The Council

We all love it when the weather gets warmer. But did you know that you might need to think harder about food safety in the summer months?

New research indicates that people in the West Midlands could be putting themselves and their families at risk of food poisoning through lack of knowledge of the 4Cs of food hygiene: Chilling, Cooking, Cleaning and cross-contamination.

The Food Standards Agency’s Food and You Survey, which collects information on food safety through 3,118 interviews across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, found that in the West Midlands:

• 53% of respondents said that they never check their fridge temperature and 45% said they did not know what the fridge temperature should be, suggesting that many people’s fridges may not be between the recommended 0 and 5°C.
• 66% thought the correct method for defrosting meat or fish was leaving it at room temperature, putting themselves at higher risk of food poisoning as germs multiply more quickly at room temperature.
• 20% of respondents said that they don’t use different chopping boards for different foods, which increases the risk of cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
• There are still a high proportion of people eating meat that is pink or has pink/red juices, against recommended guidelines and 11% do not always cook food until it is steaming hot throughout.
• Respondents do not always wash their hands before starting to prepare food, despite the FSA’s recommendation that people wash their hands thoroughly before cooking and after touching the bin, going to the toilet, handling pets or handling raw food.

Muriel Davis, Portfolio Leader for Health and Wellbeing said: “These figures suggest there's more that people in Cannock Chase could do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe this summer.  For example, planning ahead and defrosting meat or fish in the fridge, cooking meat thoroughly and always washing hands before preparing food can reduce the risk of food poisoning.  That's why Cannock Chase Council’s Food and Safety Team is working with the Food Standards Agency to promote good hygiene practices during Food Safety Week (19 – 25 June).  This year the week aims to encourage better hygiene practices for summer, when the risk of getting food poisoning goes up.  We want our residents to enjoy the warmer weather and stay safe and well.”

For tips on how to stay safe this summer visit: https://www.food.gov.uk/safe-summer-food

Cannock Council’s Cabinet approved free leisure concessions for serving members of the armed forces, who are resident in the District, at its meeting last night.

The concession scheme was first introduced in June 2012 and currently has 150 members.  Council’s Cabinet have approved the leisure concession scheme for a further 12 months.

This scheme aims to recognise the commitment made by armed forces men and women to this country in their service throughout the world.

The scheme includes use of fitness suites, swimming pools and participation in various group activities and fitness classes at Chase and Rugeley Leisure Centres.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “We are pleased to announce that we are continuing with the free leisure use for serving armed forces members who live in the District.  The participation rate of this scheme increases year on year and not only gives multiple benefits to our community, but it also helps to improve the health and wellbeing of our serving armed forces members.”

The concession scheme run by Inspiring healthy lifestyles on behalf of Cannock Chase Council saw an increase of 26 members joining last year.  It will be reviewed again in 2018.

This year, the District will celebrate Armed Forces Day with an official flag raising ceremony and a free community fun day.

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised in a special ceremony at the Civic Centre in Cannock on Monday 19 June at 9.45am. The flag will be raised at 10am by a member of the Armed Forces community on behalf of the Council.

Members of the public are invited to attend this event.

The flag raising ceremony is part of Cannock Chase Council’s contribution to this year’s Armed Forces Day, which takes place on Saturday 24 June across the nation.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the nation to show their support and appreciation for the contributions made by those who serve, or have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

In addition to this, a free community fun day will be held on Saturday 24 June between 12noon and 4pm in Cannock Park.

The Armed Forces Fun Day is being hosted by the Staffordshire Regimental Association in partnership with the Council and Inspiring healthy lifestyles. Our local Armed Forces community will also be supporting the event by providing military stands and activities.

The day will include a jam-packed programme of live entertainment from Lea Hall Brass Band, Giocoso, Stafford Military Wives Choir, a George Formby act, Cannock Ex-servicemen’s Choir, Backstreet Theatre, Season`s Theatre Company and Tower Players. The day will end with a Last Post.

Other activities include fun fair rides, Inclusive Cycling, arts and crafts and charity stalls with games and much more!

Refreshments and catering will be available on site. Car parking will be available at Chase Leisure Centre.

Councillor George Adamson, Leader of the Council, said: “It is important that we continue to show our appreciation for the contributions made by our Armed Forces. These events are a great way of honouring our Armed Forces and I hope everyone comes along and shows their support”.

Trevor Evans, Parade Marshall for the Staffordshire Regimental Association, said: “This is the first time we have joined with other communities in celebrating Armed Forces Day. I hope you will join us at Cannock Park on this opportunity to show that, WE STAND TOGETHER in our continued support of our Armed Forces”.

A full entertainment programme will be available to download prior to the event at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/armedforcesday.

For more information about this event, contact Kate McBey on 07971667218 or 01543 464270.

Billy Warburton aged 12 from Brereton was presented with the award for his incredible commitment to volunteering in Brereton.

Billy was among the dozens of young people who were nominated for the award.  The Youth Endeavour Award aims to recognise the achievements of 11-18 year olds across the District, who have made an outstanding contribution to their community, shown great bravery or helped others in some way.

Billy was nominated by Brereton and Ravenhill Councillor Darren Foley for his tireless efforts with volunteering, which has not only kept him out of trouble, but also helped him to gain confidence and improve his self esteem.

His volunteering has seen him setting up equipment for various events in Brereton and Ravenhill and waiting patiently to clear it away at the end.  He runs discos for his local youth club, helps to clean up outside the Brereton Community Hub after school, sweeping the car park and pulling up weeds. For the past two years he has dressed up as a snowman entertaining young children at the Brereton Winter Wonderland.

Billy received his award from outgoing Chairman of Cannock Chase Council, Councillor Zaphne Stretton, at the Annual Council meeting on Wednesday 24 May.

Councillor Zaphne Stretton said “We believe that young people like Billy should be recognised and encouraged in our society.  He should be very proud of his achievements and the fact that he gives up so much of his time to volunteer is very impressive.  I applaud him for his positive attitude and encourage him to keep up the good work.  He will be a positive role model for everyone around him.  Well done young man.”

Councillor Alan Dudson was named as Chairman for 2017/18 at the Council’s Annual Meeting on 24 May, with the Brereton and Ravenhill Councillor taking the chains of office from Councillor Zaphne Stretton.

This is the first time that Councillor Dudson has been Chairman of the Council, he was Vice Chairman last year and prior to that was a member of Cabinet.

Councillor Dudson was elected on to the Council in May 2012 and has held a seat for Brereton and Ravenhill since this time.

Part of the Chairman’s role during their term in office is to raise money for their chosen charities.  Councillor Dudson is still considering this, but has said that they will be charities local to his ward.

Councillor Alan Dudson said “I am looking forward to the forthcoming year as Chairman for Cannock Chase Council.  It is a privileged position to represent Cannock Chase Council and I am looking forward to meeting lots of people during the official engagements and raising money for my chosen charities.  Although I have not yet decided on the charities, when I have selected them, they will be local.”

Councillor Paul Witton, ward member for Cannock South will be taking on the duty as Vice Chair.

The Live Well Community Cafés will provide, fun, entertainment, advice and guidance to anyone living in south Staffordshire that has been diagnosed with or cares for someone with an illness or condition that has changed the way they live, whether that be diabetes, heart disease, dementia, Parkinson disease, fibromyalgia, arthritis, depression & anxiety, …… the list is endless.

The Café’s which will run in Cannock, Stafford & Rugeley are an informal meeting place for people to get together, share experiences and most importantly gain advice to help them live better with their condition. The Café’s are run by MAC Clinical Research along with various guest speakers from healthcare professionals to community support services. Workshops, entertainment and refreshments will all be provided ensuring the cafes are enjoyable and comfortable as well as being informative and helpful.

Each café will be hosting its launch event on the dates shown below. Everyone is welcome to attend free of charge and will receive a goodie bag and a very warm welcome. The café’s will run monthly at each location from 10.00-12.30 with the option to stay for food and company afterwards.

Launch Events
Cannock – St Mary’s Social Club, Cannock, WS11 0AA
Thursday 13th July 10.00 – 12.30

Rugeley – Lea Hall Sport & Social Club, Rugeley, WS15 2LB
Wednesday 16th August 10.00 – 12.30

Stafford – Walton Village Hall, ST17 0LD
Saturday 16th September 10.00 – 12.30

www.livewellcommunitycafe.com

Rugeley based food business POE Limited and its Director Calin Poenariu have been ordered to pay £44,000 in fines and costs following a successful prosecution brought by Cannock Chase Council.

POE Limited of Anglesey Court, Towers Business Park and Mr Poenariu appeared in Cannock Magistrates’ Court on 16 May 2017.  Each pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, including the illegal production and placing on the market of meat based foods, from premises which had not been approved by the Council.

Environmental Health Officers found foods, including chicken livers and hearts, that were handled and wrapped, then had false labels applied before being distributed to specialist retailers throughout the UK. Officers also found foods for distribution which had not been hygienically manufactured.  These potentially unsafe foods were removed and disposed of by Officers. 

The Company also pleaded guilty to 3 further offences of failing to provide hand washing facilities, failing to ensure suitable layout and design of the premises and failing to put in place suitable food hygiene procedures. . 

Magistrates imposed fines and costs totalling £35,720 on the company and £8,143.00 on Mr Poenariu.    

David Prosser-Davies, Food, Safety & Licensing Manager at the Council said:  “We have a proud record of helping local food businesses to comply with legislation, through offering free advice and support.  Unfortunately, on this occasion our advice was not followed and serious offences were committed. 

Food businesses which do not comply with legislation not only put the public at risk through consumption of unsafe foods, they also gain an unfair competitive advantage over businesses which do make efforts to comply.  

I am pleased that the court, through the penalties imposed, recognised the seriousness of this matter.  We would always encourage food businesses to seek our advice and assistance at the earliest opportunity.”

Any food business which is in need of free advice can contact the council at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk or telephone 01543 462621

There will be a vigil at 7 pm this evening at the top Bandstand in Cannock Town Centre, as mark of respect following the Manchester Bombing yesterday evening.

The vigil will be lead by Chairman of Cannock Chase Council, Zaphne Stretton and members of the local clergy will also be in attendance.