www.lichfielddc.gov.uk Latest News

Please sign here!

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:10:00 +0000

Absent vote refresh 2012

This February, Lichfield District Council is sending all its residents, who have had a postal, proxy or postal proxy vote since before January 2007, a form to legally request a fresh specimen signature.

Nina Dawes, Lichfield District Electoral Registration Officer, said: "If you have been voting by post or by proxy for more than five years, please look out for a new form that we're sending to your address this month. You will need to sign and return it in the reply paid envelope so we can update our records with your renewed signature. It's important that you return the form as quickly as possible because, if we don't receive it, we legally have to send you a reminder three weeks later."

The council is warning everyone that has had a postal, proxy or postal proxy vote since before 31 January 2007, and want to continue voting in this way, that if they do not sign and return the form, their existing absent vote facility will be cancelled and they will need to vote in person at a polling station or make a new application.

For more information, please contact Lichfield District Council's Electoral Services on 01543 308125 or email elections@lichfielddc.gov.uk

]]>

Stowe Pool railings facelift

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Local agencies come together to improve an area of Lichfield

A partnership, which includes Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire & West Midlands Probation Trust and Saint Chad's Church, has come together to refurbish the metal railings towards the eastern end of Stowe Pool.

Local resident, Bob White, raised the issue of the untidy railings to Stowe ward councillor, Bernard Derrick.

Councillor Derrick, who is also Chairman of Lichfield District Council, said: "Many people use the pathway, which runs between the pool and the railings, and I agreed that they were in need of an update. I contacted the Probation Trust to request a Community Payback team to help us with the work. They generously agreed and, after the council's parks team offered the materials, work got started. I am delighted the makeover is well underway and that the members of the scheme are spending their time on a worthwhile project that gives something back to the people of Lichfield."

The Community Payback team has already cleared litter and weeds from the area, as well as strip the railings. They are now working on repainting them.

Cliff Thompson, Placement Officer for Lichfield Community Payback, said: "Community Payback is a way for people to take part in supervised work on behalf of local communities. Refreshing this part of Stowe Pool is a great example of the type of work we get involved in, and I am delighted the area is already looking better."

St Chad's Church kindly volunteered its kitchen, storage and toilet facilities for the team to use throughout the project. As a gesture of thanks, the team has painted the railings in front of the church.

"This is a good example of how agencies can join forces to benefit the local community and everyone that visits this beautiful part of Lichfield. I would like to thank Bob White for raising this issue, as we depend on local people to tell us their concerns about where they live. Work should be complete in a few weeks' time, and we're all looking forward to seeing the finished result," added Cllr Derrick.

]]>

The Chasewater Country Park Mile

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Council reminds fun-runners to get their trainers at the ready to run a mile for charity at Chasewater Country Park on Sunday 25 March 2012

Lichfield District Council is reminding everyone to start training and raising sponsorship for the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile at Chasewater Country Park.

The Chasewater mile will set off on Sunday 25 March at 11am. There are three running distances to choose from - 1 mile, 3 miles or 6 miles.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: "Around 350 people entered the event we hosted at Chasewater last year, and this year is looking just as popular.

"Anyone of any age and running ability can take part, and dogs on leads are welcome too. As it's for Sport Relief, which is a Comic Relief initiative, we're inviting runners will come in fancy dress, and to run, hop, skip or jump the mile!

"The route will circle the reservoir, with scenic views that allow you to take in the sights and sounds of nature along the way. So, enter the event online, get sponsored and make a day of it."

Registration on the day is from 10am to 10.45am . The run will set off at 11am. The cost of entering the run is £3 (child), £6 (adult) and £15 (family).

"Paying for your mile helps cover the cost of staging the event, so don't forget to get sponsored for taking part as well. The money you raise will help change lives," added Cllr Richards.

To find out more and to register for the event, please go to http://www.sportrelief.com/ and search for 'Chasewater', or contact Chasewater Country Park's rangers team on 01543 370607 or email chasewater@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

All the money raised for Sport Relief is spent by Comic Relief to help transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people, both at home and across the world's poorest counties.

Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief - registered charity 326568 (England & Wales), SC039730 (Scotland).

About Sport Relief

As one of the UK's biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives.

All the money raised by the public is spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives, both at home in the UK and across the world's poorest countries.

Sport Relief 2012 is on its way from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 March. With more than a million people expected to join in the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile, there's no better way to take part in the UK 's biggest year of sport and help to change lives too.

Find out more at http://www.sportrelief.com/

]]>

Two free hedgelaying courses

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Learn a traditional countryside skill at Darnford Park this February or March

Lichfield District Council's arboriculture team is inviting people with an interest in nature conservation to learn the ancient art of hedgelaying at two free courses this February and March.

Taking place at Darnford Park, the two courses are taking place from 10am to 4pm on the weekends of Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 February, and Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 March.

Led by the Burton Conservation Volunteers, the courses will teach participants the traditional skill of hedgerow management.

The hedges layed over the weekend will help the council with its ongoing woodland improvements and restoration work at Darnford Park. This is because hedges are important for biodiversity, and it is hoped they will attract more insects and small mammals to the site. They are also excellent habitats for birds to nest in.

Councillor Alan White, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Development Services, said: "We hope lots of people take part on these courses, not only will they help to boost the wildlife of the site, they will also offer everyone who takes part an interesting and worthwhile weekend.

"All tools and training will be provided, as will hot drinks and biscuits. However, please remember to wear suitable clothes and footwear and bring a packed lunch."

There is no need to book onto either of the courses, just turn up at the Darnford Park car park, off Darnford Lane at 10am on either Saturday 18 February or Saturday 3 March - depending on which course you decide to join.

For more information, please contact Gareth Hare, Arboricultural Officer for Lichfield District Council, on 01543 308207.

]]>

Big boost to help reduce households' energy costs

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:21:00 +0000

Free energy survey for households in Burntwood, North Lichfield and Alrewas

Households in three areas of Lichfield District are in line to receive free energy surveys and support to reduce their energy bills through a new project - Lichfield Area Energy Saving Scheme (LESS) being launched by local energy co-operative Southern Staffordshire Community Energy (SSCE).

A partnership, led by SSCE and backed by Bromford Living, Lichfield District Council, North Lichfield Initiative, Forward Action Burntwood and Low Carbon Lichfield, has been awarded a Government grant of just over £50,000 to help households in the district save energy by giving them access to specialised advice and financial help.

The LESS project is particularly focussed on Burntwood, North Lichfield and Alrewas, which were selected to give a range of different types of home and household. The first 100 households to request a survey will be eligible to receive a free energy monitor.

The initial survey will be carried out by a trained volunteer who will provide basic information on energy saving and additional support that might be available. Following the initial survey householders can request a detailed energy assessment which will be carried out by a qualified energy assessor.

A package of improvements and funding will then be recommended through the Energy Saving Co-operative, a partner of SSCE who specialise in putting together and funding home energy-saving packages. Households will receive expert advice on the energy saving measures that will save them most money in their homes, help with funding, and installation through trusted local tradespeople.

Kate Sadler, LESS Project Manager, said: "To apply for the initial survey and request a free energy monitor, just call me on 01543 251331 or email me at ktsadler@btinternet.com. Alternatively, you can complete the survey online at http://www.ssce.co.uk/.Dont wait around as the project must be completed by 31 March."

SSCE will be working with local partners, such as North Lichfield Initiative and Forward Action Burntwood, to promote the scheme and hold community meetings. The grant also provides for six community buildings to have an energy survey and report.

One of the aims the project is to pave the way for the Government's ambitious Green Deal programme to be introduced next autumn. In addition to the energy surveys, SSCE will be carrying out an audit of the supply chain for energy-saving services for Lichfield people and a study to understand what Green Deal measures are likely to be successful in the district.

Kate Sadler continued: "This is a fantastic opportunity for residents in Burntwood, North Lichfield and Alrewas to get a tailored package of support to enable them to make serious changes to save energy. Britain is known to have a major problem with large numbers of homes which are really wasteful of energy."

Sharon Whitchurch, Chair of Forward Action Burntwood, said: "This is great news for Burntwood and the other areas. FAB urges all residents to get in touch with Kate Sadler at SSCE to take this great offer as soon as possible."

Colin Ball, Chair of North Lichfield Intiative (NLI) Board, said: "We are really excited about this and intend to get fully behind it, helping out as much as possible with volunteers recruited by NLI."

Cllr Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Environmental Protection, said: "So often there are simple things you can do to save energy, but somethimes they are not as obvious as you'd think. I'd encourage anyone in Burntwood, North Lichfield or Alrewas who has grumbled at their heating bill or been surprised by their electricity costs, to apply for a free survey, as it's an easy way to find out if you could save you money and energy."

]]>

Burntwood Open Art Exhibition 2012

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:13:00 +0000

On your marks get set go!

Lichfield District Council is starting preparations for this summer's Burntwood Open Art Exhibition, which is called On Your Marks, and is inviting local artists to get started on their art work.

Taking place towards the end of July for seven days at Chase Terrace Technology College, the exhibition is a chance for both amateur and professional artists of all ages, who live in, work in, or have another link to Burntwood, to be part of an exhibition that is visited by hundreds of people.

This year's theme, On Your Marks, is open to interpretation and could be linked to London 2012, sport, mark-making, drawing and much more.

Celia Houghton, Lichfield District Council's Arts Development Officer, said: "We hope lots of artists from all fields of expertise get inspired by the theme and enter their work. They have around six months to create something for the exhibition, which is a celebration of all the local artistic talent we have in Burntwood. We are keen to get all types of work, including painting, sculpture, textiles, installations, photography and more."

Application forms to submit pieces for consideration will be available in the spring. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Celia Houghton on 01543 308224 or email celia.houghton@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

]]>

Half a century of service

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Two employees clock up 50 years between them at the council

Two men, who work for Lichfield District Council, have been with the local authority for a combined total of 50 years!

On Wednesday 25 January, Ruth Plant, Lichfield District Council's Director of Operational Services, along with members of the team, met to present Desmond Childs and Tyronne Smallman with their long service awards.

53 year-old Desmond Childs, from Lichfield, has been with the grounds maintenance team for 25 years. He is one of two team leaders and his role includes grass cutting, tree surgery, fine turf and sports pitch maintenance and more.

48 year-old Tyronne Smallman, from Lichfield, has been with the council for just over 25 years. He initially started with the grounds maintenance department, working with the grass cutting teams. He then transferred to highways, working with the road and tarmac crews, and then went on to be a second driver of the council's refuse trucks, and is now a team leader.

Both Desmond and Tyronne were awarded a £150 voucher to spend on a gift of their choice.

Councillor Louise Flowith, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Operational Services, said: "Twenty-five years of service is a great achievement, and on behalf of the council I would like to thank Desmond and Tyronne for all of their hard work over the years."

]]>

Community surgeries at Mill Lane Link

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:40:00 +0000

Local agencies get together to offer monthly community surgeries at the Mill Lane Link in Fazeley

Mill Lane Link is opening its doors to host monthly community surgeries for Fazeley and Mile Oak locals.

The first Community Surgery is launching on Tuesday 21 February 2012, from 10am to 12 noon.

Agencies, including Lichfield District Council, the police, Bromford Living, Fazeley Town Council and Fazeley and District Initiative, will be on hand to answer questions. They will also be offering help with a range of community issues - such as anti-social behaviour, housing, litter and more.

Councillor Colin Greatorex, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Organisational Development and Community, said: "It is great to see all the different agency representatives working together to support this community effort. We hope lots of people come to the Community Surgery, as it will be a good way to access support and to tell us how their area could be improved or if they need help with a local issue."

The remaining surgeries will take place from 10am to 12 noon on: 20 March, 17 April, 15 May and 19 June.

For more information, please contact Lucie Ferneyhough, Community Development Worker for Lichfield District Council, on 01543 308218 or email lucie.ferneyhough@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

]]>

Local organisations set to receive funding boost

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:56:00 +0000

From the Pathway Project to Cherry Orchard Gardening Services, Lichfield District Council financially supports a range of local groups and organisations across the district

Lichfield District Council today (6 February) announced that nine organisations and groups have been offered a slice of £588,000 funding, as part of the council's Service Level Agreements. The funding is spread out over three year agreements (April 2012 to March 2015), and will help the organisations to deliver a range of valuable services to the local community.

Councillor Colin Greatorex, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Organisational Development and Community, explains: "We deliver many key services in partnership with local voluntary groups and businesses and we are confident that our Service Level Agreements make sure we get great value for money for residents and the very best levels of service.

"Our aim is to both support these organisations and to increase the range and quality of local services that are provided to our residents. Our new Service Level Agreements will help to underpin a range of essential local services - such as advice and guidance for victims of domestic abuse for victims of domestic abuse and major cultural and arts events that bring visitors and income into the district."

From helping unemployed people to get back into work, through to providing debt advice and reducing anti-social behaviour, the organisations who applied for funding were asked to show how their work contributes to the local community in one of six fundamental ways. These include: supporting disadvantaged families and helping them get back into work; helping for vulnerable people and their carers; delivering initiatives to reduce anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime; providing advice, information and guidance for legal, welfare, debt and benefits issues; supporting local voluntary and community organisations; and helping to create a more prosperous district, through tourism, heritage, arts and culture.

The organisations who successfully applied for a share of the funding are: Business Enterprise Support, Cherry Orchard Gardening Services, Erasmus Darwin Foundation, Lichfield and District Community & Voluntary Sector Support, Lichfield Arts, The Lichfield Festival, Lichfield & District Live at Home, Pathway Project and South East Staffs Citizens Advice Bureau.

Cllr Greatorex continued: "These organisations and groups provide our residents with important services, so we are delighted that we can offer them help to develop and continue their good work. These are difficult financial times, so I'm particularly pleased to be able to offer these organisations with the security of three years of funding through our new Service Level Agreements.

]]>

February half term fun

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:38:00 +0000

A programme of half term activities is on offer at local council’s leisure centres, from Monday 13 to Friday 17 February

There is lots going on to keep children and young people active and entertained this February half term, thanks to Lichfield District Council's three leisure centres.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: "Taking part in a fun or sporty activity is a great way to keep busy over the half term holiday. We have a wide range of activities on offer to children and young people, including swimming or badminton coaching, cycling and circuit training, as well as cut price swimming and football."

Burntwood Leisure Centre is running its Playscheme, which is set to keep children, aged from 5 to 11, busy with arts and crafts, games, swimming and much more.

Taking place from Monday 13 to Friday 17 February, it is a fantastic way for children to have fun, under the watchful eyes of qualified play leaders. The Playscheme costs £15 for the 9am to 4pm day or £60 for the week.

On top of this, the leisure centre is also running two Swimming Crash Courses. The sessions for 4 to 5 year-olds are running each day from 9am to 9.30am, and the sessions for 5 to 6 year-olds are running each day from 9.30am to 10am. The five-session week costs £25.

To see the full programme of Burntwood Leisure Centre's half term activities, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/blc.

Friary Grange Leisure Centre also has lots on offer this half term with activities, including swimming lessons, coaching courses in badminton, cycling and a lifeguard course.

To see the full programme of Friary Grange Leisure Centre's half term activities, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/fglc.

The council's holiday swimming offer, Splashtastic, is running once again at Friary Grange and Burntwood leisure centres, during public swim sessions. This allows up to two children under 16 years of age to swim for just 50p each, when accompanied by an adult. Young people, aged from 8 to 16, can also swim unaccompanied for just £1. To benefit from the offer, just say the magic word, 'Splashtastic', when booking a public swimming session.

There are lots more special offers for under 16s across all three leisure centres - including King Edward VI Leisure Centre - such as playing badminton, squash or table tennis for just £2 and football for £5.

To find out more, or to book any of the courses or activities, please call Burntwood Leisure Centre on 01543 308810, Friary Grange Leisure Centre on 01543 308842, or King Edward VI Leisure Centre on 01543 308782.

]]>

Valentine crafts in Beacon Park

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Come to the Discovery Hub in Beacon Park (next to the bowling greens) on Sunday 12 February, between 11am and 2pm, and take part in a Valentine craft workshop.

With the most romantic day of the year just around the corner, Lichfield District Council is giving local people the chance to make homemade gifts for their loved ones.

On the day, Beacon Park rangers will be helping lovebirds to make woven paper heart baskets and handmade cards, ready for Valentine's Day.
Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: "Whether you are part of a couple or looking for love, come to Beacon Park on Sunday 12 February for some Valentine crafts. All ages are welcome, and there is no need to book, just drop in between 11am and 2pm and get creative."
The craft session, taking place in Beacon Park's Discovery Hub, costs just £1 to make two heart baskets and one card. For more information, please call Beacon Park rangers on 01543 308774, or email parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

For a full list of Beacon Park events and special offers, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/historicparks

]]>

Lichfield Contemporary Artists

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Local art group invites new members

Lichfield Contemporary Artists, a group of people from across Lichfield who have a keen interest in creating contemporary art, is inviting more artists to come to its monthly meetings.

The group, supported by Lichfield District Council's Arts Development Officer, Celia Houghton, meet every month at Cruck House in Lichfield to share ideas, news and skills. They also take part in practical activities, visit exhibitions and more.

The first meeting of the year is taking place on Thursday 16 February, from 7pm to 9pm, and everyone is welcome to come along.

Celia Houghton said: "If you enjoy creating any sort of visual contemporary art, this is a great chance to meet other local artists to share ideas and support one another."

Following the February meeting, Lichfield Contemporary Artists will meet each month at Cruck House, from 7pm to 9pm, on 15 March, 12 April, 10 May and 14 June.

To find out more, contact Celia Houghton on 01543 308224 or email celia.houghton@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

]]>

Hawksyard Village consultation

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:17:00 +0000

Tell us what community facilities are needed for the parish of Armitage with Handsacre at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/voiceit

This February, Lichfield District Council is asking people who live in Armitage with Handsacre what social, recreation, education, community or health facilities they would like in their parish.

The council is continuing to secure funding, through section 106 agreements with the developers of the site, as each phase of the Hawksyard Village housing development progresses. This is the development that will see around 560 homes built on land in Armitage that was part of the Rugeley Power Station site.

So far, 100 of these homes have been built. The developers have already contributed towards improving Rugeley Bypass and other highway works, and will be providing community facilities - including two play areas, public open space, a retail unit, and a travel plan.

The council now needs to know what other facilities local people want across Armitage with Handsacre.

Options so far include putting some of the money towards developing a community hall in the Hawksyard Village development. Ideas for the wider community of Armitage with Handsacre include: a new scout hut, youth facilities - such as a skate ramp or games area, play facilities for younger children, improved open spaces, parks and walks, environmental improvements - such as new bins or benches, health facilities and a pedestrian crossing outside Lower Lodge Mobile Home Park.

Councillor Alan White, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Development Services, said: "Funding from the development has already enabled us to make improvements to the road network around the housing development and create a new roundabout. We now need to know what other improvements could be made to Armitage with Handsacre, so please do tell us what community facilities you would like for your area."

To give your views online, visit http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/voiceit by 19 March 2012. Alternatively, come along to an afternoon consultation event at Armitage Village Hall on 29 February, between 3pm and 6pm, where you can find out more and fill in a quick questionnaire.

To find out more about the Hawksyard Village consultation, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/hawksyardsection106 or contact Lucie Ferneyhough on 01543 308218 or email lucie.ferneyhough@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

To find out more about section 106 agreements or SOC2 funding, please contact Asmita Kathrani on 01543 308149 or email asmita.kathrani@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

What is a section 106 agreement?

Section 106 agreements are entered into as part of the planning approval for developments to deliver an array of necessary onsite and offsite infrastructure.

About the Hawksyard Village development

Hawksyard Village is a development in Armitage on land that was formerly owned by Rugeley Power Station.

Between them, the developers - Barratts, Persimmon and Charles Church - plan to build around 560 dwellings, which will include affordable housing units.

Around 100 of the new homes have been built and occupied. Planning permission has been granted for an extra 236 homes, including Persimmon's canal-side phase. An application for the remaining two phases, set to include around 200 homes, is also expected soon.

]]>

Don’t lose your pooch

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Lichfield District Council is holding two events to help dog owners to keep track of their pets this February

Everyone is invited to bring their dogs to the Beacon Park's Swinfen Broun Pavilion on Friday 3 February, between 10am and 3pm, or to Chasewater Country Park's Innovation Centre on Saturday 4 February, between 11am and 3pm, to get their dogs micro-chipped for just £5.

Micro-chipping is a quick and simple procedure. And, it means that if the council finds a lost dog, it can be easily identified and returned to its owner, saving the dog the trauma of being sent to kennels and the owner the time and expense of having to collect it.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Environmental Protection, said: "If your dog is not micro-chipped, these events are an easy and cheap way to make sure you don't lose your dog for long."

Lichfield District Council has an online lost dog register at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/lostdogs. To claim your lost dog, please call the council's Environmental Health team on 01543 308725.

]]>

Solid wall insulation offer

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:09:00 +0000

To help local residents save money on their fuel bills, Lichfield District Council is offering homeowners the chance to insulate their solid walled homes with thermal insulation on a roll �" for free!

As part of its Warmer Homes, Greener District initiative, Lichfield District Council is pleased to offer qualifying homeowners across Lichfield District another opportunity to insulate their homes for free.

Following its free cavity wall and loft wall insulation offer, the local authority is now offering residents, who live in homes with solid walls, the chance to line their walls with special thermal insulation.

Qualifying homeowners can now order two rolls of Sempatap Thermal, adhesive and installation instructions for free, until 31 March 2012. Usually selling at around £225 a roll, the insulation is applied like wallpaper, and only needs to go on the inside of exterior walls.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Environmental Protection, said: "We didn't want our residents that have solid walls to miss out on energy saving measures that should help them to reduce their heating bills.

"The insulation goes up like wallpaper and stops cold air escaping through solid brick, stone or concrete walls.

"Two rolls are generally enough to line the outside facing walls of the sitting room and main bedroom in a property. Once the lining is up, it can be decorated with plaster, paint, tiles or wallpaper."

The offer is available to Lichfield District owner occupiers that are over 60 years of age, or disabled, or have any children under the age of 16 living in their home and in receipt of a benefit - such as child tax credit, council tax benefit, income support or attendance allowance.

"If you are over 60 years of age or are disabled, and need some help to put up the thermal wall lining, the Spirita Handyperson scheme can help you for free - just explain that you would like to book the service when you place your order for your two free rolls of insulation," added Cllr Pritchard.

If your household does not quality for the offer, but you are still interested in buying a roll of internal wall lining, the council, through the West Midlands Warmer Walls Project, is also offering Sempatap Thermal insulation at a cut price of £169.20 a roll.

To find out more, or to make an order, please call the Energy Saving Trust for free on 0800 512 012.

]]>