intouch winter 2010

Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazineTelephone 01543 308000 · www.lichfielddc.gov.uk

WINTER 2010

PAGE 3

WordsearchWe’ve teamed

up with Tesco

to offer you an

energy efficient

prize worth £150.

Treasure troveStunning pieces

from the

Staffordshire

Hoard are

set to go on display

in Lichfield next year.

PAGE 16PAGE 4 PAGES 12 –15

WIN!

He canfly!CBBC’s Barney tells us why playing Peter Pan in the Lichfield Garrick’s Christmas production is the perfect role for him.

City car park reopensLichfield’s

Birmingham Road

multi storey car

park opens in

time for the

Christmas rush.

intouch

The big planning debateHow do you think the

district should be developed?

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk

intouch02

Welcome to intouchCouncillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/leadersblog

Hello and welcome to our festive edition of intouch – Lichfield District Council’s residents’

magazine. It’s full of council news, events and useful information.

Lichfield District is a hive of activity in

the run up to Christmas. From the

Christmas festival and outdoor carol

concert, to a festive lantern parade and

the Lichfield Garrick’s production of

Peter Pan, there is lots on offer to keep

the whole family entertained.

In this issue, find out how our

multi-million pound makeover of the

city’s historic parks is progressing,

including the unveiling of the first fully

completed part of the project – the

Garden of Remembrance.

City traders joined us in celebrating the

re-opening of the Birmingham Road multi

storey car park in time for the Christmas

rush. We launched the repaired and

refreshed car park in early November, and

shoppers and visitors have told us how

impressed they are with its wider parking

bays and lighter feel.

Turn to page 6 to see a feature about

our community work in Burntwood, and

on page 7 we have an update on the

Chasewater dam improvement works,

which started in November, as well as a

round up of our development consultation

with people living in rural areas in our district.

And, don’t miss your chance to get

involved in the big planning debate – to

help us shape the development of our

district in the future – turn to pages

12 –15 to find out more.

I was delighted to join regional businesses

and political leaders to sign up to two new

Local Enterprise Partnerships that will see

us working together to boost economic

growth, new and varied jobs, and business

opportunities across these partnership

areas and beyond.

I am also enjoying visiting all the parish

and town councils across the district.

I’ve visited 12 so far, and it’s helping me

to understand the needs of our residents.

Finally, I would like to wish you a

merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

This is the end of a brilliant but hectic six months as thenew Leader of the council,while continuing my role asCabinet Member for Finance,Revenues and Benefits. I amoverseeing the drive to cut our costs and save more than £3.5 million between 2010 and2013, whilst doing all we canto safeguard our services.

Burntwood Christmas Lantern Parade and Winter Market

Saturday 11 DecemberArrive 6pm for 6.30pm paradeBurntwood Leisure Centre. Free event.

Spread a little Christmas cheer, and cometo the grounds of the leisure centre to see the spectacular lantern parade set offon a procession through the streets ofBurntwood. There will be a winter market

full of gift ideas and festive foods toenjoy when the procession returns to the leisure centre.The Burntwood Lantern Parade is only

possible thanks to the hard work anddedication of many local volunteers andorganisations. See the full list, and findout about more community events inBurntwood, on page 6.

Above: Leaders gathered at the NEC to sign up to Birmingham and Solihull LEP

intouchIf you would like to

receive intouch in another

format, such as large print,

please telephone

Esther Epstein on

01543 308778 or

email esther.epstein

@lichfielddc.gov.uk

www.visitlichfield.co.ukFind out about local festivals, walking tours and events

Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine

intouch 03

Staffordshire Hoard tour set to stop off at

Lichfield Cathedral in 2011.

Choice pieces from the Staffordshire Hoard,

that was unearthed in Hammerwich in 2009,

are set to return to the district as part of a

planned temporary touring exhibition that will

be on display in Lichfield Cathedral next year.

Since the 3,500 mud-encrusted pieces that

make up the Staffordshire Hoard were found

buried in a farmer’s field, many of the gold

crosses, garneted sword pommels and helmet

fragments, dating back to the seventh century,

have been cleaned to reveal their true beauty

and workmanship.

The temporary tour will feature some of

the finest pieces from the hoard, and is set

to visit Stafford, Lichfield and Tamworth in

the summer. This will be a precursor to a

permanent Mercian Trail, which will see displays

in Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Lichfield,

Staffordshire and Tamworth, revealing the

wealth of stories behind the gold.

Councillor Louise Flowith, Cabinet Member

for Tourism, said: We think it is so important

that all our residents get the opportunity to

see the hoard, so that they feel a connection

to it and to their local Anglo Saxon history.”

To pledge your support to the ongoing

conservation and research of the Staffordshire

Hoard, visit www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk

“We’re delighted to be working

alongside the team at Lichfield

Cathedral, who will take this

opportunity to explore the possible

links between the hoard and the

cathedral’s priceless Anglo Saxon

treasures, including the St Chad

Gospels and the Lichfield Angel.”

Councillor Louise FlowithCabinet Member for Tourism

All that glitters

Pictured: Conserving the collection

Don’t forget to fill in and return your 2011Census questionnaire.

LichfieldChristmas Festival Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December Market Square and participating venuesacross the city.

Celebrate the festive season at a weekend of

Christmas events throughout Lichfield City.

There will be hot chocolate and mulled wine

served on the Market Square, a Santa’s grotto,

The next population census

is taking place on 27 March

2011, when more than 25

million households, including

all local homes, will be sent

a questionnaire by the

Office for National Statistics.

It will include questions

about work, education,

citizenship, ethnic

background, second homes,

language, health, religion

and marital status.

Don’t forget it’s a legal

requirement to complete the

2011 Census questionnaire,

so make sure you remember

to do yours.

Find out more at

www.census.gov.uk

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/leisurecentres Find out how to get fit and have fun at our three leisure centres

free entertainment – including dancing, drama

and carol singing, a Rudolf trail for the little

ones, a Christmas fayre, and special events

at a host of venues. To find out more

visit www.visitlichfield.co.uk/events

After passing rigorous safety tests with

flying colours, Councillor Stanhope,

Cabinet Member for Democratic and

Legal Services, did the honours and

opened the car park to shoppers, who

were keen to use it while they stocked

up on their Christmas shopping.

To give the car park a new lease of

life, the works included painting the

internal walls white, creating wider

parking bays and installing new pay

and display machines.

Lichfield Shopmobility has also

moved back to the multi storey car park.

The scheme offers people with mobility

problems a place to park and the

free use of an electric-powered scooter

or wheelchair.

To find out more call 07779 333807

or go to www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/

shopmobility


intouch04

Festive wasteand recycling

Citycar park reopens

This Christmas your bin collections will

not be affected by any of the festive

bank holidays, and we’ll be emptying

bins across the district as normal.

Simply put out your bins by 7am on

your bin days, and we'll do the rest!

Festive recycling tip

For recipes to transform leftovers

into tasty dishes visit the website

www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

and don’t forget to recycle any peelings,

bones or scraps, that can’t be used up,

in your brown bin.

Also recycle any real holly and mistletoe

decorations, and even your real Christmas

tree, but remember to take off all the

decorations and to chop it up, so it fits

in your brown bin with the lid closed.

We were pleased to officially re-launch the newly repaired Birmingham Road

multi storey car park in November.

www.recycleforlichfield.co.uk

“I am delighted the car park is

open in time for the Christmas

rush, and know visitors are

glad to use it again as it is so

convenient for the Three Spires

Shopping Centre, city centre,

Lichfield Garrick and beyond.”

Councillor StanhopeCabinet Member for Democratic & Legal Services

Above: Multi storey car park re-launch

Your bin calendar2010-2011

Bin calendarsWe recently sent bin calendars

to every home in the district. The

calendar is an easy way to double

check when your bin day is and what

colour bins you need to put out each

week. If you haven’t got your leaflet

yet, please download one at

www.recycleforlichfielddistrict.

co.uk or call us on 0845 002 0022.

Snow or iceIf it snows, or it is particularly icy,

it can be difficult for our trucks to

get out and about safely. So, if it

does snow this winter, please go to

www.recycleforlichfielddistrict.

co.uk to find out when we will be

emptying your bins.

Bulky waste collections

From old sofas and kitchen units, to

bathroom suites and fridge freezers,

we can take away your unwanted

items. It costs £14 to remove one

item and £5.85 for every extra item.

See a full list of what we can

take away at www.recyclefor

lichfielddistrict.co.uk

To book your bulky waste

collection call 0845 002 0022.

We offer a discounted rate to people

who claim benefits, so if you do,

remember to tell us when you book.

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/reportitFrom blocked drains to fly-tipping, report a problem online

No change to your bin days over the Christmas holidays.


intouch 05

Back in November, in the first week of rehearsals, we caught up with

CBBC’s Barney Harwood to ask him how he feels about donning

tights in Lichfield Garrick’s Christmas production of Peter Pan.

“I’m delighted we can offer young

people the opportunity to explore their

creativity, and I know that singing and

dancing on a professional stage is a

memory these children will cherish.”

Adrian JacksonLichfield Garrick’s Artistic and Executive Director

www.ratemyplace.org.ukCheck out how clean and hygienic eateries are across Staffordshire

The boy whowouldn’t grow up

You work in children’s TV and are playing Peter Pan, soare you a big kid at heart?

Yes! There’s something magical

about not growing up. I think

grown ups in the audience will

also find their inner child when

they come to see the show.

Are you looking forward to

appearing on stage with your

dad Barnaby (who is playing

Hook’s right-hand man Smee)?

Yes, although the last time

I appeared on stage with my dad,

I was nine and played the back end

of a cow, but because I was so small

my udders dragged on the floor!

Finally, what will makeLichfield Garrick’s Peter Pan an unmissable Christmas treat?

It’s such a magical story, and this

production not only has lots of

special effects, we’ve also got an

incredible music score thanks to

Music Director, Adrian Jackson.

Peter Pan is playing at the

Lichfield Garrick from 2 December

to 9 January, with a selection of

daytime and evening performances.

Tickets cost from £10 to £13.50

for children and from £19.50 to

£21.50 for adults.

Book your seats now by calling

box office on 01543 412121 or

visiting www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Above: Smee, played by Barney's father Barnaby

Whether it’s singing in a youth choir or treading

the boards in an acting workshop, Lichfield

Garrick is a hub of arts activities, which attracts

people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

The city theatre takes its role in the community

very seriously. Here the Lichfield Garrick’s Artistic and

Executive Director, Adrian Jackson, tells us more:

“We want to share the wonderful world of theatre

with as many people as possible, and so we work

with and for the community wherever we can.”

The extensive community development programme

includes: Lichfield Community Youth Choir, Lichfield

School of Acting, community workshops, Garrick Rep

seasons, an education programme, and collaborations

between professional and amateur theatre companies.

The theatre also works with local schools and groups

on community projects. The show, Look at Me, was

one such venture when 80 pupils from Charnwood

Primary School and Rocklands School took to the stage

in the summer in a huge celebratory performance.

The showcase, in front of friends, family, teachers and

local dignitaries, featured special songs and dances

around the themes of friendship and tolerance. It was a

good way for the children to get to know each other,

as the two schools now share the same site.

An enrichingLichfield Garrick

Above: The cast of Look at Me

FindTink

That naughty fairy

Tinkerbell is hiding

on one of the

pages of intouch. Tell us where

she is, and you could WIN a

family ticket* to see Peter Pan

at the Lichfield Garrick on

Sunday 9 January 2011at 5pm.

Tinkerbell is hiding on page:

Name

Telephone

*Family ticket is two adults and two children.

Send your entry by Wednesday 22 December2010 to: Find Tink Competition, Communications, Lichfield District Council, Frog Lane, Lichfield,Staffordshire WS13 6ZB

WIN!

!


intouch06

Burntwood’s fab! Ryan Waldron is halfway through a three year role as Burntwood’s Community

Development Worker.

It’s a post that is funded by Lichfield

District Council, Burntwood Town

Council and HomeZone Living. He also

works closely with other groups and

organisations, especially Forward Action

Burntwood. Here we ask Ryan to tell

us more about what the role involves.

“My main task is to find ways to bring

the community together. Thanks to

loads of support, I have been involved

in, and led on, lots of projects that do

just that, said Ryan.

Some of the partnership work that

has been keeping Ryan busy includes:

helping to set up a knitting group,

running community clean ups,

leading the organisation of Forward

Action Burntwood’s FAB Summer Fete,

working with Staffordshire Young

People’s Service to host fun events for

young people, arranging information

sessions for older people, and helping

to organise Burntwood’s magical

Christmas lantern parades.

Another highlight is the project that

celebrates Burntwood’s proud mining

heritage, which has seen local people

create a willow sculpture of a local

miner. On display at the Old Mining

College Centre, the life-sized willow

miner is also set to include recordings

of former miners talking about their

experiences working in local coal pits.

And, new for 2011, Ryan will be inviting

community groups to secure a bit of

extra funding through the new initiative –

Burntwood Community Chest.

He said: “I hope lots of community

groups based in Burntwood apply to us

for a grant of up to £200 to spend on

local projects. This could be anything

from new bats and wickets for a cricket

club, or toys for a playgroup, through to

flyers to promote a community event.”

For an application form, please visit

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/burntwood

communitychest or call 01543 308225.

Above: Community clean up

Above: Burntwood’s Big Draw

Above: Ryan Waldron with the Burntwood miner

“The response has been

amazing, and I am looking

forward to creating even

more opportunities to get

local people together.”

Ryan WaldronBurntwood’s Community Development Worker

Many thanks: All of the projects mentioned were only possible thanks to the kind support of our partner organisations, including: Burntwood Town Council, HomeZoneLiving, Forward Action Burntwood, Staffordshire County Council, Burntwood Leisure Centre, Burntwood Community & Learning Partnership, Staffordshire Police,Staffordshire Fire & Rescue, Lichfield Community Safety Partnership, South Staffordshire College, South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust, Age Concern, Burntwood Live atHome, Burntwood Init, Staffordshire Young People’s Service, B-Arts, Lichfield & District Voluntary and Community Sector Support and lots of local groups and volunteers.

Driving groupsacross the district

If members of your community or

voluntary group struggle to get to

activities, why not let Lichfield District

Community Transport help?

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/clubfinderFind a local sports club in your area

Our low cost mini bus service is particularly

aimed at people who live in rural areas

and anyone who finds it difficult to use

public transport or taxis. Costs start from

just £5 an hour, plus 65p a mile.

Michael Savic, Manager for Lichfield

and District Live at Home, said: “Thanks

to community transport, we can offer our

group a good variety of activities. We use

it for our weekly shopping outings and

friendship clubs, and once a month for

day trips. Not only is it great value,

it is also a friendly and reliable service.”

To book your journey, hire the bus for a

day out, or to find out about volunteering

as a driver, call 01543 308165 or email

[email protected]

Lichfield District Community Transport

is funded by Lichfield District Council,

Lichfield City Council and Burntwood

Town Council.


intouch 07

Chasewater dam repair work begins

We travelled the length and breadth of

the district, stopping off at village halls,

craft fairs, shows and festivals, to talk to

people living in our rural communities.

Lots of people filled in our questionnaire

and told us what it's like living in a rural

community, including their views on

housing, jobs, local services, transport and

more. The feedback will help us to shape

our proposals for how rural areas could

be enhanced in the future.

To say thank you for sparing the time to

give us their views, we entered everyone

into a prize draw. Alrewas local, Louise

Hunwick, was the lucky winner of the

adults’ prize draw and won £25 shopping

vouchers, while 3-year-old Pippa Rowles,

from Longdon, won tickets to see Peter Pan.

We are holding workshops in the

new year for anyone who wants to be

more involved. Find out more by calling

Clare Eggington on 01543 308192.

We selected leading contractors, Galliford

Try, to lead on the repair project, which

will cost around £3 million.

The works will limit the effects of heavy

rainfall and erosion, making sure the dam

remains safe for years to come.

Pool Road, which runs along the top

of the dam, is now closed to everyone,

while the repairs take place – including

pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.

Councillor Val Richards, Cabinet

Member for Leisure Services, commented:

“To plan repairs to a dam that is more

than 200 years old has taken an enormous

amount of preparatory work, so we’re

pleased to get to this stage. I’d like to

thank everyone who visits and uses the

country park, especially the clubs, for

their patience during the works.”

VillageviewsThank you to everyone who gave us their views at our recent ruralconsultations.

In November essential repair works to Chasewater dam got underway.

Pictured: Lucky winner Pippa Rowles

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/chasewaterdamblog

Quick Facts:

We drained around one billion

gallons of water out of the reservoir.

All visitors to the country park should

stay on marked paths and keep off the

reservoir bed – especially children and dogs.

Once the works are complete, the

reservoir could take around two years to

refill, depending on how much it rains.

W

W

W

Positive about young peopleFrom dance and DJing skills, to

trampolining and Panna football,

Positive Futures keeps 10 to 19

year olds, from Burntwood, busy.

Run by Lichfield District Council

and Staffordshire County Council,

the programme encourages young

people to take part in sports and

other positive activities.

Find out more at www.lichfielddc.

gov.uk/positivefutures

Aspiring to have funThe Aspire Project entertains 8 to

14 year olds from north Lichfield,

Edingale, Mile Oak, Fazeley and

Drayton Bassett, who might

otherwise miss out on the fun.

With term time and holiday

activities, it helps young people

to form friendships, develop self

esteem and a healthy lifestyle.

The Aspire Project is run by

Lichfield District Council and

funded by Staffordshire County

Council’s Children’s Fund.

Find out more at

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/aspire

Above: Positive Futures’ Impact Dance have performed at festivals and shows across Burntwood

Above: Autumn’s half term activities included a trip to Redpoint Climbing Centre

www.uchoosehomes.co.uk An online housing register that lists properties for rent


intouch08

Historic parks

A day to remember

We were delighted to open the newly restored

Garden of Remembrance in November. It was

a fitting scene for the Remembrance Sunday

memorial service, which saw local dignitaries

place wreaths around the war memorial on

14 November.

As part of the transformation, the war

memorial, sundial, balustrades, gates, lion statues

and urns were restored. A new ramp and paths,

along with new planting completes the garden.

Minster Pool and Walk

As part of the revamp of Minster Pool and

Walk, the pool’s bank has been strengthened

with a new wall that will protect the roots

of nearby trees. Work is also underway to

complete and light the avenue of trees to

create a stunning atmosphere for evening

walks. The historic area will also see a

resurfaced path, seating, planting and more.

Beacon Park

Work has stepped up a notch at Beacon Park’s

Museum Gardens. In the summer, we unveiled

the restored statues of King Edward VII and

Captain Smith of the Titanic, which stand at

either end of the formal garden.

Conservation specialists have also repaired

the fountain’s stonework, which will be

re-launched once work to restore the

centre-piece fountain and install a new water

pumping system is complete.

We are also refurbishing the historic gateways

into the park, creating extra paths, a seating area

and refreshment kiosk, installing information

panels and welcome signs, and planting new

shrubs and flowers.

Elsewhere across the rest of Beacon Park, the

new bowling green has been laid, the Martyrs’

Plaque has been set in stone and is on display,

the bank of the pool has been strengthened,

and a new wooden boardwalk across the pool

is complete.

The new poolside café, bowls & education

pavilion and the Swinfen Broun Pavilion

extension are taking shape.

Work to the new children’s play area is well

underway, and, in the meantime, children have

enjoyed a temporary giant sandpit – complete

with a toy train and springy chickens, as well

as a nearby wood and rope balancing course.

These works have been possible thanks to

£3.919 million funding from the Heritage

Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund, as

part of their Parks for People programme.

Above: The Garden of Remembrance – a fitting tribute

Below: Natasha playing in the temporary play area

Three of the city’s much loved parks are

getting the makeover treatment, as part of

Lichfield District and Lichfield City councils’

project to transform Minster Pool and Walk,

the Garden of Remembrance and Beacon

Park. Here’s a quick round up of how the

works are progressing.

Carols in the Park Saturday 11 Decemberfrom 5pm to 6pm Beacon Park

Sing your favourite carols

and Christmas songs in the

frosty outdoors.

Free entry – donations to Lichfield Proms inBeacon Park welcome.

Tone zone

Stowe Fields is now home

to an outdoor gym, thanks

to the kind donation of

£17,000 by the Rotary Club

of Lichfield St Chad.

The gym, which is next

to the children’s play area, is

full of weather-resistant gym

equipment, and is free for

everyone to use.

To find out more visit

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/

stowegym

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/historicparks

Above: Restored Captain Smith bronze (left) and Restored King Edward VII statue (right)

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intouch 09

Thanks to section 106 agreements,

we can invest in a whole range of

new local facilities.

These agreements are made when

a company developing in the

local area, such as a building firm,

formally agrees to pay money towards

local schemes as part of the planning

permission process.

Here are some of the latest section

106 funded projects:

It’s play time!

We invested £258,000 in the

redevelopment of Shortbutts Park’s

play area. The park, which opened in

the autumn, includes a tyre swing, slide,

climbing frame, see saw, zip-line and more.

In celebration, our Chairman, Councillor

Barry Diggle, added his name to a

commemorative boulder, before children

were unleashed onto the park to get

down to the serious business of playing.

Darwin Hall

We invested £750,000 in the new

Darwin Hall – a project led by Lichfield

City Council. The hall opened in the

summer, and boasts a main hall, meeting

room, kitchen and an enclosed outside

area. Run by a management committee,

it is already proving popular with lots of

community groups and local people who

are using it for their classes, meetings

and celebrations.

Calder Crossing

We invested £30,000 in a new bridge

and footpath in Shenstone, called Calder

Crossing. Named after the late Jim Calder,

the new bridge crosses Footherley Brook

and is fully accessible so everyone,

including wheelchair users, can get to

the public open spaces at either end.

The project was led by Shenstone

Parish Council.

Martin Heath Hall

We invested £30,000 to help modernise

Martin Heath Hall in Lichfield, which is

used by members of Christ Church and

the wider community. Staffordshire

County Council’s Children and Lifelong

Directorate also donated £8,000 towards

the makeover. Lots of local clubs and

societies are now enjoying the new

welcoming entrance, new kitchen,

repaired ceilings, lighting and more. Above: Cllr Diggle adds his mark to the park

Above: Local children try out the new tyre swing

“Shortbutts Park is at the heart

of the local community, and

I know that children will have

lots of fun playing here for

years to come.”

Councillor Barry DiggleChairman of Lichfield District Council

If you are thinking of buying a new

home, get that extra peace of mind

by asking your solicitor to request a

full property search from our land

charges team.

Peace of mindwhen buying a home

With unrivalled knowledge of the local

area, you can trust that we will uncover

any hidden extras before you commit to

buying a property.

Unexpected results sometimes include

legal obligations on the property, hidden

financial charges, and properties that do

not have planning permission.

And, if a search does come back with

worrying results, we can also guide you

through how to deal with these issues,

if you decide to go ahead with the sale.

Detailed property searches only take

three days and cost £99.

Contact the land charges team: call 01543 308159email [email protected] www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/propertysearches

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/lichfieldsection106 £400,000 106 funding up for grabs in Lichfield City – apply by 4 Feb 2011

Funding community projects


intouch10

Need help and advice?

Contact your ward councillor if you've got a local issue youwant advice on. Email your councillor Councillors’ email addresses start withtheir first name, followed by a dot, followed by their surnameand finished with @lichfielddc.gov.uk For example:[email protected]

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/councillors

BurntwoodTown Wards

All Saints

Brenda ConstableE 01543 684685

Helen FisherE 01543 305070

Boney Hay

Rod CampbellE 01543 685484

Russell HeathE 01543 671857

BurntwoodCentral

Kenneth HumphreysE 01543 676005

Brenda RigbyE 01543 672376

Chasetown

Paul AtkinsE 01543 674504

John EmeryE 01543 304068

Chase Terrace

Richard BamboroughE 01543 673850

Maureen HumphreysE 01543 676005

Stephen TranterE 01543 304226

Highfield

Douglas ConstableE 01543 684685

Maureen HoltE 01543 684102

Summerfield

Donald IsaacsE 01543 319588

Steve NormanE 01543 304711

LichfieldCity Wards

Boley Park

Jeanette AllsoppE 01543 256114

Barry DiggleE 01543 258678

Janet EaglandE 01543 257102

Chadsmead

Marion BlandE 01543 416449

Michael FryersE 01543 300646

Curborough

Brian BaconE 01543 264357

Norma BaconE 01543 264357

John WalkerE 01543 257461

Leomansley

Terrence FinnE 01543 252348

Ian JacksonE 01543 414732

Derek LoveE 01543 252096

St John’s

Gwyneth BoyleE 01543 251684

Doris EnglishE 01543 256415

John WilksE 01543 262268

Stowe

Bernard DerrickE 01543 410124

Colin GreatorexE 01543 416677

David SmedleyE 01543 410389

LichfieldRural Wards

Alrewas & Fradley

Paul HoganE 01283 790263

Margaret StanhopeE 01283 790215

Michael WilcoxE 01283 791761

Armitage withHandsacre

Richard CoxE 01543 490560

Thomas MarshallE 01543 491625

Martyn TittleyE 01543 490758

Bourne ValeCharles McEwanE 01543 414622

Colton &Mavesyn Ridware

Tony HillE 07971 237620

HammerwichErica BaylissE 01543 685380

Val RichardsE 01543 686927

FazeleyBen AdamsE 01543 483013

Tony BrookesE 01827 287464

Ian LewinE 01827 260483

Kings BromleyIan PritchardE 01543 472732

Little AstonLouise FlowithE 07778 787522

Joseph PowellE 01543 255176

LongdonNeil RobertsE 01543 672957

Mease & TamePhillip BennionE 01827 373274

Ellen PerkinsE 01827 373841

ShenstoneMatthew EllisE 01543 308003

Rita HancocksE 01543 480560

StonnallDavid SmithE 01543 374690

WhittingtonAlan WhiteE 07793 838432

Rob StrachanE 07708 696958

It’s also your opportunity to have your say in the proposed

referendum on the UK parliamentary voting system.

To vote, you need to complete and return your annual canvass

form, which we sent to all local households in the autumn.

If you haven't registered to vote yet, or if you have just

moved to the district, please call our elections team on

01543 308125 or visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/elections

to make sure you get to have your say.

Next May, if you are 18 or more, you will get the chance to vote for your parish and district councillors in the local elections.

to have your say

Your one-stop-shop to give us your views on the things that matter to you. Whether you want to find out about

planning applications in your area, or want to comment on local issues, visit

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/changesIf you get housing or council tax benefit, report a change in your circumstances

Have you registered to vote?


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Mortgage rescue

If you are struggling to make your mortgagepayments, and are worried you might loseyour home, why not find out if you qualify for help from the Mortgage Rescue Scheme?

From a leaking roof to a new bathroom, let KickStart take the stressout of your home improvements.

The scheme offers homeowners the chance to sell

their property to a registered social landlord, who

then agrees to rent it back to them.

We manage this government sponsored

programme, and have already helped four local

families to stay in their homes. To find out if you are

eligible for help, please call 01543 308000 and ask

to speak to our housing options team, or find out

more at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/mortgagerescue

Calling all Lichfield District

homeowners! Do you have a

household income of not more than

£27,200 a year, or receive benefits,

or are 60 years of age or more?

Then why not find out if we can

help to improve your home?

We’ve teamed up with Spirita

Home Improvement Agency to

offer qualifying local home owners

help with their home repairs,

adaptations and improvements.

The KickStart home repairs scheme

includes impartial expert help, access to

approved contractors and low risk loans.

To find out more, call Spirita

Home Improvement Agency on

01543 460792.

KickStart is part of the Staffordshire

Repairs Home Improvement Partnership.

Kick start your home repairs

The bigplanning debate

Every council needs a planning framework that explains whereand what type of developments can take place in the future.We're developing ours at the moment.

We've developed a simple

summary and a broad range of

questions. Answer the questions

online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bigplanningdebate

Write to us

If you want to send in more

detailed comments, write to:

Planning Policy Manager,Development Services,Lichfield District Council,Frog Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6YZ

Get involved now!

We need your views to make sure our plans

for how the district could be shaped in the

future are right. Get involved now, and help

us to decide where new developments will

improve our district.

Since we last asked for your views, in 2008's

winter edition of intouch, we’ve updated our

plans in line with your comments. We now

need your views again to find out whether

the plans, explained on the next three

pages, are right for our district.

Are we aware of

important local issues - from

transport and facilities for young

people, to affordable homes?

Will our plans for

shops, office space, and

leisure facilities improve the

district and meet local

people’s needs?

Have we identified good

areas for new housing?

Are we suggesting

too many new houses, or

not enough?

Give us your views…

Thousands of you have already

given your views on our draft plans -

but thousands of you haven’t, and

we don’t want you to miss out.

Burntwood Leisure CentreSaturday 11 December, 10am-2pm

Tuesday 11 January, 10am-2pm

Thursday 13 January, 4pm-8pm

Guildhall, Bore Street, LichfieldSaturday 18 December, 10am-2pm

Tuesday 21 December, 10am-2pm

Monday 10 January, 4pm-8pm

Rural exhibitionsWe'll also host some events in local

villages. Call us and we’ll send you

details, or watch for dates online.


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www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bigplanningdebate

We want to know…

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At one of our exhibitions Answer our online questions

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bigplanningdebate or call 01543 308192/308148

A-Z of council servicesand useful numbers

If you can’t find what you're looking for,please call our customer services team,Lichfield Connects, on 01543 308000.

Benefit Fraud Hotline0800 783 1030

BusinessSupport01543 308228

Car Parks01543 308999

ChasewaterCountry Park01543 370607

CommunityDevelopment01543 308230

CommunityGrants01543 308221

CommunityResearch01543 308122

CommunitySafety01543 308777

CommunityTransport01543 308165

Countryside01543 308164

DangerousBuildings& Structures01543 308157

Disability& Equalities01543 308145

Elections & ElectoralRegistration01543 308125

Empty Properties01543 308706

EnvironmentalHealth01543 308725

EnvironmentalImprovementsUrban01543 308193

Fusion Credit Union01543 415032

Historic & Listed Buildings 01543 308203 /308188

Homelessness& HousingAdvice 9am-10am &4pm-5pm01543 308703 /308709

Housing Enquiries01543 308715

Housing Benefit01543 308900

Leisure Centres:

Burntwood01543 308810

Friary Grange01543 308842

King Edward VI01543 308782

Lichfield Garrick:

Box Office01543 412121

General01543 412110

Lichfield Markets01543 309850

Lichfield Tourism01543 308216

Old Mining College Centre01543 308220

Parks & PlayingField Enquiries01543 308866

Cannon Pest Control01543 220227

PlanningEnquiries01543 308000

UnauthorisedDevelopment01543 308205

Shopmobility07779 333807

Street Collection& Small LotteryPermits01543 308073

Social Services01543 510800

South Staffs PCT01889 571700

StaffordshireCounty Council0300 1118000

SustainableCommunityStrategy01543 308170

TouristInformationCentre01543 412112

TradingStandards0845 330 3313

Tree Enquiries01543 308207

Venture HouseTraining Centre01543 308130

Waste &Recycling Shared Service 0845 002 0022

Lichfield ConnectsHere to help

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/a-z

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The next three pages are a brief summary of the plans,

detailed in our Core Strategy, and what we need

your views on. If you want to read our detailed plans

visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bigplanningdebateor pop into our Frog Lane reception in Lichfield.

Our Core Strategy document is part of our newly

emerging Local Development Framework, which we

hope to adopt in spring 2012. It sets out how our

district could be developed between now and 2026.

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/corestrategy

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for housing· Around 1,000 new homes could be built in and around Burntwood between now and 2026.

· We’ve already found possible sites for 550 of these new homes in built up areas - including some on Mount Road Industrial Estate. We’re no longer looking at Hammerwich parish for large scale housing development.

· Up to 425 new homes could be built on land opposite Burntwood Rugby Club (see map 1) , between Milestone Way and Church Street, Chasetown. Some homes could be built between Chasewater and Brownhills in part of the Green Belt.

· Where new homes are built, the areas will benefit from new or improved local services and facilities,which would be agreed as part of the planning process.

· Homes will be developed - including affordable and specialist housing - to meet the needs of first time buyers, families and the elderly.

for shoppers· The town centre will be further developed to meetlocal people’s shopping, leisure and entertainment needs - with up to 16,000 square metres of retail (that’s about the size of three Morrisons).

for businesses· Employment areas, such as Burntwood Business Park, will beenhanced with new employmentland, redevelopment and modernisation. Up to 5,000 square metres of office space willbe developed in the town centre.

for visitors, commuters and local people· Public transport, walking and cycling routes will be improved.

· The quality of local open spaceswill be improved, and more need to be created.

· The heathland Sites of Special Scientific Interest will be lookedafter for future generations.

· Facilities and attractions at Chasewater Country Park will be improved.

More local facilities are needed

to complement the planned

improvements to the town centre.

Burntwood has some areas

that need environmental

improvements - such as new

street furniture and more trees.

There aren’t enough local jobs

for local people, and a lot of people

commute out of the area for work.

There are not enough facilities

for young people.

Although Chasewater Country

Park is enjoyed by many, it is not

achieving its full potential, and it is

difficult to get to.

Burntwood andsurroundingareas

What’s plannedfor your area

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www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bigplanningdebate or call 01543 308192/308148 or visit our reception in Frog Lane, Lichfield

What we needto address…

Our plans so far…

BURNTWOOD1


Our plans so far…Lichfield City centreand surrounding

areas


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We need to protect the

character of the city from

the pressure of large scale

development.

Lichfield City needs to

provide quality shopping,

employment and services

for local people, and attract

people from further afield.

Lichfield City is a popular

destination for day trippers,

but not enough visitors stay

overnight or for longer.

Transport movement

and accessibility is an issue.

There are not enough

things for young people

to do.


What we need to address…

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for housing· Around 2,500 new homes (including apartments or houses) could be built in andaround Lichfield City between now and 2026.

· We've already found possiblesites for 1,200 of these new homes in built up areas - for example where we've granted planning permission on unused land.

· Up to 850 new homes couldbe developed at Streethay (see map 2) and up to 550 new homes could be built south of Lichfield (see map 3)- this now means no loss of local Green Belt land.

· Where new homes are built, the areas will benefit from new shops, leisure and recreational facilities, which would be agreed as part of the planning process.

· Homes will be developed - including affordable and specialist housing - to meet the needs of first time buyers,families and the elderly.

· The plans for the highspeed rail link (HS2) have notbeen published yet, but we have considered it as partof our plans.

for businesses· Up to 30,000 squaremetres of office spacecould be developed in the city centre. This will helpto strengthen and promote Lichfield's role as a centrefor business.

· Employment areas, suchas Britannia Park, will be maintained with some redevelopment and modernisation.

for shoppers· Up to 35,000 square metres of shops (that’s about the size of 12 TJ Hughes) will be developed in the city centre. This includes the new Friarsgate development.

· New small scale shopping, leisure facilities and hotels could be built in the city, in areas such as Bird Street.

for visitorsand commuters· We will campaign for Trent Valley Station to be modernised to includebetter disabled access and more parking.

· Lichfield Southern Bypass will be completed.

STREETHAY2

SOUTH LICHFIELD3

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for housing· Around 2,340 new homes could be built in rural areas up until 2026 (that’s 30% of the district’s total housing target). Sites for 940 of thesehave already been found.

· Where clusters of new houses are developed, they will meet local need and will most likely take place in larger villages, with improvedaccess to local services, such as shops, public transport and leisure facilities.

· Up to 1,000 new homes (seemap 4) could be built aroundFradley, mainly on brownfieldland, such as the old airfield, but not up to the scale of a new settlement.

· Large scale housing development will not take place in our smaller villages.

· By expanding some of our larger villages, people living in smaller villages and hamletswill be able to use the servicesand facilities developed.

· 680 homes are being developed near Rugeley Power Station, and up to an

extra 450 homes (see map 5)could be developed on the nearby Borrow Pit site.

for rural businesses· New communications services, such as broadband and telecommunications, that will allow business and people working from home to function better, will be supported.

· New small employment sites could be developed in larger villages to support new rural enterprises and existing rural businesses.

· The district’s landscape and its biodiversity will continue to be enhanced and protected in a way that is sensitive to the needs of farmers, businesses, visitors and residents.

for communities· Where clusters of new houses are developed in larger settlements, new services and community facilities will be negotiated aspart of the planning process.

for visitors, commutersand local people· Improving rural public transport is vital.

· We want to improve access to services, public transport, local employment and housing in rural areas, while maintaining their character.

· All new development will workto protect the district’s landscapeand biodiversity, in particularCannock Chase, the National Forest and local rivers.

Rural amenities, such as

shops, post offices, doctors

and pubs, are declining.

Many rural areas are

not well served by public

transport, which makes it

difficult for people to

access services and facilities.

There’s not enough

affordable housing in our

villages and rural areas.

People want us to

help rural villages adapt.

We will encourageenergy efficientdevelopmentswherever possible.

Our plans so far…


What we needto address…

Rural villagesand hamlets

FRADLEY4

RUGELEY5

I W E R D L A M L L T E

N O B R A C B H F U V F

S M U L L R I S P I H F

U O B Q E J C K A Y G I

L H L I G H T I N G W C

A F J A W N D E R R A I

T O H G R E E N L E S E

I A E Y S P F O A N Q N

O T G R U S O C T E A T

N N O A L D S W A T E R

H E A T I N G A E S L L

E I C Z S I E W A R M B


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Intouch is published by Lichfield District Council, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6ZB, Winter 2010 © 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.

More news To follow council

news throughout the year, visitwww.lichfielddc.gov.uk/news

Intouch editorial team

Esther Epstein, Elizabeth Thatcher and Rhiannon Purkis.

Contact usTo give us your feedback about

intouch, please call Esther Epstein

on 01543 308778 or email

[email protected]

Add your advertPromote your business or service to

thousands of homes across the district.

Contact us for an advertising pack.

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Get awarmer home and a greener district

Leisure on the go

We’ve teamed up with Tesco to help celebrate our

Warmer Homes, Greener District energy initiative.

Send your entry by Tuesday 1 February 2011 to:Intouch Quiz, Communications, Lichfield District Council, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6ZB

!

Name

Address

Telephone

Insulating your home not only makes it warmer, it can also cut your fuel bills.

So, if you are a homeowner and want to save 50% off the cost of cavity wall

and loft insulation, or find out if you are eligible to get the work done for free,

please freephone 0800 512 012 or visit www.warmandgreen.co.uk

Do you own your home? Yes No Is your loft insulated? Yes No

Does your home have cavity wall insulation? Yes No

Please tick the box if you want Warmer Homes, Green District to contact you to let you know if you are

eligible to save money on cavity wall or loft insulation. �

Tesco has kindly donated £150 from its community fund, and one lucky winner will get

to spend it on Tesco’s range of greener electrical products – such as an energy efficient

fridge freezer or microwave.

From under 5s sessions and after school

sport classes, to aerobics, musical theatre

and short mat bowls, Mobile Leisure hosts

a wide variety of activities for all ages in

community halls across the district.

And, they can bring a party to you –

including arty, sporty, cooking or inflatable

animal parties - from as little as £70.

You can also book them to bring the fun

along to your community event. To find

out more, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/

mobileleisure or call the team on

01543 308766.

Energy

Warm

Green

Efficient

Carbon

Insulation

Lighting

Heating

Water

Solar power

WIN!

For a chance to win, find the hidden words in the grid below, fill in yourcontact details, and send us your completed wordsearch by 1 February 2011.

Bringing the fun and fitness to a village near you.

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/news Catch up on the latest council news

intouch winter 2010

Documents