This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council. 

• Chairman’s Civic Sunday – Sunday 7 July 2019

The Chairman of the Council, Councillor Kath Williams, held her Civic Sunday on Sunday 7 July 2019. The Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, and Jeremy Lefroy MP, together with various Civic Heads of Staffordshire, Parish Chairmen and Members, family and friends joined her in a church service to rededicate themselves to serving the community. It was followed by a luncheon at the Great Wyrley Community Centre. 

• Successful prosecution for the Council

The food business operator of a public house located on the outskirts of Kinver has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to repeated breaches of food hygiene and health and safety regulations. Click here to find out more. 

• Open Space Survey

Do you or your family use your local park or play area? Do you have an allotment? Maybe you visit Baggeridge Country Park, take a walk along the Railway Walk, or use local public footpaths? We are asking for views on our open spaces, small and large, so that we can see if more are needed, or if the quality could be improved. You can help us by completing our Open Space Survey online. Please take 5 minutes of your time to let us have your views. Closing date is Friday 16 August 2019.

Click here to take part. If you would like any further information about the survey, please contact a member of the Local Plans Team on 01902 696000 or email localplans@sstaffs.gov.uk

• Talking about #foodwaste

This week, in his role as Vice Chair of the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee, Dan Roberts delivered a presentation at the UK Anaerobic Digestion and World Biogas Expo in Birmingham on food waste collections for local authorities in the UK. The case was made that if Government mandates separate food waste collections, additional funding will be required as other waste service changes are in most cases insufficient to offset fully the cost of food waste collection and reprocessing. The audience was largely non-local authority so it was a great opportunity to make aware of the challenges that Councils face. Click here to see more. 

• The SPACE scheme is back

Throughout the summer holidays, discounted weekly membership and swim passes for 8-18 year olds will be available at all the Council’s Leisure Centres thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner Staffordshire and the SPACE scheme. To get your weekly SPACE passes, simply pop into your nearest South Staffordshire Leisure Centre. www.sstaffs.gov.uk/space

• Ceremonial Suite hosts another summer wedding

Congratulations to Gloria and Colin, the latest couple to get married at the Ceremonial Suite at the Council Offices in Codsall. Click here to see a pic of the happy couple.

• Community Lottery super draw – win a mystery weekend away!

Thanks to Parry’s International, a mystery weekend away is up for grabs. This fabulous prize includes a one-night hotel stay, dinner, breakfast and two mystery day trips. Buy your lucky lottery ticket before Saturday 27 July 2019 to be in with the chance of winning this prize. Coming up in August – win two tickets to see Madness and two tickets to see Jess Glynne following an evening of racing at Wolverhampton Race Course. To buy a Community Lottery ticket, simply register on the website www.southstaffslottery.co.uk or telephone 01902 213777.

• Together We’re Better – public and patient survey

A series of roadshows has been planned to encourage public conversations across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent, to discuss how we can all think differently, be innovative, and work together to change health and care services so that Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can become the healthiest places to live and work. Click here to find out more, get involved and find a list of roadshows including one at Wombourne Civic Centre on Wednesday 17 July 2019. 

• 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. 

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meeting is scheduled:

• Licensing and Regulatory Committee – Thursday 11 July 2019 – 2.30pm – Bill Brownhill Room.

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspections this week – the Mid Counties Co-op in Codsall and Hollies Poultry Farm Shop in Laney Green.

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

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council 

• New era for i54 as work starts on western extension

This week, work started on an extension to i54 South Staffordshire which could generate around 1,700 jobs and lever in up to £300 million of investment. Click here to find out more. 

• In the picture

There are some fantastic photographs of the orchids at Baggeridge Country Park taken by visitor Sean Cole. Click here to take a look and follow Baggeridge on Facebook for all the latest news.

• Hello from Ellie!

Ellie Jackson, Ski Ambassador for Snowsport England, took time out recently to give an update to Wombourne Leisure Centre, where she is a member. Click here to see a pic.

“I’m currently in Scotland competing in the Great British race series and the Scottish Championships. It’s just been confirmed that I came 1st U18 (under 18, my age group) and 2nd overall all ages both days. Extremely happy. Last weekend I was in Manchester in the Great British race series number 1 and 2 and got 1st and 3rd then too. Overall the summer season is going well. I will be doing a Facebook post later, hash tagging Wombourne Leisure Centre in, with pictures from this weekend. Thank you so much for your continued support this summer. It means a lot and I definitely couldn’t be here without the gym access that I have thanks to you.”

• Community safety update

This week, two men and seven teenagers have been arrested following a series of attempts to steal cars and enter properties in South Staffordshire. The first incident concerned a report of people seen in gardens in Clee View Road, Wombourne, just before 1am on Tuesday 25 June 2019. Two 16-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary and a 15-year-old and 18-year-old were arrested on suspicion of burglary. All are from the Dudley area.

In a second incident, there was a report at 2.45am of two men attempting to break into a car in Huddlestone Close, Featherstone. Officers arrested four teenagers – aged 15, 16, 17 and 17 – and one man, aged 20, all from Wolverhampton on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. All nine have been released under investigation to allow for forensic and CCTV enquires to take place. Click here for more information.

Click here for information about what you can do to avoid being a victim of car theft and click here to download a guide on preventing burglary. 

• Highways England consultation closes next week

Highways England is undertaking a public consultation on detailed plans for a new M54 to M6 road link. The consultation ends on Friday 5 July 2019 and there are some public sessions where you can see the plans and discuss the proposals with the project team. Click here for more information or visit www.highwaysengland.co.uk/M54-M6linkroad 

• Together We’re Better – public and patient survey

A series of roadshows has been planned to encourage public conversations across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent, to discuss how we can all think differently, be innovative, and work together to change health and care services so that Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can become the healthiest places to live and work. Click here to find out more, get involved and find a list of roadshows including one at Wombourne Civic Centre on Wednesday 17 July 2019.

• 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

There are no public meetings next week. 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspections this week – the New City Chinese Takeaway in Cheslyn Hay, St Benedict Biscop Primary School in Wombourne and Codsall Middle School. 

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

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council 

• Results for Wombourne South West Ward – District Election – Thursday 6 June 2019

The result from yesterday’s election for the Wombourne South West District and Parish Ward can be seen here (District) and here (Parish). Mike Davies and Vincent Merrick (both Conservative) were elected to the District Council.

• Curry fly-tip helps the homeless

A local homeless charity has been given a large quantity of catering equipment that was fly-tipped recently in South Staffordshire. In April, the Council made a public appeal for information about a large quantity of curry and catering equipment that was fly-tipped on Pendeford Hall Lane, Bilbrook. Although the incident was caught on camera, the vehicle used had cloned number plates so the search was unsuccessful. The fly-tipped items were estimated to be worth about £1,000 and the Council’s Enforcement team has donated them to the Good Shepherd in Wolverhampton, which provides support and hot meals to the homeless.  Click here to see more. 

• Business Hub welcomes third new tenant

This week, we are delighted to welcome Allan Reynolds Surveyors into the Business Hub. Recruitment specialists, Jonathan Bosworth, who have been with the Business Hub right from the start, have also taken on additional office space recently to accommodate their growing business. There are now 21 Business Hub tenants leasing office space in the Council Offices and Jubilee House and this generates around £300,000 per annum of revenue for the Council. Know any small business looking to relocate? Now available – two small offices at Jubilee House and one medium size office within the Business Hub. For more details, please contact Niki Taylor (n.taylor@sstaffs.gov.uk) or Karen Riley (K.Riley@sstaffs.gov.uk). 

• More #Codsallweddings

Click here to see pics of the latest wedding to take place at the Ceremonial Suite at the Council Offices. Congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs Johnson.

• It’s Marsh Orchid time

Click here to see some of the stunning pics taken of orchids this week at Baggeridge Country Park. Right now is a great time to see orchids but some species are legally protected so don’t pick them. You can find out more about what’s on at Baggeridge by liking their Facebook page or following on Twitter. 

• Planning Portal – interactive house

The Planning Portal is there to help the public identify whether planning permission is needed – using the interactive house, you can select the areas you wish to renovate and find out the rules and regulations before submitting a pre-application. Follow the link to find out more.

https://interactive.planningportal.co.uk/

• CCG consultation on a single strategic commissioning organisation

The CCGs are currently running a consultation on a proposal to create a single Strategic Commissioning Organisation (single CCG). If progressed, this would have commissioning responsibility for the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent from April 2020. To enable as many people as possible to take part, the online survey has now been extended until 30 June 2019. Further information is available on the CCGs websites – click here to complete the survey. 

• Highways England consultation

Highways England is undertaking a public consultation on detailed plans for a new M54 to M6 road link. The consultation ends on Friday 5 July 2019 and there are some public sessions where you can see the plans and discuss the proposals with the project team. Click here for more information or visit www.highwaysengland.co.uk/M54-M6linkroad

• Home Office to scrap charges for 101 non-emergency number

The Home Secretary has announced he is scrapping charges for the 101 police non-emergency number. The move will make the number free of charge for all members of the public, including victims of crime, from April 2020. The Home Office will invest £5 million a year to fund the service, which receives around 30 million calls annually. In addition to making 101 calls free, the Home Office is funding police forces to create a new website where the public will be able to contact the police and report crimes online. Click here for more information.

• Together We’re Better – public and patient survey

A series of roadshows has been planned to encourage public conversations across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent, to discuss how we can all think differently, be innovative, and work together to change health and care services so that Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can become the healthiest places to live and work. Click here to find out more, get involved and find a list of roadshows including one at Wombourne Civic Centre on Wednesday 17 July 2019. 

• 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. 

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following meeting is scheduled:

• Wellbeing Select Committee – Tuesday 11 June 2019 – 5.30pm – Council Chamber.

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Co-Op Petrol in Penkridge, Potters Cross Stores in Kinver and Martin Thomas Butchers in Pattingham. 

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

Purdah

Local Elections will be taking place on Thursday 2 May 2019.

There are strict rules governing publicity by local government/public authorities in the pre-election period known as “purdah”. Purdah starts on Monday 18 March 2019.

The Council needs to be very careful in the pre-election period to ensure that public resources are not used for party political purposes and that the Council does not undertake any activity that calls into question its political impartiality. #

We need to avoid any publicity that identifies individual Councillors and think carefully about any public documents/statements, the rules apply to all communications including social media – guidance has been sent out to Parishes in the recent Election bulletin. Click here to see the LGA’s guide to purdah.

As a result of the rules on Purdah there will be no further newsletters until after the elections on 2.5.19.

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

• Silver Award at 2019 iESE Awards

This week, we heard the great news that South Staffordshire Council won the Silver Award for Reinventing Local Services at the 2019 iESE Awards. This award is for totally transforming the way that services work and improving outcomes for the local community and recognises the Council’s Efficiency and Income Plan. Click here to see a pic taken at the awards event. 

• Partnership working success

This week, the Council carried out a joint operation in various localities throughout the district with Staffordshire Police, stopping vans or carriers of scrap metal to make sure they all had the relevant licences. They also visited known fly-tipping hotspots. The joint operation involved four police officers and four officers from the Council and as a result five vehicles were stopped in total. Of these, one could not produce a waste carrier licence and this will be followed up.

• Mobile breast screening unit returning to Codsall

Historically in the south of the district, a mobile breast screening unit has been located within Wombourne and Codsall as part of the tri-yearly breast screening cycle. In 2010, the mobile breast screening unit was removed from Codsall with residents either having to travel to the mobile unit in Womboune or the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital for their screening appointment. This has been a source of local concern and has been frequently discussed at the Council’s Wellbeing Select Committee.

Thanks to the work of the Committee and local campaigners and following an agreement with Wolverhampton City Council and Dudley NHS Foundation Trust, the mobile screening unit will return to Codsall week commencing Monday 11 March 2019 for a period of 16 weeks. Screenings will take place Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and the unit will be hosted by the Council outside the main Wolverhampton road entrance to the Council offices. 

• Chairman’s Civic Dinner

The Chairman, Councillor Len Bates BEM, will be hosting a Civic Dinner on Friday 8 March 2019 at The Moat House, Acton Trussell, where The Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson CBE MP, together with Civic Heads from Staffordshire, Members and personal friends will attend. The evening is the main fundraising event of the Chairman’s year in office for his chosen charity, CASS (Carers Association) South Staffordshire. 

• Annual billing

We will shortly be issuing approximately 47,000 Council Tax bills for April 2019 to all households in the district. This will also include 2,500 e-bills for those who have signed up to this online option.

Following the introduction of the Council’s MyAccount facility, this now allows 24/7 secure access to a number of council services online. These services include Council Tax, Housing Benefits, bulky waste collections, payment of fees and rent. Customers can also subscribe for eAlerts such as Council Tax payment reminders, planning applications, bin collections and updates in their local area.

• National Apprenticeship Week 2019

This week it’s been National Apprenticeship Week (4 to 8 March 2019). This annual celebration of apprenticeships brings the whole apprenticeship community together to celebrate the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the wider economy. Click here to find out more. 

• Workforce champions programme supported by Council

Local Employers including South Staffordshire Council are joining a new campaign tackling domestic abuse. The Workplace Champions programme is the first county-wide scheme of its kind to offer support in the workplace to both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. Led by deputy Staffordshire Commissioner, Sue Arnold, the programme is co-ordinated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and delivered by New Era, which provides free and confidential round-the-clock advice and support for anyone in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent affected by domestic abuse. The programme is being rolled out around the county and the first training session took place in February in Codsall, hosted by South Staffordshire Council. Click here for more information about New Era. 

• Be part of the Great British Spring Clean

Keep Britain Tidy is once again urging communities to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean between Friday 22 March and Tuesday 23 April 2019. This year, the campaign is focusing on single-use plastics and Friends of Essington and Friends of Bilbrook are just two of the groups organising their own litter pics.

If you are thinking about holding your own litter pick, please visit the Keep Britain Tidy website to register your event. Click here to find out how you can get involved and remember to get in touch with Ryan Taylor at South Staffordshire Council (r.taylor2@sstaffs.gov.uk) if you would like any assistance from the Council in organising events or publicity or if would like our Street Scene crews to pick up any of the bagged litter that you collect. 

• Volunteers needed

The Enforcement team needs help distributing its free dog fouling stickers and dog poo bags to local shops, post offices, pubs, community rooms and any other suitable locations. Volunteers are needed to approach suitable locations and ask them if they would like to participate in the scheme. You will then need to give them stickers for the window, so they can let the public know that dog poo bags are available for collection there, and a supply of the bags. If anyone can help, please contact Lucy Macdonald (l.macdonald@sstaffs.gov.uk).

• New dementia singing friends group

Earlier this month, a new dementia singing friends group was launched in Wombourne. Taking place every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm in the Community Room in Wombourne Library, the sessions are relaxed and informal where people affected by dementia and their carers can get together, have a good chat and a laugh while also singing favourite songs or even having a dance. Click here for more information.

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association.

www.carersinformation.org.uk 

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• 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

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Overview & Scrutiny Committee – Tuesday 12 March 2019 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber
• Licensing Sub Committee – Friday 15 March 2019 – 10.30am – Committee Room 2 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Essington Fruit Farm and Butchery, Astons of Coven, and Baked @ No 3 in Great Wyrley.

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

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

• Annual billing – This week, the Welfare Services team has been busy going through their annual billing cycle which sees the creation of approximately 47,000 Council Tax bills, 2,700 Business Rates bills and 6,000 Benefit notification letters. Annual billing is important to the Council due to the income streams it generates and thank you to all staff who have helped support this process. The hard work doesn’t stop there though – bills will be issued on Friday 8 and Monday 11 March 2019 and Welfare Services and Customer Services will then be busy handling customers enquiries. 

• Council catches more fly-tippers – South Staffordshire Council has successfully prosecuted two men from Wolverhampton and Littleover, Derby for breaching environmental laws. The cases were heard at North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Monday 25 February 2019 and both defendants pleaded guilty. Click here to find out more. 

• Prosecution success for illegal tree cutting – The Council has also successfully prosecuted a Stourbridge man for unauthorised tree works carried out to a mature yew tree on a property in Kinver, which was protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Click here to read more. 

• Brexit bulletin – For recent developments and a look ahead at key parliamentary activity and upcoming events across the country, please click here to read the Local Government Weekly Brexit Bulletin (Tuesday 26 February 2019). 

• Be part of the Great British Spring Clean

Keep Britain Tidy is once again urging communities to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean between Friday 22 March and Tuesday 23 April 2019. This year, the campaign is focusing on single-use plastics and Friends of Essington and Friends of Bilbrook are just two of the groups organising their own litter pics.

If you are thinking about holding your own litter pick, please visit the Keep Britain Tidy website to register your event. Click here to find out how you can get involved and remember to get in touch with Ryan Taylor at South Staffordshire Council (r.taylor2@sstaffs.gov.uk) if you would like any assistance from the Council in organising events or if would like our Street Scene crews to pick up any of the bagged litter that you collect.

• New dementia singing friends group

Earlier this month, a new dementia singing friends group was launched in Wombourne. Taking place every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm in the Community Room in Wombourne Library, the sessions are relaxed and informal where people affected by dementia and their carers can get together, have a good chat and a laugh while also singing favourite songs or even having a dance. Click here for more information.

• Calling all photographers!

Staffordshire Police is in the process of implementing a new website and needs your help concerning the ‘localities page’. They’re in search of photographs that represent your local area – scenery, monuments or a recognisable place. Please send your photos to nw@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk and include your location.

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association – www.carersinformation.org.uk 

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.  Freephone: 03333 058671 – Email: info@cebltd.com   www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• 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.

• Volunteers needed – The Enforcement team needs help distributing its free dog fouling stickers and dog poo bags to local shops, post offices, pubs, community rooms and any other suitable locations. Volunteers are needed to approach suitable locations and ask them if they would like to participate in the scheme. You will then need to give them stickers for the window, so they can let the public know that dog poo bags are available for collection there, and a supply of the bags. If anyone can help, please contact Lucy Macdonald (macdonald@sstaffs.gov.uk).

Regular information 

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meeting is scheduled:

• Audit and Risk Committee – Tuesday 5 March 2019 – 4pm – Bill Brownhill Room

• 5 Rating – The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following its food inspection this week – Lychgate Coffee Shop in Pattingham.

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

This week’s news from around South Staffordshire Council. 

• SRFI – West Midlands Interchange

The preliminary hearing on the proposed West Midlands Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Gailey takes place on Wednesday 27 February at 10am at the Hayward suite, Molineux – details can be seen here. The meeting will set the timetable for the examination process between now and August 2019.

We anticipate that the Council’s representations (including its Local Impact Report) will need to be submitted to the Examining Authority by Friday 5 April 2019. The proposed response will be the subject of a standalone Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting in March.   

• Successful Landlord Forum

On Wednesday 30 January 2019, the Council hosted a Landlord Forum. This twice yearly event provides an effective arena for landlords to exchange news, views and experiences with other landlords and also allows the Council to update landlords and agents on current changes in legislation. The event was very successful and included talks about Universal Credit, the top 10 challenges facing landlords, changes to the HMO licencing regulations and the Landlord National Purchasing Group. The next Landlord Forum is due to be held on Wednesday 2 October 2019. For more information, please contact Nicola Deacon (n.deacon@sstaffs.gov.uk). 

• 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. 

• Brexit bulletin

For recent developments and a look ahead at key parliamentary activity and upcoming events across the country, please click here to read the Local Government Weekly Brexit Bulletin (Monday 18 February 2019). 

• Candidates and agents’ briefing session

The first candidates and agents briefing session will take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at 5pm to 6.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. The session will be an opportunity for potential candidates and their agents to collect their nomination packs. For more information, please click here.

• Save the date

The next Let’s work together free training session will take place on Monday 25 February 2019 in the Council Chamber. The theme will be community support and the session will include presentations from Healthwatch, Compton Care, Supported Futures and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. For more information and to book a place, please call 01902 696238 or email policyandpartnershipevents@sstafs.gov.uk

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association.

www.carersinformation.org.uk

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• New dementia singing friends group

Earlier this month, a new dementia singing friends group was launched in Wombourne. Taking place every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm in the Community Room in Wombourne Library, the sessions are relaxed and informal where people affected by dementia and their carers can get together, have a good chat and a laugh while also singing favourite songs or even having a dance. Click here for more information.

• Calling all photographers!

Staffordshire Police is in the process of implementing a new website and needs your help concerning the ‘localities page’. They’re in search of photographs that represent your local area – scenery, monuments or a recognisable place. Please send your photos to nw@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk and include your location.

• Follow us on Facebook

Remember to follow Baggeridge Country Park on Facebook to find out the latest news, wildlife updates and activities going on in this popular park. Our volunteers are busy helping out with the scrub clearance (thank you!), we’re preparing an area for wildflower seed and we’ve even welcomed the first Red Admiral of the year.

Regular information 

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Licensing Sub Committee – Tuesday 26 February 2019 – 6.15pm – Committee Room 2.
• Full Council – Tuesday 26 February 2019 – 7pm – Council Chamber 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Stourbridge Rugby Football Club, Holly Lane Nursery in Great Wyrley, and Moat Hill Primary School in Great Wyrley.

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

This week’s news from around South Staffordshire Council. 

• Change to Council opening hours

This month, new opening hours have been introduced at the Council Offices in Codsall and the building is now open to the public Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm. To access Council services online 24/7, sign up to My Account. Registering is easy and takes just a couple of minutes at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/myaccount

• Review Magazine – issue 72

The spring issue of the South Staffordshire Review Magazine has now been printed and will be distributed to all households in the district by the end of February 2019. This issue has been produced one month early due to the local elections taking place on Thursday 2 May 2019. Click here to read the latest issue.

• February school holiday activities

Aspire Sports will be delivering full-day and half-day school holiday activity camps next week at Cheslyn Hay, Codsall and Wombourne Leisure Centres for children aged from 4 to 14-year olds. Penkridge Leisure Centre also has a programme of activities running too.

Click here for details of activities at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre.

Click here for details of activities at Codsall Leisure Centre.

Click here for details of activities at Penkridge Leisure Centre.

Click here for details of activities at Wombourne Leisure Centre. 

• Warning about doorstep traders

Staffordshire Police is urging residents to be on their guard following a report of rogue traders operating in areas of South Staffordshire. Never allow any unsolicited visitors into your home, or agree to works being completed by doorstep traders.

Follow the STOP, CHAIN, CHECK rule when people call at the door.

STOP – If you are not expecting anybody and they don’t have an appointment, don’t let them in.

CHAIN – Use your door chain or bar before opening the door.

CHECK – Ask to see ID and double check this.

Please contact the police immediately if you have any suspicions about doorstep callers; click here for more information and advice.

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association.

www.carersinformation.org.uk 

• Save the date

The next Let’s work together free training session will take place on Monday 25 February 2019 in the Council Chamber. The theme will be community support and the session will include presentations from Healthwatch, Compton Care, Supported Futures and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. For more information and to book a place, please call 01902 696238 or email policyandpartnershipevents@sstafs.gov.uk 

• Candidates and agents’ briefing session

The first candidates and agents briefing session will take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at 5pm to 6.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. The session will be an opportunity for potential candidates and their agents to collect their nomination packs. For more information, please click here.

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• 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

Next week, the following public meeting is scheduled:

• Planning Committee – Tuesday 19 February 2019 – Council Chamber 

• 5 Rating

The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following its food inspection this week – Churros Hermanos in Wheaton Aston,

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

This week’s news from around South Staffordshire Council. 

• Good news for award-winning BBO programme

Building Better Opportunities (BBO) Stafford and South Staffordshire has received approval for an extension of its programme, which supports people who are not currently in work move closer to employment and training. The programme is jointly funded by the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund (ESF) and was originally a three year project funded until December 2019. This extension means that the programme can now continue until 2022 and continue supporting vulnerable residents and helping change people’s lives for the better.

The additional funding awarded to Stafford and South Staffordshire is as a result of the excellent work and commitment of all the partners involved in the BBO programme, who have all helped to achieve the targets and outcomes required by the Big Lottery. For more information about the programme, please visit: https://bbostaffs.org/

• New Leisure web pages go live

New web pages about the Council’s leisure services are now live on the Council website. Over the next few months, we will be introducing many new online features to help inspire staff and residents to use the Council’s Leisure Centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne and get everyone more active.

The new web pages are fully compatible with smartphones and tablets and soon to be launched features include a join online facility, where you can find out more and sign up to one of the leisure centre membership packages, and an online bookings system, where you can access leisure services quickly and easily, check availability and manage your own bookings.

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure 

• Energy switch surgery success

The Good Life Energy switch surgery held at Wedges Mills Village Hall on Monday was successful with the team speaking with local residents and lots of new leads to follow up. Don’t forget that if you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill. www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy 

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association.

www.carersinformation.org.uk 

• Go digital!

Questions about your Council Tax? Want to pay for council services? Order a bulky waste collection? Track planning applications in your area? Why not register for My Account, available 24 hours, seven days a week. Registering is easy and takes just a couple of minutes.

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/myaccount

• Scam alert

Please be aware that there appears to be a fraudulent email/text in circulation asking people to pay their outstanding Council Tax to Thornet.gov.uk. This correspondence is not from the Council so please disregard and delete. 

• Community Lottery ‘triple’ superdraw – one day to go!

On Saturday 9 February 2019, there will be a Community Lottery ‘triple’ superdraw taking place. Supporters will be in the chance of winning either an Amazon Alexa Fire7 Table with Alexa, four tickets to The Up Beat Beatles at Dudley Town Hall or four tickets to see Aretha: Respect at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. To be in with the chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes, please support the Community Lottery before the draw on Saturday 9 February 2019. Tickets cost just £1 a week. Play today at www.southstaffslottery.co.uk . Good luck!

• Save the date

The next Let’s work together free training session will take place on Monday 25 February 2019 in the Council Chamber. The theme will be community support and the session will include presentations from Healthwatch, Compton Care, Supported Futures and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. For more information and to book a place, please call 01902 696238 or email policyandpartnershipevents@sstafs.gov.uk 

• Candidates and agents’ briefing session

The first candidates and agents briefing session will take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at 5pm to 6.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. The session will be an opportunity for potential candidates and their agents to collect their nomination packs. For more information, please click here.

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill. Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• 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.

• Warmer Homes – funding now available for broken gas boilers

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

Warmer Homes South Staffordshire.

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

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meeting is scheduled:

• Licensing Sub Committee – Monday 11 February 2019 – 2.30pm – Bill Brownhill Room 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspections this week – Perton Primary Academy, Ounsdale High School in Wombourne, and the Summerhouse pub in Gospel End near Sedgley.

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

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council. 

• Winter safety and weather

The cold weather is still with us so please make sure that you keep checking the local weather forecast for warnings about icy or snowy weather. Click here to find out about the weather forecast for your area and click here for advice about driving in snow and icy conditions. Click here to view the gritting route map produced by Staffordshire County Council.

Stay wrapped up warm and wear shoes with good grip if you’re heading outside. Keep your home heated to at least 18C if you can and remember to check on any frail or older neighbours, especially those living alone. 

• Save the date

The next Let’s work together free training session will take place on Monday 25 February 2019 in the Council Chamber. The theme will be community support and the session will include presentations from Healthwatch, Compton Care, Supported Futures and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. For more information and to book a place, please call 01902 696238 or email policyandpartnershipevents@sstafs.gov.uk

• Treecycle success

Thanks to a ‘Tree-mendous’ effort from South Staffordshire residents and your bin collection crews 450 Christmas trees were collected at the kerbside over the last two weeks, and all of these were composted at a local facility. Click here to see more.  #treecycle

• Candidates and agents’ briefing session

The first candidates and agents briefing session will take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at 5pm to 6.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. The session will be an opportunity for potential candidates and their agents to collect their nomination packs. For more information, please click here.

• Local history unearthed at Baggeridge

Some of Baggeridge Country Park’s history came to the surface this week with a digger finding an old mine cart and part of a brick culvert. Click here to see some pics and like Baggeridge’s Facebook page for regular news about the park.

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• 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.

• Warmer Homes – funding now available for broken gas boilers

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

Warmer Homes South Staffordshire.

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

• Reminder – please help support World Cancer Day on Monday

The Enterprise and Growth Team will be raising funds once more for World Cancer Day on Monday 4 February 2019 through the sale of cakes and fruit pots. Last year’s event was very successful and as we have some master bakers in the team we hope you will support us on the day! Monies raised will be split between Cancer UK and Compton Care. 

• Community Lottery ‘triple’ superdraw – one week to go!

On Saturday 9 February 2019, there will be a Community Lottery ‘triple’ superdraw taking place. Supporters will be in the chance of winning either an Amazon Alexa Fire7 Table with Alexa, four tickets to The Up Beat Beatles at Dudley Town Hall or four tickets to see Aretha: Respect at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. To be in with the chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes, please support the Community Lottery before the draw on Saturday 9 February 2019. Tickets cost just £1 a week. Play today at www.southstaffslottery.co.uk . Good luck! 

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Asset Scrutiny Panel – Tuesday 5 February 2019 – 5pm – Bill Brownhill Room

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspections this week – Greenway House Residential Home in Lower Penn, Catch Corner in Acton Gate, St Michael’s C of E School in Penkridge, Basil’s Restaurant in Kinver and Ye Olde White Hart in Kinver. 

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