ReviewSouth

Issue 66 • Spring 2017 • www.sstaffs.gov.uk 5000 new jobs created for the district Over the last five years, 5,000 jobs have been created in as a result of partnership working between local authorities and businesses, with private and public sector investment playing a vital role.

“The level of growth has exceeded our expectations and Village is now fully let and we incorporate the latest new businesses, these priorities support existing it’s encouraged us to achieve even more in the future,” technology with an unrivalled geographic location.” businesses and we are committed to supporting our says Councillor Robert McCardle, cabinet member for business base of small and medium sized enterprises the Council’s strategic services portfolio. The 52-acre Bericote Four Ashes site is another in South Staffordshire as well as protecting the Green example of economic development in South Belt. “Working in partnership with Staffordshire County Staffordshire involving partnership working and public Council and City of Council around sector ‘Growth Deal’ funding via the LEP, which has “As a Council, we’ve had to evolve and change to a the award-winning i54 South Staffordshire project been used to improve access to the strategic highway new commercial mind-set. A lot of our economic was a game changer for network. The Spanish automotive growth is highlighted in a small geographical area and us. We discovered that we supplier Gestamp is relocating to that’s a huge challenge to the infrastructure in those were ambitious to support the site later this year and this has areas, particularly the road networks, which we are economic development and safeguarded 800 jobs in Staffordshire working hard to improve. Part of our success is due attract other businesses to with the potential of creating another to our geography and part of it is down to the strong the area as well as help our 200 jobs. partnerships we have with our public and private local businesses thrive and sector partners. Our colleagues at Staffordshire County grow. At the same time the “As a Council, we have dual roles Council and City of Wolverhampton Council are equally growth has to be balanced really,” continues Councillor McCardle. passionate about this and we have the collective drive with the Council’s priority of “The first role is to facilitate - assess to make it happen.” protecting the Green Belt.” the need, locate the land, check the viability of projects and work with One example of a local business developing and partners to make it happen. Quite often it’s getting the growing is Dunston Business Village located in open external funding in place that forms the biggest part in countryside just off junction 13 of the M6. Previously getting these projects off the ground. Our second role an 18th century farm on a 25 acre site, it’s now a five is to deal with the planning applications and we have a star business park development offering over 60,000 strong reputation for delivering these types of projects square feet of high tech, quality office accommodation to tight timescales. in stylish surroundings. Owner Adrian MacLaughlin has previously struggled to get funding to help grow the “So far 5,000 jobs have been created to date and we business village. could be looking at the best part of 6,000 jobs on these particular sites. We want the right sort of jobs “The Council has been really supportive and helped too - quality jobs that are well paid so the benefits me to realise my ambitions to develop the site and are felt throughout South Staffordshire with people increase the number of businesses locating here. spending that money locally and bringing wider I’ve also been helped to access funding through the economic prosperity to the area. Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP’s) ‘Growing Places’ Fund, which supports key “Our Council Plan focuses on three priorities - creating infrastructure projects designed to unlock economic a skilled and prosperous district, a safe and sustainable Adrian MacLaughlin from Dunston Business Village and Councillor Brian Edwards MBE, Leader of South Staffordshire Council, following the signing of the District growth and create jobs,” explains Adrian. “The Business district, and a connected district. As well as attracting Deal 2 agreement last November.

Inside this issue...

Clean Up! Volunteer Event Inspiring Garden Design Top Rating Councillor Q&A Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 10 Page 2 sstaffs.gov.uk

Welcome to the spring issue of South Staffordshire’s Council’s Review Newspaper, which includes a four-page business supplement with a horticultural theme.

Weather-wise, it’s been a unsettled start to 2017 and an unwelcome reminder for many of us that News in brief staying warm and well at home can be a difficult and expensive business. Site allocations plan update As a Council, we’re aware that many of our Our public consultation on plans for new development in South Staffordshire ended in residents need assistance to replace their old or February and the next stage is to send the Plan with your comments and the evidence broken boilers and the Council is here to provide we have collated over the past three years to the Secretary of State. He will appoint an a helping hand. I’m delighted that our South independent planning inspector who will hold a formal public examination into the site Staffordshire Warmer Homes initiative has been allocations document (SAD), hopefully in late Autumn 2017. During the examination, we able to help so many residents across the district. It’s proved to be so successful that we will have to explain the reasoning behind the Plan and why sites were chosen. If you have will be launching a South Staffordshire Healthy Homes Fund later this year. If you are on made comments at any stage of the process, we will write to you to let you know when the benefits and a cold home is seriously affecting your health, make sure you contact0800 examination will be held and you will have an opportunity to be involved. Sign up for news 193 1902 for more information and to pre-register. Funds are expected to be allocated in about the SAD on the Council’s website or email [email protected] or late Spring 2017. call 01902 696000 and ask to speak with a member of the Local Plans Team. Our Members feel strongly about this kind of initiative as it has a huge impact on those www.sstaffs.gov.uk/siteallocations who live here, especially the most vulnerable in our community. We represent you so please contact us about any local issues that affect your community. BEM for Graham and David

Councillor Brian Edwards MBE Congratulations to Graham Tritton from and David Roy Horton. David has run the Lifesaving Club for over 35 years at Leisure Centre. Both men have been Leader of South Staffordshire Council awarded the British Empire Medal. @cllrbedwards Goats at Baggeridge Baggeridge Country Park is now home to a rare breed of five Bagot goats. This rare breed is believed to be Britain’s oldest breed of goat and they have a Staffordshire heritage with a documented ancestry. The goats are being used to help vital conservation work and they South Staffordshire Council have proved to be extremely self-reliant, a trait which has ensured their continued survival over many centuries. You can follow the goats’ progress at Baggeridge Country Park’s new Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, WV8 1PX Twitter account @baggeridgepark Tel: 01902 696000 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm) Hot offers! Customer Service opening times (Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.00pm) South Staffordshire Warmer Homes, a partnership between South Staffordshire Council and Email: [email protected] Marches Energy Agency, is helping people in the district replace their old or broken boilers. Funding is available if you own your own home or rent privately and priority will be given www.sstaffs.gov.uk to people in poor health and/or with a limited income and savings. Call the Warmer Homes Advice Line for more information on 0800 193 1902. Our energy advisors are on hand to @south_staffs deal with your queries, no matter how big or small. www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy South Staffordshire Council Good Life Business Energy Scheme This initiative has been specifically set up to help businesses obtain cheaper gas and Produced and designed by South Staffordshire Council. electricity through collective purchasing to negotiate cheaper prices. Run by CEB Consultants Email: [email protected] with any comments or suggestions for this publication. in partnership with the Council, register your interest by calling 0800 230 0086 or visit Printed by Wyndeham Bicester (01869) 363333. www.goodlife-energy.co.uk Printed on paper made from sustainably managed woodlands that are not causing Go Digital environmental degradation and not from old growth forests. Elemental-chlorine free (ECF), or If you’ve signed up to Self-Service and e-Billing, we would like your feedback about the equivalent, pulp is used. registration process. Please take part in our short online survey at South Staffordshire Council does not accept any responsibility for or endorse any products or https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YSMK8TS and share your experiences of the services offered by advertisers. All information correct at time of printing. registration process.

Your local directory - All you need in one place. www.southstaffordshire.thegoodlife.uk.net • 01902 696141 sstaffs.gov.uk Page 3 Prosecution success

In recent weeks, South Staffordshire Council has “Equally, fly-tipping is a criminal offence and people successfully prosecuted a local takeaway in Great are sick of their areas being blighted by it. All Wyrley for three breaches of food safety and hygiene householders and businesses have a duty of care regulations as well as four people for breaching to dispose of their waste responsibly and we will environmental health laws for fly-tipping and failing prosecute those who flout the law. in their duty of care, resulting in fines totalling nearly £10,000. “A lot of people aren’t aware of the legislation and residents must be alert as it is the legal duty Councillor Roger Lees, Deputy Leader and cabinet of the householder to check that anyone taking member for public health protection services, said, waste from their home is registered and has a County Council Elections “These prosecutions show that South Staffordshire waste carrier licence from the Environment Agency Council takes firm action in cases of breaches of food (www.gov.uk/environment-agency). Anyone who May 2017 safety and hygiene regulations and environmental uses an illegal collector could be prosecuted and health laws. fined up to £5,000 if dumped waste can be traced back to them. Handing over your waste to someone The 2017 Staffordshire County Council elections will take place “We are committed to ensuring consumers are not who offers to take it away for a bargain price is on Thursday 4 May 2017. In South Staffordshire, there are eight put at risk and we will not hesitate to take formal irresponsible and the probability is that this waste County Councillor seats up for election including: action through the courts and prosecute businesses will be illegally dumped somewhere.” that do not comply with food hygiene legislation. o Division (one seat) o Cheslyn Hay, & Division (two seats) o Codsall Division (one seat) South Staffordshire Council encourages the reporting of fly-tipping Report It! and dog fouling and you can report it on the Council’s website at o Division (one seat) www.sstaffs.gov.uk and clicking on the report button or sign up to the o Division (one seat) My Staffs App at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/mystaffs which is free to o Division (one seat) download on Android and Apple devices, and by telephone on 01902 o Division (one seat) 696000. Last date for registration is Thursday 13 April 2017. Last date for postal vote applications is Tuesday 18 April 2017 (5pm). New crackdown on dog fouling Last date for proxy vote applications is Tuesday 25 April 2017 (5pm). For more information, please visit: www.sstaffs.gov.uk/elections A campaign aimed at reducing incidents of dog The Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson CBE MP supports fouling in South Staffordshire has resulted in the campaign and said, “Dog fouling is an extremely complaints falling by nearly 90% in a year. Officers serious and unpleasant issue. Not picking up after from South Staffordshire Council have been working your dog is not just an issue of aesthetics, but of Introducing in partnership with Parish Councils and the local public safety, with dog fouling known to create community to reduce dog fouling in their areas and infection and blindness in children. We are lucky to Self-Service and e-Billing to remind residents that they should always pick live in a beautiful part of the country and it’s a shame up after their dog. Promotional dog fouling packs that there are some individuals who do not clean up containing posters designed by local school children after their dogs, creating a mess along our public and signs that glow in the dark have been issued pathways. I am glad to see that South Staffordshire to Parish Councils and, in addition, 20 areas have Council and our Parish Councils are highlighting this received training in the best ways to use the signs issue in an effort to reduce it.” Self-Service e-Billing and create dog fouling stencils.

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o Keep track of all your council tax, business rates and housing benefit transactions. o View your council tax bill online. o Check your housing benefits payments. o Set up direct debit payments for council tax and business rates. o Make a payment. o Update your personal details quickly and easily.

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Sign up now at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/selfservice Pictured with the dog fouling sign are the Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson CBE MP and Councillor Roger Lees, Deputy Leader and If you would like more information or help to get online, please cabinet member for public health protection services at South Staffordshire Council. contact 01902 696000 Page 4 sstaffs.gov.uk Supporting good causes

Plans for a new Community Lottery supporting good causes and local community projects in South Staffordshire are well underway and the initiative is on track to be launched by the Council later this year. The Lottery will operate on the principle of raising money within the community for the community and it will enable people to support the causes they care about as well as help local community projects connect with their supporters. Keep an eye on the Council’s social media and website for more information. Your local police Volunteer celebration event South Staffordshire’s Local Policing Team Do you know someone who helps and supports others in their local works closely with a number of partners on community and who you would like to nominate for a community several priority areas and this issue I would recognition award? like to raise awareness about cybercrime and There are thousands of active volunteers across South Staffordshire domestic abuse and show you where to find supporting a huge variety of community activities. To celebrate help and advice to prevent you becoming a this and to coincide with National Volunteers Week in June, victim of crime. residents and community organisations from across the district will be coming together to recognise the valuable contribution of local Cybercrime is rising as more and more people use a wide volunteers. variety of internet enabled devices. There is a vast range of crime that falls under the term cybercrime - fraud, South Staffordshire Council, South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary scams, bullying, grooming, to name a few. We would Action (SSCVA) and Staffordshire Council for Voluntary Youth Services encourage you to become more internet savvy and find (SCVYS) are working together to host a celebration event which will be held ways to stop the cyber criminals fleecing you or putting on Saturday 17 June at Codsall Village Hall between 10am and 1pm. The event will you or your children in dangerous situations. Children be opened by the Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson CBE MP, who will present a variety of can accidently fall foul of people pretending to be volunteer awards at 12.30 pm on the day. someone else, so we would urge you to set up parental This is a great opportunity to find out what activities are available in your local community, learn more about what’s controls, monitor their use and talk to them about how going on and promote any voluntary and community groups that you are involved with. to keep safe. Take a few minutes to check our website at To nominate someone you think goes the extra mile in your community or for more information visit www.staffordshire.police.uk/cybercrime to understand www.southstaffordshire.thegoodlife.uk.net or call 01902 696238. and find helpful safety tips. Domestic abuse can often be a ‘hidden’ crime behind closed doors but that doesn’t mean it’s not going on. People should feel loved and cherished in a relationship, Time to talk about JLR careers not scared. Domestic abuse is not always physical. It can be emotional, sexual, psychological or financial abuse Over 60 students at a local school learnt what it’s like opportunities to young people and hope to inspire more and can happen between heterosexual and homosexual to work for industry giant Jaguar Land Rover when Les students to study STEM subjects and become engineers couples/intimate partners, family members. Offenders Ratcliffe, Head of Community Relations at Jaguar Land through our apprentice and graduate routes in the can be men and women. Rover, and Dave Heywood, Chief Executive of South future.” Staffordshire Council, paid a visit to Cheslyn Hay Sport Patterns of behaviour and separate instances of Dave Heywood, Chief Executive of South Staffordshire and Community High School in November. control add up to abuse through intimidation, isolation, Council added, “It’s encouraging that companies such depriving victims of their financial independence and Les Ratcliffe said, “Each year, we engage with 300,000 as Jaguar Land Rover give career talks to students. regulating their everyday behaviour. We would stress young people through our ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Young people benefit when employers and schools work that it is never the victim’s fault and vitally important Engineers’ school STEM education programme. together and these talks provide young people with an for offenders to understand what they’re doing and seek This includes educational visits around the Engine opportunity to hear about education opportunities such help to stop the misery they are causing. Manufacturing Centre and our other sites and as work placements as well as career routes. Ultimately, STEM Challenge projects which bring the world of it helps them make better-informed choices and achieve Visit www.thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk to find more manufacturing to life. We’re keen to promote these their true potential.” information about the many organisations who offer help and support for victims and offenders. Inspector Giles Parsons South Staffordshire Local Policing Commander

Useful telephone numbers 0870 2700 123 (24 hours) Staffordshire Women’s Aid Domestic Violence Helpline 101 Police Non-Emergency Number 0808 2000 247 (24 hours) National Domestic Violence Helpline 0330 0881 339 Students from years 9 to 13 pictured with Les Ratcliffe, Head of Community Relations at Jaguar Land Rover, and Nicky Crookshank, Victim Gateway Headteacher at Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community High School. Advertorial feature

Business News Spring 2017 South Staffordshire BUSINESS HUB INSPIRING Garden Design

Creating your perfect outdoor space is a big step but with Advice and tips the design (and budget) and with so many options, from Boningale Garden Creations you’ll be in safe hands. If you’re thinking of getting your garden professionally slate, block paving and brick, to concrete and gravel – not Boningale Garden Creations is the region’s award-winning designed this spring, here’s what you should be looking out forgetting natural materials like hedging and trees - to garden and landscaping design company, part of the long- for when choosing a landscape company. choose from, it may feel overwhelming. A good company will advise on the pros and cons of each type of material established Boningale Nursery family. The nursery has What makes a good garden designer? been part of the local landscape for more than 50 years taking into account the design brief, surrounding landscape A good garden designer has to be in tune with the and landscaping was added to its portfolio in the 1970s. as well as your home’s architectural style. customer - and gaining trust is absolutely vital. This means Since then, it has grown steadily and is now one of the spending hours with you to ascertain exactly how you want largest landscape supply nurseries in the UK, employing to use the garden and what it is you want to achieve. At more than 50 staff and producing over two million this initial stage, they will go through existing features, talk container plants a year. about preferred styles, and, crucially, budget. It’s only when With nearly 40 acres of plant production at its Albrighton those details are sorted that the design can be created. headquarters, Boningale Garden Creations has an award- What should people look for if they want to use a garden winning garden design team of experts who can offer design company? expert advice, every step of the way. Do some digging! Before signing on the dotted line, ask Martin Neenan, General Manager at Boningale Garden to speak to previous customers and check to see if it is a Creations, explains. “We have a wealth of horticultural member of the Association of Professional Landscapers - knowledge and our experienced landscape team offers a this will give you added assurance of quality and guarantee complete planting and landscaping service. We work with of service. clients across the length and breadth of the country and Will they help us choose the best hard landscaping our designers offer imaginative designs for both large and materials? small gardens, in traditional or contemporary styles that can suit your personality and lifestyle.” Materials are one of the most important components in

“Boningale Garden Creations is the region’s award-winning For further information and advice or to garden and landscaping design company.” arrange a free consultation to discuss your dream garden, please contact Martin Neenan.

boningale garden creations Tel: 01902 376500 Email: [email protected] www.boningale-garden-creations.co.uk

For more information, please visit: Twitter: @boningalegarden Facebook: BoningaleGardenCreations Page 6 sstaffs.gov.uk Council’s support helps local business flourish

South Staffordshire Council’s recent investment Councillor Roy Wright, cabinet member for in acquiring and developing a 60,000 square direct services at the Council, said, “Our feet industrial unit within the Four Ashes investment has meant that Telling Architectural Industrial Estate has resulted in a local company Ltd is flourishing and developing all the time. expanding its business and creating more jobs. We’re proud to have played a part in their success and I would like to stress that South Telling Architectural Ltd. a specialist Staffordshire is open for business so if there manufacturer of glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) are any other companies who would like to for building façade panels, moved into the settle in the area please come and talk to us.” new premises in July 2016 and is going from Mike Wood, Director at Telling Architectural strength to strength. Ltd, said, “The new facility is absolutely first The company makes architectural façade panels class. The local authority having the confidence for many of the premier construction projects in to support a relatively small company that was London and and is fast becoming turning over just under £6 million has made one of the largest manufacturers of GRC in the a huge difference to us. It’s a great location UK. Jobs have increased by 50% already and in and having this building means that Telling creating this new facility, the Council has helped Architectural has the necessary space it needs a local business expand and supported the local to expand and potentially triple its production economy. as well as increase its 60-strong workforce to Left to right: Pictured during a tour of the facility are Councillor Brian Edwards MBE, Leader at 90 people over the next three years.” South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Roy Wright, cabinet member for direct services at the Council, and Mike Wood, Director at Telling Architectural Ltd.

Business The best places to eat networking, events South Staffordshire Council’s popular and training courses food hygiene rating scheme helps consumers choose where to eat Here at the Business Hub in Codsall, we host or shop for food by giving them a series of business networking meetings, information about the standards in training courses and events. local restaurants, takeaways and food shops. Each food business receives Business Owners Support Hub: a hygiene rating by Food Safety Breakfast Networking Officers from the Council based on Monthly. Breakfast meetings. £10. the standards found at the time of 29 March 2017 (7.30am to 9.30am) the inspection from 5 (very good) to 0 26 April 2017 (7.30am to 9.30am) (urgent improvement necessary). South 31 May 2017 (7.30am to 9.30am) Staffordshire currently has over 360 28 June 2017 (7.30am to 9.30am) five rated businesses and to date 94% of food businesses in the area achieved Auto-Enrolment Masterclass a minimum satisfactory standard Congratulations to Astons of Coven, the latest top food hygiene rating business in South Offering support and advice about of three or more. Any business that Staffordshire. Brian Bates and Helen Roberts from Astons in Coven also attended a recent providing a qualifying pension scheme for achieves a poor rating must carry out food hygiene course at the Council Offices in Codsall and gained the Chartered Institute of your workforce. work to remedy the problems or face Environmental Health Level 2 in Food Safety in Catering. From left to right, Helen Roberts, Free. prosecution. Sam Jukes, Brian Bates (Business proprietor), Ben Baker and Councillor Joyce Bolton. 23 March 2017 www.ratemyplace.org.uk @ratemyplace Ratemyplace (12.30pm to 1.30pm) Council A trusted supplier for all your business needs.

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Welcome to the Business Hub

Launched in June 2015, the South Staffordshire Business Hub is home to

over 20 businesses at its base in the district council offices in Codsall. To advertise in this Enjoy benefits such as: publication, please contact:

• Affordable office accommodation • Virtual office amenities • WiFi South Staffordshire Sarah Marsh • Call management services • Meeting rooms • Flexible hot desking facilities BUSINESS HUB Tel: 07792 905597 • Restaurant and coffee bar • Private parking • Excellent transport links Email: [email protected] To find out more about the Business Hub or to advertise in this publication, please contact:

Tel: 01902 696124Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook• “f” Logo Email:CMYK / .ai [email protected] • www.sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk @sstaffsbh Business News South Staffordshire sstaffs.gov.uk Page 9

Cheslyn Hay ladies netball team is on the lookout for new players to join them. Formed in October 2016, its LEISURE members share a love of netball and got together as part of Netball’s national ‘Back to Netball’ sports programme, which Get active! provides women of all ages with a gentle re-introduction to the sport.

Here’s a taste of what’s on at your local leisure The team is a group of centres. beginner netballers aged Walking football for people over the age of 50 at 16+ and they play in the England Netball ‘I heart Leagues’. And Penkridge Leisure Centre (Mondays 6pm to 7pm, the tally so far? A very respectable third place in the league £3.00 per session). Please see below for contact last season, winning six games and losing two. It’s a fun way to details. improve your fitness and they’re a welcoming bunch so come along to the Back to Netball sessions every Thursday from 7pm Gymnastics coaching for children of all abilities to 8pm at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre (£2.50 per session). at Codsall and Penkridge Leisure Centres. Back to Netball is also available at Wombourne Leisure Centre Gymnastics coaching is also available at Cheslyn on tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Hay Leisure Centre on Sundays 12pm to 2pm. The courses are run by Wolverhampton Gymnastics Club. Trampoline Courses for children of all ages and abilities at Cheslyn Hay and Penkridge Leisure Centres. The Active Youth initiative offers 13-17 year olds LEARN TO SWIM the chance to use the gym, swimming pool and some exercise classes at discounted prices at Penkridge (every Friday 6pm to 7pm swimming; 7pm to South Staffordshire Swim Academy operates at all four of the Council’s leisure centres and provides high 9pm gym, £1 per hour) and at Wombourne (Saturdays quality swimming tuition for adults and children 2-3 years+ with lessons catering for non-swimmers through 10.30am to 11.30, Wednesdays 3pm to 4pm and 4pm to to advanced abilities. Lessons are delivered by fully qualified and experienced swimming instructors using the 5pm, Thursdays 5pm to 6pm and Fridays 6pm to 7pm, gym Swimming Teachers Association’s International Learn to Swim programme, offering badges at every level to at £1.00 per hour). Other exercise classes are available, reward progress. please enquire. Lessons take place throughout the year and there are plans to extend lesson availability. Already launched are Judo for 13-17 year olds at Wombourne Leisure Saturday morning lessons at Penkridge and additional Saturday classes at Codsall, and we will be launching new Centre, Tuesdays 5.30pm to 7pm. First session is Sunday lunchtime lessons (from May 2017). A new online free. Codsall Leisure Centre offer Judo instruction portal - Swim Academy On Course - has recently been on Thursdays 5.30pm to 6.30pm for juniors. This session is launched and this enables parents to see how followed by an Adult Judo session 6.30pm to 7.30pm. their child is progressing. You can book a free Affordable Good Life School Holiday Camps for trial for your child and, as an added incentive children aged 4+ take place at take place at to encourage children to swim more, the Cheslyn Hay, Codsall and Wombourne Leisure Academy offers FREE public swimming Centres every school holiday. Led by one of the UK’s leading for members paying by direct debit. childcare providers, Fit for Sport, book now for Easter and the Summer at www.fitforsport.co.uk or call 0845 4563233. Penkridge Leisure Centre offer school holiday activities every school holiday for 5yrs+. To book call 01785 714152. Watch out for the latest studio cycling experience at Wombourne Leisure Centre. My Ride uses forward motion video, allowing you to watch a “Moving to South Staffordshire Swimming Academy was the best thing we ever did! The fact that the Academy virtual bike journey on screens as you pedal. There are runs during the school holidays as well as term-time has really helped my children’s progression. The children lots of different programmable rides and the your cycling are given records of achievement, which not only encourage the children to do well but it’s great that I get to workout can be done in a class with one of our instructors see just how much they are improving. I would definitely recommend South Staffordshire’s Swimming Academy or by using a virtual coach at a time that suits you. The My as they offer excellent value for money.” Ride facility is also available for clubs to book for the use of Lisa Wilkinson (parent of Swim Academy members, Lewis and Libby) land training.

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre Penkridge Leisure Centre Did you know your local leisure centres have Road, Cheslyn Hay, WS6 7JQ Wolgarston High School, Road, , ST19 5RX various rooms and spaces available for hire Tel: 01922 417790 Tel: 01785 714152 during weekends including the sports halls, @south_staffs @south_staffs interactive games room and dance studios. Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre Penkridge Leisure Centre Contact us now for more details. Codsall Leisure Centre Wombourne Leisure Centre Elliotts Lane, Codsall, WV8 1PG Ounsdale Road, Wombourne, WV5 8BJ Tel: 01902 844032 Tel: 01902 898202 FREE Wi-Fi in all our leisure centres @south_staffs @south_staffs www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure Codsall Leisure Centre Wombourne Leisure Centre Page 10 sstaffs.gov.uk Councillor Q&A

Penkridge North East and Councillor Brian Edwards MBE lives in Stourton. He is Leader Acton Trussell of the Council and has represented Kinver and Stourton in Penkridge the south of the district since 1983. Brian is also a Parish West Huntington Councillor for Kinver and a County Councillor, although he and will be retiring at the County election in May after 28 years Hatherton as Member for the Kinver Division. Wheaton Aston, Penkridge Bishopswood South East and Lapley What did you do before becoming a Councillor? I am a Chartered Mechanical Engineer involved in the design of power station boilers for stations across the world. I joined the family building company in 1971 and am still Brewood and Cheslyn Hay North Coven and the Managing Director. Saredon B Why did you decide to become a Councillor? A Featherstone C I saw the Council as a way to serve the residents of my village. My family and my wife’s family had all and been involved in council service so it seemed natural when a vacancy came up that I put my name Codsall North Essington forward and the rest is history. Bilbrook What do you enjoy most about being a Councillor? Codsall Representing residents and helping solve their problems and concerns, and also South Perton working with a tremendous team of Officers and Councillors. Dippons How do you feel the Council is performing? Pattingham and D E Very well. The whole staff and members are totally committed to providing Patshull services that are efficient and value for money and also to the future financing of our Council without Government grants. The Council is moving forward and becoming more commercially minded whilst retaining high customer satisfaction Wombourne levels and low Council Tax bills. North and What’s your proudest achievement? KEY A Cheslyn Hay South I suppose receiving an MBE from Prince William in recognition for my services to Local B Great Wyrley Town

Government in South Staffordshire. C Great Wyrley Landywood G What’s your favourite place in South Staffordshire? F D Perton Lakeside My home of the last 40 years at Stourton and the village of Kinver where I was born. E Perton East and F Wombourne South West Why should people consider becoming a Councillor? Swindon G Wombourne South East and Many people receive help and services in their younger lives and being a Councillor is a way of saying thank you and putting something back into their community to help © Crown copyright and database rights others. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Council and have been privileged to 2017 Ordnance Survey 100019681 be their Leader for the last 12 years. I believe that if you do a job you do it to the best of your ability and that’s what I’ve tried to do.

Kinver If you would like to include a question in this regular Councillor Q&A, please email [email protected]

Leader and Cabinet 2017 Chairman 2016/17

Councillor Brian Edwards MBE Councillor Robert McCardle Councillor Bernard Williams Leader of the Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Services Chairman of the Council

Councillor Roger Lees Councillor Val Chapman Councillor Robert Reade Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Vice Chairman of the Council Cabinet Member for Support Services Public Health Protection Services

Councillor Mrs Mary Bond Councillor Roy Wright Cabinet Member for Environmental Cabinet Member for Direct Services Services sstaffs.gov.uk Page 11

Conservative Labour South Staffordshire Council Members 2017 UKIP Independent

Cllr Val Chapman Cllr Paul Fieldhouse Cllr Joyce Bolton Cllr Diane Holmes Cllr Wendy Sutton Cllr Lisa Emery Cllr Steve Hollis

Bilbrook Bilbrook Brewood & Coven Brewood & Coven Brewood & Coven Cheslyn Hay North & Saredon Cheslyn Hay North & Saredon Tel: (01902) 846413 Tel: (01902) 845431 Tel: (01902) 851079 Tel: (01902) 850611 Tel: (01902) 851682 Tel: 07468 850266 Tel: (01922) 416773 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cllr Dave Lockley Cllr Bernard Williams Cllr Meg Barrow Cllr Matt Ewart Cllr Robert Marshall Cllr John Michell Cllr David Clifft J.P.

Cheslyn Hay South Cheslyn Hay South Codsall North Codsall North Codsall South Codsall South Essington Tel: (01922) 418730 Tel: (01922) 410259 Tel: (01902) 270337 Tel: (01902) 842447 Tel: (01902) 846664 Tel: (01902) 842080 Tel: (01922) 401105 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cllr Peter Lever Cllr Robert Cope Cllr Henryk Lobuczek Cllr Ray Perry Cllr Kath Williams Cllr Janet Johnson Cllr Michael Lawrence

Essington Featherstone & Shareshill Featherstone & Shareshill Great Wyrley Landywood Great Wyrley Landywood Great Wyrley Town Great Wyrley Town Tel: (01922) 402529 Tel: (01922) 414420 Tel: (01902) 861460 Tel: (01922) 412369 Tel: (01922) 415732 Tel: (01922) 415866 Tel: (01902) 730396 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cllr Kath Perry Cllr Roger Lees J.P. Cllr Jeff Ashley Cllr David Williams Cllr Brian Edwards MBE Cllr Lin Hingley Cllr Henry Williams

Great Wyrley Town Himley & Swindon Huntington & Hatherton Huntington & Hatherton Kinver Kinver Kinver Tel: (01922) 412369 Tel: (01384) 279910 Tel: (01543) 506427 Tel: 07814 144149 Tel: (01384) 872245 Tel: (01384) 872958 Tel: (01384) 878021 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cllr Terry Mason Cllr Len Bates Cllr Isabel Ford Cllr Christine Raven Cllr John Raven Cllr Keith James Penkridge West

Vacant as from 15 March 2017

Election due to take place 4 May 2017 Pattingham & Patshull Penkridge North East & Acton Trussell Penkridge North East & Acton Trussell Penkridge South East Penkridge South East Perton Dippons Tel: (01902) 700715 Tel: (01785) 714091 Tel: (01785) 712339 Tel: (01785) 715936 Tel: (01785) 715936 Tel: (01902) 845904 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cllr Anthony Bourke Cllr Nigel Caine Cllr Rita Heseltine Cllr Roy Moreton Cllr Robert McCardle Cllr Brian Cox Cllr Roy Wright

Perton East Perton Lakeside Perton Lakeside Perton Lakeside Trysull & Seisdon Wheaton Aston, Bishopswood & Lapley Wheaton Aston, Bishopswood & Lapley Tel: (01902) 757163 Tel: (01902) 742082 Tel: (01902) 745654 Tel: (01902) 745075 Tel: (01902) 470808 Tel: (01785) 840482 Tel: (01785) 840342 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cllr Barry Bond Cllr Alan Hinton Cllr Robert Reade Cllr Ken Upton Cllr Reg Williams Cllr Mary Bond Cllr Mike Davies MCIAT

Wombourne North & Lower Penn Wombourne North & Lower Penn Wombourne North & Lower Penn Wombourne South East Wombourne South East Wombourne South West Wombourne South West Tel: (01902) 896571 Tel: (01902) 895145 Tel: (01902) 762593 Tel: (01902) 326081 Tel: (01902) 893304 Tel: (01902) 896571 Tel: (01902) 893284 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Correct as of 15 March 2017. Page 12 sstaffs.gov.uk

Help us target the ‘unusual suspects’ in your waste. Last year, South Staffordshire recycled 52% of waste. Did you know that you can recycle the following in your blue bin?

Please visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/waste for information about your waste and recycling collections. 4 4 4 4

Clean Foil Perfume/Aftershave Washing Up Bleach Bottles Trays Bottles Liquid Bottles 4 4 4 4

Toilet Roll Tissue Shampoo/ Aerosol Cans recycle Tubes Boxes Conditioner Bottles

Having a spring clean?

Got bulky waste to get rid of? We can pick this up for a small fee. Give us a call on 01902 696203. 12 Bin Men of Christmas Our ’12 Bin Men of Christmas’ campaign, to share seasonal hints and tips for real Christmas recycling in the home, was viewed trees were 30,000 times during December 2016, collected from equivalent to two thirds of the 46,000 700 properties in South Staffordshire. residents’ homes and recycled free of charge during January 2017.

Word Search Competition 66

When you have identified the Can you find the following horticultural N O E S Y M S S K V R S Y D Congratulations words hidden in this puzzle? missing word, write it on the back of a They may be horizontal, vertical or diagonal R O E S A B R T E R R E A A postcard (or sealed envelope) together and thank you! and could be backwards or forwards. O B I N U E L G N U O T R F with your name and address and send to: Congratulations to Propagation • Seed tray C C U T W O E O E A S F T F Greenhouse • Blossom Helen Dye R T Bufton from Blymhill K R R O A T H T S O L B D O who won £25 in the Seeds • Vegetables Word Search Competition 66, E R L O A G A N P S U P E D South Staffordshire Council, Word Search Competition Plants • Shrubs • Trees R F A B C C A M E L O S E I Council Offices, Codsall, in Issue 65 of the South Flowers • Bulbs • Rockery South Staffordshire. WV8 1PX Staffordshire Review. Daffodil • Crocus • Tulip Y D L K E U O P B E M M S L S E C S E C S S O T R D B P Or, email your answer (together with Magnolia • Forsythia your name and address) to: The correct answer was Garden • Design S M A G N O L I A R F G U I [email protected] POLYSTYRENE Compost • Manure • Digging D I G G I N G A R E P N R L The first correct entry picked after A big thank you to everyone Pruning • Spade • Fork G N I N U R P S D E E S H U the closing date of who entered and well done 10th May 2017 Rake • Trowel • Secateurs T R O W E L N G I S E D S T to those who got the will win a answer correct! One of these words is E D A P S F O R S Y T H I A NOT included in the grid. £25 Prize NEXT EDITION: Issue 67 - out Summer 2017