Telephone 01543 308000 · www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
WINTER 2014 & SPRING 2015
intouch
Shop local Support Burntwood and Lichfield centres in the run up to Christmas
Your View questionnaire results
Leisure vouchers
Apply for funding
Find out the results of our Your View questionnaire, which asked for feedback on council services.
See inside for free swimming and racquet court hire vouchers at our leisure centres! FREE
We have various streams of funding available for not-for-profit groups and organisations.
CENTRE PAGES
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BIES!
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intouch
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/news Keep up to date on council news
Welcometo intouch Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/leadersblog
Welcome to our winter and spring edition of intouch – Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine. On top of council news and information about our services, in this issue we have the results of this summer’s Your View questionnaire. More than 1,400 people took part in the questionnaire, in which we asked for views on our services in advance of possible changes to address funding cuts. I’d like to thank everyone who gave us their feedback. People of all ages and from every ward across the district took part, meaning we have a statistically robust sample of local views to help us shape our future services.
The questionnaire was not a
In other news… Following the disappointing news that plans for a new health centre in Burntwood will not go ahead due to NHS budgetary pressures, we held an urgent meeting with partner agencies in August to discuss how Burntwood’s health care needs could be addressed. NHS England told us they have set up a premises review to see what local improvements can be made. In the meantime, we have approved plans to extend the life of the temporary Health & Well Being Centre on the grounds of Burntwood Leisure Centre for a further five years.
referendum, but was designed to help councillors understand local people’s views better and to help them make sound decisions on the future of council services. Turn to the centre pages to see the results or visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ fitforthefuture to find out more and to see a detailed analysis of the results.
Above: The new Premier Inn Hotel
Christmas across the district From party nights and Christmas fairs, to carol concerts and more, we’ve got a full calendar of Christmas activities and events listed on our Visit Lichfield website. Simply go to www.visitlichfield.co.uk/christmas to see all that’s on offer this yuletide. Don’t miss! Lichfield Christmas Festival is on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December. Taking place at venues across city, it includes indoor and outdoor gift markets, a Santa’s grotto, entertainment, a lantern parade and festive activities for the family. For full details visit www.visitlichfield.co.uk/christmasfestival
This autumn we helped to cut the ribbon on the city’s new 79-bedroom Premier Inn hotel and restaurant. This is the final element to be launched as part of our redevelopment of The Friary site. The new hotel, in such a central location, is a fantastic addition to the city and further boosts our tourism offer. In October an independent planning inspector scrutinised our Local Plan, which sets out a framework for how we believe the district should be developed over the next 15 years. As Intouch went to print we were waiting to hear if it has been approved or if more work is needed. Keep up to date on the inspector’s decision, at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/localplan We’re also awaiting the results from the Local Government Boundary Commission on the Lichfield boundary review, which proposes changes to our boundaries. We will also find out if the commission’s proposal to reduce the number of district councillors from 56 to 47 is confirmed. If confirmed, the proposals will come into force at the next district council elections in May 2015. We’ll publish the results at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ boundarycommission With Christmas fast approaching, there is plenty to get you in the festive spirit across the district, from the Lichfield Christmas Festival weekend to Candle-lit Carols at the National Memorial Arboretum. On behalf of the council, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
intouch
twitter.com/lichfield_dc Follow us on twitter
Action on scrap metal dealers
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New bin calendars and Christmas collections www.recycleforlichfielddistrict.co.uk
Since a change in legislation gave councils more legal powers to tackle unlicensed scrap metal dealers, we’ve taken a tough stance and have carried out unannounced patrols of local roads with the police, supported by Neighbourhood Watch. area are now off the road. Action we’ve taken this year includes: six stop and search patrols, one caution, and we’ve successfully prosecuted four scrap metal dealers. Councillor Colin Greatorex, Cabinet Member for Community, Housing & Health, said: “It is so important that scrap metal operators are operating within the We’ve targeted people who are operating
law, which is why we will continue to
without scrap metal licenses, and those
work in partnership to tackle any rogue
who don’t have the correct paperwork
scrap metal dealers.”
on scrap collection and disposal, and those
To report a concern, please visit
using loud speakers. As a result, a number
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/reportit
of dealers that previously operated in the
or by calling us on 01543 308999.
Three city roads to be repaved Since we repaved key city centre streets in 2007, unfortunately some of the paving slabs have not proved to be as hardwearing as they should have been, and have started to crack. The cracking has affected the roads only, and not the pavements, on Conduit Street, Breadmarket Street and part of Market Street. Staffordshire County Council has agreed to repave the affected roads, which we will part fund with money from the original project. Councillor Ian Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Development, said: “We're pleased to have negotiated the repaving of the
affected roads. The timing of the project is crucial and needs to be planned for when it has the least impact on local businesses and city users. Over the coming months we'll be working with city businesses, through the Town Team and Lichfield BID Steering Group, to establish the best time to complete the works.” Find out more about the repaving project at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/paving
We are in the process of sending out new bin calendars to every household across the district. The calendars are an easy way to double check when to put your bins out. 2014-2015 They also include information about festive bin collections. So that our crews can enjoy the festive break, we are not emptying any bins on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Your bin calendar
(Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December 2014) and on New Year’s Day (Thursday 1 January 2015). We are also suspending brown bin collections over the Christmas period. If you’re affected, please check your new bin calendar to find out when your replacement collections will be. If you haven’t received a bin calendar by 15 December, please download yours from www.recycleforlichfielddistrict.co.uk or call us on 0345 002 0022 (charged at the local rate if calling from a landline).
intouch If you need intouch in another format, such as large print, please call Esther Epstein on 01543 308778 or email esther.epstein@ lichfielddc.gov.uk
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
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intouch
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/winterdriving Advice and tips on driving in bad weather
Have you registered to vote yet? Last summer we wrote to all local homes to introduce changes to the way voters register. Everyone of voting age needs to register individually, rather than as a household. In these letters people found out if they had been registered automatically or if they needed to take any action. This autumn, our canvassers visited homes that had not responded to their invitation to register or to a household enquiry form. If we have left forms for you, please fill them in and send them back straightway. However, if we sent a letter to your property that’s addressed to someone who no longer lives there, please return it to sender, so we can update our records. Diane Tilley, Electoral Registration Officer, said: “We know a number of
local people are not on our electoral register. This is why we need to update our records to make sure as many people as possible can vote in next May’s local and parliamentary elections.” If you haven't registered, or are unsure if you have, please act now. To register visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote To find out more visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ier or call 01543 308125.
New ways of tackling anti-social behaviour The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 came into force in October. It introduced simpler, more effective powers to deal with anti-social behaviour. A Community Trigger can be requested if you’ve made three complaints of three separate incidents of anti-social behaviour in the last six months, but consider no action has been taken. A Civil Injunction sets a standard of behaviour for perpetrators, stopping a person’s behaviour from escalating. It can be applied for by councils, social landlords and the police. It will replace Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) and should come into force by the end of January 2015. A Community Remedy gives victims of low-level crime and anti-social behaviour a say in the punishment of
offenders out of court. Dispersal Orders enable police officers to require a person who has committed, or is likely to commit, anti-social behaviour to leave an area and not return for up to 48 hours. Councillor Colin Greatorex, Cabinet Member for Community, Housing & Health, said: “The act has given partner agencies more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, providing better protection for victims and communities.” If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, and are unsure how to report it, call us on 01543 308777 or email community.safety@lichfielddc.gov.uk
HS2 petition www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/hs2
We’ve been petitioning the High Speed 2 Phase 1 Hybrid Bill, calling for changes to the proposals to lessen the scheme’s impact on our district.
This autumn, High Speed 2 Ltd, acting on behalf of the government, told us that it will propose a number of changes to the Bill in response to our petition, and that of Staffordshire County Council's. Changes include: ■
lowering the railway so it will pass under the A38, the West Coast Main Line and the South Staffordshire line, rather than run over them on viaducts.
■
realigning the route to remove two previous crossings over the Trent and Mersey Canal.
■
lowering the line at Hints to lessen the environmental impacts on the area and allowing for the diversion of Brockhurst Lane over the railway.
“Although we haven’t achieved everything we wanted, it’s encouraging to see that HS2 Limited has accepted a number of our demands.This is why we decided not to appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee in October. However, we are not withdrawing our petition, as it will allow us to work with HS2 and other petitioners to address other issues, such as noise, ecology and more.” Councillor Ian Pritchard Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Development
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
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intouch
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/leisure Find out what’s on offer across our leisure centres and parks
Inspire Fitness at Burntwood Leisure Centre www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/inspire Inspire Fitness is our spacious, fully air conditioned health and fitness that offers a bright and exhilarating environment to work out and relax. Our extensive range of Cybex gym equipment includes treadmills, steppers, cross trainers, rowing machines and resistance equipment, which are complemented by state-of-the-art HD TV screens. Friendly instructors are available to create personalised fitness programmes and to help you reach your goals. Following your work out, you can enjoy the health suite, complete with spa pool, mixed sauna room, steam room, and a relaxation area. We also run a range of fitness classes in our purpose-built aerobics studio, including yoga, aerobics and pilates.
Inspire Fitness opening times Monday to Thursday 7am -10pm Friday 7am - 9pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 8am - 9pm
Everyone’s welcome, and we have a range of memberships, from pay as you go from as little as £3.80 a go, to monthly memberships which start at £35 a month.
Find out more today! Call 01543 308810 or visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/inspire
New year, new you
Burntwood Leisure Centre is the perfect destination to get fit and have fun, and offers state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
•
•
•
• •
High Street, Chasetown, Staffordshire WS7 3XH
a 25m, six lane swimming pool and a shallow toddler pool Inspire Fitness gym with all the latest kit health suite with spa, sauna and steam room fitness studio two squash courts and a four-court sports hall
• • •
•
• • •
floodlit synthetic football pitch full-size grass football pitches floodlit tennis courts and a multi-use games area a programme of holiday activities café and conference facilities children’s party packages coaching courses
For more information and to check timetables and prices visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/blc 01543 308810
District services questionnaire
Results
Why we needed your views
Thank you to the hundreds of people who gave us their views by filling in our Your View questionnaire this summer.
We’ve been cutting costs for a number of years through our savings programme, Fit for the Future, and have already saved £4.8 million in recent years. Due to ongoing cuts in our funding from government, we need to save at least another £2.4 million by 2016.
More than 1,400 people took part in our Your View questionnaire, with people of all ages and from every ward giving their views on the services we provide.
The extent of our funding cuts means that our councillors will face some tough decisions. While we will do our very best to take on board the feedback from the Your View questionnaire, just because people didn’t support a particular idea, it doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t have to consider it.
We’re pleased that the number of responses has given us a statistically robust sample of local views. Our questionnaire asked local people to tell us what they think of the services we provide, as well as their opinions on a number of different savings and income generation ideas.
The questionnaire was not a referendum, but was designed to help our councillors understand local people's views better. This is so they can make sound decisions about which services we should continue to provide, what we can cut or reduce, and which services we could charge for to raise more income. This document contains a snapshot of people’s responses and also explains what we'll do next. We have also created a more in-depth report that assesses the responses we’ve received which can be downloaded from www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/yourview
If you have any questions or would like a large print version, please call 01543 308000.
The responses to the Your View questionnaire are being fed into business cases that explore how the ideas could be delivered and what impact they would have locally. These will be used to help shape the decisions councillors will make about our future budgets next year and in coming years. To keep up to date on our savings programme and how we are using the views people gave as part of the Your View questionnaire visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/fitforthefuture
Thank you Thank you to everyone who gave their views. We are very grateful to people who took time to fill in the questionnaire and give us their thoughts. We regularly carry out questionnaires and surveys on a wide range of issues. To keep up to date and give your views, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/voiceit
District services questionnaire | Results
£££
98.2 0.7
0.8
0.3
We make sure local restaurants are clean and safe.
££
77.2 18.3 3.1
1.3
We investigate noise and pollution complaints.
££
52.5 40.0 6.2
1.3
We clear rubbish and fly-tipping and take legal action to stop it.
£
75.9 22.9 0.9
0.3
£££
82.8 13.1 3.1
1.0
£
65.8 26.5 6.5
1.1
We organise elections – including local, general and European.
££
69.6 12.7 14.0 3.7
We give support to people in housing need and help homeless people.
££
36.1 51.4 10.3 2.2
We give means tested grants to people with disabilities to adapt their homes.
£
35.6 55.4 7.1
We clean and litter pick areas including town centres and some verges. We make sure events and businesses (including pubs and taxis) are safe and well managed by licensing them.
We give means tested council tax discounts and benefits to people in financial difficulty. We make sure new buildings are approved and take action against those without planning permission. We check new buildings and extensions to make sure they are safe and sound. We make sure developers invest in the local area – from street lighting, to schools and play areas. We create plans for the future development of our district – such as where more housing or office buildings can be built. We work with partners, including the police, to help make local areas safer and to reduce anti-social behaviour. We provide a website so you can find out information, report problems, order services and more.
£££
£
£
£
1.9
29.3 50.4 16.0 4.3
48.9 39.3 9.5
49.6 39.9 8.5
69.9 20.5 7.0
2.4
2.0
2.6
At the lower end of the spectrum, whilst our website was considered important (over 78%), a significant percentage of people (31.1%) don't use it, which means there's lot of opportunities to encourage more people to request services and report issues online. This is just a snapshot of the findings. To see a full analysis of the results, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/yourview
What people said about the services we choose to provide The table below shows what % of people felt we should either protect, cut back or stop the range of discretionary services we deliver. We empty your brown bin and compost your organic waste.
££
51.6 28.1 15.3 5.0
78.0 15.5 5.4
1.2
% Percentage
£££
85.3 11.7 2.2
0.9
We collect big items of household waste, like sofas & fridges for a charge.
£
59.9 28.0 9.4
2.6
We provide a waste and recycling service to businesses.
£
54.8 26.2 13.3 5.8
££
52.3 32.2 8.9
6.5
££
59.7 29.3 7.3
3.7
££
57.1 31.0 7.9
4.1
£
57.0 33.1 7.5
2.5
We provide scooters to city centre visitors with limited mobility.
£
44.4 30.9 18.9 5.8
We promote and support town and city centres to boost footfall into shops and businesses. We help attract tourists to support local businesses and jobs. We provide business support and advice and encourage new businesses into the area.
£££
Current cost*
Don’t know
We empty your black and blue bins and recycle your waste.
Waste and recycling, litter picking, clearing up fly-tipping, making restaurants safe and clean, and tackling anti-social behaviour were considered some of the most important services.
Stop
% Percentage
All of our statutory services were considered important, even if people filling out the questionnaire don't personally use them.
Cut back
Don’t know
Not important
Results overview
Protect
Current cost*
Important, but don’t use
The table below shows what % of people felt our statutory services are important, important but they don’t use, or not important.
Important
What people said about the services we have to provide
We provide car parks at a range of locations and our wardens monitor parking in streets and car parks.
£
47.3 31.1 19.8 1.9
We provide and maintain public toilets at a number of locations.
££
72.2 18.8 7.8
1.1
We answer enquiries, complaints and freedom of information requests.
£££
41.9 35.1 19.2 3.7
Our customer services desk is open 8.45am – 5.15pm, Monday-Friday.
££
42.4 50.6 3.6
3.4
*Key:
££ moderate net budget (between £50,000 and £200,000)
£
small net budget (up to £50,000)
£££ large net budget between (£200,000 and £900,000)
District services questionnaire | Results
Our telephone lines are open 8.45am – 5pm, Monday-Friday.
Current cost*
£££
We issue ‘intouch’ magazine twice a year to keep you up to date.
£
We give advice to help people keep warm and reduce their energy bills.
£
We provide advice to protect and improve historic buildings and conservation areas.
££
% Percentage
46.8 46.5 3.7
3.0
21.3 31.9 43.7 3.0
29.8 36.7 30.7 2.8
49.3 37.1 10.2 3.4
We manage countryside and areas of natural beauty.
££
69.0 24.3 4.7
1.9
We manage some parks and open spaces in Burntwood and Lichfield.
£££
71.1 24.8 2.6
1.4
We run three leisure centres and some outdoor sports pitches in the district.
£££
We financially support the Lichfield Garrick and its community work.
£££
58.8 30.2 9.2
1.8
30.7 39.0 27.6 2.6
Charge for emptying brown bins – other councils charge around £30 a year. Charge for evening parking in Lichfield city car parks (after 6.30pm). Charge for parking in council run car parks in Chasetown – for example £1 a day. Charge people to park in disabled car parking spaces and bays. Increase council tax by a small amount every year (between £2 and £5 a year for example). Charge more for leisure activities – such as swimming and badminton. Charge the public for events like Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park, and charge events organisers more to use our parks.
This could generate (approx)
% Percentage
£790,000 26.7 69.9 3.3 £36,000 37.3 58.1 4.6
£10,000 60.9 22.0 17.1 £40,000 57.1 37.7 5.2
£70,000 52.5 41.6 5.9 £30,000 42.9 47.2 9.9
£5,000
60.1 33.5 6.3
Results overview
When asked about the services we choose to provide, people most wanted to protect brown bins, public toilets and parks and countryside.
The ideas for raising more income that received the most support include charging for parking in disabled bays and in Chasetown car parks, and charging for events like Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park. Over half (52.5%) of those who took part supported the idea to raise council tax by a small amount each year.
In terms of stopping services, nearly half of those who took part felt we should stop delivering intouch to local homes, although some people felt it was vital for older people to keep in touch. Over half of those who took part also felt we should cut back or stop giving advice on how to keep warm and reduce energy bills. This is just a snapshot of the findings. To see a full analysis of the results, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/yourview
£
small net budget (up to £50,000)
Don’t know
Disagree
The table below shows what % of people agreed or disagreed with a number of ideas to generate more income.
Results overview
In terms of cutting back, people felt most comfortable about reducing the opening hours of our customer service desk and telephone lines, although some people suggested altering our opening times to better suit working people. Similar numbers of people felt we should protect (30.7%), cut back (39%) or stop (27.6%) the support we give to the Lichfield Garrick.
*Key:
Ideas to generate income
Agree
Don’t know
Stop
Cut back
The table below shows what % of people felt we should either protect, cut back or stop the range of discretionary services we deliver.
Protect
What people said about the services we choose to provide continued
The ideas that received the least support include charging for brown bins, charging for evening parking in Lichfield City and charging more for leisure activities, although a similar number of people supported this idea. This is just a snapshot of the findings. To see a full analysis of the results, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/yourview
All figures are indicative based on net direct expenditure and take account of any income we receive. Figures for savings and income ideas are based on loose assumptions and may change if developed further.
££ moderate net budget (between £50,000 and £200,000)
£££ large net budget between (£200,000 and £900,000)
Close the public toilets in Lichfield and Burntwood and work with shops, cafes and pubs so shoppers and visitors can use their facilities.
This could save (approx)
Don’t know
Disagree
Agree
The table below shows what % of people agreed or disagreed with a number of ideas to save money.
This could save (approx)
% Percentage
£100,000 41.1 52.7 6.2 £10,000 21.6 72.8 5.6
Maintain district council run parks and green areas less frequently.
£20,000 32.4 62.2 5.4
Reduce council tax discounts for working-age residents on lower incomes.
£34,000 60.6 28.7 10.7 £490,000 51.3 37.0 11.7
Cut back the annual subsidy we give to the Lichfield Garrick.
£150,000 70.3 23.1 6.5
Reduce the amount of CCTV coverage in the district.
£20,000 40.8 51.9 7.3
Open our customer services desk and telephone lines for fewer hours.
£46,000 67.1 27.3 5.7
Stop community transport that gives low-cost transport to community groups.
£25,000 27.7 61.9 10.4
Transfer leisure centres to a private management operator or trust.
£50,000 55.3 32.7 12.0
Hand King Edward VI and/or Friary Grange leisure centres back to the schools to manage them which could change public opening hours.
£75,000 63.8 24.1 12.1
Stop monitoring or fining people for allowing their dogs to foul public places.
Stop having a chairman’s car and driver.
% Percentage
£570,000 72.5 16.9 10.6 £17,000 90.2 6.5
Further reduce district councillors. From May 2015 there’ll be 47. Could we cut back further?
£3,000†
81.0 10.5 8.4
£7,500
11.1 86.1 2.8
Results overview The ideas to save money that recieved the most support include stopping the chairman's car, reducing the number of district councillors, merging more services with nearby councils and cutting back the subsidy we give to the Lichfield Garrick. Other ideas, including reducing the business rate subsidies we give to charities and not managing community development projects, also received strong support, as did transferring our leisure centres to a private operator or trust. The ideas that were least supported include cleaning local streets, roads and paths less often and not monitoring people who allow their dogs to foul public places. This is just a snapshot of the findings. To see a full analysis of the results, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/yourview
Who took part in the questionnaire?
Transfer parks, outdoor sports facilities and areas of countryside to parish councils, £150,000 52.0 33.6 14.4 sports clubs or voluntary organisations.
People of all ages and areas of our district filled in the questionnaire. In total we had over 1,400 responses. Here's a snapshot of who took part:
Stop or reduce large grants (between £5,000 & £50,000 a year) to voluntary organisations who deliver services in the community.
£196,000 39.1 46.8 14.0
Gender Location
£23,000 30.1 57.5 12.4
22.1% Live in Burntwood Live in Lichfield and surrounding areas City and surrounding areas
Stop or reduce small grants (between £50 & £2,000) to voluntary groups.
47.4%
Men
52.6%
Women
42.1%
Stop managing development projects such as play areas or community facilities, if £59,000 69.2 23.3 7.4 other organisations can deliver them. Take longer to process planning applications (still within statutory timescales).
3.3
† per councillor
Clean local streets, roads and paths less often.
Don’t give charities full business rate relief(by law charities get 80% relief, but sometimes we give a further 20%).
Merge more services - from planning and benefits to finance - with adjacent council(s) or become a unitary council so we can cut costs.
Don’t know
Ideas to save money
Disagree
Agree
District services questionnaire | Results
£10,000 53.9 36.6 9.5
35.8%
Live in rural and surrounding areas
For a full breakdown of who took part in the survey including age, service use and employment, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/yourview
All figures are indicative based on net direct expenditure and take account of any income we receive. Figures for savings and income ideas are based on loose assumptions and may change if developed further.
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
intouch
www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk For visitor information and news of our city’s historic parks
Gardening challenge for local students
Historic Parks newsletter Lichfield Historic Parks bring together four distinctive green spaces in the heart of Lichfield.These are Beacon Park, Minster Pool and Walk, the Garden of Remembrance and Stowe Pool.
A group of 12 to 14 year olds have been getting green-fingered at Beacon Park. We’ve been helping ten pupils from Queen’s Croft High School learn how to grow plants and vegetables in our Community Garden in Beacon Park. The weekly gardening sessions run over two hours, and in that time the students help with weeding, watering, planting and harvesting. This year’s harvest has been excellent, with the school using choice vegetables to make soups and cakes, including leek and potato soup and beetroot chocolate cake. A scarecrow for the garden is next on the students’ to do list, which they will be working on at school. Laura Grimshaw, Teacher at Queen's Croft High School, said: “We all look forward to our weekly gardening sessions at Beacon Park, enjoying working outdoors and tending to the plants. It’s such a worthwhile project as it is introduces my students to a new type of
Festive Crafts & Grotto Saturday 6 December from 12pm to 3pm, Discovery Hub Enjoy festive craft activities for all the family. Children can also meet Santa in his grotto for £2, which includes a gift. This event is part of Lichfield Christmas Festival Weekend. See what other festive fun is going on across the city at www.visitlichfield.co.uk/christmasfestival
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Above: Local students hard at work.
ParkLife is our free seasonal newsletter to keep everyone posted about everything that’s going on across our historic parks, so you need never miss any of the events and activities in our popular city parks.
hands-on work, which could develop a lifelong interest in gardening and even lead to a career in the horticultural industry.” Next year, the budding gardeners are planning to grow onions, parsnips, broccoli and peas, as well as a small herb garden. They are hoping to sell some of the healthy produce to buy more seeds.
You can sign up to receive ParkLife by emailing parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk or read the latest issue online at www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk /parklife
“I am delighted the students are enjoying their time at the park, and that the Community Garden is offering such a fantastic space for them to gain new skills.” Councillor Andy Smith Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks
What’s On at Beacon Park String puppet workshops
Seed Sundays
Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 February 10am, 11.30am and 1pm, Discovery Hub
Monthly from February to June 2015 Drop-in session from 11am to 1pm, Community Garden
Learn how to make and use a simple string puppet. Aimed at ages 6 and up. £3 per puppet.
Spring half term activity
Booking essential, call 01543 308869 or email parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk
A gardening activity where all the family can make a paper pot, plant seeds, and take them home to grow! £1 per pot, all proceeds will go towards the Community Garden. Seed Sundays will run on: 15 February, 15 March, 19 April, 17 May and 21 June.
This is just a snapshot of what’s on at Beacon Park. To find out more visit www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk/whats-on
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
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intouch
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/leisure Find out what’s on offer across our leisure centres and parks
get
active King Edward VI Leisure Centre is the ideal place to get active. We offer a wide range of leisure activities for all ages and abilities. So if you love squash or gymnastics, are a keen football or hockey player, King Edward VI is the venue for you. · four-court sports hall · two squash and racketball courts · a synthetic football pitch · a bar and multi-purpose room
Party On! We offer a fun mix of parties at Beacon Park and Burntwood, Friary Grange and King Edward VI leisure centres for children and teens. Leisure centres From pool or inflatable parties, to sporty fun, we have a party to suit all tastes, age groups and budgets! Prices start at just £50. We can provide party food at Burntwood or King Edward VI leisure centres, making your party ever so simple to organise. There is a room available at Friary Grange Leisure Centre for you to bring along your own party food.
· a meeting room · children’s party packages · coaching courses
Find out more today! www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/kelc 01543 308782
Kings Hill Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 9DE
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Find out more by contacting your leisure centre of choice: Burntwood 01543 308810 Friary Grange 01543 308842 King Edward VI 01543 308782
Beacon Park From bug hunting and pond dipping to a fairy and elf theme, we offer lots of fun and interesting parties at beautiful Beacon Park for up to 12 children. We’ve got new parties planned for 2015, including Teddy Bears’ Picnic for pre-schoolers and Pirate Pursuits for 5 to 11 year-olds. You can also hire the Discovery Hub and bring along your party picnic or arrange catering at Lakeside Bistro for an extra charge. Find out more by contacting Beacon Park 01543 308869 To see the full range of parties, food options and how to book, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/partyon
FREE Court Hire!
FREE Swim!
This voucher entitles you to one-hour’s free hire of a racquet court at Burntwood, Friary or King Edward VI leisure centres.
This voucher entitles the bearer to one free swim at Friary Grange or Burntwood leisure centres.
Terms: Includes tennis, squash, table tennis or badminton. This offer can only be used once per household. Use by 31.1.15
Terms: This offer can only be used once per household. Only one voucher per party. Use by 31.1.15
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Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
intouch
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Nearly half a million pounds is available for local initiatives Four local organisations have come together to fund activities and projects across the district through a new Locality Commissioning Fund that will give out around £477,000 in 2015. From debt advice and local festivals, through to support for victims of domestic abuse, financial help for local projects has been handed out separately in the past. The new funding pot has combined Lichfield District Council’s budget for community and voluntary sector organisations, Staffordshire County Council’s funding to support vulnerable people to live independent lives and public health funding, South East Staffordshire and Seisdon Peninsula Clinical Commissioning Group’s grants for voluntary organisations, and Staffordshire Police through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Locality Fund. The new scheme launched in October and will fund projects that aim to deliver a prosperous, healthy, independent, safe, thriving and cohesive community.
The deadline to apply for funding is 9am on 2 January 2015. Find out more at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/funding where you can download the Commissioning Prospectus, an application form and guidance. If you have any further questions, please email localitycommissioning @lichfielddc.gov.uk
Funding of £5,000 or more is on offer, and local organisations can apply for funding for one year, which may be extended annually for a further two years.
Small grants for local groups Whether it is help to replace equipment, host a festival or provide specialist training, we offer local not-for-profit groups and organisations the chance to apply for Grant Aid of up to £1,000.
We also offer funding of up to £5,000 through Grant Aid Plus for projects that strongly impact on our ambitions, and are aimed at people across the whole district. You can apply for Grant Aid and Grant Aid Plus between 1 December 2014 and 12noon on 1 February 2015. To download an application form (from 1 December), visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/grantaid or for more information call Susan Bamford on 01543 308170 or email susan.bamford@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Above: Community Transport Manager, Shahzad Iqbal
Burntwood Dial a Ride Do you live in Burntwood and find it hard to get to the shops, visit friends and family, or make your way to the doctors, library or leisure centre? If yes, join Burntwood Dial a Ride, which is a new service run in partnership with Burntwood Town Council, to help people get out and about. Using our Community Transport mini buses, members of the scheme are picked up from their homes and taken to their destination, and stops are made en-route to pick up members going the same way. It runs on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9.30am and 3pm and costs £2 a journey. Anyone who lives in Burntwood can register with the scheme. Our Community Transport mini buses are fully accessible, so they’re suitable for people who use a wheelchair or have mobility issues. To use Burntwood Dial a Ride, register with the service by calling Burntwood Town Council on 01543 677166. How to use Burntwood Dial a Ride ■
Register by calling 01543 677166
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Buy tickets in advance for £2 (each way)
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Book your trip 48 hours in advance
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
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www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/carparkmap A handy map of our city centre car parks
Be safe at Christmas Through Lichfield District Safer Community Partnership, we asked a range of local organisations for their best Christmas safety tips. We’ve used the answers to put together a festive calendar of 24 top tips to keep you safe and healthy in the run up to Christmas.The calendar is available from our Frog Lane reception, our leisure centres, the library, and at venues across the district. It includes useful Christmas themed safety advice, such as not leaving shopping on display in your car, testing your smoke alarm, only using licensed taxis, not washing your turkey and more. Download the calendar at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/xmascalendar
Shop local this Christmas Pictured: Amanda and Jannette from Emporium
Get big treats this Christmas by shopping small and local Kicking off on Small Business Saturday on 6 December, traders across Lichfield and Burntwood are calling for people to ‘shop local’ this Christmas. From The North Face and Radley, to Pandora and UGG, local small businesses are big on style, big on brands and big on great service! Amanda, from Emporium Art Gallery in Bird Street, Lichfield, said: “Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign endorsed by government encouraging consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small independent businesses in their communities both on the day and in the future.” The campaign has resulted in increased footfall and takings for local businesses up and down the country, and local shopkeepers are hoping that it will do the same across Lichfield and Burntwood.
“We’re proud that the majority of businesses in Burntwood and Lichfield are small businesses – which means we are a major part of our local economy and together support hundreds of local jobs and make our town and city centres vibrant. So, please support us all by thinking and shopping local this Christmas and beyond.” Val Bostrom from Munchies in Sankey’s Corner, Burntwood
Shops and businesses across Lichfield and Burntwood will be taking part in Small Business Saturday on 6 December. To find out what’s on offer visit www.visitlichfield.co.uk/ smallbusinesssaturday
Boosting Burntwood’s shop fronts Burntwood Business Community is run by Burntwood traders, who work in partnership with the district and town councils. It was awarded £50,000 government High Street Innovation Funding to help boost local shopping areas and increase footfall into shops and businesses. So far, with the help of local partners and councillors, the group has already contributed towards the restoration of Ryecroft Shop's car park. Plans are also underway for new road signage to highlight local shopping areas. The team is now set to launch a Shop Front Improvement Scheme, through which local high street shops and businesses will be able to apply for small grants to improve their street appeal – from new signs and windows through to new paintwork. Applicants will be asked to 50% match fund any projects, which will double the investment into the local area, making it an even nicer place to shop, eat, drink & visit. The fund in set to launch in spring 2015. Find out more at www.totallylocallyws7.co.uk
A Business Improvement District for Lichfield City Lichfield traders are working hard to launch a Business Improvement District in the city next year. If successful the BID will raise over £250,000 a year to invest in city centre improvements – from free WIFI through to more events and marketing. To find out more visit www.lichfieldbid.co.uk
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
intouch
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/housingoptions For housing help and advice
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Hundreds enjoy Big Draw We helped hundreds of school children, shoppers and library users to get creative this October through our Big Draw workshops.
Above: Making 3D wire birds
Big Draw is the world’s largest drawing festival to get everyone drawing. This year’s theme was ‘It’s Our World’, which celebrated the local environment and landscapes. Our project saw professional artists going into 11 primary schools across the district to run art activities. Children had a go at printing, soap carving, drawing and more. We also held two public art days. The first was held at Three Spires Shopping Centre, when more than 650 people of all ages joined in with the free activities, including drawing with their feet, making wire birds, adding to art boards and more.
PCC funds Burntwood project Money seized from criminals has been ploughed into positive activities for young people in Burntwood. We successfully bid for £11,540 from Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis’ Proceeds of Crime Fund, to provide activities for young people as part of our Positive Futures programme.
There was also the chance to design a plate at The Kitchen Shop. The second art day, at Lichfield Library offered visitors the chance to create a version of their world on circular disks. This day coincided with the launch of an exhibition at the library of the artwork from all the sessions, which was a chance to showcase the artistic talents of our district!
Above: Afra and Abigail show off their artwork
The Proceeds of Crime Fund sees 100% of assets and money seized from criminals in Staffordshire go back into local areas. We’ll use the money to buy new goals for Burntwood Leisure Centre’s multi-use games area and to fund extra sessions, including freestyle gymnastics, boxing and Friday night trampolining. The money will also be spent on training staff, promoting Positive Futures and encouraging young people to become volunteers. Positive Futures is hosted and funded by Lichfield District Council. It is also supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Lichfield District
Are you struggling to pay your rent? If you get housing benefit and are still unable to cover your housing costs, you can apply to us for a short-term payment, called a Discretionary Housing Payment. You might need help because your benefit has gone down, you need to raise a tenancy deposit, or to help with the costs of moving house. Discretionary Housing Payments don’t have to be paid back, and priority is given to those who are most vulnerable. Download an application form at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/dhp or call us on 01543 308900 if you don’t have access to the internet. Please note: An award is only made where the applicant satisfies the criteria set out in our Discretionary Housing Payments Policy. Find out more at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/dhp Safer Community Partnership through the Locality Deal Fund.
Burntwood boxing sessions Are you aged between 11 and 19 and go to school or live in Burntwood? If yes, try out boxing for free at Burntwood Leisure Centre on Thursdays from 8pm to 9pm. There’s no need to book, just come to the tennis courts and have a go.
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
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www.visitlichfield.co.uk Find out about local festivals, events and attractions
Keep Warm it’s Winter This winter we launched the Keep Warm it’s Winter pack, which has handy information from a host of agencies to help older people keep warm and well in their homes over the winter. Through our Warmer Homes, Greener District initiative, we have included a section to introduce our free energy advice service and why it’s so important to keep warm throughout the colder months. The pack also features a series of leaflets offering information on eating well and keeping active, looking out for neighbours, and health and safety advice, as well as where to go for more help. The Keep Warm it's Winter pack is free and available from our Frog Lane reception, GP surgeries, pharmacies and from community groups across the district. In the meantime, to access energy saving advice call our Warmer Homes, Greener District service for free on 0800 677 1543
This is a Lichfield District Strategic Partnership campaign, led by Lichfield District Council and Age UK, supported by a host of local organisations.
Square Mar y’s in the Market Square St Mary’s
m tion Open istt Informa urris ou o TTo Monday to Saturday 9.30am till 4pm
Driving community groups across the district If members of your community or voluntary group struggle to get to activities, why not let our Community Transport scheme help? The low cost mini bus service is available for hire and costs from just £5.50 an hour, plus 80p* a mile. To find out more, call 01543 308165 or email community.transport@lichfielddc.gov.uk *90p a mile from 1 January 2015
Volunteer We are always looking for more volunteers to devote a few hours of their time each week to become Community Transport drivers. Anyone aged 25 or over with a full, clean driving licence can apply. Contact the team to find out more.
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Café Gift Shop TTourist ourist Information Lichfield Museum Chapel Intouch is published by Lichfield District Council, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6ZB, Winter 2014 © Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this magazine is correct. However, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or disappointment arising from misinterpretation, error, omission or subsequent change to the information.