, stalls and much more. www.codsallchristmasfair.co.uk
• Switch and save

Two Good Life Energy bill surgeries are coming up in Brewood and Wheaton Aston.

• Friday 23 November 2018, 2.30 to 4.30pm – Brewood Community Library.
• Thursday 6 December 2018, 7.30pm – Wheaton Aston Village Hall.

You don’t have to be a South Staffordshire resident to benefit and Good Life Energy can also help businesses as well. Call Freephone 03333 058671 Email info@cebltd.com

• More weddings take place at the Ceremonial Suite

Love is in the air at the Council. The Ceremonial Suite hosted another beautiful wedding service last Friday and the next one is scheduled to take place on Saturday 8 December 2018. If you would like to find out more about Ceremonial Suite, please click here for more information.

• Home alone at Christmas

The annual Christmas lunch for retired residents of the district takes place on Friday 21 December 2018 from midday to 2.30pm in the Academy Restaurant at the Council Offices in Codsall. The lunch is free for pensioners over the age of 60 who don’t have friends or family visiting them on Christmas Day. Numbers are limited to 50 people so early application is recommended. Click here for more information.

• New link worker for CASS

Welcome to Lisa Brickles who is the new Caring Communities Link Worker for South Staffordshire at the Carers Association (CASS). Lisa supports unpaid carers (family, friends and neighbours) in their communities and promotes the Good Life project, which aims to improve life for residents in South Staffordshire by enabling people to be better connected and informed. The aim is to reduce isolation and improve health and wellbeing. Click here for more information.

• Trustees required

South Staffs Work Clubs (SSWC) is a registered charity that operates seven work clubs across the district. The charity is looking for new Trustees to join their Board of Trustees – click here for more information about how to apply.

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Tuesday 27 November 2018 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber
• Licensing Sub Committee – Thursday 29 November 2018 – 2.30pm – Committee Room 2

 5 Rating

The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Jethro’s Marinades in Huntington.

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

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

 Review Magazine – issue 71

The autumn issue of the South Staffordshire Review Magazine has now been printed and will be distributed to all households in the district over the next couple of weeks. Click here to read the latest issue.

 Let’s work together – community support

The next ‘Let’s work together’ session will take place on Friday 23 November 2018 from 9am to 12.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. This session will deliver modules on community support. Click here to see the agenda. If you would like to attend, please email: policyandpartnershipevents@sstaffs.gov.uk or telephone 01902 696238.

 We’re sniffing out fraud

This week is International fraud awareness week (11 to 17

November 2018) and the fraud investigations team at the

Council is joining the global effort to minimise the impact

of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education on

Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please click here.

 Volunteers needed – annual bulb planting at the cemeteries

Come and help plant some spring flowering bulbs at the Council’s two cemeteries at Sytch Lane in Wombourne and Strawberry Lane in Great Wyrley. Staff from the Council, Co-operative Funeralcare in Wombourne and Wombourne Funeral Services will be taking part and everyone is welcome. All bulbs will be provided as well as gardening equipment. Please wear sensible footwear and warm clothing. There will be two planting sessions.

• Sytch Lane Cemetery, Wombourne – Wednesday 21 November (1.30pm to 3.30pm).
• Strawberry Lane Cemetery, Great Wyrley – Monday 26 November (1.30pm to 3.30pm).

 Local Plan drop-in sessions continue

Two drop-in sessions for the Local Plan review took place at the Council Offices in Codsall and at Haling Dene Centre in Penkridge this week. This consultation closes on Friday 30 November 2018 – click here to find out more.

 #OurDay coming up next week

The Council will be taking part in the LGA’s annual #OurDay social media event happening on Tuesday 20 November 2018. Keep your eyes on our Twitter and Facebook accounts and take a look at a day in the life of local government.

• 5 Rating

The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – High Lodge Residential Home in Iverley.

• Coming up – energy bill surgeries

Following the success of our first energy bill surgery last month, we will be holding two more Good Life Energy bill surgeries in Brewood and Wheaton Aston.

• Friday 23 November 2018, 2.30 to 4.30pm – Brewood Community Library.
• Thursday 6 December 2018, 7.30pm – Wheaton Aston Village Hall.

You don’t have to be a South Staffordshire resident to benefit and Good Life Energy can also help businesses as well. Call Freephone 03333 058671 Email info@cebltd.com

 New link worker for CASS

Welcome to Lisa Brickles who is the new Caring Communities Link Worker for South Staffordshire at the Carers Association (CASS). Lisa supports unpaid carers (family, friends and neighbours) in their communities and promotes the Good Life project, which aims to improve life for residents in South Staffordshire by enabling people to be better connected and informed. The aim is to reduce isolation and improve health and wellbeing. Click here for more information.

• Home alone at Christmas

The annual Christmas lunch for retired residents of the district takes place on Friday 21 December 2018 from midday to 2.30pm in the Academy Restaurant at the Council Offices in Codsall. The lunch is free for pensioners over the age of 60 who don’t have friends or family visiting them on Christmas Day. Numbers are limited to 50 people so early application is recommended. Click here for more information.

• Trustees required

South Staffs Work Clubs (SSWC) is a registered charity that operates seven work clubs across the district. The charity is looking for new Trustees to join their Board of Trustees – click here for more information about how to apply.

• Become a Dementia Friend

The Council is holding a Dementia Friends session starting at 11.30am on Friday 23 November 2018 at the Council Offices in Codsall. Learn more about how dementia affects a person and what you can do to make a difference. To book a place, email policyadmin@sstaffs.gov.uk or call 01902 696530.

 What’s on

• Friday 23 November 2018 – Bilbrook Christmas lights switch on at Bilbrook Village Green (from 6pm). Click here for more information.
• Friday 30 November 2018 – Wombourne Christmas lights switch on, outside the front of the Civic Centre (from 5.40pm). wombourneparishcouncil.org.uk
• Friday 7 December 2018 – Codsall Christmas Fair from 2pm to 9.30pm – live music, carols around the tree, Santa’s Grotto, hot food, entertainment, fairground rides, stalls and much more. codsallchristmasfair.co.uk

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Hearings Sub-Committee – Monday 19 November 2018 – 9.30am – Committee Room 2
• Planning Committee – Tuesday 20 November 2018 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber

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

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

 National recognition for the Council’s entrepreneurship

On Thursday, the Council was awarded a Certificate of Excellence from iESE and we have just received the exciting news that we have been shortlisted for the 2019 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards for the Entrepreneurial Council category. The next stage will be a presentation with successful nominees progressing to the finals – fingers crossed!

 Public house prosecuted after food safety breaches

Food business operators of a public house in Enville in South Staffordshire have been ordered to pay £17,475 including courts costs after pleading guilty to 12 breaches of food safety and hygiene regulations. Click here to read the full story.

 Local Plan drop-in sessions start

Despite the heavy rain showers, the first drop-in session for the Local Plan review went ahead on Wednesday at Wombourne Civic Centre. The session was well attended, with welcome support from local district and parish councillors. The next drop-in session will take place in the Council Chamber from 10am to 7pm at the Council offices on Wednesday 14 November 2018. Click here to find out more.

 Brides visit the Council

More than 40 potential brides visited the Council’s Wedding fayre last Sunday, which was co-organised with event partner Tied with a Bow. The next wedding in the Ceremonial Suite will take place on Friday 16 November 2018.

 Volunteers needed – annual bulb planting at the cemeteries

Come and help plant some spring flowering bulbs at the Council’s two cemeteries at Sytch Lane in Wombourne and Strawberry Lane in Great Wyrley. Staff from the Council, Co-operative Funeralcare in Wombourne and Wombourne Funeral Services will be taking part and everyone is welcome. All bulbs will be provided as well as gardening equipment. Please wear sensible footwear and warm clothing. There will be two planting sessions.

• Sytch Lane Cemetery, Wombourne – Wednesday 21 November (1.30pm to 3.30pm).
• Strawberry Lane Cemetery, Great Wyrley – Monday 26 November (1.30pm to 3.30pm).

5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – R J’s Café in Wombourne and Age UK Staffordshire in Penkridge.

• 2018 – A time to remember the end of World War 1

Free exhibition at Wombourne Council Chamber – Saturday 10 November 2018, 10am to 4pm

Come along to Wombourne Parish Council’s Council Chamber (rear left of the Civic Centre, Gravel Hill, Wombourne) for a free exhibition marking 100 years since the end of World War 1. The exhibition is being put on by Wombourne Parish Council in collaboration with Wombourne History Group and will showcase local memorabilia. Members of the History Group will be on hand to answer any questions, and there will be an interactive talk at 11am, 1pm and 3pm for approximately 15 minutes. Refreshments will be available along with ample, free parking.

Don’t miss this chance to find out what villages in South Staffordshire were like at the end of World War 1 or whether South Staffordshire’s horses went to war. For queries and more information, please contact the Parish Council Office on 01902 896300 or visit: www.wombourneparishcouncil.org.uk

• Winter Warmer offer now on

Only a few days left! If you’re thinking of getting fit then today is the day to join the Council’s Leisure Centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne. Join before Wednesday 14 November 2018 and pay only £10, then nothing more until January 2019. To join, visit your nearest Council Leisure Centre.

 Trustees required

South Staffs Work Clubs (SSWC) is a registered charity that operates seven work clubs across the district. The charity is looking for new Trustees to join their Board of Trustees – click here for more information about how to apply.

• Public showcase for new community room

Come along and take a look at the new community room at Baggeridge Country Park on Saturday 10 November 2018 between 2pm and 4pm. Called the Lydiate Room, this spacious room measuring 10 by 10 metres with its own self-catering kitchen is a welcome addition to the park’s facilities and is perfect for children’s parties, functions, corporate meetings and events. Click here to find out more.

• Become a Dementia Friend

The Council is holding a Dementia Friends session starting at 11.30am on Friday 23 November 2018 at the Council Offices in Codsall. Learn more about how dementia affects a person and what you can do to make a difference. To book a place, email policyadmin@sstaffs.gov.uk or call 01902 696530.

• Home alone at Christmas

The annual Christmas lunch for retired residents of the district takes place on Friday 21 December 2018 from midday to 2.30pm in the Academy Restaurant at the Council Offices in Codsall. The lunch is free for pensioners over the age of 60 who don’t have friends or family visiting them on Christmas Day. Numbers are limited to 50 people so early application is recommended. Click here for more information.

 What’s on

• Friday 7 December 2018 – Codsall Christmas Fair from 2pm to 9.30pm – live music, carols around the tree, Santa’s Grotto, hot food, entertainment, fairground rides, stalls and much more.

www.codsallchristmasfair.co.uk

 Community safety – secure your vehicle

Despite advances in technology, car crime is still a problem so here are a few security tips to help make sure you’re not a victim of car crime.

• Ensure your vehicle is locked and secure whenever you leave it. Always check your doors – don’t rely on remote locking fobs.
• Remove all valuables and possessions when the vehicle is unattended.
• Park your vehicle in a garage or on the driveway; whenever possible park in well-lit areas.
• Consider installing a tracker device so in the event your vehicle is stolen, it can be located quickly.
• Consider blocking high value vehicles in with a second vehicle… simple but it works!
• Store keyless entry car fobs in a Faraday pouch to block signal from devices used by offenders to steal your car.
• Store all vehicle keys out of view of windows and doors – thieves will often break into your home to locate keys to steal your vehicle.

Click here to find out more about vehicle crime.

 Community safety – darker nights crime prevention advice

Burglaries often increase at this time of year due to burglars taking advantage of the longer hours of darkness. Here are some simple crime prevention measures that you can take to make your home look occupied and reduce the chances of being a victim.

• Always keep doors and windows locked, even when you’re in. Remove the keys from the lock and keep them out of view or reach.
• Use timer switches to turn lights on when you are out. Alternate the times and lights that you use.
• Make sure your alarm and any outside lights are in working order. Always activate your alarm when you leave the house and go to bed.
• Don’t leave items of value on show through ground floor windows (i.e. laptops, tablets, mobile phones and car keys).
• Lock your garden gates and side entrances. Keep ladders and tools securely stored away, don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.
• Look out for your neighbours, especially the elderly and report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Consider joining Staffordshire Police’s Smart Alert scheme when you can receive localised crime alerts and prevention advice from your local police officers (click here).

Click here for further advice and a comprehensive guide.

Regular information

 Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Hearings Sub Committee – Monday 12 November 2018 – 9.30am – Committee Room 2
• Licensing and Regulatory Committee – Thursday 15 November 2018 – 2.30pm – F42

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

To book your free place, please email safeandsound@staffordshirefire.gov.uk or call 01785 898791.

A new Local Plan for South Staffordshire is being prepared by South Staffordshire Council. Have your say and take part in the consultation.

The first stage of the consultation takes place from Monday 8th October until 5pm on Friday 30th November 2018. During the consultation, three all day drop in sessions are taking place in Penkridge, Codsall and Wombourne from 10am to 7pm where you can meet and talk about the review with the Council’s Local Plans Team.

Don’t miss your opportunity to help shape the future of South Staffordshire.

Your local drop in session will be taking place on

Wednesday 7th November 2018 from 10am – 7pm at Wombourne Civic Centre

For more information, you can

Email: localplanreview@sstaffs.gov.uk
Visit: www.sstaffs.gov.uk/localplanreview
Sign up for updates: www.sstaffs.gov.uk/localplanupdates

Home alone at Christmas… join South Staffordshire Council for a free Christmas lunch!

Celebrate Christmas at our tenth annual Christmas lunch for retired residents of the district who are over the age of 60 and don’t have any family or friends visiting them on Christmas Day.

Join us for a festive celebration on Friday 21 December, 12 midday (for 12.30pm) Christmas lunch at the Catering Academy.

Transport is provided along with an appearance by Santa and a present for everyone and entertainment including carolsplayed by the Salvation Army band

To book your place, please contact Sonja Oatley MBE on 07766822600 or by email at sonjaoatley@gmail.com by Friday 14th December. Places are free but are limited to 50 people, so early application is recommended.

Sponsored by Catering Academy, South Staffordshire District Council, Soth Staffordshire District Members Fund and the Co-operative.

South Staffordshire
Council Restaurant,
Wolverhampton Road,
Codsall, WV8 1PX