www.lichfielddc.gov.uk Latest News

Spring clean for busy roads

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:25:00 +0000

Street cleansers are out in force clearing rubbish from the middle of major roads into and out of the district.

This month Lichfield District Council's team of street cleansers have started the huge job of clearing away all the rubbish that has ended up on the central reservations of many busy roads throughout Lichfield District.

Central reservations within the district that are getting the spring clean treatment include the A5, A5148 and A38.

Councillor Louise Flowith, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Operational Services, said: "These busy roads are a gateway for people coming into and out of the district, and seeing a central reservation strewn with litter gives a bad and wrong impression of the district. This is why we have been so keen to litter pick the area and have been working hard to make sure it happens."

Clearing rubbish from the central reservation of a busy road, such as the A38, takes a lot of planning. This is because legally the inside lane in both directions of a dual carriage way must be closed before work can take place on the central reservation. This makes accessing them difficult, so it is even more important for drivers and passengers not to drop litter when travelling along busy roads.

"We would like to thank the Highways Agency contractor, Amey, for allowing us onto the central reservations, and hope they will continue to support our efforts to make the district clean and tidy for everyone.

"However, we can't do it alone, and need everyone to take responsibility for their rubbish, making sure they dispose of it properly wherever they may be," continued Cllr Flowith.

Competition winners

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Burntwood couple win a year's membership to Burntwood Leisure Centre's Inspire gym

Jean and John Coleyshaw, have just found out the good news that they have won Lichfield District Council's winter intouch competition. The council ran the spot the difference competition in their winter edition of its residents' magazine Intouch.

The Burntwood residents have won a year's couple membership to Burntwood Leisure Centre's state of the art Inspire Fitness gym - worth £52.50 a month.

Councillor Val Richards, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: "Well done to Jean and John. This is a fantastic prize because not only does it give them access to our gym, kitted out in the latest fitness equipment, it also allows them to choose from a variety of classes such as yoga and spinning, and gives them entry to the swimming pool."

Jean said: "This is such a wonderful prize. We were both very impressed with the leisure centre when we were given our guided tour, and John and I are looking forward to using the facilities at the centre."

For more information about membership deals at Burntwood Leisure Centre's Inspire gym, call 01543 308810 or visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/inspire

Hordes came to hear about the Hoard!

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:53:00 +0000

Over 500 people flocked to the Cathedral to hear about the history of the Staffordshire Hoard

On Saturday morning (6 March), Lichfield Cathedral played host to over 500 guests, as the history of the Staffordshire Hoard and its links to Lichfield were explored in detail by Dr Gareth Williams of the British Museum. As its Curator of Early Medieval Coinage, Dr Williams' expert knowledge is helping to uncover the possible stories of the Hoard.

The event, which was held to help raise funds for the Staffordshire Hoard campaign and for the Cathedral's campaign to restore its stunning Herkenrode windows, raised over £2,600, which will be split evenly between the two campaigns.

Canon Pete Wilcox from Lichfield Cathedral commented: "We were absolutely thrilled by the turn-out. It was amazing to see so many people gripped by the tale of the Staffordshire Hoard and its possible links to Lichfield Cathedral, the St Chad Gospels, and the Lichfield Angel. Dr Williams' expert knowledge and wit created a lively atmosphere and kept people captivated throughout. It was also marvellous to be able to raise the profile of our campaign to restore the Herkenrode windows, which are one of the Cathedral's greatest treasures. I would like to thank everyone who came along for giving so generously to the two campaigns."

To find out more about the Cathedral's campaign to save the Herkenrode windows, visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org

To donate to the Staffordshire Hoard fundraising campaign visit www.artfund.org

Staffordshire Hoard excitement mounts�

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:25:00 +0000

�as fundraising tops �1 million mark, and hundreds flock to sell out hoard events in the district

To make sure everyone knows about the Staffordshire Hoard fundraising project, three huge banners are going up across the district. The first of the banners was put up on the Lichfield Garrick on Friday 5 March. The other banners are set to be displayed on St John's House, in Lichfield, and on the railings outside Chase Terrace Technology College in Chasetown.

The banners all carry the message Save the Staffordshire Hoard for the West Midlands, and it is hoped they will encourage even more people to donate to the campaign to keep one of the world's most stunning finds of Anglo-Saxon treasures close to home.

The banners were sponsored by Signature Outdoor Ltd . Managing Partner Steve George, said said: "We were thrilled to print the banners free of charge, and to contribute to such a fantastic cause. We're hopeful that the banners will help to raise the rest of the much needed funds, which will see a Mercian Trail come to life."

Councillor David S. Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, explains: "If we successfully raise the funds, we're hoping to develop a Mercian Trail that will feature Lichfield Cathedral, Tamworth Castle, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, as well as a travelling exhibition.

We believe the trail will be a fantastic way to tell the fascinating stories of the hoard to as many people as possible. We're confident, given the queues at Birmingham, London and Stoke, and the recent sell out hoard events in our own district, that developing the Mercian Trail will not only be a boost to the local community, but will boost tourism and local businesses."

Johann Popp, owner of St John's House bed and breakfast in Lichfield, which is displaying one of the signs, commented: "As the owner of a bed and breakfast, I know how the Staffordshire Hoard and the Mercian Trail would boost the city's already thriving tourist trade, and the benefits it would bring to local people and businesses, which is why we were delighted to display a banner on our building to help the fundraising efforts."

This weekend (Friday 5 to Sunday 7 March), hundreds of local people flocked to see sell out Staffordshire Hoard events at Lichfield Cathedral and the Lichfield Garrick. At the Garrick, the audience heard from Ian Wykes, one of the county archaeologists who led the hoard dig team. At the cathedral, the crowd heard from Dr Gareth Williams, a curator at the British Museum.

All donations via the official campaign website www.artfund.org/hoard

Free business awareness workshop

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:58:00 +0000

Find out how to become your own boss at a free workshop at the Jigsaw Shop, in Dimbles Lane on Tuesday 30 March, from 11am to 12 noon.

North Lichfield Initiative, in partnership with Business Enterprise Support, is inviting all budding entrepreneurs to a free business awareness session this spring.

Taking place on Tuesday 30 March, from 11am to 12 noon, the morning session will encourage local people to turn their hobbies into a business idea.

Jennie Crosby, Community Development Manager for Lichfield District Council, said: "Lots of local people told us how useful they found our first business awareness session, which is why teaming up again to offer another session. So, if you want to find out whether self employment is for you, come along to this workshop for free expert advice from a business advisor. There will also be a chance for you to ask questions and discuss your business ideas."

Sheila Henshall, Business Advisor from Business Enterprise Support, added: "Taking the plunge into self employment can feel a little daunting, which is why I will be explaining what you need to know. The hour-long session will be informative and could help you turn your ideas into a viable business."

The business awareness session is free, but places must be booked in advance. To find out more or to book your free place, please call the Jigsaw team on 01543 253666 or drop into the Jigsaw Shop on Dimbles Lane in Lichfield.

Agreement brings local organisations together

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Lichfield District Board and Lichfield and District Community & Voluntary Sector signs the district's 'Compact' agreement.

Residents across Lichfield District will benefit from an improved relationship between the public sector and voluntary and community organisations, thanks to a new agreement.

The Staffordshire Compact has been drawn up by the county's public sector organisations, including councils, and various voluntary and community sector organisations - also known as the third sector. It sets out values and commitments on how the sectors can best work together to achieve more for people living in Staffordshire.

A local version of the compact has been created to engender closer and more effective working between the sectors across Lichfield District.

The district's agreement was signed today (Thursday 4 March) by Councillor David S. Smith, in his role as Chairman of Lichfield District Board and Rose Vakis, Director of Lichfield and District Community & Voluntary Sector Support - who was representing the third sector.

Councillor David S. Smith, Chairman of Lichfield District Board and Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: "We already have an excellent working relationship with our third sector partners, and so I was delighted to sign the agreement to see how we improve on these links. We know it will have a huge benefit to our residents, and look forward to seeing the results."

Rose Vakis, Director of Lichfield and District Community & Voluntary Sector Support, added: "The voluntary sector is a huge part of community life in the district and really benefits from the support of local agencies. Signing up to this agreement makes sure this good work continues and these partnerships get even stronger."

For more information on Lichfield District Compact, please contact Steve Lightfoot, Regeneration Projects Manager, Lichfield District Council on 01543 308220 or email stephen.lightfoot@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

Countryside management master class

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:33:00 +0000

Lichfield District Council's countryside officers give students expert help with their course.

This spring South Staffordshire College students, based at Rodbaston Campus, are getting the chance to gain practical experiences from Lichfield District Council's countryside team.

The countryside officers have already taken the group of 16 students, who are studying for a National Diploma in Countryside Management, to fragile habitats across the district, including Chasewater Country Park, Gentleshaw Common and Pipehill Common.

This is so they can teach the group of 17 to 21 year olds how to care for and maintain these rare environments. It is also a good opportunity to give the group expert help with the type of practical work they will undertake in the future - such as how to keep overgrown scrub under control.

Justine Lloyd, Countryside Officer for Lichfield District Council, said: "On a vocational course it is really important to have a hands-on experience in the profession you are training for. That is why we were pleased to offer our services to help the next generation of nature conservationists. The group was really keen to learn from us and asked us plenty of questions about what it is like to work in nature conservation."

Eleanor Atkins, Countryside Management Course Tutor at South Staffordshire College, Rodbaston Campus, said: "This was a great chance for my students to gain some firsthand experience and talk to professionals within their chosen field."

Noise nuisance prosecution

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:50:00 +0000

Lichfield District Council successfully prosecutes Lichfield resident for noise.

Forty-seven year old Robert Wood, of Lynn Avenue in Lichfield, pleaded guilty of failing to comply with a Statutory Nuisance Noise Abatement Notice.

Lichfield District Council served Mr Wood the notice in May 2009. This required Mr Wood to stop his five dogs from creating a noise nuisance. However, because the notice had been ignored, the council took Mr Wood to court.

The case was heard at Tamworth Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 23 February 2010. Mr Wood was fined £500, ordered to pay costs of £1,600, and a victim surcharge of £15. He was also warned that he could face a daily fine of up to £500 if he does not put a stop to the noise nuisance.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Environmental Protection, said: "Following complaints from neighbours, our Environmental Health officers visited Lynn Avenue many times and heard Mr Wood's dogs barking and howling, even after they had served him with the abatement notice.

"To put an end to this, we decided to prosecute Mr Wood, and hope that he will now start to take responsibility for his dogs. We're pleased the case was successful and hope that Mr Wood's neighbours will be able to get some peace and quite and start to enjoy their homes again."

Award for 'coach friendly' city

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:05:00 +0000

Lichfield District Council's tourism team scoops Coach Friendly City Award.

Lichfield District Council is celebrating winning a coveted Coach Friendly City Award. Ian Austin MP, Minister for the West Midlands, presented the leader of the council and members of the tourism team a stunning glass trophy at the Confederation of Passenger Transport's (West Midlands) annual dinner. The event was held at the Wanderer's Molineax Stadium in Wolverhampton on 27 February.

Councillor David S. Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: "We are delighted to have won this major national award. Lichfield is now one of only two cities in the West Midlands to have achieved coach friendly status - the other being Stratford on Avon.

"Lichfield District has long been a favourite destination for group travel, and we work hard to attract and look after both visitors and drivers. Being recognised as a coach friendly city will now help us to encourage more and more visitors into our city and district attractions, and will help us to boost our local economy even further."

Phil Bateman, Confederation of Passenger Transport Regional Manager, added: "As an industry we have been urging local authorities to do much more to improve facilities for coach operators and their customers. Good signage, toilets, adequate coach parking, all play a part in growing visitor numbers.

"Coach travel and holidays are on the increase and bring tremendous economic benefit to local economies. Lichfield's coach friendly status ensures it is positioned perfectly to reap these benefits and puts it squarely in the category of tourist location of choice."

Council finances

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:09:00 +0000

Councillor Michael Wilcox, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Finance, commented: "At a council meeting on Tuesday 23 February, councillors agreed the council can borrow money, if necessary, to fund essential works to Chasewater dam. Having i

"We believe it is wholly unfair that the council and its 40,000 local tax payers should bear the entire cost of the repairs, which could exceed £3 million. This is because the council does not benefit financially from the water in the reservoir, which is instead used regionally by British Waterways.

The water feeds most of the West Midlands canal network, which is a key part of the region's economy. It also supports hundreds of businesses region-wide - from canal side cafes and visitor attractions, to top canal side destinations and housing developments.

"We have kept this year's council tax increase to just 3%, which will see an average household paying £2.72 a week for the services we deliver - from their weekly waste and recycling collection, to leisure centres, parks, street cleaning and more.

We are one of the lowest charging district councils in the country, and charge around £25 less than the national average. The reason we can achieve this is partly because we have invested the money we have wisely, and have a strong property portfolio. This is currently yielding a better return than had we placed the money in a bank and the income helps to support the council's running costs.

"We are committed to working with Burntwood Town Council and Hammerwich Parish Council to deliver an arts space in Burntwood. At a recent meeting, councillors agreed to continue to support the development of proposed arts and community spaces at Chase Terrace Technology College and Chasetown Football Club, and to explore possible external funding for their projects."

A Change for the Grange

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council has unveiled the first phase of a new play area it has restored, thanks in part to funding secured by Lichfield District Council through Section 106 Agreements.

Representatives from Lichfield District Council and Whittington Parish Council came together on Wednesday 24 February to see how the first phase of exciting plans to totally transform a recreation ground in Whittington is developing.

This first phase of the project, A Change for the Grange, includes renovating a derelict play area for children and restoring a football pitch. It also involves clearing and levelling the ground, re-seeding the grass, cutting back the overgrown areas, and repairing the fences.

Councillor John Smith, Chairman of Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council, said: "We're delighted with how the first phase of the project is progressing. The recreation ground has been derelict for eight years, and so this has made such a difference to the area already. The Grange, now renamed Swan Park, will undoubtedly prove popular with local families, and we'd like to thank the district council for helping us to part fund the project."

Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council were able to progress with their plans thanks to more than £11,000 funding, secured by Lichfield District Council through Section 106 Agreements. These agreements are made when a large development gets the go-ahead in the district and there is a need to provide associated social and community facilities. The council negotiate with the developers, who agree to contribute to the delivery of schemes. The council then distributes the funding to local projects.

Councillor Neil Roberts, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Development Services, added: "We are pleased the first phase of the project is coming along so well and we are looking forward to the launch. This is just the kind of project Section 106 money is for, as Swan Park will be used by generations of Whittington locals for years to come."

Lichfield District Council is now helping the parish council to secure funding for the remainder of the project. This will hopefully see the derelict tennis courts transformed into a multi purpose sports area for tennis, netball, basketball and other sports.

Art4sport 2010

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:59:00 +0000

Friary Grange Leisure Centre will soon be a giant blank canvas to display artwork by local people.

Lichfield District Council's Arts Development team and Friary Grange Leisure Centre have teamed up to present a series of art exhibitions at Friary Grange Leisure Centre.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: "We know local people are keen to display their artwork locally, which is why we're working on a project to use Friary Grange Leisure Centre as exhibition space for local art. Not only will it give artists a chance to show off their masterpieces to a local audience, it will also mean visitors can enjoy art and get fit all in one go."

The first exhibition, entitled 'Outdoor Activities', will run at Friary Grange Leisure Centre from Thursday 13 May to Thursday 2 September.

Celia Houghton, Arts Development Officer, said: "We are inviting people from all over the district to start creating wall-based artwork, in any media, for this exhibition. So, if you want to be part of the Outdoor Activities exhibition, simply fill in an entry form, and return it to me by Monday 19 April. We're all really excited about this venture, and hope lots of local artists will get involved and add a splash of colour to Friary Grange Leisure Centre. To give artists a heads-up, titles and themes for future exhibitions include 'Wheel Sports', 'Water' and 'Places of Local Interest'."

Entry forms are available from Friary Grange Leisure Centre's reception or can be downloaded from www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/art4sport.

Roller racing comes to Lichfield

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Friary Grange Leisure Centre is the host venue for the 2010 British Schools Cycling Association's National & Regional Roller Racing Championships.

Friary Grange Leisure Centre, in partnership with the British Schools Cycling Association (BSCA), is inviting school pupils across the district to take part in the Roller Racing Championship. Starting at 10am on Sunday 14 March, the event will see competitors racing against each other to become BSCA National and or Regional champion.

Each rider will complete two 500m time trials, with points awarded for their best time. In the final event successful competitors will take part in a 1,000m flying start to find the champion.

Phil Kelly, Manager of Friary Grange Leisure Centre, said: "This is a really exciting event and we hope lots of young people across the district will take part, so make sure you sign up and get on your bike!"

Mike Taylor, of Bridgtown Cycles - the main sponsor of the event, said: "We are thrilled to be sponsoring this event which could help develop the cycling talent of the future."

So, what is roller racing and what is a roller race?

Roller racing is racing a bike on two sets of rollers (much like a running machine for a bike). Races go from 500 metres up to 1,000 metres. The progress of each rider is normally displayed on a large clock with different coloured hands representing each rider. This year's event will be different as the leisure centre has purchased new rollers which work on a digital display. It is believed that this event will be the first in the UK to use this new modern system.

The championship is split up into age categories for under 8s, under 10s, under 12s, under 14s, under 16s and over 16s. Schools in the district can apply as a team to become National Champions - teams must be three boys or two girls.

For more information and to enter the event, call Friary Grange Leisure Centre on 01543 308842 or visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/rollerracing.

Willow coppicing event

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:18:00 +0000

Free event at Beacon Park on Saturday 27 February from 10.30am to 2pm

Lichfield District Council's park rangers are inviting volunteers to come to Beacon Park this Saturday to take part in a willow coppicing event.

The free nature conservation event will give a master class in coppicing willow. This is the traditional method of woodland management, when young tree stems are cut down to near ground level each year to keep wooded areas under control.

Ruth Witczak, Lichfield District Council's Community and Educational Officer, said: "We hope lots of people will join us for a day of volunteering, but remember to wear sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing."

The event is for everyone over 14 years of age, but 14 to 16 year olds should be accompanied by an adult.

There is no need to book, just come to Beacon Park's golf hut at 10.30am on Saturday 27 February. To find out more please contact the park rangers on 01543 308867.

Christian Fields Hedge Laying Event

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:49:00 +0000

Local people rolled up their sleeves to help make Christian Fields a haven for wildlife and visitors.

On Sunday the 14 February thirty volunteers joined local agencies to learn the traditional skill of creating hedges at Christian Fields, in Lichfield.

Lichfield District Council's Countryside team, North Lichfield Initiative, and Burton Conservation Volunteers led the hedge laying event, which also included clearing scrub to keep the former landfill site under control.

Cllr Mike Fryers, Lichfield district councillor and Chairperson of North Lichfield Initiative's Transport and Environment Group, said: "The sun shone on us, and it was another wonderful day in the great outdoors. Everyone brought their energy and enthusiasm to the event. It was fascinating to learn the traditional skill of laying hedges, and they will make a huge difference to the site."

Excitement is mounting as Christian Fields will be declared the district's first Local Nature Reserve this April.

To volunteer to be a part of the effort to make the former landfill site a haven for wildlife, please contact Lichfield District Council on 01543 308183 or email denice.deverall@lichfielddc.gov.uk

March parking special offer

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:05:00 +0000

Park for free after 3pm everyday in March at Lombard Street car park

As part of a special promotion, Lichfield visitors can park for free from 3pm in Lombard Street car park, every day in March.

The council hope it will encourage more shoppers and visitors to use this central car park, which has easy access to Market Square, Stowe Pool and Lichfield Cathedral.

Councillor Louise Flowith, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Operational Services, said: "Since the multi-storey car park closed, we've been carrying out daily checks on all our car parks to find out if they are filling up. These have shown that it is easy to find a space in Lombard Street, which is why we are running this promotion. We hope it will encourage people, who perhaps haven't used Lombard Street Car Park before, to give it a go. We're also confident that once visitors start using it, they will realise how convenient it is for city centre shopping."

To find Lombard Street car park, simply head down Birmingham Road (with Lichfield City Station on your right). Take a left at the traffic lights onto Greenhill, and then turn right at the traffic lights onto George Lane. Turn left at the mini roundabout onto Lombard Street. Follow the road around, and the car park is on the right.

To see a map of all Lichfield's central car parks please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/carparkmaps

Mile Oak dog walkers warned

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:02:00 +0000

Lichfield District Council is urging dog walkers in Mile Oak to clean up after their dogs, because, if they don't, they could be banned from walking their dogs in Mile Oak Recreation Ground for good.

Fazeley Town Council has called on Lichfield District Council to help them tackle dog walkers who are still not cleaning up after their dogs at Mile Oak Recreation Ground, despite being warned that they will face a fine if they do not.

Councillor Andrew James, Mayor of Fazeley Town Council, said: "The recreation ground is a large public space, which is home to Mile Oak Rovers Football Club, Mile Oak Community Centre, a playground, a cycle track and a playing field. It is a central part of community life, but all the dogs' mess is ruining it. This problem is not going away, despite the district council having put up 'no dog fouling' signs, and Environmental Health officers taking part in a series of patrols in the area to catch people in the act of not clearing away their dogs' mess. We think this has left us with no choice but to consider calling for a complete ban on all dogs being allowed into the grounds."

To give dog walkers a chance to clean up their act, Lichfield District Council will be putting up more signs to alert dogs walkers that they could face a fine of up to £80 if they do not remove their dogs' mess, and Environmental Health officers will be patrolling the area again. The district council is also offering free dog poo bags, which will be available at Mile Oak Community Centre for a limited time.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Environmental Protection, said: "Banning all dogs from Mile Oak Recreation Ground would be quite a drastic step. This is why we are calling on all dog walkers to start taking responsibility for their dogs, making a ban unnecessary. It is totally unacceptable to allow your dog to foul on a public space, especially if it is where children play. We hope this will help to improve the grounds for everyone, and will make local dog walkers think about the consequence of not cleaning up after their dogs."

Fazeley Town Council is asking people who use Mile Oak Recreation Ground to give them their views on putting an order in place that would make the grounds a no go zone for dogs.

To give your comments, please email Robert Young, Fazeley Town Clerk at rob@houseofyoungs.fsnet.co.uk or call 01827 707944.

In the meantime, the council is asking anyone who sees a dog walker not clearing up after their dog to report them by visiting www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/reportit or telephoning 01543 308999.

Beacon Park Restoration

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:17:00 +0000

The first phase of building work to transform key parks in Lichfield kicked off on Monday 15 February at Beacon Park.

Visitors to Beacon Park will notice that work has started to restore and improve the park, as part of the £3.5 million project to transform it, along with the Garden of Remembrance, and Minster Pool and Walk.

The Lichfield Parks Project is a partnership project by Lichfield District Council and Lichfield City Council and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund's and the Big Lottery Fund's Parks for People programme.

The transformation will see a new café, refreshment kiosk, bowls and education pavilion, toilets, and new and improved play areas for children of all ages.

Conservation work will also be carried out on the listed structures, including the statues, railings and fountain.

The Casey Group, a building and land reclamation company with extensive experience in park restoration has been chosen by Lichfield District Council to carry out the improvements work.

Mike Cafferky, Operations Director of Casey, said: "This will be our twelfth HLF funded scheme in the last four years so we're on familiar ground, with a proven track record of excellent workmanship and quality."

The work will be done in phases, so visitors will notice that some areas of the park will be closed off while the improvements take place.

The initial works will start with the setting up of the site offices in the Beacon Park works compound. Work will then progress to the creation of a new bowling green next to the existing bowling green in the recreation grounds and the removal of the toddlers' play area whilst a new play area is built.

Further works will follow, and to keep up to date please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/historicparks or see the site notices in the parks.

Councillor Neil Roberts, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Development Services, said: It's so important we preserve our historic green spaces for future generations. Restoring our city parks will help to attract even more visitors to our district, boosting local shops and businesses, which is so important, especially during the current economic climate."

Councillor Val Richards, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: "We are grateful to visitors to Beacon Park for bearing with us while the works are taking place, and know that the results will be worth it."

Calling all Burntwood artists

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:22:00 +0000

The popular Burntwood art exhibition, featuring artwork by local artists, is returning this summer to Chase Terrace Technology College.

Following the success of last year's Burntwood Open Art Exhibition, Lichfield District Council is holding another exhibition, to display work by Burntwood artists, in July.

This year's exhibition is called Childhood. And the council is now asking Burntwood artists to 'release their inner child' and create up to three piece of work around the theme of childhood. The work can be in any format, including: painting, sculpture, textiles, photography and interactive artwork.

Celia Houghton, Lichfield District Council's Arts Development Officer, said: "We have a wealth of creative talent in Burntwood and this exhibition is a great way to come together as a community to enjoy and celebrate it. The quality of work in last year's exhibition was of such a high standard, and I am sure this summer's exhibition will be just as good, if not better. The exhibition will feature artwork by people, young and old, with a local connection. So if you live, work or play, or have done in the past, please do start working on your creative submissions."

The deadline for entering work is Friday 2 July. This allows plenty of time to start on a new piece inspired by the theme of this year's show.

"When you have finished your work, simply complete an application form and return it with a photograph to celia.houghton@lichfielddc.gov.uk so that it can be considered for the exhibition," added Celia.

For more information and an application form please contact Celia Houghton, Lichfield District Council's Arts Development Officer on 01543 308224 or email celia.houghton@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Gruesome and Ghostly

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:49:00 +0000

Last dates in series of city ghost tours announced.

Lichfield District Council's Tourism team is reminding everyone to book their place on the remaining chilling ghost tours of Lichfield's historic city centre.

The Gruesome and Ghostly tours, led by Green Badge tour guides, take in the places in the city where ghosts have been spotted over the years.

Tales covered include the mystery of the darkened Erasmus Darwin house, the Market Square burnings, the ghosts of Dam Street, and many more stories of ghostly sightings.

Councillor David S. Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: "If you haven't been on one of these brilliant tours, make sure you don't have to wait until next autumn to book your place. They give a fascinating insight into Lichfield's gruesome past and shine a new, if not spooky, light on our historic city."

The last dates in this series of the Gruesome and Ghostly tours are: Wednesday 3, Tuesday 9 and Monday 22 March. All the tours set off at 7pm and finish at a local public house for a glass of mulled wine and a sausage or vegetarian roll.

Tickets cost £5.95, and can be bought from the Tourist Information Centre in the Lichfield Garrick or by telephoning the team on 01543 412112.

The new season of Gruesome and Ghostly tours will kick off this October. For more information, go to www.visitlichfield.com.