South Staffordshire Council News Archives

Weekly news bulletin from South Staffordshire Council

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

COVID-19 update – Key Messages
- We’re still in a national lockdown. It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. It’s really tough, but if we all follow the rules we can help reduce the spread and save lives.
- We all need to continue to follow guidance on Hands. Face. Space. This will help to keep you and others safe – even if you’ve had the vaccine.
- If you are making essential visits to places where there are other people, get rapid tested regularly.
- If you’re worried about getting tested for Covid-19 and having to self-isolate, you may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace support payment scheme.
- You cannot leave home for recreational or leisure purposes (such as for a picnic or a social meeting).
- The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines.
- Stay at home and if you do need to go out for essentials, remember, Hands. Face. Space. Test.
- Did you know that you must still follow guidance around #HandsFaceSpace even if you’ve had your Covid-19 vaccine? Wear a face covering, keep your distance and wash your hands regularly.
- Click here for more information on #doingourbit to stop the spread.

Staffordshire Police is inviting residents and businesses to take part in a new survey
The ‘Your police. Your voice.’ survey, which is open until Monday 8 February provides the public with an opportunity to share their views on crime and policing locally. This survey will assist the police force to achieve its vision of a safer Staffordshire and will result in a better understanding of the issues which matter most to local communities to ensure that services and resources are being delivered in the best way to address people’s concerns. As this is the first public confidence survey for a number of years we’d be grateful of your support in sharing this survey with your audiences.
#CountyLines campaign
A County Lines campaign is running between Monday 1 February and Sunday 14 February to support the aim of reducing criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults in Staffordshire. South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership is supporting the Staffordshire Police campaign to highlight the signs of County Lines.

Are your children, or are you aware of children, spending more time online during the national lockdown? At the moment, there are far less opportunities for face-to-face grooming of children and young people so instead criminal are using online methods. Children can be recruited to distribute drugs in return for money, mobiles, credit, expensive clothing, jewellery, or other items. Please find more information on the #CountyLines campaign here

Please help by sharing their #CountyLines posts on their Facebook: @Staffordshire Police and Twitter: @StaffsPolice

Star Count and the AONB Dark Skies Project
This February the AONB, together with the countryside charity CPRE, are inviting everyone to take part in Star Count 2021, a fun and easy way to enjoy the wonders of the universe. If you live in or around Cannock Chase AONB, we need your help to count the stars. The project is due to Cannock Chase having the highest levels of light pollution of all England’s 34 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Find out more information on the Star Count here.

New online exercise classes
Additional live online classes have started this week. Classes are currently free to leisure centre members. The classes are, however, also available for non-members on a pay as you go basis or an online class membership is available.
On Demand classes now available
In addition to providing 33 live exercise classes per week, we are delighted to be able to now offer users access to lots of ‘On Demand’ workouts which everyone can do at their own convenience. The on-demand classes are available for leisure centre members and online class members. Access the on-demand sessions here.
Be kind to yourself

It’s more important than ever that during lockdown we interact with people, keep positive and look after our minds. For more information about how you can help to stay positive and lift your mood, visit Every Mind Matters

The benefits of Meditation

Meditation has so many benefits:

Reduces stress
Helps to cure headaches
Boosts energy levels
Increases creativity
Helps to boost self-esteem and positivity

South Staffordshire’s Leisure Centres provide some live and online classes which incorporate meditation:

Stretch and Meditation with Yvonne – Wednesdays 6.45-7.25pm
Yoga and meditation with Hansa – Fridays 5-5.40pm
For more information on our online classes here
CCU Recruitment Opportunity
The Staffordshire Civil Contingencies Unit is currently recruiting for a Civil Contingencies Officer. It would be appreciated if you could help by circulating the opportunity. The closing date for applications is the 14 February 2021, advert and full details for the CCU Recruitment Opportunity are available online.

Regular information

Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
Cabinet – Tuesday, 9 February 2021 – 2.00 pm – public virtual meeting via Teams.
Audit & Risk Committee – Tuesday, 9 February 2021 – 4.00 pm – public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams – in the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

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

South Staffordshire Council – weekly news bulletin

This week’s news from around the Council.

COVID-19 update

This week, the district returned to the local alert tier system with Staffordshire being placed in the highest tier – Tier 3, Very High Alert.

The following applies in all tiers in England:

Shops, personal care services, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen.
Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume.
People will no longer be limited to seeing only one other person in outdoor public spaces – the rule of six will now apply outdoors as it did in the previous set of tiers.

Tier 3 – the key points

You must not mix socially indoors with anybody who you do not live with unless part of your support bubble.
The rule of six applies in outdoor public spaces so you can meet in a group of up to six people in public parks but not in private gardens.
Hospitality venues such as pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants must remain closed, but they are permitted to continue sales by delivery, click and collect, drive-through or takeaway.
Gyms and non-essential shops may reopen.
Indoor entertainment and tourist venues must remain closed.
Hotels, B&Bs, campsites and guest houses must remain closed (a few limited exemptions).
People are advised to work from home if they can and avoid non-essential travel in and out of the area. Overnight stays are not allowed outside the area.
Wedding receptions are banned.

Tier allocations will be reviewed by Wednesday 16 December 2020.

Please continue to follow the rules to protect yourself and your loved ones. Together we can reduce infection rates and ensure our district moves into a lower tier as quickly as possible. Remember – Hands Face Space.

It’s important that if you have symptoms you self-isolate and get tested. Staffordshire is one of 66 local authorities taking part in the roll out of rapid COVID testing for people without symptoms and testing is taking place in various locations throughout the district. Please keep an eye on social media and the Council website for the latest information.

Other COVID-19 announcements this week
Roll out of lateral flow tests to councils including Staffordshire – a list of local authorities across England issued with rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) tests by the Department of Health and Social Care.
UK authorises Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
New guidance on visiting care home residents.
Updated guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable.
New guidance on making a childcare bubble with another household.
Updated guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England.

UK-wide Christmas arrangements from 23-27 December 2020

Over Christmas, the Government is changing some social contact restrictions for a short period of time between Wednesday 23 and Sunday 27 December 2020. You will be able to form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households so you can spend time with others over the Christmas period, while limiting the risk of spreading infection.

Please keep the festive period as safe as possible and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. This includes ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible during a visit and after any visitors have left, washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds, keep socially distanced from anybody you do not live with as much as possible, and by following the rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.

Extra support this winter

A £170 million COVID Winter Grant Scheme will be available in early December and will be run by county councils and unitary authorities, covering the period until the end of March 2021. The grant will be used to support those most in need across England with the cost of food, energy (heating, cooking, lighting) and water bills and essentials. South Staffordshire Council will be working closely with Staffordshire County Council to provide support to residents and ensure the funding meets its objectives. Find out more about the COVID Winter Grant Scheme here.

NHS test and trace support payments

Applications for NHS Test and Trace support payments are open. People who have been told by NHS Test and Trace to self- isolate who on low incomes and unable to work from home can claim a support payment of £500 to compensate for their loss of earnings if they meet certain criteria. Local authorities are administering the payments for self-isolation and residents in South Staffordshire are now able to submit an application for this support and the application form is now live.

Other useful COVID-19 links

Information about COVID-19.
Prime Minister’s statement on the COVID-19 Winter Plan and The COVID-19 Winter Plan – which sets outs the Government’s regional, tiered approach for managing COVID-19 through the winter in England.
Information about face coverings.
Information about meeting others safely.
Information about making a support bubble with another household.

Shop local and celebrate Small Business Saturday

Many of our shops and businesses in South Staffordshire have reopened so please support them. Where you shop matters more than ever so please #ShopLocal. By spending money locally, you are helping them get back up and running. These shops and businesses form the heart of our local communities and right now they need your support – click here to view a video about shopping local.

Saturday 5 December 2020 marks Small Business Saturday (www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com) an annual campaign that champions and celebrates the UK’s small businesses. While this year’s shopping experience may be a little different, please show your support in the run up to Christmas and in the New Year. When shopping, remember Hands Face Space and wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser, wear a face covering and maintain a safe social distance from other shoppers.

On Monday it was announced that retailers will be able to extend their daily opening hours from Monday to Saturday in the run up to Christmas and through January too so please be a #SafeShopper and support your local high street.

South Staffordshire Community Innovation Fund – grants of up to £1,000 available

Today sees the launch of this year’s application process to the Community Innovation Fund. The South Staffordshire Community Lottery has a small pot of funding which is funded from every ticket sold and South Staffordshire Council has committed this pot to the voluntary community and social enterprise sector in the district. Any community group, association, charitable organisation or community interest company benefitting the residents of South Staffordshire can apply, including good causes signed up to the Community Lottery. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 8 January 2021.

More information and an application form are available here.

Re-opening of Council’s leisure centres

In line with the new Tier 3 restrictions, the Council’s four leisure centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne reopened their gyms, swimming pools, toning suites and badminton facilities last Wednesday. For more information and guidance about visiting your leisure centre, visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk to view the safety measures in place. For programme times, visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure.

Booking is essential for all activities and members can book online here:

https://bookings.sstaffs.gov.uk/onlinebookings/codsall

https://bookings.sstaffs.gov.uk/onlinebookings/cheslynhay

https://bookings.sstaffs.gov.uk/onlinebookings/penkridge https://bookings.sstaffs.gov.uk/onlinebookings/wombourne

Unfortunately, exercise classes cannot resume under the Tier 3 restrictions but live and online classes are available here. Due to demand, we have expanded our online exercise classes and we are now offering 25 classes per week. Classes are free to members. Non-members are invited to join their first class for free. To take out an online class membership giving unlimited access to online classes for £12 per month, complete a membership form and direct debit form and email Leisure@sstaffs.gov.uk.

Junior swimming lessons also restarted at Wombourne Leisure Centre on Thursday. Changing rooms have reopened but please note that capacity is restricted so swimmers are encouraged to bring everything they need should they be asked to ‘dry, dress and go’. Due to the number of customers who have asked to defer lessons until January 2021, swimming lessons will not restart at the other leisure centres until the New Year.

To keep up to date with the latest developments at our leisure centres, follow on Facebook or sign up to receive regular information e-bulletins here.

National Grief Awareness Week (2-8 December 2020)

This week marks national Grief Awareness Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness of the impact of grief and get people talking about this often taboo subject. If you have been affected by a bereavement and need support, advice and guidance, please visit their website for information about charities and services that may be helpful.

www.thegoodgrieftrust.org

www.nationalgriefawarenessweek.org

You are not alone

We are living in an unprecedented and stressful time and you may be feeling worried or depressed, lonely and isolated. It’s perfectly normal and the North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust launched a video this week with the messaging ‘You are not alone’. Click here to view the video, which features many different organisations from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. If you are concerned about your mental health or someone you care for, help is available 24/7 – call 0300 123 0907.

Brick company helps county park’s conservation project

This winter, Baggeridge Country Park will be enhancing habitat areas for the rare and endangered White Clawed Crayfish. This native species is in decline, but the park is lucky to have a good population of them and wants to do more to protect the species. A request on Facebook this week proved successful with brick company Wienerberger donating structural bricks for the conservation project. The bricks contain holes that are perfect for the crayfish to hide inside in the water and keep them safe from predators.

Tree planting at Sytch Lane Cemetery

Many thanks to the pupils from year four at St Benedict Biscop Primary School for helping plant 250 trees at Sytch Lane Cemetery on Wednesday 2 December 2020. The trees were donated to the Council from the Woodland Trust and have been used to create a new tree belt at the rear of the site near the natural burial meadow as part of national Tree Planting Week. We were grateful to the children for their help and also very impressed with their knowledge of climate change and the benefits of tree planting. Special thanks also to Ade, Chelsea and Tim from the Street Scene Tree Team for their help on the day.

Temporary closure – bridleway

There will be a temporary closure of a bridleway due to the i54 South Staffordshire Western Extension works. The temporary closure will be from Thursday 3 December 2020 until Christmas Eve. View the emergency closure notice here and a map of the site here.

Council job vacancies – COVID-19 Support Officers – application information.

Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings

Council – Tuesday 8 December 2020 – 7pm – virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend this meeting via Microsoft Teams – a link can be found in the news section on the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk.

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

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

COVID-19 update

There have been lots of announcements about recent and upcoming changes including:

The COVID-19 Winter Plan.
New tiers from Wednesday 2 December 2020.
UK-wide Christmas arrangements from 23-27 December 2020.

Find out more about these announcements here.

The COVID-19 Winter Plan

This week, the Government published its plan for managing COVID-19 through the winter, setting out its programme for suppressing the virus, protecting the NHS and the vulnerable, keeping education and the economy going and providing a route back to normality. Scientific advances such as vaccines are at the centre of the Government’s plan to ensure life can return to as normal as possible and reduce the need for economic and social restrictions in the spring. Until then, the Government must continue to use other tools to suppress the virus and the plan sets out the Government’s approach to lifting national restrictions on Wednesday 2 December, when England will move back into a regional, tiered approach.

Regardless of tier, across all of England:

The stay at home requirement will end, with travel being permitted again subject to guidance in each tier.
Shops, personal care services, gyms and the wider leisure sector will reopen.
Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume.
People will no longer be limited to seeing only one other person in outdoor public spaces – the rule of six will now apply outdoors as it did in the previous set of tiers.

New tiers from Wednesday 2 December 2020

On Thursday, new tiers were announced and it was confirmed that Staffordshire will be placed in Tier 3 COVID-19 Very High Alert Level when the four-week national restrictions lockdown in England end on Wednesday 2 December 2020. Read a response from Staffordshire County Council here.

Postcode checker – find out the coronavirus restrictions in your local area.

The Tier 3 Very High Alert measures include restrictions on where households can meet up.

You can’t mix socially with other households indoors unless part of your support bubble.
The rule of six applies in outdoor public spaces so you can meet in a group of up to six people in public parks but not in private gardens.
Hospitality venues such as pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants must remain closed but they are permitted to continue sales by delivery or takeaway.
Gyms and non-essential shops may reopen.
People are advised to work from home if they can and avoid non-essential travel in and out of the area. Overnight stays are not allowed outside the area.
Wedding receptions are banned.

Tier allocations will be reviewed by Wednesday 16 December 2020.

Until Wednesday 2 December 2020, national restrictions continue to apply and information about the lockdown measures can be found here.

Remember – you may only leave your home for a limited set of reasons.

For work which cannot be done from home.
For education.
For exercise outdoors or to visit an outdoor public place. This can be on your own or with members of your household or support bubble.
For medical reasons.
To shop for food and essentials.
To visit members of your support bubble or to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

You must not meet socially indoors or in private gardens with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. However, individuals may meet one other person from another household outside in an outdoor public place such as a park or playground. Children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside.

Clinically vulnerable people are asked to be especially careful but people are not being asked to resume shielding (guidance for clinically vulnerable) and children can move between homes if their parents are separated.

Although the rate is starting to fall in South Staffordshire, there is still more that needs to be done to get the rate levels lower. Please stay at home and protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s important that if you have symptoms you self-isolate and get tested. Staffordshire is one of 66 local authorities taking part in the roll out of rapid COVID testing for people without symptoms and testing is taking place in various locations throughout the district. Please keep an eye on social media and the Council website for the latest information.

UK-wide Christmas arrangements from 23-27 December 2020

Extra support this winter

Early in November, the Government announced a package of financial support for those in need over the winter period. Children and families will get extra support this winter, with councils given new funding to ensure vulnerable households do not go hungry or without essential items. Find out more about the package of financial support here.

This includes:

A £170 million COVID Winter Grant Scheme to support children, families and the most vulnerable over winter.
Expansion of the Holiday Activities and Food programme, covering Easter, Summer and Christmas in 2021.
A rise in Healthy Start payments from £3.10 to £4.25 a week from April 2021.
A suite of measures to help tackle poor health, hunger and education.

The new £170 million COVID Winter Grant Scheme will be available in early December and will be run by county councils and unitary authorities, covering the period until the end of March 2021. The grant will be used to support those most in need across England with the cost of food, energy (heating, cooking, lighting) and water bills and essentials. South Staffordshire Council will be working closely with Staffordshire County Council to provide support to residents and ensure the funding meets its objectives. Find out more about the COVID Winter Grant Scheme here.

Other useful COVID-19 links
Information about face coverings.
Information about meeting others safely.

COVID-19 Support Officers

COVID-19 Support Officers are now out and about in the district and focusing on high risk areas, including around schools, to ensure local villages within South Staffordshire are COVID-secure. Whilst they themselves do not have any enforcement powers, they will be helping to remind people and businesses about the importance of ‘Hands, Face, Space’ and the need to wear face coverings, wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser, and to maintain a safe social distance. These measures are vital to ensure people feel safe and to slow the spread of coronavirus in the district.

COVID-19 business update

During this national lockdown, pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops have had to close. Understandably, many businesses are concerned about this second national lockdown. If your business has been required to close or has been severely impacted by the new restrictions in place from 5 November to 2 December 2020 you will be able to apply for a new grant scheme to assist businesses financially.

The grants are now live and are known as the discretionary Additional Restrictions Grant and the Local Restrictions Support Grant. Eligible businesses can apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses) at this website – https://www.grantapproval.co.uk/

More information is available on the Council website here.

National guidance:

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant here.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses) here.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses) here.

Find out more about the financial help for businesses during COVID-19 here.

If you wish to subscribe to direct emails from the Council regarding business advice and support, please email your name, business trading name and phone number to businesshub@sstaffs.gov.uk

For the latest updates about council services, guidance and support, visit:

www.sstaffs.gov.uk or sign up to receive regular eAlert updates at

https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/myaccount

Business webinar coming up

In partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, South Staffordshire Council is holding a free business webinar on Zoom in December.

Funding – What is new and how can you access it? Click here to register.

Tuesday 1 December 2020, 2pm to 3pm.

NHS test and trace support payments

Leisure Services

Leisure Centres to reopen

Following this week’s announcement from the Government, we are pleased to be able to reopen the swimming pools and gyms at the Council’s Leisure Centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne on Wednesday 2 December 2020. More details will be available shortly on the leisure website and the leisure centres’ Facebook pages. You can also sign up to receive regular e-bulletins to help stay up to date with the latest news in leisure.

Online exercise classes – book your free trial

Our new online exercise classes are proving popular with members. You can access our live exercise classes here and non-members can enjoy a free trial and receive their first class free. Find out more about our online classes here.

Baggeridge County Park – Both the park and play area remain open. However, a number of restrictions have been introduced. Please only visit the park on your own, with the people you live with or in your support bubble, or one person from another household. The car park is open but restricted to 100 cars at any one time and normal car parking charges apply. The children’s play area is open but restricted to 30 people at any one time. Play is limited to 30 minutes during busy times. Adults are encouraged to use the Test and Trace QR Code scanning and to wear a face mask when in the play area with their children. The tea shop is open (takeaway service only) and the toilets are open. Challenge Academy is closed.

Help Us, Help You – Accessing NHS Services

COVID-19 has changed the way that people are accessing NHS services and the NHS is here for your mental health, even during the pandemic. Services have remained open and you can still access care and professional advice for your mental health.

COVID-19 and lockdown have impacted our mental health. You are not alone. If you are struggling with anxiety and depression, NHS Talking Therapies can help.
NHS Talking Therapies are a free, effective and confidential way to treat common mental health issues. They can help you by working through feelings of anxiety or depression with a trained therapist.
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please do come forward: it’s easy to get help. Ask your GP for a referral to NHS Talking Therapies, or you can self-refer and find out more about NHS Talking Therapies here.
NHS Talking Therapies are conducted in confidence and help is available face to face, by phone or online. For those whose first language is not English, Talking Therapies can be delivered through multi-lingual therapists or through confidential translators.

Remember the five steps to 5 steps to mental wellbeing:

Connect with other people.
Be physically active.
Learn new skills.
Give to others.
Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness).

Safer home learning

Did you know the Home Learning Hub contains a free library of resources to support parents and carers who are taking the time to help their children be safer online? Visit the Home Learning Hub website to find out more.

Council job vacancies

COVID-19 Support Officers – application information.

Planning Officer (Grad/Assistant – Senior) – application information. Closing date 27 November 2020.
Administrator (Environmental Health and Licensing), 12 month fixed term – application information. Closing date 27 November 2020.
Customer Services General Advisor, fixed term until end August 2021 – application information. Closing date 27 November 2020.

Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings

Cabinet meeting – Tuesday 1 December 2020 – 2pm – virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend this meeting via Microsoft Teams – a link can be found in the news section on the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk.

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

Weekly news bulletin from South Staffordshire Council

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

Codsall Community Hub

Councillor Brian Edwards MBE, the Leader of South Staffordshire Council, was joined by representatives from Russell House Primary Care Practice, Codsall Library and Seddon at a ground breaking event to mark the start of construction work on the Community Hub, which is expected to open in early 2022. You can see a photograph and find out more here.

Council introduces COVID-19 Support Officers

South Staffordshire Council is recruiting a number of COVID-19 Support Officers to provide guidance and advice to members of the public and local businesses where there are actual or potential breaches of COVID-secure regulations and guidance. The first COVID-19 Support Officers will start work next week and they will focus on high risk areas, including around schools, to ensure local villages within South Staffordshire are COVID-secure. Whilst they themselves do not have any enforcement powers, they will be helping to remind people and businesses about the importance of ‘Hands, Face, Space’ and the need to wear face coverings, wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser, and to maintain a safe social distance. These measures are vital to ensure people feel safe and to slow the spread of coronavirus in the district.

Local hotel closed for coronavirus breaches and reports of anti-social behaviour

This week, the Himley Country Hotel, School Road, Himley, on the outskirts of Dudley was ordered to close by Staffordshire County Council for coronavirus regulation breaches deemed to pose an imminent threat to public health. The hotel has been ordered to close for 28 days until Thursday 10 December 2020. You can read more about this story here. The same hotel was also issued with a temporary closure notice by South Staffordshire Council and Staffordshire Police using the powers available to them within the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. You can read more about the story here.

Staffordshire to take part in mass roll out of rapid COVID-19 testing

Staffordshire is to increase testing of residents in a bid to identify more cases, reduce the spread of infection and protect lives and livelihoods. The county is one of a number of local authorities to sign up for the roll out of the rapid turnaround lateral flow tests – which can give results in under and hour, without the need for laboratory processing. You can read more about this story here. COVID-19 testing is taking place in various locations throughout the district – please keep an eye on social media and the Council website for the latest information.

Construction work to commence on new extension for Telling Architectural

Following on from last week’s good news that construction work will recommence to complete the expansion of the Four Ashes Enterprise Park on Monday 16 November 2020, further positive news to report is that construction work will also begin on the same day for another of the Council’s commercial development projects, the extension of Unit 4e Station Road on the wider Four Ashes Industrial Estate.

Unit 4e is already the Council’s largest single commercial unit and is home to the Head Office of Telling Architectural, a multi-national cladding company. Telling has seen significant growth in the business since moving into Unit 4e when the Council acquired the unit in 2016. The extension will allow them to continue growing their business at the same location without needing to move elsewhere. The extension is due to be completed in April 2021 and it will add a further 1275 sqm to the property. It means Telling can employ up to a further 25 people and this is excellent news at a time when the wider economy is struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 update

The four-week ‘national restrictions’ lockdown in England from Thursday 5 November 2020 to Wednesday 2 December 2020 continues and information about the lockdown measures can be found here at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november.

You may only leave your home for a limited set of reasons.

For work which cannot be done from home.
For education.
For exercise outdoors or to visit an outdoor public place. This can be on your own or with members of your household or support bubble. Unlike the last lockdown in March, you can take unlimited exercise.
For medical reasons.
To shop for food and essentials.
To visit members of your support bubble or to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

COVID-19 business update

During this national lockdown, pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops have had to close. On Thursday 12 November 2020, the Business Secretary the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP made a statement on the response to coronavirus and outlined levels of support for businesses and an update on the Kickstart Scheme and Vaccines Taskforce. Click here to view the statement.

Also yesterday, the Government published data showing the amount of funding that councils have received and distributed to support small and medium businesses in England during the coronavirus outbreak. This data covers three coronavirus grant schemes which closed in August 2020: the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF), the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grants Fund (RHLGF) and the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund (LADGF).

Understandably, many businesses are concerned about the second national lockdown. If your business has been required to close or has been severely impacted by the new restrictions in place from 5 November to 2 December 2020 you will be able to apply for a new grant scheme to assist businesses financially. We are awaiting further clarification on the new scheme and this will be published on our website shortly, along with an application form for the new grant scheme. This information is in the process of being updated.

If you wish to subscribe to direct emails from the Council regarding business advice and support, please email your name, business trading name and phone number to businesshub@sstaffs.gov.uk

For the latest updates about council services, guidance and support, visit:

www.sstaffs.gov.uk or sign up to receive regular eAlert updates at

https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/myaccount

Weekly news round up from South Staffordshire Council

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

COVID-19 update

A second national lockdown for England is taking place from Thursday 5 November 2020 to Wednesday 2 December 2020. Information on the new national restrictions can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november. The new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December 2020, when it is hoped that the country will return to a regional approach, based on the latest data.

Click here to read a personal message from Councillor Brian Edwards MBE, Leader of South Staffordshire Council.

You may only leave your home for a limited set of reasons.

For work which cannot be done from home.
For education.
For exercise outdoors or to visit an outdoor public place. This can be on your own or with members of your household or support bubble. Unlike the last lockdown in March, you can take unlimited exercise.
For medical reasons.
To shop for food and essentials.
To visit members of your support bubble or to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

During this national lockdown, pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops will be closed but unlike the restrictions in spring, schools, colleges and universities can stay open.

Businesses and venues that must close include:

All non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.
Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks.
Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, botanical gardens.
Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs. However, they can still provide takeaway and delivery services although takeaway of alcohol is not be allowed.
Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons.

Businesses that can remain open include:

Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services. Although non-essential retail shops are closing once again, they can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect shopping, where customers order products online and go to pick them up.
Dentist, opticians, chiropractors and osteopaths and a number of public services including the NHS and medical services like GPs, Jobcentre Plus sites, Courts and Civil Registrations Offices.
Construction sites and manufacturing workplaces.

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes. Places of worship will be closed, unless they are being used for funerals, to broadcast acts of worship, individual prayer, formal childcare or where part of a school, essential voluntary and public services, such as blood donation or food banks, and some other exempted activities. Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people and ceremonial events such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 15 people in attendance. Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted to take place except in exceptional circumstances.

For the latest updates about council services, guidance and support, visit:

www.sstaffs.gov.uk or sign up to receive regular eAlert updates at

https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/myaccount

Weekly news round up from South Staffordshire Council

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

Protect against flu

Every year, the annual NHS flu vaccination is available to help protect adults and children at risk from flu and its complications. With COVID-19 still in circulation, it’s important that as many people as possible get vaccinated for flu this autumn to protect the most vulnerable and reduce the number of people needing flu treatment from the NHS. This year, the flu vaccination programme has been expanded and more people are eligible for free flu jabs. The flu can be a serious disease and by getting the vaccine, you will be protecting yourself as well as your loved ones. Visit the NHS website to find out more about the flu vaccine and visit your GP practice website or speak to your pharmacy about booking a flu vaccination. High street chemists and most of the leading supermarkets also offer the vaccination to any adult at varying costs.

Improvements carried out at local nature reserve

A nature reserve next to the i54 South Staffordshire western extension site has undergone a £50,000 improvement scheme thanks to the site development team. Pendeford Hall Nature Reserve received the money through a planning agreement to help continue and develop its education, health and wellbeing, and personal and social skills development outdoor activities for local communities. Visit the i54 online website to find out more.

Quit smoking this Stoptober

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you’ll ever do for your health. It’s never too late to quit and this year’s Stoptober campaign features a range of information and support on quitting, including a free Stoptober App. The sooner you quit, the sooner you’ll notice changes to your body and the positive benefits that quitting smoking has on lung health. Many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, but it’s much easier with the right help so take a look at the support that’s available and visit the NHS Better Health website for more information.

Staffordshire History Festival

The annual Staffordshire History Festival continues its two-month celebration of local history and cultural heritage in Staffordshire and beyond. This year’s festival is a virtual programme and information about how to participate is being posted on Staffordshire Libraries Facebook page during the festival.

COVID-19 update

Protect #South Staffordshire and help avoid a local lockdown

With the district now experiencing an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, please observe social distancing guidance and follow the rule of six to avoid a local lockdown. Remember to Wash hands, cover face, make space.

Information about face coverings – When to wear one, exemption cards, enforcement measures for failing to comply with the law, and how to make your own. In England, you must wear a face covering by law in a number of indoor settings and face coverings now need to be worn by staff in retail, all users of taxis and private hire vehicles, and staff and customers in indoor hospitality except when seated at a table to eat or drink. The penalty for failing to wear a face covering or breaking the rule of six is £200 for a first offence and there are fines of up to £10,000 for those who fail to self-isolate.

Information about meeting others safely – Social distancing, the rule of six, and COVID-Secure guidelines. The rule of six means that people cannot meet socially in groups of more than six people. This applies in any setting, indoors or outdoors but does not apply to schools and workplaces. COVID-Secure weddings and funerals are exempt and up to 15 people are able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions and up to 30 people can attend a funeral. Adult indoor team sports are no longer exempt and the planned return of spectators to large sporting events/venues and business conferences/exhibitions has been paused.

Information about what you can and can’t do – Frequently asked questions about social contact, visiting public places and taking part in activities, clinically vulnerable groups and clinically extremely vulnerable groups, and care homes, going to work and being COVID-19 Secure, workers’ rights, public transport, and schools and childcare.

The latest West Midlands local restrictions advice for residents – Wolverhampton is one of a growing list of towns and cities placed under COVID-19 lockdown measures. South Staffordshire residents can travel to these areas for work, school, shopping or leisure activities. However, residents are not allowed to visit homes in these areas unless it is for work or the household is part of your support bubble. Likewise, if you live in any of the affected areas you can travel to South Staffordshire but you must not meet socially with residents in their homes or gardens unless they are in your single support bubble.

South Staffordshire is not currently one of the areas affected by the Government’s latest COVID-19 restrictions. However, South Staffordshire residents travelling out of the county need to be aware there are high levels of COVID-19 in Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell and Wolverhampton and they need to consider this when making social visits to these areas to meet with friends or family. Vulnerable people do not need to shield, unless they are within a local lockdown area.

Information about NHS test and trace – The NHS test and trace service is a vital tool and helps control the spread of coronavirus. To get a test, you will need to apply online or call 119 and the test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud. If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be asked where you’ve been recently and who you have been in close contact with. This will help the NHS contact anyone who may have caught the virus from you. All information you provide is confidential and no one who is contacted will be told your identity. Anyone you’ve been in close contact with will be told to stay at home (self-isolate) for 14 days. This is because it can take up to 14 days for coronavirus symptoms to appear.

Information about the NHS COVID-19 app – Following last Thursday’s launch, over 10 million people in England and Wales downloaded the NHS COVID-19 app over the first weekend. This app is an integral part of the test and trace programme and is the fastest way of knowing when you are at risk from coronavirus. It is available to download on smartphones from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

What the app does:

It alerts you if you’ve been near other app users who have tested positive or coronavirus.
Lets you know the level of coronavirus risk in your postcode district.
Alerts you if you have visited a venue where you may have come into contact with coronavirus.
Provides a checklist of coronavirus symptoms to see if you need to order a free test.
Helps you book a test and get your result quickly.
If you need to self-isolate, it keeps track of your self-isolation countdown and provides relevant advice.

The app includes a QR Code tool that scans QR Codes on posters that businesses have been asked to add to their premises, making the process of data collection easier for both customers and businesses. Customers simply scan the code with their smartphone and this registers their visit. It means that anyone using the premises can be contacted in the event of a coronavirus outbreak and will help contact tracing efforts.

Coronavirus support and advice for businesses
Business webinar – change of date – Run in partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the Council’s next business webinar will now take place on Tuesday 13 October 2020 at 2pm. The subject of the webinar is ‘Selecting Your Marketing Mix – For Business Revival’ and this interactive session will guide you through your marketing strategy. Register here for the webinar.

Recent measures – All hospitality venues must close by 10pm and all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only except for takeaways. In retail, leisure and tourism, and other sectors, the COVID Secure guidelines are legal obligations. Businesses could be fined/closed if they breach the rules.

New resources added to Council’s business toolkit – This week, additional posters about face coverings and hand sanitisers have been added to the Council’s online bank of resources on its website. Businesses can download and print the posters and signs free of charge, and display them in their place of business.

Leisure Services update
Wombourne Leisure Centre – Swimming lessons are due to restart at the leisure centre next week and full details will be circulated over the next few days together with a short video to show participants what to expect. Once we are happy that everything is going well, we will plan to restart swimming lessons at Codsall Leisure Centre.

Winners announced – loyalty rewards

This week, the Council’s Leisure Centres held a prize draw for members with prizes including a Fitbit Charge 3, Lean in 15 cookbook, resistance bands, and bottles and towels.

Congratulations to the winners of the Fitbits who you can see here:

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre – Jennifer Selvey.

Codsall Leisure Centre – Jane Woolf.

Penkridge Leisure Centre – Ronald Campbell.

Wombourne Leisure Centre – Lynda Deeney.

Additional safety measures for children’s play area at Baggeridge

Since the new play area opened this summer at Baggeridge Country Park, we have been delighted to see so many people enjoying the new facility. Due to the play area proving to be so popular, we have closely monitored usage and made the decision to add additional safety measures, which includes staffing the facility at weekends. To ensure the play area remains safe for everyone to use, the following guidelines will apply from Saturday 3 October 2020:

The play area will be restricted to a maximum of 50 people. Children and supervising adults will only be able to access the facility on the hour and play time will be restricted to 50 minutes per session to give everyone the chance to use the play area. At the end of every 50-minute session the play area will be cleared, ready for the next visitors.
If you are using the NHS COVID-19 app on your smartphone, please scan the QR Code poster at the play area on arrival. If you do not have access to the app, please leave your name and contact details.
Please sanitise your hands when you enter and leave the play area.

Seasonal opening hours for cemeteries

From Thursday 1 October 2020, the closing times will be changing to 4.30pm at Sytch Lane Cemetery in Wombourne and Strawberry Lane Cemetery in Great Wyrley. Both cemeteries are open every day of the year for visitors at the above times and for funerals Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 9am and 3pm.

Seasonal opening and closing hours for the cemeteries are:

9am to 4.30pm from 1 October to 31 March.

9am to 8pm from 1 April to 30 September.

Support Staffordshire training dates

Funded by Staffordshire County Council, here is information and training dates for online virtual ‘Supportive Communities’ training sessions to gain new knowledge and skills in supporting older people.

Free online behaviour and wellbeing workshops

October Behaviour and Wellbeing Programmes for South Staffordshire – run by the Family Support Service by SCTSP (Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Support Project) in Partnership with Staffordshire County Council.

Together we win!

Last weekend, the South Staffordshire Community Lottery had a £250 winner! Congratulations to our winner and good luck everyone this weekend. Now more than ever, good causes in South Staffordshire need your support. One way you can help is by buying a lottery ticket in our weekly Community Lottery and 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. The next super draw also takes place on 31 October 2020 so there’s a chance to win a family forest staycation voucher worth £500 too, redeemable with Forest Holidays.

Council job vacancies
Benefit Assessment Officer – application information.

Closing date – 9 October 2020.

Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
Wellbeing Select Committee – Tuesday 6 October 2020 – 5.30pm – virtual meeting on Teams.
Personal Development Review and Appointments Panel – Wednesday 7 October 2020 – 2pm – virtual meeting on Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams – links can be found in the news section on the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk.

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

Weekly news round up from South Staffordshire Council

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

New measures announced

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister addressed the nation in a live TV broadcast. In response to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases and the COVID alert level being raised from 3 to 4 last Monday, new restrictions and measures were announced by the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 22 September 2020
and New measures in response to the acceleration of coronavirus.

In summary:

Office workers who can work from home should now do so.
From Thursday 24 September 2020, all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only except for takeaways. All hospitality venues must close by 10pm.
The requirement to wear face coverings has been extended to include staff in retail, all users of taxis and private hire vehicles, and staff and customers in indoor hospitality except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
In retail, leisure and tourism, and other sectors, the COVID Secure guidelines will become legal obligations. Businesses could be fined/closed if they breach the rules.
The rule of six rule is to be tightened up and adult indoor team sports will no longer be exempt. From Monday 28 September 2020, the maximum number of people able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions will be reduced from 30 to 15 people. Up to 30 people can still attend a funeral.
The planned return of spectators to large sporting events/venues and business conferences/exhibitions has been paused.

Tougher penalties were also announced by the Prime Minister. The penalty for failing to wear a face covering or breaking the rule of six will double to £200 for a first offence. Fines of up to £10,000 for those who fail to self-isolate have already been introduced.

It should be noted however, that vulnerable people do not need to shield, unless they are within a local lockdown area. Click here to view FAQs about what you can and can’t do.

COVID-19 West Midlands local restrictions

Last Tuesday, Wolverhampton joined the growing list of towns and cities being placed under new COVID-19 lockdown measures.

For the latest West Midlands local restrictions advice for residents, visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/birmingham-sandwell-and-solihull-local-restrictions?fbclid=IwAR0hLH9qFz1wgL82EYl_BEBEmnuesYy2Zvk-IVJ3Vv1aKgZHExC-ACQSX7I

South Staffordshire residents can travel to these areas for work, school, shopping or leisure activities. However, residents are not allowed to visit homes in these areas unless it is for work or the household is part of your support bubble. Likewise, if you live in any of the affected areas you can travel to South Staffordshire but you must not meet socially with residents in their homes or gardens unless they are in your single support bubble. South Staffordshire is not currently one of the areas affected by the Government’s latest COVID-19 restrictions.

South Staffordshire residents travelling out of the county need to be aware there are high levels of COVID-19 in Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell and Wolverhampton and they need to consider this when making social visits to these areas to meet with friends or family.

NHS COVID-19 app

The new NHS COVID-19 app for England and Wales is now available to download. The app is an integral part of the NHS test and trace programme and it makes the process of data collection easier for both the customer and the business so people using the premises can be contacted in the event of a coronavirus outbreak. Customers simply scan a QR Code with their smartphone when they enter a venue, and the phone app and QR Code create a digital record so the venue information is logged on the user’s phone.

What the app does:

Alerts you if you’ve been near other app users who have tested positive or coronavirus.
Lets you know the level of coronavirus risk in your postcode district.
Alerts you if you have visited a venue where you may have come into contact with coronavirus.
Provides a checklist of coronavirus symptoms to see if you need to order a free test.
Helps you book a test and get your result quickly.
If you need to self-isolate, it keeps track of your self-isolation countdown and provides relevant advice.

Find out more at: www.covid19.nhs.uk

COVID-19 essential information

Wash hands, cover face, make space – please remember the ‘One metre plus’ social distancing rule.

Face coverings – In England, you must wear a face covering by law in a number of indoor settings – click here for more information.

Follow the ‘rule of six’.

NHS test and trace – click here to find out more.

If you develop symptoms, get a test as soon as possible. Do not wait. To get a test, you will need to apply online on www.gov.uk or call 119. Depending on how many days have passed since you started to develop symptoms, you will either take a home test or be tested at a test site. The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

The NHS test and trace service is a vital tool and helps control the spread of coronavirus. In England, you will be contacted by the service if you test positive for COVID-19 and you will be asked where you’ve been recently and who you have been in close contact with. This will help the NHS contact anyone who may have caught the virus from you. All information you provide is confidential and no one who is contacted will be told your identity. Anyone you’ve been in close contact with will be told to stay at home (self-isolate) for 14 days. This is because it can take up to 14 days for coronavirus symptoms to appear.

Remember – the NHS test and trace service will not ask you for bank details or payments, ask for details of any social media accounts, ask you to set up a password or PIN number over the phone, or ask you to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087.

Coronavirus support and advice for businesses

NHS COVID-19 app – It is now a legal requirement for venues in hospitality, leisure and tourism, close contact services, places of worship and local authorities to display an official NHS QR Code poster. Visit the Council website to find out more.

Workplace action cards are now available from Public Health England, which provide instructions to anyone responsible for a business or organisation on what to do in the event of one or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in your organisation. These quick reference guides provide key steps to help you quickly identify, report and respond to any potential COVID-19 outbreak within your local community. The action cards have been developed to cover a range of businesses and organisations to provide specific advice on the issues each type of organisation may face now lockdown restrictions have been eased.

New business webinar – Run in partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the Council’s next business webinar will take place on Thursday 9 October 2020 at 2pm. The subject of the webinar is ‘Selecting Your Marketing Mix – For Business Revival’ and this interactive session will guide you through your marketing strategy. Register here for the webinar.

Council Leisure Services update

After the recent government announcements, leisure centre staff and customers must wear a face mask/covering in all public areas of the leisure centres. Public areas include reception, corridors and toilets. Face coverings can be removed once customers have reached their respective exercise area and can be removed during the workout. However, face coverings will then need to be worn when exiting the facility area and building.

Baggeridge Country Park will be monitoring usage of the children’s play area and are working towards implementing a ‘One in, one out’ policy, with restricted and reduced access. This is due to start at the weekend.

As part of the NHS test and trace system, the leisure centres and Baggeridge Country Park are now all displaying QR Code posters for the NHS COVID-19 app. Visitors/customers will need to download the app on their smartphone so they can scan on entry to the park and leisure centres. QR Code posters will also be located within various areas of the park including the Lydiate Room, payment machines in the car park and the children’s play area. They will also be located in areas of the park occupied by tenants such as the tea-room and high rope facility.

Loyalty rewards for leisure centre members

Next week, members of the leisure centres will be in with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes when Leisure Services holds a random prize draw. Members will have the chance to win some fantastic prizes including a Fit Bit charge 3, resistance bands, Lean in 15 cookbook, protein bars, bottles and towels. Good luck to everyone.

National fitness day

Last Wednesday, the Council’s leisure centres were delighted to take part in National Fitness Day and promote the importance of being active and how it can have a positive impact on people’s bodies and minds. Lots of staff, instructors and young people shared photos of what fitness means to them and you can see more on the leisure centres’ Facebook pages.

Waste and recycling collections survey

This ‘Recycle Week’, South Staffordshire residents are being asked to complete a short, three question survey on waste and recycling collections within the district. It takes less than two minutes to complete and we would be grateful if you could take the time to fill this out and share with your family and friends in South Staffordshire.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JT5G786

Family Hub emergency assistance grants

If you are struggling to find the money to buy food because of COVID-19, the Family Hubs run by Staffordshire Connects are here to help you. For more information, visit:

https://www.staffordshireconnects.info/kb5/staffordshire/directory/service.page?id=X8GSyOF0ADQ

Community safety

This week marks the beginning of Staffordshire Police’s Operation Disrupt, a dedicated operation into tackling those involved in drug crime, cybercrime, child sexual exploitation, modern day slavery, burglary and car thefts. Find out more by watching this video about Operation Disrupt.

Support Staffordshire training dates

Free online behaviour and wellbeing workshops

Meadow grass cutting underway

The Street Scene Team has started the annual meadow grass cutting and they will be cutting all the meadow grass areas owned by the council over the next three weeks. The team started in Perton this week and you can see some pics on the Council’s Facebook page.

Council job vacancies
Enterprise Manager – application information.

Closing date – 5 October 2020.

Benefit Assessment Officer – application information.

Closing date – 9 October 2020.

Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
Your Community Challenge Panel – Monday 28 September 2020 – 4pm – virtual meeting on Teams.
Personal Development Review and Appointments Panel – Wednesday 30 September 2020 – 2pm – virtual meeting on Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams – links can be found in the news section on the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk.

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

Weekly news round up from South Staffordshire Council

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

COVID-19 – new measures announced this week

This week, the Prime Minister announced new measures to suppress the virus and keep the number of injections down. The full speech can be found here and the slides accompanying the presentation made by the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Chris Whitty, can be found here.

Click here to view FAQs about what you can and can’t do.

From Monday 14 September in England, the Government is introducing the rule of six. This means that people cannot meet socially in groups of more than six people. This applies in any setting, indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub. It does not apply to schools and workplaces and COVID-Secure weddings and funerals are exempt as are organised team sports. The ban will be set out in law and will be enforced – for those that don’t comply there will be a £100 fine and fines will double on each offence up to a maximum of £3,200.

Hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants will need to legally record the contact details of a member of every party and record and retain these details for 21 days and provide them to NHS Test and Trace without delay when required. Fines will be issued against hospitality venues if they don’t do this and if they fail to ensure their premises remain COVID-Secure.

The Government will boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities by introducing COVID Secure Marshalls to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres.

The Prime Minister also announced an alternative plan based around mass testing. The current practice of using testing to identify people who are positive to allow for self-isolation and to protect the community and high-risk groups will continue to be a priority. Future testing will be based around using testing to identify people who are negative i.e. those who do not have COVID-19 and are not infectious This will allow people to behave in a more normal way, in the knowledge they cannot infect anyone else with the virus. New testing is being developed using swabs/saliva that can be processed between 20 and 90 minutes. This approach is being trialled and, if successful, will be rolled out nationally.

Community Hub news and information

Click here to read the latest update about the Community Hub in Codsall, which contains news about the start of construction work and a contractor hoarding line and vehicle movements plan.

World suicide prevention day

This week, World Suicide Prevention Day took place on Thursday. Every year, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, it’s important to tell someone. Help and support is available and you do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.

Samaritans – for everyone Call 116 123

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men Call 0800 58 58 58

Papyrus – for people under 35 Call 0800 068 41 41

Childline – for children and young people under 19 Call 0800 1111

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/

Locally, we are all working together to help prevent suicide and Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, local hospitals and NHS community services have developed a #TalkSuicide prevention campaign. Click here to find out more.

Leisure Centres update

Wombourne Leisure Centre – Swimming pool access has been increased by opening up family bubble swims to non-members and by increasing lane capacities to three swimmers per lane. The sports hall has also opened to clubs this week and the leisure centre plans to open up for general badminton bookings from Monday 14 September.

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre – The sports hall is now open to clubs and the leisure centre is planning to open up for general badminton very soon. Unfortunately, the air handling system for the swimming pool has broken and it is anticipated that replacement parts will arrive at the beginning of October. It is hoped that members will be able to access swimming by the middle of October. The roller-skating club is planning to return shortly and the badminton mash-up session restarted on Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm, but is limited to a maximum of 12 players.

Penkridge Leisure Centre – The Toning Suite opened last week and the leisure centre is planning to reopen the sports hall later this month. Work on the replacement of the roof of the swimming pool has been delayed and will start in mid-September, taking around four to six weeks, so it is hoped to reopen the swimming pool mid to late October.

Codsall Leisure Centre – Staff training is continuing over the weekend and the leisure centre is opening their swimming pool to adult members from Monday 14 September. It’s planned to reopen the sports hall at the end of September, initially to clubs and then to members, and the leisure centre hopes to resume outdoor netball in the next couple of weeks.

New children’s play area helps boost income

This year, car parking ticket sales at Baggeridge Country Park were up by nearly 4,000 visits and income increased by over £10,000 in comparison to figures in Summer 2019. The park has attracted visitors throughout the coronavirus pandemic and a new outdoor children’s play area which opened at the beginning of August has proved a huge success. Click here for more information on this great new facility, which was created and installed by leading playground equipment supplier, KOMPAN.

Challenge Academy shortlisted for award

Challenge Academy, the outdoor adventure experience based at Baggeridge Country Park, has been shortlisted in this year’s Midlands Enterprise Awards, in the ‘Best Outdoor Leisure Attraction – West Midlands’ category. The winners will be announced on Monday 19 October 2020. For more information about Challenge Academy visit www.challengeacademy.co.uk.

Staffordshire History Festival

The annual Staffordshire History Festival, a two-month celebration of local history and cultural heritage in Staffordshire and beyond, is taking place online during September and October 2020. This year’s festival is a virtual programme of informative posts, quizzes, videos, live online events, crafts and activities for children and families and information about how to participate will be posted on Staffordshire Libraries Facebook page during the festival. Click here to follow on Facebook.

There will be focused history days too on Thursdays in September and October including:

The Battle of Britain, for the 80^th anniversary – Thursday 17 September 2020.
The Staffordshire Hoard – Thursday 1 October 2020.
The Home Front and the 1940s house in the Second World War – Thursday 15 October 2020.
Staffordshire History, Heritage and Legends – Thursday 29 October 2020.

COVID-19 essential information

Wash hands, cover face, make space

Please remember the ‘One metre plus’ social distancing rule. This means that where it is not possible for people to stay two metres apart, they should stay one metre apart and take additional measures to protect themselves such as wearing a face covering, increased use of hand sanitiser, sitting side by side rather than face to face, or meeting outdoors to reduce the risk of transmission.

Face coverings – In England, you must wear a face covering by law in a number of indoor settings – click here for more information. Please remember that some people are exempt from wearing a face covering so in settings where face coverings are required, there may be people who are not able to wear a face covering. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances. The reasons for this may not be visible to others. Always #BeKind.

NHS test and trace – click here to find out more.

Funding still available – Staffordshire Warm Homes Fund

It’s never too early to prepare for winter and South Staffordshire Council is urging residents to register for the Staffordshire Warm Homes Fund that could save them money on their heating bills. The funding scheme is aimed at residents who are struggling with their heating bills and using expensive electric heaters and open fires. Ten households in South Staffordshire have already benefited from the scheme, which allows residents to switch to gas central heating and funds first time gas connections and the installation of central heating and radiators. Click here for more information or visit www.staffordshirewarmerhomes.co.uk.

Next week’s Council Committee meetings
Cabinet – Tuesday 15 September 2020 – 2pm – virtual meeting on TEAMS.
Planning Committee – Tuesday 15 September 2020 – 6.30pm – virtual meeting on TEAMS.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams – links can be found in the news section on the Council’s website at www.sstaffs.gov.uk.

Council job vacancies
Solicitor – click here for more information.

Closing date – Friday 25 September 2020.

Enterprise Manager – click here for more information.

Closing date 5 October 2020.

Win a family forest staycation

Good causes in South Staffordshire need your support and the South Staffordshire Community Lottery is raising funds to help the district recover from the impact of COVID-19. One way you can help is by buying a lottery ticket in this weekly Community Lottery and 60p from every £1 ticket will support local good causes and charities. As well as supporting a good cause you might even win a cash prize ranging from £25 up to a jackpot of £25,000. Our next super draw on 31 October 2020 is coming soon and the prize is a family forest staycation voucher worth £500, redeemable with Forest Holidays. 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

Weekly news update from South Staffordshire Council

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

South Staffordshire is #openforbusiness

This week, shops selling non-essential goods started to reopen throughout the district following the relaxation of lockdown restrictions. For everyone the shopping experience is likely to be very different so remember to shop responsibly and observe social distancing guidelines to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus. Shops are limiting the number of people allowed into their stores so sometimes you will have to queue, with posters and markings acting as reminders for everyone to maintain appropriate social distancing and hygiene measures to protect customers and retail staff.

Advice for shoppers:

Do not come to shopping centres only to meet or socialise with others.
If you are suffering with coronavirus symptoms, please self-isolate.
Please wear a face covering and carry hand sanitiser with you whenever you go out.
Use contactless payment whenever possible.
Be respectful of shop staff and other shoppers #BeKind.
Stay at least two metres away from other people.
Only shop in twos if you are a carer for the other person.
Only take children with you if absolutely necessary and ensure they keep close to you at all times.
Do not touch any items that you are not purchasing.
When you have finished your shopping go straight home.
Wash your hands when you get home.

Safety is of paramount importance and over the last few weeks the Council has been advising local retailers about how they can go about reopening safely. The work is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the Council has visited high streets to help prepare for the reopening, run a series of online webinars and produced a number of helpful resources including a bank of posters and signs to help businesses (www.sstaffs.gov.uk/openforbusiness).

We’re also sharing pics of local businesses in an #openforbusiness campaign on social media. Click here to see the first one promoting Essington Farm Shop.

Local zoo reopening

One local organisation gearing up for reopening is Wild Zoological Park at Halfpenny Green. During the pandemic they have relied on the donations of the public to survive and have raised over £10,000 to help with the feeding and upkeep of the animals. The good news is that they will opening their doors for a ‘soft’ opening on Saturday 20 June 2020 and a general reopening on Saturday 27 June 2020. The number of people onsite each day is restricted and you must book online. For more information, follow them on Facebook or visit www.wildzoo.co.uk.

Next virtual business support session

Is your restaurant, pub or bar ready to re-open safely? The Council’s next virtual business support session on Microsoft Teams is all about the reopening of the hospitality sector so don’t miss this great opportunity to get answers to any of your questions about reopening your hospitality business. This free 30-minute session takes place on Wednesday 24 June 2020 from 8.30am to 9am – click here to register. Please email your questions in advance to h.cooper@sstaffs.gov.uk.

New garden waste collection service starting soon

With just over a week to go, 24,561 permits have now been requested, a sign-up rate of 55.19% of eligible properties in the district. The Council’s new garden waste collection service is scheduled to start on Monday 29 June 2020. You can sign up now at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/gardenwaste or by calling 01902 696000. Click here to find out more.

Warning over test and trace scam Click here to view an example scam message.

These scam messages prompt a person to click a link, before potentially asking them for personal information, or even downloading dangerous viruses to infiltrate their device.
NHS scams have been on the rise during the Coronavirus pandemic and a scam which seeks to exploit the NHS test and trace scheme is the latest in a long line of schemes to target unsuspecting people. The NHS test and trace service seeks to identify those who have developed symptoms of COVID-19, providing them with a test, and reaching out to anyone who may have been in contact with them. The service then aims to notify relevant people that they must self-isolate at home to stop the spread of the virus.

Click here for accurate information about the NHS test and trace service.

Loneliness Awareness Week

This week is Loneliness Awareness Week and Every Mind Matters has put together some simple tips to help you if you’re feeling lonely during the coronavirus outbreak. Click here to find out more.

Food hygiene ratings news

From Monday 15 June 2020, the Council is no longer using the ‘Rate My Place’ website for displaying the food hygiene ratings of local food businesses. Ratings will now be displayed on the Food Standards Agency website at www.food.gov.uk. Click here to go directly to the food hygiene ratings page to find the rating for your favourite food eatery.

Drowning Prevention Week (12-19 June 2020)

Two useful videos to watch feature our Leisure Centres. In 2016, Wombourne Leisure Centre featured on the RLSS website campaign for Rookie Lifeguards (click here to view) and Penkridge Leisure Centre featured on the Swimming Teachers Association promotion for Junior Lifeguard Programme in 2015 (click here to view). If you or your child are interested in either of the programmes mentioned in the videos please email swimcoordinator@sstaffs.gov.uk and when the Council’s swimming pools are allowed to open again we can send you the full details.
This week was Drowning Prevention Week, an annual campaign run by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS) to raise awareness of water safety and give individuals and families the skills and knowledge they required to enjoy the water safely. Every year during the summer months there is a spike in fatal drowning accidents and this year the charity is also concerned about the impact of COVID-19, which has resulted in reduced beach lifeguard services and supervised venues. Click here to access water safety resources on their website and find out how you can recognise the risks and learn what to do to minimise the chance of an accident.

Stay Alert, Control the Virus, Save Lives

Click here for updated guidance on walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.

Click here for updated guidance about meeting people from outside your household. Single adult households – adults living alone or single parents with children under 18 – are allowed to form a “support bubble” with one other household. All those in a support bubble will be able to act as if they live in the same household – meaning they can spend time together inside each other’s homes and do not need to stay two metres apart. If any member of the support bubble develops symptoms, all members of the bubble will need to follow the normal advice on household isolation.
Track and trace is now underway and anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted to help trace any close recent contacts. Any of those contacts deemed at risk of catching the virus will be instructed by the NHS to go into isolation for 14 days. Click here to find out more.

Remember…

Keep your distance from people outside your household and keep two metres apart from others at all times.
Keep your hands and face as clean as possible and avoid touching your face.
Work from home if you can.
Avoid being face-to-face with people if they are outside your household – you can lower the risk of infection if you stay side-to-side rather than facing someone.
Reduce the number of people you spend time with in a work setting.
Avoid crowds.
If you have to travel (for example, to work or school), think about how and when you travel.
Wash your clothes regularly.
Keep indoor places well ventilated.
If you can, wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. From Monday 15 June all passengers on public transport in England must wear a face covering.
Please remember to dispose of your face coverings and disposable gloves responsibly. Worryingly, a growing number of single use PPE items are being littered in parks and dropped on pavements. Please take your rubbish home.
You can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and those unable to access the internet can call 119 in England and Wales to book an appointment for a coronavirus test.
While you are at home, it’s still easy to get NHS help using your smartphone, tablet or computer at https://www.nhs.uk/health-at-home/
Domestic abuse can often get worse during times of stress and uncertainty. If you are in an abusive relationship and need help, click here for some useful telephone numbers.

Click here to view frequently asked questions.

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

Latest news from South Staffordshire Council

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

More shops get ready to open

As part of the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown, this week saw the re-opening of outdoor markets including Penkridge Market on Wednesday. From Monday 15 June 2020, non-essential retailers will be able to re-open and work is underway at the Council to help re-open high streets safely. This includes introducing a range of safety measures including practical safety measures such as new signs, street markings and temporary barriers. More information will be available soon so please keep an eye on social media and the Council website.

Stay Alert, Control the Virus, Save Lives

Everyone’s actions have helped to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in our communities. As the UK moves to the next phase in our fight against coronavirus, the most important thing we can do is stay alert, control the virus and in doing so, save lives.

Remember…

Track and trace is now underway and anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted to help trace any close recent contacts. Any of those contacts deemed at risk of catching the virus will be instructed by the NHS to go into isolation for 14 days. Click here to find out more.
Keep your distance from people outside your household and keep two metres apart from others at all times.
Keep your hands and face as clean as possible and avoid touching your face.
Work from home if you can.
Avoid being face-to-face with people if they are outside your household – you can lower the risk of infection if you stay side-to-side rather than facing someone.
Reduce the number of people you spend time with in a work setting.
Avoid crowds.
If you have to travel (for example, to work or school), think about how and when you travel.
Wash your clothes regularly.
Keep indoor places well ventilated.
If you can, wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
You can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and those unable to access the internet can call 119 in England and Wales to book an appointment for a coronavirus test.
While you are at home, it’s still easy to get NHS help using your smartphone, tablet or computer at https://www.nhs.uk/health-at-home/

Click here to view frequently asked questions.

Save water to meet lockdown demand

Please reconsider using your hosepipes and filling paddling pools in this hot weather. Water companies such as Severn Trent and South Staffs Water are struggling to keep up with demand and this is leading to a loss of pressure or even a loss of supply for some residents. There’s plenty of water in the reservoirs at the moment but people are using it faster than the water companies can treat it.

Work starts on new play area

This week, work got underway on the new play area at Baggeridge Country Park. The Council has commissioned leading playground equipment supplier KOMPAN to create and install the new play area, which will offer an enhanced play area for all age groups from toddlers upwards and, most importantly, offer improvements in safety and access for disabled users. Click here to see some pics and follow the Baggeridge Facebook page for the latest updates.

New garden waste collection service attracts 18,000 registrations

With just over three weeks to go until the start of the Council’s garden waste collection service over 18,000 permits have now been requested. The service is scheduled to start on Monday 29 June 2020 but residents need to sign up by Friday 12 June 2020 to guarantee no loss of collections. You can sign up now at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/gardenwaste or by calling 01902 696000. Click here to find out more.

Volunteers’ Week 2020

This week is national Volunteers’ Week, an annual celebration of the contribution that millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. Click here to view a short video from Support Staffordshire, praising the contribution that volunteers make across Staffordshire.

Helping good causes in the district

Good causes in South Staffordshire need your support and the South Staffordshire Community Lottery is raising funds to help the district recover from the impact of COVID-19. One way you can help is by buying a lottery ticket in this weekly Community Lottery and 60p from every £1 ticket will support local good causes and charities. 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

Our latest news

Weekly news bulletin from South Staffordshire Council

South Staffordshire Council – weekly news bulletin

Last week’s news from South Staffordshire Council

Weekly news bulletin from South Staffordshire Council

Weekly news round up from South Staffordshire Council

Weekly news round up from South Staffordshire Council

Weekly news round up from South Staffordshire Council

Weekly news round up from South Staffordshire Council

Weekly news update from South Staffordshire Council

Latest news from South Staffordshire Council

Wombourne Parish Council, here to serve the local community

Our latest news

Wombourne Parish Council, here to serve the local community

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