Jess Shulman
Posts by Jess Shulman:
Council News 180
This week’s news from around the Council.
- New play area opens at Baggeridge
This week, the new outdoor play area at Baggeridge Country Park was officially opened by Councillor Kath Williams, Chairman of South Staffordshire Council, and Councillor Len Bates BEM, Cabinet Member for Community Services. The exciting new design features a new play experience for younger age groups from toddlers up to 12 years and includes swings, a slide, playhouses, ropes and a carousel. Leading playground equipment supplier KOMPAN created and installed the play area, which was commissioned by South Staffordshire Council earlier this year. The new play area proved an instant success with local children attending the launch event, who tested out the new equipment and gave it the thumbs up.
Click here to see some pics.
- Funding 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.
- Working in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy Waterside Care, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and ourselves, the Friends of Bilbrook carried out a series of in-river environmental improvements to the Moat Brook in Bilbrook yesterday (6th August). This work will build on our work to improve the value of the habitat along the brook for wildlife. The restrictions of the lockdown have prevented our friends groups from carrying out many of their usual activities, but as these have eased locally, we are only too happy to support the groups to restart their work in a safe and responsible manner.
Twitter link of a socially distanced group photo!
- COVID-19 update
- Wash hands, cover face, make space
With more hot weather expected this weekend 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 the following settings:
- Public transport.
- Indoor transport hubs.
- Shops and supermarkets.
- Indoor shopping centres.
- Banks, building societies, and post offices.
You are expected to wear a face covering immediately before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave. For members of the public, from Saturday 8 August 2020 the places where you will have to wear a face covering will be expanded further – click here for more information.
- Shielding advice – click here for the latest advice to people about shielding. From Saturday 1 August 2020, the advice to people shielding changed; shielding has been paused and the advice is to adopt strict social distancing rather than full shielding measures. This means that people who have been shielding are now starting to go out so please #BeKind and remember they may not be familiar with social distancing arrangements in shops and the high streets at first and may be anxious and uncertain as they emerge from shielding.
- Pubs – Pubs and licensed premised across Staffordshire are being reminded how they can do their bit to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – click here to find out more.Eat out to help out – Launched this week, this scheme encourages the public to support the struggling restaurant industry gives people the opportunity to get 50% off their meal bills. People who dine out from Monday to Wednesday in August will get 50% off the price of their meals, up to the value of £10 discount a head. There is no minimum spend and the discount cannot be claimed on alcoholic drinks or service charges. Available at participating restaurants only. Click here to find out more.
- Local Outbreak Control Plan – Staffordshire County Council has plans in place to swiftly identify, contain and stop any local outbreaks across the county. The County Council will work with Public Health England, the NHS and District and Borough Councils to manage any outbreaks. Click here to view.
- Virus isolation period extended from seven to 10 days – People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days rather than seven – click here for more information.
- NHS test and trace – A new public health campaign has been launched to encourage more people to get a test as soon as they develop symptoms as well as respond if contacted by the service – click here to find out more about test and trace. The aim of the awareness campaign is to help build public understanding about the integral role that test and trace plays. Restaurants, pubs, salons and gyms are among the businesses who are being supported by test and trace to log their customers to prevent transmission and help contain the virus.
- Coronavirus support and advice for businesses
- South Staffordshire Council’s second stage of discretionary business grants is now open for applications. Click here to find out more and see the revised eligibility criteria that apply.
- Our next virtual business support seminar will take place on Tuesday 11 August 2020 from 2pm to 3pm. Click here to register for this event about recruiting during a pandemic. Click here to view previous online sessions covering hospitality sector re-opening, managing finance, maximising social media to generate new business, and trading legally and safely during COVID-19.
- Annual Canvass
Every year, the Council is required to undertake an annual canvass of all households in the district between July and November to confirm that the details we have on the electoral register are correct. This month you will receive a canvass form from the Council through the post containing details of all the people in the household who are currently registered to vote. The government has made some changes to the canvass this year and now you only have to respond if:
- You’re told to do so.
- You need to make any changes or additions to the information provided on the form.
You must read your letter carefully to check whether you need to respond or not. If you need to make any changes then it is a legal requirement to let us know. Please respond quickly when you receive your form as it saves you time and the council money as canvassers will have to visit any properties where a form has not been returned. Click here for more information.
- Great feedback from leisure centre members
There have been some lovely comments from members using the leisure centres. The leisure centres have been open to members for two weeks now and it great to know how safe you all feel being back here. Click here to read more.
- 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.
nd this August there’s a super draw with five £100 B&Q vouchers to be won! This draw will take place on Saturday 29 August 2020 at 8pm. To be in with the chance of winning, buy your lottery tickets before this date. Simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777.
- Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
- Special Council – Tuesday 11 August 2020 – 6.30pm – virtual meeting on Teams.
Details about how members of the public can view virtual meetings will be posted in the news section of the Council website before meetings.
www.sstaffs.gov.uk
Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]
Council News 179
- Council nominated for two national awards
South Staffordshire Council’s senior leadership team and commercial ethos have been shortlisted for two awards in this year’s MJ Awards, which celebrate the achievements and hard work of local authorities. The Council has been nominated in the Senior Leadership Team and Best Commercial Council categories of the 2020 MJ Awards and the results will be announced at 2pm on Friday 2 October 2020 at a virtual awards ceremony. Click here to view the finalists.
- Taking stock of our vision, strategies and plans in light of COVID-19
As we enter into a new phase of delivery, post lockdown, the Corporate Leadership Team at South Staffordshire Council has taken stock of the Council’s vision, strategies and plans in light of COVID-19. This document highlights what the Council will be focusing on and how we will be utilising our resources over the coming months to ensure we continue to prosper as a Council and still retain the strong finances, strong communities, and a strong workforce elements of our Council Plan. Click here to view.
- COVID-19 update
This week’s news includes updates about a local outbreak incident in Stone, the extension of virus isolation period and changes to shielding advice.
- Local Outbreak in Stone, Staffordshire – Pub customers are being urged to get tested for COVID-19 after 10 cases of coronavirus were confirmed this week. Health officials have said that anyone who was at the Crown and Anchor in Stone, Staffordshire, between 16 and 18 July 2020 should get tested. Click here for more information and click here for details of how to book an appointment.
- Local Outbreak Control Plan – Staffordshire County Council has plans in place to swiftly identify, contain and stop any local outbreaks across the county. The County Council will work with Public Health England, the NHS and District and Borough Councils to manage any outbreaks. Click here to view. In light of the cases associated with the licensed premises in Stone, a letter is being sent out to all of our licensed premises in South Staffordshire reminding them about compliance with COVID-19 guidance. The Council is visiting and advising premises across the district and if you have any concerns relating to non-compliance, please email [email protected].
- Virus isolation period extended from seven to 10 days – People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days rather than seven – click here for more information.
- Face coverings – Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is now mandatory – click here for more information.
- Shielding advice – click here for the latest advice to people about shielding.NHS test and trace – A new public health campaign has been launched this week to encourage more people to get a test as soon as they develop symptoms as well as respond if contacted by the service – click here to find out more about test and trace. The aim of the awareness campaign is to help build public understanding about the integral role that test and trace plays. Restaurants, pubs, salons and gyms are among the businesses who are being supported by test and trace to log their customers to prevent transmission and help contain the virus.
- Social distancing – With hot weather expected this weekend 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.
- Himley Country Club Hotel – click here to read an update. South Staffordshire Council, Staffordshire Police and the hotel are working together to address concerns voiced by residents of Himley. We are committed to keeping our communities safe and any incidents should be reported to the police immediately by phoning 101 or online (click here).
- Coronavirus support and advice for businesses
- South Staffordshire Council is relaunching the Discretionary Business Grants scheme, which will be open for applications from Monday 3 August 2020. Click here to find out more and see the revised eligibility criteria that apply.
- Our next virtual business support seminar will take place on Tuesday 11 August 2020 from 2pm to 3pm. Click here to register for this event about recruiting during a pandemic. Click here to view previous online sessions covering hospitality sector re-opening, managing finance, maximising social media to generate new business, and trading legally and safely during COVID-19.
- South Staffordshire is #openforbusiness and a short video highlighting the support available for local businesses and showcasing some of the local businesses that are #openforbusiness in the district is now live on the Council’s YouTube channel. Click here to view.
- Leisure Centre welcome back members
This week, the Council’s four leisure centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne reopened their doors to Members and they will reopen to the general public from Monday 3 August 2020. Tai Chi customers enjoyed their socially distanced session at Wombourne Leisure Centre (click here to see a pic) and there was great feedback from another customer pleased to be back (click here to view) with lots of comments about how clean the leisure centres are looking. Thank you to all staff and instructors for your ongoing support.
Facilities at the leisure centres will reopen in gradual phases rather than all at once and at the moment only gyms and exercise classes are open. Swimming pools are not reopening at this stage and other facilities including changing rooms, the sports halls, toning suites and 3G pitches will remain suspended and reopen at a later date. It’s hoped the outdoor 3G pitches will be available next with the possibility of some swimming clubs returning during August.
Click here to view a guidance note and click here for more information.
- Fraud – banks reveal the 10 coronavirus scams to be wary of
Fraudsters are using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to trick people out of their cash, according to British banks in an article published on the BBC news website. Scams include COVID-19 financial support scams, health scams and lockdown scams – click here to read more.
- Better health
A new national campaign is under way to encourage millions of adults to kick start their health and reduce their risk of serious illness, including COVID-19. Called ‘Better Health’, the campaign includes a range of tools and support to help you kickstart your health, start healthier eating habits, be more active and start losing weight. On the website you’ll find a free NHS weight loss plan, special offers from WW Weight Watchers, GetSlim and Slimming World, a couch to fitness programme, free online fitness videos, an easy meal app and much more.
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/
- Baggeridge Adventure – summer reboot camps at Challenge Academy
This summer, Baggeridge Adventure is offering a summer reboot camp with loads of activities for young people to get involved with. Reboot camps will work in small groups and the focus will be on health, adventure, teamwork, bushcraft, woodland challenges and fun. The age range is for 7 years+ (maximum of 15 children per session). Camps will run from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 3pm and booking in advance is essential. Click here for more information.
- Census 2021
Every 10 years there is a census of all people and households in the UK that provides a detailed snapshot of the whole population. The next Census Day will take place on Sunday 21 March 2021 and recruitment is taking place at the moment to help us ensure everyone is counted. Click here for more information.
- Annual Canvass
Every year, the Council is required to undertake an annual canvass of all households in the district between July and November to confirm that the details we have on the electoral register are correct. This month you will receive a canvass form from the Council through the post containing details of all the people in the household who are currently registered to vote.
The government has made some changes to the canvass this year and now you only have to respond if:
- You’re told to do so.
- You need to make any changes or additions to the information provided on the form.
You must read your letter carefully to check whether you need to respond or not. If you need to make any changes then it is a legal requirement to let us know and you could be fined £1,000 if you do not tell us about any changes. Please respond quickly when you receive your form as it saves you time and the council money as canvassers will have to visit any properties where a form has not been returned.
Click here for more information.
- Consultation – Statement of Licensing Policy
The Environmental Health and Licensing Service is consulting on its Statement of Licensing Policy – click here to view. Any comments should be sent to [email protected]. The closing date for consultation responses is Thursday 17 September 2020.
- Design a mascot for Birmingham 2022
The Birmingham Commonwealth Games are looking for children across the country to design their own mascot and be in with a chance of winning family tickets to the opening ceremony on Thursday 28 July 2022. The winning design will inspire the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games’ official mascot. Find out more and how to enter here www.birmingham2022.com/mascot/
- Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
o Licensing and Regulatory Committee – Thursday 6 August – 2.30pm – virtual meeting.
Details about how members of the public can view virtual meetings will be posted in the news section of the Council website before meetings.
Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]
Council News 178
This week’s news from around the Council.
- South Staffordshire is #openforbusiness
A short video highlighting the support available for local businesses and showcasing some of the local businesses that are #openforbusiness in the district is now live on the Council’s YouTube channel. Click here to view.
- Leisure centres reopening next Monday
South Staffordshire Council’s four leisure centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne will be reopening to Members from Monday 27 July 2020 and to the general public from Monday 3 August 2020. Facilities at the leisure centres will reopen in gradual phases rather than all at once and the first phase will see gyms and exercise classes reopen to members-only. Swimming pools are not reopening at this stage and other facilities including changing rooms, the sports halls, toning suites and 3G pitches will remain suspended and reopen at a later date. Click here to view a guidance note and click here for more information.
- Annual Canvass
Every year, the Council is required to undertake an annual canvass of all households in the district between July and November to confirm that the details we have on the electoral register are correct. This month you will receive a canvass form from the Council through the post containing details of all the people in the household who are currently registered to vote. The government has made some changes to the canvass this year and now you only have to respond if:
- You’re told to do so.
- You need to make any changes or additions to the information provided on the form.
You must read your letter carefully to check whether you need to respond or not. If you need to make any changes then it is a legal requirement to let us know and you could be fined £1,000 if you do not tell us about any changes. Please respond quickly when you receive your form as it saves you time and the council money as canvassers will have to visit any properties where a form has not been returned. Click here for more information.
- More good causes join the Community Lottery
The South Staffordshire Community Lottery is delighted to welcome five new good causes – Penkridge and Acton Trussell Voluntary Car Scheme, Bilbrook Initiatives Hub, AFC Gnosall, Glenthorne Community Primary School, and Penkridge and Surround Peer Support Group. In total, the Community Lottery is now supporting 72 local good causes.
If you know or are part of a good cause, community group or charity benefitting South Staffordshire and are looking for ways to generate additional funds, register with the Community Lottery. It’s free to join and good causes start benefitting from the very first ticket sold through their dedicated lottery page. Find out more at www.southstaffslottery.co.uk
- COVID-19 update
This week’s news includes updates about face coverings, changes to shielding advice and a reminder about social distancing.
- Face coverings – Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become compulsory from Friday 24 July 2020 – click here for more information.
- Changes to shielding advice – From Saturday 1 August 2020, the advice to people shielding is changing – click here for more information. Shielding will be paused, and you will no longer need to shield. From this date, the government is advising you to adopt strict social distancing rather than full shielding measures. Strict social distancing means you may wish to go out to more places and see more people but you should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household or support bubble. You can visit shops and places of worship, but you should continue maintaining rigorous social distancing.
- Social distancing – 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.
- Let’s get the Midlands moving
A new campaign was launched this week aimed at getting businesses in the Midlands moving by reducing charges on the M6toll. The privately owned motorway, supported by a coalition of regional partners, has launched ‘Let’s Get The Midlands Moving’, a campaign aiming to support residents and businesses as they emerge from the pandemic. Click here to find out more.
- 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.
And this August there’s a super draw with five £100 B&Q vouchers to be won! This draw will take place on Saturday 29 August 2020 at 8pm. To be in with the chance of winning, buy your lottery tickets before this date. Simply register on the website (www.southstaffslottery.co.uk) or telephone 01902 213777.
- Census 2021
Every 10 years there is a census of all people and households in the UK that provides a detailed snapshot of the whole population. The next Census Day will take place on Sunday 21 March 2021 and recruitment is taking place at the moment to help us ensure everyone is counted. Click here for more information.
- Building Better Opportunities (BBO) update
During lockdown, the BBO team has been working hard to ensure the programme continues to help residents across South Staffordshire and Stafford get back into work or training. Like other services, the programme has had to adapt and deliver support in different ways including:
- A ‘Shine Online’ Facebook Group containing information about upcoming events and tutorials on things to do to help keep a sense of community going with our participants whilst they were not able to meet in person.
- The creation of a virtual version of the Upper Morton rural activities 10-week confidence and wellbeing course. The farm has always been one of the most popular courses within the BBO programme and without it there would have been a big gap. However, the team managed to adapt the course and continue via virtual sessions on Facebook alongside delivering packages of supplies and equipment to each person’s home.
Although Lockdown has seen the number of referrals to the programme significantly reduce, the team has still managed to sign up 32 new participants since the end of March 2020 as well as achieving successful exit results for 36 others. Click here to read Sarah’s case study. If you would like to find out more about the Building Better Opportunities Programme or know someone who may benefit from the support they offer, please contact Ryan Cresswell ([email protected]).
- Challenge Academy Summer Adventure Sessions – now open
If your kids are longing for a summer adventure then visit Challenge Academy, situated within the grounds of Baggeridge Country Park. From 20 July to 27 August, Challenge Academy is offering a whole host of adventures, including high ropes, an obstacle course, nets adventure, woodland challenges, team building and forest skills. Prices start from £5 per person.
Find out more and book online at www.challengeacademy.co.uk
- Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
- Audit and Risk Committee – Tuesday 28 July 2020 – 4pm – virtual meeting.
- Overview and Planning Committee – Tuesday 28 July 2020 – 5pm – virtual meeting.
- Licensing Sub Committee – Wednesday 29 July 2020 – 10am – virtual meeting.
- Asset Scrutiny Panel – Thursday 30 July – 9am – virtual meeting.
- Standards and Resources Committee – Thursday 30 July – 2.30pm – virtual meeting.
Details on how to view the virtual meetings on Microsoft Teams will be placed on the news section of the Council website next week – www.sstaffs.gov.uk
Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]
Council News 177
This week’s news from around the Council.
- i54 South Staffordshire western extension ahead of schedule
Expansion works on the i54 South Staffordshire business park are running ahead of schedule with the construction of fully-serviced factory platforms now underway. Advanced works involving site clearance, land investigation and testing across a 60-acre site at i54 South Staffordshire were completed last week, just two months after the opening of a newly-built access road – and while following the Government’s Covid-19 safety guidelines.
Click here to read more and to see some pics.
- The UK’s new start: let’s get going
The Government has launched a new public information campaign to help businesses and individuals prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period. Called ‘The UK’s new start: let’s get going’, the campaign will set out the actions that businesses and individuals need to take to prepare for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. The campaign will run across the full range of communication channels including TV advertising and radio, digital, print and direct channels such as text messages and webinars.
- Leisure centres reopening
South Staffordshire Council’s four leisure centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne are preparing to reopen following last week’s Government’s announcement giving the green light to open. Facilities at the leisure centres will reopen in gradual phases rather than all at once and the first phase will see gyms and exercise classes reopen to members-only from Monday 27 July 2020 and to the general public from Monday 3 August 2020. Swimming pools are not reopening at this stage and other facilities including changing rooms, the sports halls, toning suites and 3G pitches will remain suspended and reopen at a later date. Click here for more information.
- COVID-19 update
This week’s news includes updates about coronavirus cases in South Staffordshire, face coverings, changes to shielding advice and a reminder about social distancing.
- Coronavirus cases in South Staffordshire – For the latest information on coronavirus cases, visit the daily COVID-19 dashboard – click here to view. Information from this dashboard, which includes Pillar 2 data(positive cases from testing in the wider community) is also included on the Council website along with the COVID-19 Local Outbreak Control Plan – click here to view.
- Face coverings – Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become compulsory from Friday 24 July – click here for more information.
- Changes to shielding advice – From Saturday 1 August 2020, the advice to people shielding is changing – click here for more information. Shielding will be paused and you will no longer need to shield. From this date, the government is advising you to adopt strict social distancing rather than full shielding measures. Strict social distancing means you may wish to go out to more places and see more people but you should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household or support bubble. You can visit shops and places of worship, but you should continue maintaining rigorous social distancing.
- Social distancing – 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.
- Survey about your experiences of accessing and using health and care services
Healthwatch Staffordshire and Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent have launched a survey regarding people’s experiences of accessing and using health and care services during the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to access the survey, which closes on Sunday 13 September 2020.
- South Staffordshire is #openforbusiness
More and more shops are now reopening throughout the district. Please observe social distancing guidelines to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus.
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.
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 as part of this work the Council has been running a series of online webinars and produced a number of helpful resources to help businesses operate safely including a bank of posters and signs – click here to view a booklet displaying the different posters and signs that can be printed off.
www.sstaffs.gov.uk/openforbusiness
- Praise received for Council’s wildlife verges
The Council’s decision to trial leaving a few road verges and boundaries in certain parts of the district to grow wilder has attracted the praise of the Friends of Bilbrook and residents. Last year, the Friends of Bilbrook, along with all the other Friends groups in South Staffordshire, lobbied the Council asking it to rethink how roadside verges are cut and managed, to encourage more wildlife. Their concerns were taken on board and thanks to the efforts of councillors and Ryan Taylor in the Street Scene Team, a trial was agreed.
In accordance with advice from Plantlife, the UK’s wildflower charity, the Council trailed a new approach to road verge management with nature at its heart. Three areas within Bilbrook were chosen as part of this trial and the feedback has been positive, gaining universal approval on social media. Friends of Bilbrook has enlisted the support of one of the county recorders, Sheila Moore, in listing all the species of flowers and grasses so that there is a baseline in which to compare the species present in these plots now, and as the years progress. Already the group has noted a diverse list of species, which weren’t allowed to grow previously.
- New electronic document management system for planning
This week saw the launch of a new electronic document management system for all planning related content on the Council website. This will improve the customer and staff experience and it means that all of the following actions can now be completed from one location:
- You can check the progress of live applications.
- View plans and associated documents.
- Comment on live applications.
- Search the weekly list of applications and decisions.
- See if appeals have been lodged and any decisions made on them.
- See recent planning history.
- Search for applications by address or on a map.
Click here to take a look.
- Council job vacancies
- Strategic Projects Assistant Team Manager – click here for more information.
Closing date – Friday 24 July 2020.
- Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
- Special Council – Tuesday 21 July 2020 – 5.30pm – virtual meeting on Teams.
Click here to view the agenda documents.
- Planning Committee – Tuesday 21 July 2020 – 6.30pm – virtual meeting on Teams.
Click here to view the agenda documents.
- 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: [email protected]