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Landlord receives suspended prison sentence following illegal eviction

Published:
Tuesday 10th December 2019 | 12.08pm

Cannock Chase Council has successfully prosecuted three people for illegally evicting a tenant from her home in Rugeley.

Nigel Whorton from Lichfield, Jonathon Williams from Sutton Coldfield and Rebecca Brayshaw from Eccleshall were all found guilty of offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, after depriving a tenant in Rugeley from occupation of her home and committing acts likely to interfere with her peace and comfort.

At Cannock Magistrates Court on 9 December Mr Whorton and Mr Williams were each sentenced to 16 weeks in prison.  Ms Brayshaw was sentenced to 8 weeks.  All sentences were suspended for 18 months.  In addition, all three will have to undertake unpaid work and will each have to pay £1,000 compensation to the tenant, Kara Cox.  Between them, the 3 defendants must also pay Council costs of over £9,000.

On 2 October 2018, Environmental Health Officers found that Kara Cox returned home to her shared house in Rugeley to find the security code to her floor had been changed and a hand written note purporting to be her notice of eviction. She was unable to access her home or belongings, or look after her pet rabbit. She could also see the door to her room had been removed.

Ms Cox eventually accessed her room the following day and a series of events unfolded, including the removal of the fire door and later the heating and electricity to her room was switched off. Her window was nailed open and her fridge freezer unplugged which rendered her food inedible. 

Following action by Environmental Health Kara eventually was able to return to her room on 9 October 2018.   She was forced to stay in emergency accommodation over the period, arranged by the Council’s Housing Options Team.

Mike Edmonds, Head of Environment and Healthy Lifestyles at the Council, said  “Most landlords behave responsibly towards their tenants, but with those that don’t the Council will not hesitate to take action to ensure tenants in the district are protected.   In this case, the actions taken by the individuals concerned were aimed at forcing the tenant out of her home and this is totally unacceptable. 

“We are pleased the Court supported our response and hope that this sends out a strong message to landlords who are prepared to abuse their tenants rights.”

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Partnership offers useful tips to stay safe this Christmas

Published:
Thursday 5th December 2019 | 11.45am

The Chase Community Safety Partnership is helping residents stay safe this Christmas with the launch of a new campaign ’12 days to a safer Christmas’.

The festive season can be a very busy time during which it’s easy to take your eye off the ball when it comes to crime prevention. The campaign will run from 5 December until 20 December and will remind people how to keep safe and within the law during the lead up to the festive period.

The Partnership will be delivering a series of crime prevention messages and useful tips through the use of posters, social media and online adverts. A different theme will be promoted on each day which will highlight community safety priorities over the festive season. The messages will be short and informative and include advice on online shopping, fire safety, counterfeit goods, drink and drug driving, purse dipping and many more.

As part of the campaign, the Partnership will be offering free purse bells which can be clipped to the zip on your purse or wallet. If someone tries to dip into your handbag the twin bells will jingle to alert you to any potential theft.

These charms are a simple but effective personal security item and are suitable for people of all ages. They are available from the Council’s Reception, Cannock Police Station, local charity shops and banks.

Kerry Wright, Partnerships, Community Safety & CCTV Manager at Cannock Chase Council said: “The aim of our campaign is not to try and spoil anyone’s enjoyment, but to encourage the public to be more aware of crime prevention by highlighting the types of incidents that are common at this time of year.

“Christmas is a time of celebration, but the highs can easily turn into lows. Unfortunately, some people take more risks leaving themselves vulnerable to becoming a victim or perpetrator of crime, including violence. For others, it may result in poor decisions, such as drink or drug driving, anti-social behavior or even serious assault.

“As a Partnership, we are urging everyone to have a fun but safe Christmas”.

Tony Shore, Trading Standards Manager at Staffordshire County Council said: “The build up to Christmas is one of the busiest times for shopping and we want to remind people of their rights and to be aware of potential pitfalls when they’re handing over their hard-earned cash.

“Unfortunately, shoppers (particularly online shoppers) are increasingly targeted by criminals and scammers and that’s why it is important people follow some simple safety tips when shopping. We want people to be able to shop with confidence and stay safe.”

Sgt Mark Burslem, Deputy Commander at Staffordshire Police said, “Staffordshire Police is committed to ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Christmas period. We are taking part in this campaign to raise awareness of issues that affect people over the Christmas period and would encourage people to use the information available to gain help where needed”.

For more information about this campaign visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/12daysofchristmas  

Safer Christmas Poster

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12 days of a safer Christmas

Advice and tips on making your Christmas safer

Our Chase Community Safety Partnership is helping residents stay safe this Christmas with the launch of a new campaign ’12 days to a safer Christmas’.

A series of crime prevention messages and useful tips will be promoted day, highlighting community safety priorities over the festive season.

See below useful tips for 12 days to a safer Christmas....

Day 1 - Online shopping

If buying online, counterfeiters often steal pictures and formatting from the real websites to make their websites look legitimate, so don't be fooled by a professional-looking website. If you find typos, grammatical and spelling errors, or incomplete information, then the site is probably fake.

These scam websites are often difficult to tell from genuine ones but there are some tell-tale signs people can look out for.

People should be wary if the site:

  • Has no information about the identity of the person operating the business such as the proprietor’s name or the company’s full name
  • Has no geographic address for the business, preventing people from locating the business in the event of a dispute
  • Makes no mention of any cancellation rights
  • Only accepts payments via money transfer services such as MoneyGram and/ or Western Union

People should also be particularly wary of goods being offered for sale on social networks. Quite often these are counterfeit goods which are potentially dangerous and of poor quality.

People with concerns about shopping online should visit Citizens Advice on www.citizensadvice.org.uk or telephone Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 03454 04 05 06.

 

 

 

Day 2: Mini motos

  • If buying a mini moto bike ensure you have the correct licence and insurance to ride on a road
  • If you are found to be using a mini moto illegally Staffordshire Police will seize the vehicle and it may be crushed
  • Your actions could cause nuisance to others

 

Day 3: Purse dipping

  • Put your purse at the bottom of your bag and keep it closed

  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash on you

  • Get a FREE purse bell today from the Council’s reception office

Day 4: Season's beatings

  • It’s never ok to abuse your partner
  • If you need to talk to someone this Christmas call New Era on 0870 2700 123

  

Day 5: Counterfeit goods

If the price seems too good to be true it’s probably counterfeit

Buying goods from counterfeit sites puts you at risk of credit card fraud & identity theft

Quite often these are counterfeit goods which are potentially dangerous and of poor quality.

To avoid counterfeit goods, consumers should also look out for the "3 P's":

  • PRICE: If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
  • PACKAGING: If the product is being sold without its packaging, or the packaging appears to be of low quality, or includes printing errors (for example, blurry pictures, typos, spelling or grammatical errors) it is probably counterfeit.
  • PLACE: Consider where the product is being sold. If it’s In-Store, ask yourself if you would normally expect to find the product sold in this type of environment.  Deal only with legitimate, established retailers.

To report a complaint contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.

Day 6 - Violent night

  • It’s never ok to be drunk and aggressive

  • If you are worried about your drinking call One Recovery on 0844 561 7079

Day 7: Drink & drug driving

  • Do not drink or drug drive – IT’S NOT WORTH IT

  • You will lose your licence, be banned and may face prison

  • Drink and drug driving costs lives.

 

Day 8: Fire safety

  • Avoid cooking if you have been drinking alcohol
  • Never leave, candles or  incense sticks   unattended
  • Always switch off  and unplug Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

For more fire safety tips visit http://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/

Day 9: Loneliness

  • Give someone a call - take the time to call and chat with family, friends and neighbours who  won’t see anyone  this Christmas
  • Get involved - volunteer and lend a helping hand in your community 

Day 10: Crime prevention

  • Make sure all your Christmas shopping is secure in the boot or covered up in your car

  • When at home do not leave all your wrapped presents on display

Day 11: Responsible drinking

  • Enjoy yourself, but know your limits
  • Stay hydrated, dilute alcohol with soft drinks or water

Day 12: Taxi safety

  • Lone passengers should always sit in the rear of the taxi whenever possible

  • Never accept a lift from a stranger in a car

  • Ensure you use a licensed taxi

Last Updated: 05/12/2019

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Seized lorry to be auctioned

Published:
Thursday 21st November 2019 | 4.35pm

A lorry seized by the Council following its involvement in fly tipping is due to be auctioned next week. 

The lorry was seized by Environmental Health Officers within days of it being used to fly tip waste in the District in August 2019.  Although the driver ran from the vehicle at the time it was stopped, the offences continue to be investigated.

Mike Edmonds, Head of Environment and Healthy Lifestyles, said “Seizing vehicles that are used to fly tip stops further offences from being committed, disrupts criminal behaviour and hits the fly tippers where it hurts – their pocket.  The proceeds from the auction will go towards funding further activity to deter, disrupt and detect fly tippers”.

The blue Hino 700 8x4 hook loader will be auctioned by Euro Auctions in Leeds on 27 November 2019.  The lorry can be viewed online at:  http://www.euroauctionslive.com/servlet/Search.do?auctionId=486&itemId=677982&catalogLink=categoryName%3D%26ringAuctionId%3D%26keyword%3Dhino%26auctionId%3D486

The Council is continuing to offer a £100 reward to anyone who provides evidence that leads to the successful conviction of any person, business or other organisation involved in fly tipping waste in the District.

Anyone who witnesses fly tipping in the District is urged to report it to Cannock Chase Council by calling 01543 462621. Key information to pass on includes:

  • The date, time and location of the incident.
  • The make, model, registration number and colour of any vehicle used.
  • A description of the people involved.
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Cannock Chase Parliamentary candidates confirmed and details of how to vote

Published:
Friday 15th November 2019 | 2.15pm

Three candidates will be contesting the Cannock Chase Parliamentary Constituency General Election on Thursday 12 December 2019.

The candidates are:

  • Anne Hobbs - Labour Party
  • Amanda Milling - Conservative Party
  • Paul Woodhead - Green Party

Polling on 12 December will be carried out at 77 polling stations located around the District, with hours of polling being from 7am to 10pm.

There is still time to register to vote. The absolute deadline is Tuesday 26 November but potential voters are strongly urged to register a few days before this deadline to ensure their application can be considered in time.

To register please go to Cannock Chase Council’s website and follow this link:

http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/council/elections-voting/electoral-registration

If you are already on the register and would prefer a postal vote then you should contact the Council’s Elections Office on (01543) 464437 or (01543) 464754 by no later than Tuesday 26 November.

If you wish to nominate someone else to vote on your behalf you can make that person a proxy. Contact the Elections Office by Wednesday 4 December for information on proxy voting.

A General Election feature can be found on the home page of the Council’s website www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk where official documents relating to the General Election can be read.

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General Election 2019

Please find below documentation relating to the General Election to be held on 12th December 2019.

Notice of Election

Statement of Persons Nominated and Situation of Polling...

Notice of Election Agents' Names and Offices

Last Updated: 15/11/2019

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2019/20 waste and recycling calendars on the way

Published:
Monday 11th November 2019 | 9.48am

The 2019/20 recycling calendars are on their way to residents in Cannock Chase. 

The new calendars will be distributed to over 43,500 households in the District over the next few weeks and include collection changes over the Christmas period.

The calendars which form part of an information booklet, include a recycling guide with easily understandable graphics of which item goes in which bin; in addition to collection times and requirements and maximum weight capacity for bins. 

Head of Healthy Lifestyles Mike Edmonds said “Look out for your 2019/20 calendar coming directly through your letterbox.  It is important that you keep these calendars handy as a quick reference guide throughout the year.  Not only as a reminder of when to put the bins out, but also as a reminder of what goes in which bin.

“You can also find out what goes in which bin by using our ‘click to search’ facility on our website: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/whichbin.

“We anticipate that all calendars will be delivered by Monday 26 November.  If you don’t receive one or lose it you can also download and print replacement calendars from our website http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/residents/recycling-waste/waste-and-recycling-collection-calendars.”

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Cannock Chase Remembers – World War 1 commemorative website goes live

Published:
Friday 8th November 2019 | 9.52am

As a lasting legacy to the World War 1 commemorative period, the Council in partnership with Inspiring healthy lifestyles has developed an educational toolkit which is available to access from the District`s official World War 1 website.

‘Cannock Chase Remembers’ not only gives visitors information on local campaigns and events commemorating World War 1, but also shares personal memories of wartime from family, friends and survivors.

It has a wealth of local information about local men from the area who lost their lives during the First World War and also highlights local wartime history. 

The educational toolkit compliments the website and highlights the role Cannock Chase played during World War 1 by including contemporary films on how to create wartime artwork, information on how to support or join local groups and showcases the District’s four year commemorative programme.

It is available online at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/cannockchaseremembers  and as an interactive school workshop tour which can be delivered by veterans.

This Armistice Day, the District has a number of Remembrance Services and Parades. These are taking place across the District on Sunday 10 November. Further details of times and areas can be found on the Council`s website.

View the website by visiting www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/cannockchaseremembers 

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Remembrance Services and Parades

Please find below information relating to Remembrance Day Services being held across the District on Sunday 10 November 2019. 

  • Chadsmoor

10am - Service at Bethany Baptist Church, Chadsmoor. Proceed to War Memorial for wreath laying

  • Cannock

9.15am - Light refreshments and wartime songs will take place at South Staffordshire College, Cannock Campus prior to the Service

10.15am - Parade assembles on Stafford Road (outside South Staffordshire College), then march to War Memorial

10.45am - Service and laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph followed by service at St. Luke's Church

  • Hednesford

9.45am - Service at St.Peter's Church, Church Hill, Hednesford

10.40am - Parade to assesmble outside the Church

11am - Act of Remembrance Service at Memorial. Parade then marches through the town to The Soldier's Club, Anglesey Street

  • Rugeley

9.15am - Church service at St. Augustine's Church

10.30am - Parade assesmbles at Mansfield House Car Park, Market Street

10.45am - Parade marches off to the War Memorial

10.55am - Service at the Cenotaph

  • Brereton & Ravenhill

8.55am - Parade to assemble in Armitage Lane, at the entrance to Brereton Social Football Club

9am - March off to St. Michael's Church for Service of Remembrance

10.40am - Parade to assemble and march to Cenotaph for Service and wreath laying; following the Service, the parade assembles and marches to Brereton Social Football Club

  • Heath Hayes

10am - Church Service at St. John's Church

10.40am - Service and Silence at memorial gates, Heath Hayes Park

  • Norton Canes

10am - Parade assembles outside The Rectory, St. James Church, 81 Church Road, Norton Canes. March off to St. James Church for Service and wreath laying 

 

Last Updated: 07/11/2019

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Latest Active Lives data is positive for Cannock Chase

Published:
Wednesday 6th November 2019 | 4.54pm

Figures released by Sport England last month as part of its annual Active Lives survey show that Cannock Chase residents were both less `inactive` and more `active` in May 2018 – May 2019 than the year before.

The survey captures sport and physical activity levels among adults aged 16 and over. The results for Cannock Chase are based on 524 respondents.

In detail they reveal there was a significant decrease of 7 per cent in the number of respondents who did less than 30 minutes of physical activity in a week, with the figure falling from 33.6 per cent to 26.6 per cent, putting Cannock Chase just over the Staffordshire average of 26.4 per cent and slightly better than neighbouring East Staffordshire (27.3 per cent) and Tamworth (29 per cent). Stafford was 25.7 per cent. The England average was 24.8 per cent.

Cannock Chase’s decrease was the second largest annual decrease across the West Midlands, after Telford and Wrekin which recorded 11.2 per cent.

Meanwhile the proportion of active respondents in Cannock Chase – engaging in 150 minutes or more of physical activity per week – rose by 3.5 per cent to 58.6 per cent. Although this was slightly below the Staffordshire average of 60.0 per cent, the 60.3 per cent recorded for Stafford, 60.1 per cent for East Staffordshire and the 58.9 per cent for Tamworth, it does represent a move in the right direction.

Overall, Sport England noted that the highest ever levels of activity were recorded by this latest survey, with 1 million more people physically active in the country than when the survey began in 2015.

It takes the total number of active people – those doing at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week – up to 28.6 million. 

Councillor Chris Mitchell, Culture and Sport Portfolio Leader at Cannock Chase Council welcomed the new data. She said: “This is good news for the health and well being of our residents, particularly the decrease in inactivity levels. It is actually the first time we have seen positive increases from this annual survey since it began.

“As a Council we have invested a lot of money in leisure facilities across the District alongside our leisure partner, inspiring healthy lifestyles, so data like this is useful in determining that our combined investments are having an effect.

“Pleasingly, the survey went on to reveal that there was also a 7.9 per cent and significant increase in the proportion of respondents who volunteered to support sport and physical activity at least two times during the 12 month period surveyed.”

 

The Active Lives Adults Survey is commissioned by Sport England from Ipsos Mori and is published each October. It is based on responses collected for a 12 months period from May in one year to May the next year. The May 2018 – May 2019 survey involved data being gathered from 180,000 residents.

Photograph:

Councillor Chris Mitchell pictured with Terry Simms, General Manager of Chase Leisure Centre, during a visit to the centre in Cannock, last January.

 

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Cannock Chase Council, Civic Centre,
Beecroft Road, Cannock, Staffs WS11 1BG

t 01543 462621
e customerservices@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

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