talkback Summer 2013
news, information and events for the people of Tamworth
Dragon came to Tamworth to celebrate St George’s Day see page 6 and 7 for more
WIN ÂŁ2e0r voucah ge 2 see p ils for deta
Programme of 2013 events see page 10
Tamworth To discuss editorial matters, please contact: The Talkback Team on 01827 709572, email: talkback@tamworth.gov.uk or drop us a line at: Talkback Team, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth, Staffs B79 7BZ. Published by Tamworth Borough Council, Communications Team, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth B79 7BZ. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. While every care is taken, the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any errors in articles or listings. Any leaflets delivered with this magazine are not endorsed by Tamworth Borough Council.
In this issue Create opportunities News in brief Your Councillors
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Improving housing standards Empty homes, green deal and regeneration
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To be healthier and safer Community Safety news
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Creating a clean and green environment Tamworth In Bloom
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Live life to the full St George’s Day celebrations What’s on Cultural Quarter and Golf Course updates
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News in brief New Mayor and Deputy for Tamworth Councillor John Garner has been sworn in as Tamworth’s new Mayor – the second time he has held the post. Cllr Garner is a ward councillor for Amington and Chairman of Tamworth in Bloom, where he has seen Tamworth take a gold award for the last three years. He was a former leader of the council in 1983, and first served as Mayor in 1988. He is one of the longest serving members of the Council and was first elected in 1979. Cllr Richard Kingstone, a teacher at Rawlett School, will serve as Deputy Mayor for the year. Outgoing Mayor Cllr Tina Clements, said she has been hugely privileged to serve as Mayor during 2012 - a year which saw the Olympic Torch Relay come to Tamworth, new discoveries in the Staffordshire Hoard and a Heritage Lottery grant for Tamworth Castle.
Memories and mementoes of Belgrave sought If you’ve got memories, experiences, stories or pictures relating to the history of Belgrave you would like to share, then we’d love to hear from you. Belgrave’s Community Development Officer, Stuart Etheridge, is working on a project to collect as much information as possible on the history of Belgrave, with the aim of turning it into an exhibition and a website. The team putting together the project are interested in all aspects of Belgrave’s history, but would particularly appreciate information, photographs and memories of the area’s industrial past.
Former factories and industries based in and around Belgrave include: • George Skey & Co • Doulton Insulators • Peel Colliery • Helix Heater Works • Beauchamp Colliery • Wood’s Furniture Workshop • Gibbs & Canning • Thompson & Southwick • Wilnecote Works • Reliant Motor Company Anyone who would like to get involved in this project is asked to email Stuart Etheridge on stuart-etheridge@tamworth.gov.uk or call him on 07891 052164.
Annual Review 2012/13 Corporate Plan 2013/14 “One Tamworth, Perfectly Placed” This year, the Annual Review and Corporate Plan have been combined into one document to make the information easier to use and understand. It shows how, by working with partners, we have and will continue to work towards our single vision for the borough of One Tamworth, Perfectly Placed. The focus will remain concentrated on the two priorities; to aspire and prosper in Tamworth and to be healthier and safer in Tamworth.
Wardens don’t get in a flap over duckling rescue Two of Tamworth’s street wardens got more than they bargained for when they started work one morning – and found themselves carrying out a two-hour duckling rescue. Warden Michael Osborne was just starting work in the town centre when sharp-eyed market staff alerted him to a brood of 12 ducklings which had fallen from the wall at the back of the Nationwide Building Society in Market Street and were trapped at the bottom of the Castle Keep. Michael radioed his colleague James Harrison, who climbed down into the Keep, armed with a child’s fishing net, kindly loaned by the Tool Box. He managed to capture all the ducklings and put them into a cardboard box – but that was not the end of the duck drama. The mother duck had flown off, so the wardens were then on a mission to reunite her with her brood. Said Michael: “We were trying to get the mother duck to follow us down to the river, without much success. Eventually, we managed to get the ducklings to quack loudly enough to encourage her to fly down. We then released the ducklings and the mother made her way to the river, closely followed by all 12 ducklings. “It was a real team effort to rescue these ducklings and reunite them with their mother. It took us about two hours, but we were delighted to be able to help out.”
Projects for this year include; • Leading on the development of a town centre cultural quarter, • Investing £30,000 in a health and lifestyle project in Belgrave, • Developing a new website which will improve access to our services. The document also highlights some of the achievements of the previous year including; The Olympic Torch Relay, The In Bloom Gold Award and the announcement of the Tinkers Green and Kerria redevelopment project. More information will be available on our website at www.tamworth.gov.uk
Warden James Harrison with the rescued brood.
www.tamworth.gov.uk 3
Housing
Eunice gets switched on to Let’s Work Together scheme A project which helps people in Tamworth to live healthy, safe and independent lives has been hailed a lifesaver. Let’s Work Together is a partnership project led by Tamworth Borough Council which brings together a number of organisations including Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Social Care & Public Health, housing providers and the voluntary sector. The county-wide initiative trains frontline staff involved with caring for or visiting elderly or vulnerable people in their homes to identify hazards and risks in homes, and to point people towards suitable help and support. Eunice Smallwood was helped through Let’s Work Together when she
experienced an electrical fault at her home in Two Gates. She received help from Tamworth Borough Council’s Private Housing team, Mental Health Carers Worker Diane Robbins from CASS and Tom Osborne from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Eunice said: “I can’t praise everyone enough for how they have helped me when I had a problem.” Let’s Work Together training focuses on fire safety, fear of crime and ASB, alcohol, smoking, weight management, energy advice, housing conditions, debt, isolation, medicine management and carers.
Bring empty property back into use – and help someone find a home Owners of empty homes who do not have the funds to refurbish them are being encouraged to apply for a grant to bring them back into use – and help to increase the number of homes available for rent in Tamworth. There are currently 258 homes standing empty in Tamworth, many of which could be brought back into use with the help of an Empty Homes Grant from Tamworth Borough Council. The scheme means these homes can be brought back up to standard, before being used to provide valuable rented accommodation. Tamworth Borough Council is also working with Waterloo Housing Group and Staffordshire County Council on a project which refurbishes properties up to a letting standard. Waterloo will then lease the property from the owner and manage and maintain it. Homeowners taking part in the scheme will receive a guaranteed monthly rent for six years, after which the home will be returned to the owner in its improved condition. One of the first homes in Tamworth to benefit from the Empty Homes Grant was a three-bedroom house in Wilnecote, which underwent major renovations. The house is now home to a family of three who were previously living in temporary accommodation. The first property to benefit from the Waterloo project is also close to being brought back into use, with a number of others at various stages of the process. For information about the Empty Homes Grant, the Waterloo scheme or to report an empty property, please contact Marilyn McNally on 01827 709345.
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Eunice Smallwood (centre) with from the Carers Association andDiane Robbins from Staffordshire Fire and RescTom Osborne ue Service.
All training is delivered at Tamworth Community Fire Station in Marlborough Way and the project is jointly funded by the partners. Forthcoming training sessions will run on July 9th and 16th and August 16th and 23rd. To find out more, contact Fleur Fernando at Tamworth Borough Council on 01827 799564, email fleurfernando@tamworth.gov.uk or visit the Let’s Work Together website at www.letsworktogether.co
Green Deal is here Green Deal is a new Government initiative that makes it easier to make homes and businesses more energy efficient by offering energy saving improvements without the costs being paid up front. This could include: • Insulation • Heating • Double glazing • Renewable energy measures It works by a Green Deal assessment being undertaken on the property and making recommendations about how the energy efficiency could be improved. If you are a tenant, you must get permission from your landlord to have any works carried out. If you are a tenant, your landlord must get your permission to install Green Deal measures. To determine if your property may benefit from Green Deal measures, you can use the pre– assessment tool at http://epoda.co.uk/pat/demo You are under no obligation to have the recommended measures installed and if you do decide to go ahead, you do not have to use the company which did your assessment. More information is available from Tamworth Borough Council’s Home Energy Advice Tamworth (HEAT) freephone line on 0800 043 2815. www.tamworth.gov.uk
improving housing standards
Cottage Walk residents to be first to move in Tinkers Green and Kerria regeneration Elderly residents of Cottage Walk and Leisure Walk are to be rehoused in the coming months – with the first moves possibly happening within the next few weeks. The 14 bungalows will be the first to be demolished as part of the £21.5 million redevelopment plan for Tinkers Green and the Kerria Centre.
Tinkers Green in Wilnecote and the Kerria Centre in Amington was unpopular with residents, outdated and unsuitable for current housing needs.
The decision to move the residents of Cottage Walk and Leisure Walk so early in the six-year project was taken after in-depth consultation with tenants and their families. An early move was requested by the majority of the residents, to reduce uncertainty and provide the opportunity for these vulnerable residents to move to accommodation which better suits their needs.
It is estimated that it will take at least three years for every household to be rehoused. Tenants will be kept informed and consulted throughout the process, and after the rehousing of the Cottage Walk residents, no more tenants will be moved until next year at the earliest.
Each household is being supported by a dedicated housing officer, and residents are currently being shown around suitable available properties. The rebuilding of Tinkers Green and Kerria is a long-term project which is expected to take at least six years to complete. A total of 136 properties are proposed for demolition – 100 in Tinkers Green and 36 in the Kerria Centre. The decision to redevelop the areas was taken following an in-depth study of council housing in Tamworth, which found that some housing in
Shops and businesses on the two estates are also being consulted about the plans for the future, and an assessment for the need of future provision of shops and community facilities is currently underway. As the project is still in its very early stages and the final layout of the estates, number and design of homes will be considered at a future stage. Tamworth Borough Council is currently in the process of appointing a development consultant to take the project on to the next phase. No secure tenants will be left without a home as a result of the rebuilding programme and will be supported by
the council throughout the process. This support will include the appointment of a member of staff to act as a ‘tenant friend’ to make sure tenants are kept fully informed. Cllr Michael Greatorex, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “The redevelopment of Tinkers Green and the Kerria Centre is the biggest council housing programme in Tamworth for a generation and gives us the opportunity to build modern homes fit for the 21st century. It will allow us to massively regenerate those areas of Wilnecote and Amington, designing out crime and anti-social behaviour, giving residents they sort of areas they are proud to live in, as well as stimulating economic growth. “It is really good news for Tamworth, and particularly for these two areas of the town.” A hotline is available for residents and businesses affected by the regeneration plans. It can be contacted on 0800 183 0454. There is also a website with frequently asked questions at www.tamworth.gov.uk/yourhome.aspx
20 affordable homes to be built on Leyfields garage sites Twenty new affordable homes for rent are to be built on five former garage sites in Leyfields. A total of 135 disused and run-down garages in Tennyson Avenue, Milton Avenue, Thackeray Drive and Masefield Drive will be demolished and replaced with much-needed affordable housing. The new homes will be developed by Bromford Housing Group and will be available for rent, let through Tamworth Borough Council’s choice-
www.tamworth.gov.uk
based letting scheme, Finding a Home. Eight homes will be built in Tennyson Avenue, six in Milton Avenue, three in Thackeray Drive and three in Masefield Drive. Cllr Michael Greatorex, Cabinet member for Housing, said the development was good news for Tamworth and would provide muchneeded affordable accommodation.
He said: “The demolition of these under-used garages and replacement with 20 much-needed one and twobedroom affordable homes for rent will provide a major boost for housing in Tamworth and is a very good use of these sites.” Building work is expected to begin in the late summer.
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Live life to the full
Thousands flock to Tamworth to celebrate St George’s Day More than 10,000 people of all ages packed into Tamworth’s Castle Grounds for the annual St George’s Day celebrations – which this year featured a medieval joust and a friendly dragon. The St George’s Day extravaganza is always one of the highlights in Tamworth’s events calendar – and this year, it was even bigger and better than in previous years Falconry, have-a-go archery and living history were just some of
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the events which wowed the huge crowds. Children and parents alike were delighted by the visit of Sir Aurelious Jones and his dragon. The hugely popular Medieval Joust saw the Black Knight and Sir Robert Marmion once again do battle for the honour of Tamworth. A major highlight of the day was the unveiling at Tamworth Castle of it news displays, as part of its £1.16 million refurbishment project (see box).
www.tamworth.gov.uk
live life to the full
Castle unveils its new (old) look after £1.16 million refurbishment One of the highlights of Tamworth’s St George’s Day celebrations was the relaunch of Tamworth Castle, following its £1.16 million refurbishment project. The ambitious programme of works has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with additional financial contributions from Tamworth Borough Council and the Friends of Tamworth Castle. Staff at the Castle carried out a lot of consultation with local people and groups associated with the ancient building, and their input was vital to the project. Some of the groups involved include Tamyouth, Tamworth Friendship Society, Tamworth Football Club Supporters, St Catherine’s Mother & Toddler Group, Friends of Tamworth Castle, Curdworth WI and the Castle Focus Group. The works, which have been four years in the making, include major repair and restoration works to the fabric of the Norman castle. Paths were levelled and stabilised, invisible ground anchors were used to reinforce the pathways, the ancient motte was cleared and the motte steps were repaired and reopened with a safety railing down one side. Disabled access to the castle has been improved, following works to the courtyard and the installation of new toilet facilities. The jewel in the crown as far as the refurbishments are concerned is the Armoury, where visitors have the chance to dress up in authentic medieval costumes. There are also displays and interactive interpretation boards, and the chance to take part in living history and craft activities taking place throughout the Castle. All interpretation panels inside the Castle and around the Castle Grounds were written by the team at the Castle, working with designers Button. Cllr Steve Claymore, Cabinet member for Economic Development, said: “This much-needed restoration project has not only made a visit to Tamworth Castle an even better experience, but has also secured the future of the castle as a visitor attraction for future years.”
Hoard items on display at Tamworth Castle If you enjoyed 2011’s fabulous Staffordshire Hoard exhibition, there’s still time to see rare items from the Saxon treasure at Tamworth Castle. The castle currently has 22 conserved items on display, which aims to tell the story of the Staffordshire Hoard and the region’s Anglo-Saxon history. The Staffordshire Hoard exhibition in 2011 saw 14,000 people visit Tamworth Castle to see the 40 star items, including the folded cross, pectoral cross, the sea horse, sword pommels and helmet fragments. In addition, there are stunning new replica items which will shed more light on how original Saxon weapons were made and used. Visitors of all ages can try their hand at writing with runes and dressing up in period costumes. Entrance to the Castle is £7 for adults and £4.50 for children. This covers both the exhibition and access to the rest of the ancient monument. Opening hours are 11.30am – 4.45pm, Tuesday to Sunday, with last admission at 4pm.
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Community Safety Tamworth a no-go area for car insurance dodgers by Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis Drivers without insurance on their vehicles are being targeted by police, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and other agencies, making Tamworth a no-go area for dodgers. One of things that really riles all of us is motorists driving without any insurance and it’s time these law breakers were caught and dealt with. Those people who don’t insure their vehicles and drive them on our roads are irresponsible and are costing the rest of us money. Using Staffordshire’s extensive automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system, offenders are
identified and tracked down. Anyone driving without insurance on our roads could face having their car seized and crushed. The force has launched its ‘Cars Behind Bars’ microsite where photos of cars that have been seized by police can be seen. To see these cars and where they were seized visit www.staffordshire.police/carsbehindbars
This sends a really powerful message that crime will not be tolerated in Staffordshire and is a sense of what you can expect with an ambitious Crime Reduction Strategy being developed for public consultation this summer.
Council funds ASB support service for further three years A support service which helps people affected by anti-social behaviour has received a further three years of funding from Tamworth Borough Council. The ASB Victim and Witness Champion service, provided by Victim Support, has been running in Tamworth since July 2010, to give practical help and advice to people experiencing ASB. Tracey Eyley provides a single point of contact for people affected by ASB, as well as supporting them before, during and after any court action. She also offers an outreach service to victims and witnesses. The service helps the co-ordination of responses to ASB victims by working with council staff and police at the community safety hub, located at Tamworth police station. Since the independent, confidential and free service began in July 2010, it has provided one-to-one support to around 210 victims and witnesses of ASB. Tracey said: “It is fantastic that Tamworth Borough Council recognises the value of the service and has continued to fund the ASB Champion post for a further three years.” To contact the service, call Tracey Eyley on 01827 67698 or email: tracey.eyley@victimsupport.org.uk
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PCC Matthew Ellis promis es a clamp down on insura nce dodgers.
Look out for events in Tamworth. I’d also welcome ideas, thoughts and comments on how we might make our communities safer together. Contact me on 01785 232385 email PCC@staffordshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk Twitter: @staffspcc website: www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk
Vicki steps up to the challenge of tackling domestic and sexual abuse There’s a new face in the fight against domestic and sexual abuse in Tamworth, as Vicki Hewins steps into the role of Community Safety Officer, Domestic and Sexual Abuse. Vicki took up the post at the beginning of April. The role aims to tackle all kinds of domestic and sexual abuse, encourage victims to report it, reduce incidences of abuse and raise awareness through campaigns and education. “It is an issue really close to my heart,” said Vicki. “The role is about increasing awareness of abusive relationships through education, increasing reporting of abuse, reducing the levels of abuse, providing appropriate services, protecting victims and educating and challenging perpetrators.” Vicki’s domestic and sexual abuse role is a part-time position. She combines it with a number of other roles, including acting as an Appropriate Adult for young people and vulnerable adults in police interviews, care work and fitness instruction. In her spare time, Vicki is a street dancer with the NRG Crew, where she also teaches street dance. • The Respect Helpline is a confidential service for perpetrators of domestic abuse. It can be contacted on 0808 802 4040. • Anyone suffering domestic abuse can contact Pathways on 01543 676800.
www.tamworth.gov.uk
creating a clean and green environment
Call for green-fingered gardeners to enter In Bloom competition Keen gardeners could soon find a surprise on their doormats – an invitation to enter this year’s Tamworth In Bloom garden competition. Each year, Tamworth Borough Council holds a ‘Best In Bloom’ competition to encourage green-fingered residents to make their gardens the blooming best they can be. Whether it’s a huge garden with a rolling lawn and endless flower beds or just a small square of grass, a hanging basket or a window box, gardeners are being invited to help Tamworth go for gold. The competition is open to everyone living in the borough. But in an attempt to encourage even more people to enter, competition organisers have designed a postcard which will be put through the door of anyone whose garden they notice is particularly attractive. Cllr John Garner, Chairman of Tamworth In Bloom, said: “It doesn’t
matter if gardens are big or small; we are just looking for people who take real pride in them. “We would like to see as many people as possible getting involved in this year’s gardening competition, because the most important part of Tamworth In Bloom isn’t the flowers, it’s the people of Tamworth and their involvement.” To enter this year’s garden competition, just take a picture of your garden and either email it to Gardening Competition on graphics@tamworth.gov.uk or drop a copy in to reception at Marmion House. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday August 2nd and the winner will receive £100 worth of gardening vouchers.
Are you on the In Bloom judging route this year? The judging route for this year’s Tamworth In Bloom campaign has been unveiled – and now gardeners living along the route are being encouraged to do their bit to make the borough bloom. This year, Tamworth is going all out in an attempt to win the gold award for the forth year running. The theme of this year’s campaign is Wild About Tamworth, celebrating ten years of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s project with Tamworth Borough Council. This year, the judges will be touring the borough on Tuesday July 16.
In Bloom 2013 Judging Route www.tamworth.gov.uk
So whether it’s going all out with a floral extravaganza, putting up a hanging basket or a window box, Tamworth In Bloom organisers are hoping that every single house, street, school, pub or business along the route will be getting into the spirit of Wild About Tamworth.
Fritillaries ake’s Headdgrowing on These Snto graphe ut were phoeadow by Wild Aboates. Broadm Officer Lindsey B Tamworth
Broadmeadow to become Tamworth’s latest Local Nature Reserve A 61-acre site off Lichfield Road, which is home to a rare species of flower, is to become Tamworth’s sixth Local Nature Reserve. Broadmeadow is sited on the island between the two channels of the River Tame, off Lichfield Road close to the former Smurfit site. It is one of the key sites for nature conservation in Staffordshire and is recognised as a Site of Biological Importance. It is also one of only two sites in the county where the rare Snake’s Head Fritillary can be found growing wild. Broadmeadow will now become the borough’s sixth Local Nature Reserve, which will allow it to be protected as a conservation area, as well as making more grant money available for conservation works. A programme of environmental improvement works will now be carried out by Tamworth Borough Council in partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wild About Tamworth officer. Cllr Stephen Doyle, Cabinet member for Environment, said: “Broadmeadow is a site of fairly significant ecological importance in Staffordshire and is well worth protecting.”
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Live life to the full
What’s On in Tamworth For more information or to book online visit:
www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk
13 July
Outdoor events 26 Oct
Vienna Proms
30 June July-Sept 10-11 Aug 14 Sept 15 Sept 2 Nov 30 Nov
28 Sept
15 June - Alice in Wonderland Ballet Celebrating
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Gate Gallop Bandstand Concerts We Love Tamworth Stars & Stripes Heritage Day Fireworks Spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On
50 years since
g Stones The Rollin t the stage a took to s! ssembly Room Tamworth A
Were you there ? We want yo memorie ur s!
er 29 Novemb
creative
Have a year at Tamworth Assembly Rooms
tamworth
theat re Company
Box Office: 01827 709618
any & Dance Comp nce Tamworth Da Professional Tamworth Season sponsor:
Corporation Street, Tamworth, Staffs. B79 7DN
They’re back – popular bandstand concert return
Saturday night at the movies at summer extravaganza
With better weather on the way, another popular summer tradition is returning – the season of bandstand concerts in Tamworth Castle Grounds.
Tamworth Castle Grounds will be transformed into a giant outdoor cinema when it hosts the town’s first-ever open-air film show as part of this year’s summer extravaganza.
Dates for this year’s concerts are:
We Love Tamworth is this year’s big summer outdoor event, and runs on Saturday August 10 and Sunday August 11 in the Castle Grounds.
Sun 7 July Sun 14 July Sun 21 July Sun 28 July Sun 4 Aug Sat 10 Aug Sun 11 Aug Sun 18 Aug Sat 24 Aug Sun 15 Sept
Amington Band Tamworth Wind Band Wilnecote St Johns Band Newhall Colliery Band Liquid Brass Carousel Circus & Friends Central England Brass Band Strictly Swing 58 Deluxe Blues Band Amington Brass Band
This year’s Bandstand Concert season features music for all tastes, including brass, wind, rock, swing and blues. All the concerts are free of charge, so bring your picnic baskets down to the Castle Grounds for a lazy afternoon of music, between 1pm and 4pm. 10
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Fun for all the family is promised at the We Love Tamworth weekend, which starts at noon on Saturday August 10. Audiences are invited to bring along their picnic baskets and relax in the Castle Grounds, while they listen to Carousel Circus perform in the bandstand. Then in the evening, it’s time to get the popcorn out, as the Castle Grounds becomes a huge open-air cinema. Girls’ night out favourite Mamma Mia will be screened at 8.30pm, followed by a late-night showing of cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show – and the audience is encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing up! Tickets are £10 for each screening (£8 for concessions) and must be bought in advance. They are available online at www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk, in person from Tamworth Information Centre in Corporation Street or by calling the Box Office on 01827 709618. Then on Sunday, it’s all the fun of the fair as We Love Tamworth continues with an extravaganza of entertainment. The Castle Grounds will be alive from 10am to 4pm with fairground rides, a climbing wall, face painters, water zorbing, inflatables, duck race, dog show, land train, walkabout characters stalls and much more. www.tamworth.gov.uk
live life to the full
Cultural Quarter plans update Plans for the creation of a Cultural Quarter in Tamworth town centre are moving forward – with a bid for further Heritage Lottery funding expected to be submitted in the autumn as part of the future plans for Tamworth Assembly Rooms. Ideas for the creation of a Cultural Quarter – which will include Tamworth Assembly Rooms, the Carnegie Centre, Tamworth Library and the open spaces around them – are being explored by Tamworth Borough Council in partnership with Staffordshire County Council. The proposals originated with the plans to redevelop the Assembly Rooms, which has acted as a catalyst for the Cultural Quarter concept. This in turn is part of the longer-term Town Centre Master Plan, a major vision for the regeneration of the town centre which will include the redevelopment of the former Gungate Precinct site and the Gateways project to improve links between the railway station, town centre and Ventura Park. In August last year, Tamworth Assembly Rooms received initial backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) of almost £90,000 for its conservation and redevelopment plans. This means that HLF initially supports the project and believes it can deliver high quality benefits to the community, and that Tamworth Borough Council can now apply for a full grant of £991,600. The grant would support significant conservation works and improvements to the building, but further funding is needed to enable to proposed extension and additions. Match funding of £400,000 has also been committed to the project by Tamworth Borough Council, while Staffordshire County Council is considering significant investment in the library and public space. The ambitious project aims to modernise and improve Tamworth Assembly Rooms, while preserving its historic character and heritage. In addition to the capital works, an archive charting the development of the building over the past 123 years, new interpretation and guided tours, and opportunities for volunteers and people of all ages will be developed. The next phase of the project will help to finalise proposals and costs before any final decisions are made. There will be further consultations with the public and interested groups on the proposals as they develop. The development of a Cultural Quarter aims to offer better improved services for residents and visitors, bring more people into the town centre, boost the town centre economy, create new jobs, encourage further development in the town centre and support the development of the Gungate site. Cllr Steve Claymore, Cabinet member for Economy & Education, said: “We are committed to this project and are working very closely with Staffordshire County Council to explore and develop ideas for the Cultural Quarter. “These are very exciting plans for the future of Tamworth town centre, which will help to support existing town centre businesses to generate growth and jobs in the local economy. There is still much work to be done and the creation of a Cultural Quarter is still some way off, but we have made a firm commitment and have earmarked £400,000 of funding for the project.” www.tamworth.gov.uk
Golf course looking forward to a good summer – with your support Membership is continuing to grow at Tamworth Golf Course and, with a number of improvements already underway, staff are looking forward to a good summer. Work to improve the quality of the fairways and bunkers is ongoing, the greens are to be renovated and improved and the locker room and toilets will soon be open in the clubhouse. Since Tamworth Golf Course reopened under Tamworth Borough Council management over the Easter weekend, more than 200 members have signed up. “We are delighted with the support from Tamworth Golf Club and must say a big thank you to members and the committee, who have been very supportive,” said Cllr Steve Claymore, Cabinet member for Economy & Education. “Memberships are selling well, which is down to competitive pricing and loyalty from the club members. We have also had a lot of very positive feedback and compliments from users of the course. We are now looking to further increase our membership and encourage people to come along to pay and play during the summer months.” Tamworth Golf Course is hoping to attract more junior and women members – as well as increasing the number of people coming along to pay and play. Details of prices, memberships and opening times are available on the Tamworth Golf Course website at www.tamworthgolfcourse.co.uk The authority is now drawing up a list of options for the long-term future of the site, which will be considered over the coming months. talkback
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Tamworth Borough Council Council opening times
Contact numbers
Marmion House Customer Services Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 5.10pm Friday 8.45am to 5.05pm
Email Enquiries: ......................................enquiries@tamworth.gov.uk
*The Council will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August.
If you require this information in another format or language please call (01827) 709709 or email talkback@tamworth.gov.uk
Council Enquiries: .............. 01827 709709 Out of hours emergency enquiries: ................................01827 59708
Council Website: www.tamworth.gov.uk Council Tax ............................709530 Housing Advice ......................709459 Housing Benefits....................709540 Housing Repairs 24hrs a day 7 days a week ..0800 1830044 Planning ................................709282 Recycling/Refuse/ Bulky collections ........0845 0020022
Other Useful Contacts Citizens Advice Bureau ........305950 Police ..........................................101 Social Services (Adults) 0300 111 8010 Social Services (Children) ......475555 Staffordshire County Council ..........0300 111 8000
Council Members Tamworth Borough Council has 30 members with Conservative in control. 17 Conservative, 12 Labour, 1 Independent representing 10 local wards Amington Ward Cllr John Garner - Conservative 01827 310280
Castle Ward Cllr Steven Claymore - Conservative 01827 280748
Stonydelph Ward Cllr Margaret Clarke - Labour 01827 330669
john-garner@tamworth.gov.uk
steven-claymore@tamworth.gov.uk
margaret-clarke@tamworth.gov.uk
Cllr Evelyn Rowe - Conservative 01827 68808
Cllr Allan Lunn - Conservative 01827 709264 c/o Democratic services
Cllr Stephen Doyle - Conservative 07528630007
evelyn-rowe@tamworth.gov.uk
allan-lunn@tamworth.gov.uk
stephen-doyle@tamworth.gov.uk
Cllr Michelle Thurgood - Conservative 07958778322
Cllr Matthew McDermid - Labour 01827 287008
Cllr Steven Pritchard - Conservative 07903812597
michelle-thurgood@tamworth.gov.uk
Belgrave Ward Cllr Marion Couchman - Labour 01827 61459
matthew-mcdermid @tamworth.gov.uk
Glascote Ward Cllr Chris Cooke - Independent 01827 735900
steven-pritchard@tamworth.gov.uk
Trinity Ward Cllr Lee Bates - Conservative 01827 260246
marion-couchman@tamworth.gov.uk
chris-cooke@tamworth.gov.uk
lee-bates@tamworth.gov.uk
Cllr David Foster - Labour 01827 282021
Cllr Garry Hirons - Labour 01827 66189
Cllr Daniel Cook - Conservative 07528 630004
david-foster@tamworth.gov.uk
garry-hirons@tamworth.gov.uk
daniel-cook@tamworth.gov.uk
Cllr Richard McDermid - Labour 01827 260364
Dr Simon Peaple - Labour 01827 64117
Cllr Jeremy Oates - Conservative 07800881737
richard-mcdermid@tamworth.gov.uk
Bolehall Ward Cllr John Faulkner - Labour 01827 703253
simon-peaple@tamworth.gov.uk
Mercian Ward Cllr Michael Greatorex - Conservative 01827 896252
jeremy-oates@tamworth.gov.uk
Wilnecote Ward Cllr Tina Clements - Conservative 01827 702894
john-faulkner@tamworth.gov.uk
michael-greatorex@tamworth.gov.uk
tina-clements@tamworth.gov.uk
Cllr Ken Norchi - Labour 01827 67055
Cllr Andrew James - Conservative 07958155863
Cllr Joan Jenkins - Labour 01827 286147
ken-norchi@tamworth.gov.uk
andrew-james@tamworth.gov.uk
joan-jenkins@tamworth.gov.uk
Cllr Peter Seekings - Labour 01827 700179
Cllr Richard Kingstone - Conservative 07723411543
Cllr Patrick Standen - Labour 01827 261308
peter-seekings@tamworth.gov.uk
richard-kingstone@tamworth.gov.uk
patrick-standen@tamworth.gov.uk
Spital Ward Cllr Ken Gant - Conservative 01827 51328
ken-gant@tamworth.gov.uk
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Cllr Maureen Gant - Conservative 01827 51328
maureen-gant@tamworth.gov.uk
Cllr Robert Pritchard - Conservative 07921681048
robert-pritchard@tamworth.gov.uk
www.tamworth.gov.uk