Telephone 01543 308000 · www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
LDCNews
WINTER 2016 & SPRING 2017
Boosting Burntwood Working together to improve Burntwood
Tasty Friarsgate news
Latest on leisure
Three new restaurants announced for the leisure and retail development
We are looking to outsource our leisure centres
There’s so much on across the district this Christmas
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Festive fun
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LDC News
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/news Keep up to date on council news
Welcome to LDC News Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council
michael.wilcox@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Welcome to our winter and spring edition of LDC News – Lichfield District Council’s magazine for local residents. On top of council news, in this issue we have plenty of help and advice about how to stay safe, healthy and warm this winter. Looking back, 2016 has been such a busy year with so many highlights, including festivals and events that attracted thousands of people to the district. Lichfield Food Festival is growing each year and Lichfield Proms never fails to fill you with community spirit, and the Georgian Festival was a fantastic way to celebrate the lasting legacy the Georgian period had on the city and district.
This autumn I welcomed the news that an extra 4,100 jobs were created locally between 2014 and 2015. This is a rise of 10 percent and is really encouraging news, showing just how thriving our district is. Research shows there’s been growth in the service industry as well as food and drink, construction and leisure, and some increases in agriculture.
Bin calendars and Christmas collections www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bincalendar
We’re busy sending out new 2017 bin calendars to all the households across the district. These calendars also include information about Christmas bin collections.
Above: Georgian Festival - Coldstream Guards 1815
Our ambition is to create even more opportunities for businesses across the whole district to grow and expand. Being a part of Local Enterprise Partnerships offers local businesses access to a wealth of funding and training opportunities. Find out how to apply for grant funding on page 6. In October over 300 people of all ages tried out different art techniques as part of our Big Draw activities across Lichfield. This year’s theme was all about creative innovation and enterprise, and city visitors had a go at creating animations, doing portraits using a special drawing booth, and making art using cogs and tools. We also led art workshops in schools across the district, as part of the world’s biggest drawing festival.
So that our waste and recycling crews can enjoy the festive break, we will not be emptying bins on Monday 26, Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January. If your bin day is on a Monday or a Tuesday, please check your new bin calendar to find out when your collections will be.
Christmas is fast approaching, and to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, we have put together a brochure with all the events and activities called Get Festive in Lichfield City and District this Christmas. From festivals to carol services and the Lichfield Garrick pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, there is plenty on offer to give you that festive feeling. Find out more on page 8. Below: This year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty
I hope you find LDC News interesting and informative, and that you have a merry Christmas and very happy New Year.
If you haven’t had your bin calendar by 19 December, please call us on 0345 002 0022 (charged at the local rate from a landline) or check www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bincalendar
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LDC News
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A feast for Friarsgate Property regeneration specialist U+I has announced that the restaurants Pizza Express, Zizzi and the Handmade Burger Company have come on board the flagship Friarsgate development in Lichfield. This announcement follows the news that The Light Cinema is set to open a seven screen cinema in Friarsgate. The new restaurants and cinema will be in good company, joining up to seven more food and drink establishments, along with a gym, around 25 shops, 82 apartments and 11 townhouses. The combination of leisure and retail opportunities is expected to increase the city’s shopping turnover from £55 million to £107 million by 2022 and is forecast to create 660 new full-time equivalent jobs for the area.
Pizza Express, Zizzi and the Handmade Burger Company will help boost activity, footfall and dwell time in the city centre, enhancing what Lichfield has to offer. We look forward to announcing more brand partners set to join the scheme in the near future. Richard Upton Deputy CEO of U+I
Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “The plans for Friarsgate are really starting to take shape and we’re thrilled that the scheme is attracting the interest of such high quality brands. When developed, these popular restaurants will no doubt be a huge hit with visitors and locals and will help to further reinforce Lichfield’s reputation as a quality food and retail destination and will bring even more footfall to our new and existing businesses.” Friarsgate, which will join seamlessly to the existing Three Spires Shopping centre, will also enhance transport connectivity to Lichfield, delivering a new bus station near to the railway station, as well as 500 safe and accessible car parking spaces. Find out more at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/friarsgate
Boosting Burntwood We came together with Burntwood Town Council and Staffordshire County Council to sign the Burntwood Town Deal in the summer. This shows our joint commitment to work collaboratively to do what we can to deliver the town’s top priorities. Hot on the heels of signing the deal, we learned this autumn that exciting new plans are set to be announced shortly, that if approved, will breathe new life into Burntwood town centre. If the planning application is approved, it could see land at Sankeys Corner redeveloped to feature up to 11 new shops and leisure opportunities, and provide a link between the existing high street and the Morrisons and Aldi stores. Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, commented: “We’re looking forward to receiving the plans and would encourage local residents to view and comment on them when they are published online on our planning website at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/planning. The plans will be subject to the normal planning application process, and if approved could help to revitalise this key area of Burntwood and bring new jobs, new shops and new leisure opportunities into the heart of the town.”
LDC News If you need LDCNews in another format, such as large print, please call Esther Epstein on 01543 308778 or email esther.epstein@lichfielddc.gov.uk
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LDC News
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OPENING OFFER Play
Getin2it across Burntwood and Lichfield
on the pitch a third of a times fo t off peak r just £15 until the e of the ye nd ar!
Our Getin2it programme offers sport, leisure activities and youth work for 9 to 25 year olds who live in or go to school in Burntwood or Lichfield. From boxing and trampolining, to parkour and streetcheer, there are a wide range of activities available that generally cost £1 a session and are sometimes free. All the sessions are drop-in, so just turn up and have a go. Getin2it Burntwood Programme Attitude Streetcheer Burntwood Leisure Centre Mondays: from 3.45pm to 4.45pm (ages 9 to 13) or 4.45pm to 5.45pm (ages 14 to 19).
Freestyle Gymnastics (Free G) Burntwood Leisure Centre Mondays: from 5pm to 6pm (ages 10 to 13).
Multi Sports Sessions Skate Park, Cherry Close Mondays: 5pm to 7pm (ages 14 to 25).
Mixed Trampoline Sessions Burntwood Leisure Centre Tuesdays: from 4.45pm to 5.45pm (ages 10 to 19). Fridays: from 3.45pm to 4.45pm (up to Year 8), 4.45pm to 5.45pm (Year 9+) or 7.45pm to 8.45pm (ages 14 to 25).
Parkour at Cherry Close Park Wednesdays: from 5pm to 6pm (ages 10 to 13) or 6pm to 7pm (ages 14 +).
Boxing Sessions Burntwood Leisure Centre Thursdays: from 8.15pm to 9.15pm (ages 10 to 19).
Getin2it Lichfield Programme Illusion Streetcheer Friary Grange Leisure Centre Fridays: from 4.30pm to 5.30pm (ages 9 to 13) or 5.30pm to 6.30pm (ages 14 to 19).
Boxing Sessions Wade Street Church in Lichfield Fridays: from 7.45pm to 8.45pm (ages 14 to 19). Getin2it for young people is hosted by Lichfield District Council’s Sports Development team. It is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lichfield District Locality Commissioning Board and StreetGames. Find out more at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ getin2it
Golf Express We recently launched Golf Express at Beacon Park’s mature golf course. This is where golfers can play a 9-hole round by following the yellow flags on the golf course between Monday and Friday. It’s a great way for beginners to get into the game or for anyone who is short on time. We also launched Golf Express loyalty cards – simply get your card stamped
Pitch perfect at Burntwood As LDC News went to print, we were eagerly anticipating unveiling Burntwood Leisure Centre’s new 3G synthetic pitch. Work included removing the carpet and shock-pad from the old pitch, repairing the base tarmac and surrounds, and installing a new 3G synthetic surface. The carpet is certificated to FIFA 1 star standard and is filled with sand and topped with rubber crumb.
”We’re delighted to offer such a high quality synthetic pitch to Burntwood footballers. With its soft plastic grass and loose rubber grains, this pitch is as close as you can get to playing on grass. Some argue it’s better as the springy surface absorbs impact and it won’t get waterlogged, which means you can play on it all year round.” Councillor Andy Smith Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks
each time you play and you will get your sixth round for free. You can play with your own golf clubs, or hire them when you pay for your round at Beacon Park’s Ranger Station. Golf Express costs £4.20 for adults, £3.60 for adult LAP holders, and £2.60 for concessionary LAP holders. www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk/golf
Opening towards the end of November 2016, book to play on this new state-ofthe-art surface by contacting Burntwood Leisure Centre on 01543 308810. We’re also replacing King Edward VI Leisure Centre’s synthetic pitch in 2017 as part of our agreement, before handing it back to the school and county council.
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LDC News
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Stay safe this Christmas Here are our top ten tips for a safe and merry Christmas. ■ Don’t drive under the influence: When out celebrating make sure
you’ve arranged to get home safely. ■ Be bright and be seen on our roads: Find out how at
think.direct.gov.uk ■ Keep children safe online: If you’re buying a new mobile phone,
laptop or tablet for a child find out how to keep them safe online at www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Prepare for winter
■ Safety first: Check for safety marks and labels before you buy ■ Check your smoke alarms: For a free home fire risk check call
0800 0241 999. ■ Don’t leave presents or shopping on display in your car or at home. ■ Only use licensed taxis: Never flag down private hire vehicles. ■ Is your mobile phone secure?: For help visit www.digital-trust.org/
how-to-mobile/ ■ Domestic abuse doesn’t take a day off at Christmas so neither
does Pathway: Pathway helpline: 01543 676800 available 24/7. ■ Report antisocial behaviour: Call the police to report it on 101 or our
community safety team on 01543 308777. To find out more visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/staysafe
If you struggle to afford your heating bills, or if your health will suffer due to the cold, our Warmer Homes Greener District energy advice line is here to help you. Our advisors can tell you if you may be eligible to access a range of grants. From repairing central heating and replacing boilers, through to a rebate from your energy supplier, there is plenty of help on offer to qualifying homes. Call Warmer Homes Greener District on freephone 0800 677 1543
Outsourcing our leisure centres We’ve been reviewing the way we deliver leisure services and are working towards outsourcing our leisure centres. This could see an operator or trust potentially managing both Friary Grange and Burntwood leisure centres. We’re also handing back the running of King Edward VI Leisure Centre to the school and county council.
As well as saving money, outsourcing leisure centres can provide an opportunity to bring on board the skills and experience of specialised leisure operators, which can help increase participation rates and
reduce costs, while maintaining, or even improving, the services customers receive. Councillor Andy Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “There are a lot of great examples where leisure centres have been outsourced and delivered positive outcomes for local people, including in Cannock and Rugeley, where the leisure centres moved over to a trust. Since the change, there has been investment in the facilities and the centres are well used.” For more information and updates as we progress the plans, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/leisurereview
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LDC News
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Apply for up to £200,000 to expand your business Are you a small or medium enterprise based in Lichfield District? Do you operate on a business to business basis? Do you have plans to expand? If yes, let the Business Growth Programme help you! The Business Growth Programme is offering grants between £10,000 and £200,000 to eligible businesses that have plans to expand and create jobs.
”There are so many opportunities for businesses based in the district through this programme, and I really hope they seize this opportunity and apply for grant funding.”
The Business Growth Programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, managed by Birmingham City Council and delivered across the Greater Birmingham & Solihull, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and The Marches Local Enterprise Partnerships areas. All businesses within the Local Enterprise Partnership areas, which includes Lichfield District, are eligible to apply for grant funding.
Councillor Ian Pritchard Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Development & Environment
Find out how to apply at www.birmingham.gov.uk/bgp
Festive food safety To make sure you have a happy Christmas free from food poisoning, follow our food safety team’s advice. Use leftovers safely: Cover leftovers and store them in the fridge, then eat them within two days or freeze them. Reheat leftovers until they are steaming hot to destroy food poisoning bugs. Chilled leftovers can be eaten cold if they have been stored correctly. Your freezer is your friend this Christmas: Freezing your leftovers can help them last longer. Once food is in the freezer it can be safely stored for a considerable time, although the quality will be best within three months.
Don’t wash your turkey: Washing raw turkey is unnecessary and can spread germs. Thorough cooking until the juices run clear will kill germs. Check the food hygiene rating before dining out: Find out the food hygiene ratings of local restaurants and cafés on www.ratemyplace.org.uk A score of four or five means that good to excellent food safety procedures are in place. Find out more food safety tips at www.food.gov.uk
One in three of us think we waste more food at Christmas than at any other time. With recipes for leftovers, advice about the staple ingredients to buy so you always have a delicious meal at hand, and a party planner portion guide, www.lovefoodhatewaste.com has lots of useful advice to make sure you don’t waste food and money this yuletide.
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
LDC News
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/carparkmap A handy map of our city centre car parks
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Parliamentary Boundary Review 2018
Don’t lose your vote
The Boundary Commission for England is reviewing parliamentary constituencies across the UK – as part of the 2018 Review.
On Thursday 4 May 2017 you will be asked to elect your local county councillor. Everyone in the district who is eligible to vote needs to be individually registered for the chance to have their say come polling day. If you haven’t registered to vote in the past, possibly because you have just turned 18, or if you have recently moved house, you can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Parliamentary boundaries define the geographic area represented by each MP – known as their parliamentary constituency. The 2018 Review is examining the existing constituencies to make recommendations for any changes that are needed for constituencies to comply with legal requirements, which make sure that the number of electors in each constituency is broadly equal, while also taking into account factors such as local community ties. What this means for Lichfield District The Boundary Commission has suggested that the wards of Whittington and Streethay should move into the Tamworth parliamentary constituency.
It has also recommended that the Stafford Borough ward of Hayward & Hixon should move into the Lichfield constituency following the review. Give your views The Boundary Commission is keen to hear as many views as possible on the proposed changes. To have your say, visit the Boundary Commission for England’s website at www.bce2018.org.uk by 5 December 2016. There will be a further two rounds of consultation in 2017. Following the conclusion of all three consultation periods, the Boundary Commission will look at all the evidence received and make final recommendations to Parliament in September 2018.
Eligible voters also need to be on the 2017 electoral register. To make sure everyone is included on the register, we sent Household Enquiry forms to local homes in the autumn, and we have a team of canvassers visiting properties that haven’t returned their forms. If you haven’t done so already, please fill in your form and return it by post. If you’re not sure if you’ve responded, or if you haven’t received a form, please call us on 01543 308125 or email elections@lichfielddc.gov.uk
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LDC News
www.visitlichfield.co.uk For festivals, events, visitor attractions and more
Contact Lichfield District Council www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ contacts
01543 308000
What’s On To keep up to date with events and activities across Lichfield District and beyond, pick up a copy of What’s On from Tourist Information at St Mary’s in the Market Square. You can also sign up for monthly special offers at www.visitlichfield.co.uk/specialoffers
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Feedback
To give us your feedback about LDC News, please call Esther Epstein on 01543 308778 or email esther.epstein@lichfielddc.gov.uk
LDC News is published by Lichfield District Council, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield WS13 6ZB, winter 2016 © Every effort has been make to make sure the information in the 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.