Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council. 

• This week’s news from around the Council.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health information
We understand that residents may have concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19). The government and NHS are well prepared to deal with this virus and South Staffordshire Council is working closely with Staffordshire County Council, Public Health England and other partners to monitor and manage the situation.

Useful websites
NHS website – updated on a daily basis with the latest information and guidance.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
GOV.UK – for the latest information and advice from the Government.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Currently, four residents in Staffordshire are confirmed to have contracted coronavirus COVID-19. People who have been in close contact with the residents are being contacted and there is no significant risk to anyone else in the county. There are no cases in South Staffordshire at the present time.

If you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, the advice is to stay at home for seven days. Do not go directly to your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you are staying at home.

What can I do to reduce my risk of catching coronavirus?
• Wash your hands more often and for at least 20 seconds. This is particularly important after taking public transport or when you get home or arrive at work.
• Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

More information is available on the Council website – click here to find out more.

• Council budget approved
At its meeting on Tuesday 25 February 2020, the Council approved the budget for 2020/21 and the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy. The full report can be found here. This includes information on the setting of the Council Tax for 2020/21 for South Staffordshire residents.

• Annual billing
This week, Council Tax bills have been issued and are now in the process of being delivered to customers. During this time, the Council’s phone lines can become very busy so if you have any questions about your bill you may find it quicker and easier to use our online My Account facility to answer any queries. Click here to sign up to My Account or visit the Council website for more information about Council Tax.
https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/council-tax/

• Changes to methods of payment
From Wednesday 1 April 2020, the Council will no longer accept cash payments at the Council Offices in Codsall and will be moving solely to other more efficient methods of payment that are safe and secure. There are many alternative methods of payment that are easy to access from the comfort of your home including:
o Direct Debit.
o Pay online.
o 24 Hour telephone payment facility – 01902 696678.
o By Standing Order.
o Internet banking.
o At Post Office counters and PayPoint outlets.
o Pay by card at the Council Offices.
o By post (cheques only).
• South Staffordshire online chat
Staffordshire Police is holding a series of online chats giving residents the opportunity to chat live with local police officers regarding any issues or concerns relating to South Staffordshire. The next online chats will take place on Thursday 19 March 2020 at 7pm. Click here for more information.

• Fly-tipping news
Click here to see some of the fly-tipping our Street Scene team picked up in March 2020. South Staffordshire Council encourages the reporting of fly-tipping and you can report it on the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk.

• Flood recovery support
If your property or business was flooded as a result of the recent storms, then there may be funding available to support you. Click here for more information.

• Courses and workshops at Baggeridge Country Park
Click here for more information about courses and workshops this spring run by Rudge Wood Horticulture CIC. To book, email mail@rudgewood.co.uk.

• 2020 Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards
Do you know someone who volunteers and supports people and commits their time, energy and resources to helping people locally? Or maybe a community group or club that offers support to local people or a business where the staff volunteer in the local area and show a social responsibility? Then please make sure their actions are recognised in this year’s Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards. Nominations for this year’s awards are now live and these awards celebrate the contribution that volunteers make to our local community. Find out more on the Support Staffordshire website – click here for more information. Nominations close on Friday 3 April 2020 (5pm) and the results will be announced at a ceremony at Rodbaston Hall in Penkridge on Tuesday 23 June 2020. Any queries, please contact Maggie Quinn (m.quinn@sstaffs.gov.uk).

• Sport Relief 2020
It’s Sport Relief this week and today the Council’s four Leisure Centres are all getting involved by running sweep stakes. Donation buckets will be at the ready for anyone to donate to this year’s Sport Relief and staff will be wearing red headband boppers to show their support. Please show your support for this great fundraising event by wearing red when you work out at the Leisure Centres. Click here to see more.

• Support our cycle challenge
It’s not long until the Council’s charity bike ride on Wednesday 25 March 2020, inspired by the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycling challenge. Bikes will be in action from 8am to 5pm at the Council Offices and four leisure centres so please support the Chairman and her charity – click here for more information and for details about how to donate.

• March motivation starts here
This March, members of the Council’s leisure centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne are being encouraged to complete and log 16 fitness sessions throughout the month to be in with the chance of winning some amazing prizes. Prizes include a Fitbit Charge 3, Hybrid resistance bands, a ‘Lean in 15’ cookbook, Grenade protein bars, swimming goggles, water bottles and towels and discounts off monthly fees. To enter, collect a log card from your local leisure centre and have it stamped every time you work out at your leisure centre.

• Special offer on swimming lessons
There’s no better time to learn to swim at the South Staffordshire Swim Academy at Cheslyn Hay and Penkridge Leisure Centres. New joiners can start their swimming lesson journey at any point in March, pay £10 and get April free, with normal payments starting on 15 May 2020. Click here to find out more or visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/swimacademy

• Easter school holiday camps
Bookings are now being taken for the Easter school holiday camps at the Council’s Leisure Centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall and Wombourne. Running from Monday 6 to Friday 10 April 2020 and from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April 2020, the activity camps are a great way for children to have fun in a safe and structured environment and at an affordable price. Click here to find out more.

• Council job vacancies
o Customer Services General Advisor – click here for more information.
Closing date – Friday 13 March 2020.
o Solicitor – click here for more information.
Closing date – Friday 20 March 2020.

• Next week’s Committee/Panel meetings
o Your Place Challenge Panel – Monday 16 March 2020 – 4pm – Committee Room 2.
o Planning Committee – Tuesday 17 March 2020 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber.
o Licensing and Regulatory Committee – Thursday 19 March 2020 – 2.30pm – Bill Brownhill Room.
o Local Plans Member Seminar – Thursday 19 March 2020 – 5.30pm – Council Chamber.

• 5 Rating
The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – The Royal Oak in Great Wyrley and The Bradford Arms in Ivetsey Bank.

• South Staffordshire Connect service
The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.
This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to
three zones. For more information, please click on the following for
more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

• Together we win!
Good causes in South Staffordshire need your support and one way you can help is by buying a lottery ticket in our weekly Community Lottery. As well as supporting a good cause you might even win a cash prize ranging from £25 up to a jackpot of £25,000. To buy a lottery ticket, simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777.

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

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council. 

• Flooding and disruption at Hinksford Mobile Home Park

Last Sunday, flooding affected Hinksford Mobile Home Park following the widespread disruption caused by Storm Dennis. A number of homes needed to be evacuated from the Council-managed site and the Council’s emergency procedures were activated by the director on call. The Council’s response team worked throughout Sunday to ensure residents were safe and an emergency rest centre was set up in the nearby village of Swindon. Many of those affected by the evacuation were elderly residents and the Council’s housing team was on hand to arrange accommodation and welfare support following the incident. During the day, the Council closely monitored the situation and although electricity had to be turned off for a time due to high water levels, power was restored in the early evening.

By Monday, the majority of flood water had gone, and park warden and the Council’s Street Scene and Commercial Services teams supported residents with the clean-up of the site. A big thank you to all residents, local councillors, volunteers and Council staff, many of whom were not on call but who came in to support the residents of Hinksford Mobile Home Park. Click here to see some pics. 

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Click here for the latest advice from the Public Health England blog and click here to view a video about the best way to slow the spread of almost any germs, including Coronavirus.

• Community Safety – speed checks

On Thursday 13 February 2020, Staffordshire Police carried out speed checks in Swindon High Street and Lower Penn (Springhill Lane and Langley Road). The locations were identified as a result of recent complaints made by concerned residents and Parish Councils. Although a little hampered by the weather, ten warning notices were given out. #OpLightning 

• Weddings

After careful consideration of the business case, the decision has been made to stop offering a wedding service here at the Council Offices in Codsall. There are two weddings left for us to host in May and July this year but they will be our last. 

• South Staffordshire online chat

Staffordshire Police is holding a series of online chats giving residents the opportunity to chat live with local police officers regarding any issues or concerns relating to South Staffordshire. Online chats will take place on Monday 24 February Monday 2 March, Thursday 19 March 2020 at 7pm. Click here for more information about the first online chat next week. 

• Staffordshire Day

Creativity will be the focus of this year’s Staffordshire Day when it returns for the fifth time on Friday 1 May 2020. Coordinators Enjoy Staffordshire, in conjunction with Staffordshire County Council and other local authority partners, are encouraging the people of Staffordshire to embrace their creative side and show the world why they love their county. Details of how to get involved in Staffordshire Day, alongside a full listing of Staffordshire Day events, can be found at www.enjoystaffordshire.com/staffsday

• 2020 Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards

Nominations for this year’s Volunteer Star Awards are now live. These awards celebrate the contribution that volunteers make to out local community and you can find out more on the Support Staffordshire website – click here for more information. Nominations close on Friday 3 April 2020 (5pm) and the results will be announced at a ceremony at Rodbaston Hall in Penkridge on Tuesday 23 June 2020. Any queries, please contact Maggie Quinn (m.quinn@sstaffs.gov.uk)  

• South Staffordshire business survey and roundtable event

If you’re a local business, make sure you complete the south Staffordshire business survey. The Council is committed to creating the right conditions for economic growth across the district and supporting local businesses and your thoughts and opinions are key. Click here to take part in the survey, which closes on Sunday 23 February 2020 (5pm). This piece of research will be instrumental in informing South Staffordshire Council’s future strategic plans. To accompany this, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are hosting a series of small business roundtable events on behalf of South Staffordshire Council. Click here to find out more and to book a place at the business roundtable being held on Friday 28 February 2020 at the Council Offices in Codsall from 10am to noon. 

• Dunston Business Village drop in

Dunston Business Village in association with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will be holding a free drop in session for local businesses on Wednesday 26 February 2020 from 9am to 4pm. Click here for more information. 

• Next week’s Committee/Panel meetings
• Full Council – Tuesday 25 February 2020 – 7pm – Council Chamber.
• Asset Scrutiny Panel – Thursday 27 February 2020 – 4pm – Committee Room 2.
• Highways England Briefing – M54/M6 Link Road – Thursday 27 February 2020 – 5.30pm – Council Chamber

• Council job vacancies
• ICT Support Officer (fixed term) – click here for more information.

Closing date – Tuesday 25 February 2020 (12 noon).

• Solicitor – click here for more information.

Closing date – Thursday 27 February 2020 (10am). 

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Mary Herman-Smith Catering in Trysull and Farmer & Friends Coffee Shop in Wombourne. 

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

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

 Latest funding awards

Five more community-led projects in the district are celebrating after being awarded grants from the South Staffordshire Community Innovation Fund. The Community Innovation Fund distributes money raised by the South Staffordshire Community Lottery and grants are available for not-for-profit groups, community projects or charities.

£987 to A Child of Mine to hold support sessions for bereaved parents who have lost a child.

£893 to Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club to promote tennis in the community through festivals.

£1,000 to Perton Brownies for further resources and for future activities.

£540 to the Good Life Wellbeing Association for crafts and arts sessions to be held at Lifestyle Roadshows around the district.

£750 to Support Staffordshire to support local Community Connectors.

The next round of funding will be open this autumn. Don’t forget, you can support local good causes by buying a lottery ticket in the South Staffordshire Community Lottery. As well as supporting a good cause you might even win a cash prize ranging from £25 up to a jackpot of £25,000. To buy a lottery ticket, simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777. 

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Click here for the latest advice from the Public Health England blog and click here to view a video about the best way to slow the spread of almost any germs, including Coronavirus. 

• Changes to Council Tax discounts

From Wednesday 1 April 2020, the Council is making changes to its Council Tax discounts to encourage owners to bring empty homes back into use to provide homes that people need. Click here for further information.

• South Staffordshire business survey and roundtable events

If you’re a local business, make sure you complete the south Staffordshire business survey. The Council is committed to creating the right conditions for economic growth across the district and supporting local businesses and your thoughts and opinions are key. Click here to take part in the survey, which closes on Sunday 23 February 2020 (5pm). This piece of research will be instrumental in informing South Staffordshire Council’s future strategic plans.

To accompany this, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are hosting a series of small business roundtable events on behalf of South Staffordshire Council. Click here to find out more and to book a place at the business roundtable being held on Friday 28 February 2020 at the Council Offices in Codsall from 10am to noon.

• Dunston Business Village drop in

Dunston Business Village in association with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will be holding a free drop in session for local businesses on Wednesday 26 February 2020 from 9am to 4pm. Click here for more information.

• 2020 Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards

Nominations for this year’s Volunteer Star Awards are now live. These awards celebrate the contribution that volunteers make to out local community and you can find out more on the Support Staffordshire website – click here for more information. Nominations close on Friday 3 April 2020 (5pm) and the results will be announced at a ceremony at Rodbaston Hall in Penkridge on Tuesday 23 June 2020. Any queries, please contact Maggie Quinn (m.quinn@sstaffs.gov.uk)

• Half-term activities at the Leisure Centres

Next week during half-term, Penkridge Leisure Centre is offering a selection of craft-related sessions. Click here for more information or visit the website here to find out more about its school holiday activity camps. To book, call 01785 714152. Activity camps are also taking place at the Leisure Centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall and Wombourne. To find out what’s on click here and click here to book. 

• Changes to swimming programmes next week

Due to the school holiday next week, the swimming times at the Council’s Leisure Centres will change during the day. Find out more at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure 

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
• Cabinet – Tuesday 18 February 2020 – 2pm – Committee Room 2.
• Planning Committee – Tuesday 18 February 2020 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber. 

• Council job vacancies
• ICT Support Officer (fixed term) – click here for more information.

Closing date – Tuesday 25 February 2020 (12 noon).

• Solicitor – click here for more information. Closing date – Thursday 27 February 2020 (10am). 

• Trustees required for new CIC

Together Active, a new charitable incorporated organisation (CIC) formed from Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent (SASSOT) is looking for new Trustees. If you believe in the life-changing benefits of physical activity and sport and have the skills to help lead this new charity forward, then click here for more information about how to apply. Closing date is Friday 28 February 2020 (5pm).

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Wightwick Hall School in Wightwick and Evelyn’s Kitchen in Huntington.

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

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

•  Prosecution success for Council

A local dog boarding kennels in Blymhill near Shifnal has been successfully prosecuted by South Staffordshire Council after it was found to be in breach of the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 during an inspection. Click here to read more. 

• Appeal for information about recent fly-tip

A recent fly-tip of asbestos in Moor Hall Lane in Penkridge is going to cost the taxpayer in the region of £900 to collect and dispose of. Click here to see some pics and if you have any information, please contact the Council on Facebook or call 01902 696000. 

• 2020 Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards

Nominations for this year’s Volunteer Star Awards are now live. These awards celebrate the contribution that volunteers make to our local community and you can find out more on the Support Staffordshire website – click here for more information. Nominations close on Friday 3 April 2020 (5pm) and the results will be announced at a ceremony at Rodbaston Hall in Penkridge on Tuesday 23 June 2020. Any queries, please contact Maggie Quinn (m.quinn@sstaffs.gov.uk)

• Coronavirus update

Click here for the latest information on the Public Health England Blog. 

• South Staffordshire business survey and roundtable events

If you’re a local business, make sure you complete the south Staffordshire business survey. The Council is committed to creating the right conditions for economic growth across the district and supporting local businesses and your thoughts and opinions are key. Click here to take part in the survey, which closes on Sunday 23 February 2020 (5pm). This piece of research will be instrumental in informing South Staffordshire Council’s future strategic plans.

To accompany this, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are hosting a series of small business roundtable events on behalf of South Staffordshire Council.

• Click here to find out more and to book a place at the business roundtable being held on Tuesday 11 February 2020 at Essington Farm from 10am to noon.
• Click here to find out more and to book a place at the business roundtable being held on Friday 28 February 2020 at the Council Offices in Codsall from 10am to noon. 

• Breast screening mobile unit

At this week’s Wellbeing Select Committee, the local NHS screening team attended the meeting to update Members on the result of the screening unit being based at the Council Offices. The results were very positive with a 7% increase in screening take up which equates to a full weeks screening on a mobile unit. Previously, the mobile screening unit had been located at Codsall Clinic but it was withdrawn 10 years ago, with residents having to either travel into Wombourne or New Cross Hospital to access screening appointments. Through local campaigning and support from the Council, the unit became based at the Council Offices and this has made a significant difference and increased take-up rates across the four local GP practices, with all practices now above the national take-up rate of 70.5% This shows the benefit of services being based locally and accessible to our residents and as part of the Community Hub work, we will welcome the screening unit back in three years’ time and hopefully see further increases in the take-up rates. 

• Tree-mendous effort South Staffordshire!

A total of 1,300 Christmas trees were collected at the kerbside in January. That three times more trees than last year and all the trees were composted at a local facility.

• First signs of Spring are here

Click here to see some pics of the snowdrops out now in Whites Wood at Baggeridge Country Park. For daily news and updates about the country park, sign up to its Facebook page and its @Baggeridge Twitter account. 

• Next week’s Council Committee and Panel meetings
• Your Council Challenge Panel – Monday 10 February 2020 – 4pm – Bill Brownhill Room
• Your Place Challenge Panel – Monday 10 February 2020 – 4pm – Members’ Room (bar side).
• Audit and Risk Committee – Tuesday 11 February 2020 – 4pm – Bill Brownhill Room.
• Local Plans Member Seminar – Thursday 13 February 2020 – 5.30pm – Members’ Room. 

• Job vacancies
• Partner vacancy opportunity – Brewood and Coven Parish Assistant Clerk – click here for more information.

Closing date – Friday 14 February 2020. 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Maypole Café in Wombourne, The New Talbot in Cheslyn Hay, St John’s Primary School in Swindon, Cakes by Max of Wheaton Aston, Three Hammers Bar and Bistro in Coven, Sandiacre Farm Shop and Nurseries, St Anthony’s in Wolverhampton, Windmill Bakery in Wombourne, and Jethro’s Marinades in Huntington.

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. 

• Together we win!

Good causes in South Staffordshire need your support and one way you can help is by buying a lottery ticket in our weekly Community Lottery. As well as supporting a good cause you might even win a cash prize ranging from £25 up to a jackpot of £25,000. To buy a lottery ticket, simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777.

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

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

• Proposed SRFI – A decision from the Secretary of State on the proposed SRFI is due on or about 27 February 2020, a letter was received from the Secretary of State last week asking for additional comments in response to a letter from the Applicant, which can be seen here – the Council has sent a reply which makes it clear that if the SRFI is permitted, which the Council does not agree to, the rail infrastructure should go in first before any sheds are constructed. The letter will be published on the SRFI website shortly. 

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

• Having a clear out?

The Council can help you get rid of your bulky waste items including sofas, beds, wardrobes and white goods such as fridges, freezers and washing machines. Click here to book online 24/7. Unwanted household items can also be re-used or donated via a series of charities and forums including the British Heart Foundation, Acorns Children’s Hospice, the Furniture Re-use Network and others. Click here for more information. 

• Together we win!

Good causes in South Staffordshire need your support and one way you can help is by buying a lottery ticket in our weekly Community Lottery. As well as supporting a good cause you might even win a cash prize ranging from £25 up to a jackpot of £25,000. To buy a lottery ticket, simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777. 

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following meetings are scheduled:

• Wellbeing Select Committee – Tuesday, 4 February 2020 – 5.30 pm – Council Chamber

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

 Review Magazine – issue 74

Click here to read the latest issue of the Review Magazine (issue 74), which will be distributed over the next couple of weeks to all households in the district. This issue contains a FAQ section about the Council’s garden waste collection charge, due to come into effect this summer. 

• Information sharing with parishes

Following locality 4 and 5 meetings with the Council yesterday as part of the stronger three-tier working, a very useful suggestion has been made that as soon as a future key decision is published it will be included in the weekly news round-up to give parishes advance notice. This will happen in future. 

• South Staffordshire business survey and roundtable events

If you’re a local business, make sure you complete the south Staffordshire business survey. The Council is committed to creating the right conditions for economic growth across the district and supporting local businesses and your thoughts and opinions are key. Click here to take part in the survey, which closes on Sunday 23 February 2020 (5pm). This piece of research will be instrumental in informing South Staffordshire Council’s future strategic plans.

To accompany this, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are hosting a series of small business roundtable events on behalf of South Staffordshire Council.

• Click here to find out more and to book a place at the business roundtable being held on Friday 31 January 2020 at Halfpenny Green Vineyards from 10am to noon.
• Click here to find out more and to book a place at the business roundtable being held on Tuesday 11 February 2020 at Essington Farm from 10am to noon.
• Click here to find out more and to book a place at the business roundtable being held on Friday 28 February 2020 at the Council Offices in Codsall from 10am to noon. 

• Wellbeing events – January 2020

The Seisdon Wellbeing team will be at Codsall Library on Friday 31 January 2020 from 9.30am to 11am. If you’re struggling with the January blues, come in for a chat and a wellbeing check at this community event. Free advice and support available.

• Free home energy checks

This week is Big Energy Saving Week (20-27 January 2020) and the

Council has a number of free home energy checks available. The

energy checks can help you lower your energy usage and test your

boiler and they are available through Warmer Homes for those on

lowish incomes, young families, the elderly and those in ill health.

Click here to apply or call 0800 193 1902 or email advice@mea.org.uk

As part of their work, Warmer Homes has been helping residents in the district install a free gas connection and gas central heating where the neighbouring properties have mains gas heating. Click here to watch a short video showing how one family was helped by the scheme. If you or someone you know doesn’t have central heating in your home and you’re using electric heaters, electric panels, gas fires or solid fuel fires, switching to gas central heating will save you money on your energy bills and increase your home’s comfort so please contact Warmer Homes to find out more. 

• Statement from the Department of Health and Social Care, and Public Health England on coronavirus

Please see attached link to DHSC’s statement on coronavirus – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dhsc-and-phe-statement-on-coronavirus   

• Meet the Community Lottery family

Click here to meet the new lottery family. These cheeky balls are set to bring some lottery fun over coming months, so you’ll be seeing a lot more of these delightful characters. Sadly though, the balls have joined us with no names. If you’d like to suggest a name, simply tell us the number of the ball and the name. If you name is chosen, we’ll give you a free lottery play for two weekly draws. Closing date is Sunday 26 January 2020 at 9pm. Please forward any suggestions to n.taylor@sstafs.gov.uk.

To support good causes in South Staffordshire and to buy a lottery ticket, simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777. 

• Time to book your February school holiday activities

Bookings are now being taken for the children’s school holiday activity camps which are running at the Leisure Centres from Monday 17 to Friday 21 February 2020. To find out what’s on each day at Cheslyn Hay, Codsall and Wombourne Leisure Centres visit https://www.aspire-sports.co.uk/multi-sports-timetables.

To book, go to https://www.aspire-sports.co.uk/active-camps.

For details about activities on offer at Penkridge Leisure Centre, visit: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure/school-holiday-camps-4.cfm

• What are your New Year pledges this year?

The Leisure Centres are encouraging their members to make a fitness pledge this New Year and share it on social media. If you’re a member, write down your pledge on your next visit at the Leisure Centre, and let us take your photo.

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
• Planning Committee – Tuesday 28 January 2020 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber.
• Local Plans Member Seminar – Thursday 30 January 2020 – 5.30pm – Council Chamber. 

• Job vacancies
• Leisure Assistant (Cheslyn Hay) – click here for information.

Closing date – Sunday 2 February 2020 (5pm).

• Relief Leisure Assistant (Cheslyn Hay) – click here for information.

Closing date – Sunday 2 February 2020 (5pm).

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Hilton Catering at Hilton Hall and the Dudley Arms in Himley.

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

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council

• Council approves new garden waste collection charge

South Staffordshire Council is to introduce an annual charge for collecting garden waste. An annual charge of £43.60 per bin is set to be introduced in the first week of July 2020 when the green bin garden waste collection service will become a subscription-only service. Click here to find out more and click here to read some useful FAQs. These FAQs will also be added to the waste and recycling page on the Council website and will appear in a two-page article in the next Review Magazine, which is due to be distributed to all households in the district later this month. 

• Community safety update

A man who pushed an elderly woman to the ground to steal her car in Great Wyrley has been jailed for seven years and nine months. Click here to read more. 

• Free home energy checks

Next week is Big Energy Saving Week (20-27 January 2020) and the

Council has a number of free home energy checks available. The

energy checks can help you lower your energy usage and test your

boiler and they are available through Warmer Homes for those on

lowish incomes, young families, the elderly and those in ill health.

Click here to apply or call 0800 193 1902 or email advice@mea.org.uk

As part of its work, Warmer Homes has been helping residents in the district install a free gas connection and gas central heating where the neighbouring properties have mains gas heating. Click here to watch a short video showing how one family was helped by the scheme. If you or someone you know doesn’t have central heating in their home and is using electric heaters, electric panels, gas fires or solid fuel fires, switching to gas central heating will save them money on their energy bills. Contact Warmer Homes to find out more.

• Codsall Community Hub update

This week, activity has continued onsite removing trees around the west wing of the Council Offices in Codsall. This work will be completed shortly and it has resulted in a quantity of logs becoming available for members of the public and staff to take away. The logs are free of charge but it would be appreciated if a voluntary contribution could be made to the Chairman’s Charity. Members of the public can leave a donation with reception. The trees need to be removed at this time of year to avoid the bird nesting season. Some people have asked why the stumps remain and this is because keeping them removes the risk of disturbing underground services, pipes and electric cables. Once the main contractor comes onsite, they will remove the stumps. 

• Starting next week – Health Kickstarter 2020

The Leisure Centres are launching an eight-week Health Kickstarter programme next week. The programme includes:

• Full access at the Council’s Leisure Centres in Codsall, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge and Wombourne (full membership).
• Weekly group personal training sessions.
• In-depth advice on nutrition, healthy weight control and a food diary.
• A booklet on all elements including food, sleep, and hints and tips on exercise.
• Regular health checks, weigh ins and all the tools you need to make this year your year.

Click here for more information. 

• Football Leagues

Did you know there are football leagues running at Cheslyn Hay and Codsall Leisure Centres which are free to join? Click here and here for more information. The leagues are held on Monday evenings and can be booked by contacting Jamie Proctor on 07917 681104 or by emailing jamie.proctor@powerplay.co.uk. Codsall Leisure Centre also runs walking football sessions every Monday evening from 6.30 to 7.30pm. For more details, call the Leisure Centre on 01902 844032. 

• Together we win!

Good causes in South Staffordshire need your support and one way you can help is by buying a lottery ticket in our weekly Community Lottery. As well as supporting a good cause you might even win a cash prize ranging from £25 up to a jackpot of £25,000. To buy a lottery ticket, simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777. 

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
• Your Community Challenge Panel – Monday 20 January 2020 – 4.30pm – Committee Room 2.
• Member Engagement and Training Group – Tuesday 21 January 2020 – 4.30pm – Bill Brownhill Room.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Tuesday 21 January 2020 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber.
• Licensing and Regulatory Committee – Thursday 23 January 2020 – 2.30pm – Bill Brownhill Room.

• Council job vacancies
• Part-time Receptionist (Penkridge) – click here for information.

Closing date – Monday 20 January 2020 (5pm).

• Leisure Assistant (Cheslyn Hay) – click here for information.

Closing date – Sunday 2 February 2020 (5pm).

• Relief Leisure Assistant (Cheslyn Hay) – click here for information.

Closing date – Sunday 2 February 2020 (5pm). 

• To let – serviced office at the Business Hub in Codsall

Click here for more information and email businesshub@sstaffs.gov.uk to arrange a viewing.

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Himley Hall Golf Centre, The Olde Vicarage in Bilbrook, The Wheatsheaf in Great Wyrley and Dine Contract Catering in Acton Gate.

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

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council

Christmas opening hours – South Staffordshire Council (Codsall)

Monday 23 December 2019         Normal opening hours (e.g. 8.45am to 5pm).

Tuesday 24 December 2019         Normal opening hours (e.g. 8.45am to 5pm).

Wednesday 25 December 2019   Bank Holiday.

Thursday 26 December 2019       Bank Holiday.

Friday 27 December 2019            Bank Holiday (transferred from May Day).

Saturday 28 December 2019        Local arrangements apply.

Sunday 29 December 2019           Local arrangements apply.

Monday 30 December 2019         Discretionary holiday granted by the Council.

Tuesday 31 December 2019         Discretionary holiday granted by the Council.

Wednesday 1 January 2019          Bank Holiday.

Thursday 2 January 2020              Council Offices re-open.

Christmas opening times – Leisure Centres

Click here to view.

Home alone at Christmas event

The 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 took place at the Council Offices in Codsall on Friday 20 December 2019.

Green Bin update

Green Bin collections have now finished for the year and will recommence in the New Year from Monday 13 January 2020. Click here to view your bin collection dates.

Waste and recycling advice – what can I recycle in my blue bin this Christmas?

Yes please – cardboard, Christmas cards (no glitter though), glass bottles and jars, food and drinks cans, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays.

No thanks – Food waste, wrapping paper, Christmas decorations, black bags and polystyrene.

Remember you can recycle your real Christmas tree free of charge. Simply present your real Christmas tree for collection at the kerbside on your first green bin collection of 2020.

Help keep crowded places safe over the festive period

As the festive season gets underway, Counter Terrorism Policing is calling on the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. This annual campaign asks everyone to be the extra eyes and ears of the police and work together to tackle terrorism. Click here for more information.

Together we win!

Good causes in South Staffordshire need your support and one way you can help is by buying a lottery ticket in our weekly Community Lottery. As well as supporting a good cause you might even win a cash prize ranging from £25 up to a jackpot of £25,000. To buy a lottery ticket, simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777.

South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

 Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings – first week of January 2020
• Lottery Advisory Panel – Monday 6.1.20 Bill Brownhill Room – 4pm
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Tuesday 7.1.20 Chamber – 6:30 pm

 5 Rating

The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Aspens Services Ltd near Penkridge.

 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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

This week’s news from around South Staffordshire Council.

• #GE2019

The deadline to register to vote in the UK Parliamentary general election on Thursday 12 December 2019 has now passed.

Click here for more information about voting in person. If you are registered to vote, you will be posted a poll card before the general election and the location of your polling station will be on the poll card. You can still vote even if you do not have a poll card, as long as you are on the electoral register.

Click here to find out more details about using your postal vote. Voters who have opted to vote by post must return their postal ballot pack in good time so it arrives by 10pm on polling day. If you don’t have time to return it by post, you can hand it in at your polling station too.

Click here to find out more about voting by proxy, getting someone else to vote for you. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday 4 December 2019. To apply for a proxy vote, you have to complete a form and give a reason why you can’t get to your polling station in person.

• Home alone at Christmas? Come and join us!

Celebrate Christmas at our 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. This year’s event takes place at the Catering Academy at the Council Offices in Codsall on Friday 20 December 2019 from 12 midday. Places are free but must be booked and are limited to 50 people so early application is recommended. To book a place, please contact:

Victoria Wilson     Tel: 07592 883270      Email: v.wilson2@sstaffs.gov.uk

Val Chapman        Tel: 07718 911367      Email: val.chapman3@btinternet.com

• Affordable Housing and Housing Mix SPD 2019 – consultation

Consultation is underway on an update to the Council’s Affordable Housing and Housing Mix Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This update will reflect recent changes to national policy on affordable housing and other matters and will strengthen the Council’s position when negotiating on housing sites that come forward in the District. The consultation closes at 5pm on 12 December 2019. We will then consider any comments received and make any required changes to the SPD, with a view to it being adopted by the Council by the end of March 2020. For more information, click here. 

• Interactive Local Plan map and Local Plan Consultation

Consultation continues on the Council’s Local Plan, which is focused on broad locations for housing growth and the infrastructure required to deliver the growth. This consultation is not site specific but looks at seven different options to deliver housing. Click here for more information and to find out how you can participate in the consultation, which runs until 5pm on Thursday 12 December 2019.

Click here to access the online interactive Local Plan map which shows Local Plan designations, including Green Belt, and other layers such as parish and ward boundaries, and locality areas. This useful tool allows you to zoom in and out and see what policies affect the whole of the district. You can also see areas of open space and sites that have been suggested to the Council for development. 

• Fuel Poverty Awareness Day – Friday 29 November 2019

Did you know there are 4,300 homes in South Staffordshire – that’s 1 in 10 households – that can’t afford to cover the cost of heating and powering their home? We need your help to find these people and make them aware of the help we can provide through the Council’s Good Life Energy scheme. This will get them the very best energy deals to make living in a warm home affordable. To refer a friend, click here www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy and complete the call back form or call 03333 058671.

• Bulb planting events

A big thank you to all the volunteers who came along to Sytch Lane and Strawberry Lane cemeteries last week and took part in our bulb planting events. Thank you again to High Flyers from Wombourne, volunteers from the Wombourne Best Kept Village group and our other helpers and we look forward to seeing the cemeteries full of colour next spring. Click here to see some pics and keep an eye out for other community events coming up at our cemeteries. 

• Leisure Centres – bring a friend for free and earn rewards

From Monday 25 November to Sunday 1 December 2019, members at the Council’s four Leisure Centres in Codsall, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge and Wombourne can bring a friend for free, giving them access to the gyms, exercise classes, swimming pools and toning suites for 1 week.  Members can refer up to a maximum of three friends. To refer a friend, simply accompany them to your nearest Leisure Centre and complete the referral form at reception. 

• All we want for Christmas is YOU!

You can see that our Leisure Centre staff are getting in the Christmas mood a bit early (click here and here) but they’re eager to shout about the special offer running in the Council’s Leisure Centres this December allowing people to join at any time during December and only pay an initial payment of just £10, then nothing more until 1 February 2020. This gives new joiners the month of January for free. To find out more, email leisure@sstaffs.gov.uk.  

• Community Lottery Christmas bonanza giveaway

Live music, panto tickets, afternoon cream tea and 10 free lottery plays – some of the prizes the South Staffordshire Community Lottery is giving away in its Christmas Bonanza Giveaway. Buy a £1 lottery ticket to be in with the chance of winning. As well as supporting a good cause you might even win a cash prize ranging from £25 up to a jackpot of £25,000.To buy a lottery ticket, visit www.southstaffslottery.co.uk or telephone 01902 213777. 

• Job vacancies
• ICT Support Officer (fixed term) – click here for more information.

Closing date – Friday 6 December 2019 (5pm).

• Corporate Director – Planning and Infrastructure – click here for more information.

Closing date – Sunday 8 December 2019 (5pm). 

• Festive events coming up

• Bilbrook Light Switch On – Bilbrook Village Green – Friday 29 November 2019, 6pm. Click here for details.
• Wombourne Parish Council Christmas Light Switch On – Friday 29 November 2019, 5.30pm to 6pm. Click here for details.
• Christmas Fair – Codsall Village Centre – Friday 6 December 2019, 4pm to 8pm. Click here for more information.
• Wombourne Parish Council – Robin Hood The Pantomime – Saturday 7 December 2019, 6.15pm. Click here for details.
• Penn Festive Fair at St Bart’s Community Church Hall – Sunday 15 December 2019, 1pm to 4pm. Click here for details.

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping 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 operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

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

South Staffordshire Community Lottery gift cards

Looking for a little inspiration for a Secret Santa or Christmas stocking filler?

Why not purchase a Community Lottery Gift Card and give someone the chance of winning weekly cash prizes, including the jackpot of £25,000.

Gift cards start from as little as £5 and 60% from your donation goes to support good causes, charities and community groups in South Staffordshire.

Click here to purchase your card today.

To buy a lottery ticket, simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777.