This week’s news from around the Council. 

• More facilities reopening at the Leisure Centres

The Council’s four Leisure Centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne are now well into phase 2 of their reopening plans.

• Wombourne Leisure Centre reopened its Toning Suite on Monday 17 August and this facility has run very smoothly so far.
• The 3G pitches at Cheslyn Hay, Codsall and Penkridge Leisure Centres also reopened this week and everything is working well. 

• Swimming update
• Last Monday, Wombourne Swimming Club began trial sessions in the pool at Wombourne Leisure Centre. This has been successful and the swimming pool will now reopen to adult members only from next Monday. Initially, the swimming programme will offer daytime swimming only, with evening swimming planned to be introduced in September.
• Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre is opening its swimming pool on Monday to Chase and Phoenix Swimming Clubs. If everything goes smoothly, then the leisure centre plans to reopen their pool to adult members at the beginning of September.
• The swimming pools at Codsall and Penkridge Leisure Centres will reopen in the weeks that follow.

Work is underway finalising swimming lesson operations and timetabling. All Swim Academy members will be contacted shorty to confirm changes to swimming times and procedures and the leisure centres hope to begin swimming lessons in October.

• COVID-19 update

• Latest figures

In South Staffordshire, the incidence of COVID-19 remains low with the seven day rate at 0.9 per 100,000 people. Currently, there are no outbreaks in high risk settings in the district that the Environmental Health team needs to investigate. The team is continuing to undertake monitoring of many types of business including pubs, restaurants, hotels and car boot sales to ensure compliance with national guidance on hygiene and social distancing. If you have any concerns relating to non-compliance, please email [email protected].

• Wash hands, cover face, make space

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 on face coverings. 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.

• Shielding advice – click here for the latest advice to people about shielding. 

• Eat out to help out – If you dine out from Monday to Wednesday in August you can get 50% off the price of 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 about Eat out to Help out.

• 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 the County Council Outbreak Control Plan  

• 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 on virus isolation extension.

• NHS test and trace – Prevent transmission and help contain the virus – Click here to find out more about test and trace.

• COVID-19 survey – Live in Staffordshire? Complete this COVID-19 survey to share your thoughts on what the county council’s proprieties should be. Click here to complete the covid-19 survey. Closing date is Sunday 13 September 2020.

• 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.

• 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. Visit  the warmer homes website for more details.  

• 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 about the Annual Canvass.

• Super Draw for Community Lottery

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 Staffs Lottery website or telephone 01902 213777.

• Council Committee/Panel meetings

There are no meetings next week.

• Council job vacancies
• PA to Leadership Team – Closing date 28 August 2020.
• Member Support Officer (part-time) – Closing date 28 August 2020.
• Environmental Crime and Enforcement Officer, Street Scene – Closing date 28 August 2020. 

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]