The Council

In addition to a vacancy being declared in the Hednesford South ward, in the seat previously occupied by Ms Christian, two further vacancies have arisen owing to the recent sad death of Councillor Graham Burnett. 

Councillor Burnett was a District Councillor for the Hednesford Green Heath ward and a County Councillor for the Hednesford and Rawnsley electoral division.

The by-elections will all be held on Thursday 7 September 2017. 

Anybody interested in standing at these elections, nomination packs will be available for collection from the Electoral Services office or Reception, on request, from Thursday 3 August 2017.  Please contact the Electoral Services team in advance on 01543 464754 or 464437 to advise of numbers required.

Nominations for all the elections will be received from Monday 7 August until Thursday 10 August 2017, between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm at the Civic Offices.  Nominations forms must be presented by hand.  Please contact Electoral Services to book an appointment. 

Cannock Chase Council and Lichfield District Council are running a joint consultation on the future of the Rugeley Power Station site.

Rugeley Power Station was decommissioned in 2016 and the 155 hectare brownfield site, which overlaps the border between Cannock Chase District and Lichfield District and offers great opportunities for redevelopment.

The consultation is running from Monday 24 July to Monday 4 September 2017 and the two local authorities are asking people from both Districts to have their say on how the site should be developed in the future.

The Rugeley Power Station Development Brief Supplementary Planning Document proposes developing the land for a minimum of 800 homes, employment use, power/storage production, along with supporting infrastructure, including a school, open space, play facilities and public art.

Councillor Gordon Alcott, Portfolio Leader for Economic Development and Planning said “We are working closely with Lichfield District Council and encouraging residents from both Districts to take a look at the proposals and have their say.

The site is ideal for a housing and business development with access to two railway stations and is very close to the countryside.

Both Councils will share the comments received from members of the public and consider them with the plans for the area.”

When adopted, the Rugeley Power Station Supplementary Planning Document will be incorporated into both District councils’ Local Plan planning frameworks, which will inform future development of the site.

The document is available to view at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/planningpolicy and in hard copy at Cannock Chase Council Civic Centre, the Council Area Office at Rugeley and at the public libraries at Cannock, Rugeley, Hednesford, Brereton, Norton Canes and Heath Hayes during normal opening hours.

Please send any written representations by email to:

planningpolicy@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

or write to the Planning Policy Manager, Cannock Chase Council, Beecroft Road, Cannock, Staffs WS11 1BG

The consultation will close on Monday 4 September 2017.

Cannock Chase Council has successfully prosecuted a housewares company after an employee suffered life-changing injuries following a fall from storage racking.

The warehouse manager had been working on storage racking having gained access using only a pallet raised on a forklift truck, a highly dangerous practice.  The employee had one foot on the racking and the other on the pallet when the pallet gave way, causing him to fall 15 feet onto a concrete floor.   He was airlifted to Hospital and placed in a medical induced coma for 11 days.  Although he survived, the employee has life-changing injuries and now suffers from a range of complications, meaning he is unlikely ever to work again. 

Probus Creative Housewares Limited, a supplier of housewares to national retailers formerly of Virage Park, Bridgtown, Cannock, pleaded guilty on 5 June 2017 at Newcastle under Lyme Magistrates Court to four charges under health and safety laws, including failure to ensure the safety of employees, inadequate risk assessments, failure to train the injured employee and failure to properly plan and supervise work at height.  Director Srdjan Urosevic, resident in Germany, also pleaded guilty to two charges.

Passing sentence at Newcastle under Lyme Magistrates Court, District Judge McGarva said “Falls from height are a major cause of workplace injuries and death in Britain.  This incident resulted from long standing failures to improve health and safety, despite warnings from both the Council and the Company’s insurers.”

After taking into account financial circumstances, mitigation and early guilty pleas on 14 July 2017 the Judge imposed fines and costs totalling £260,000 on the Company and £30,000 on Mr Urosevic. 

Councillor Muriel Davis Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Leader said “The Council expects that all employers will take reasonable precautions to ensure employees’ health, safety and welfare.   Employees have a right to expect they will be protected from risks and return home safe from work.  This accident happened because of poor health and safety and has had tragic consequences for the employee and his family.    I hope these sentences will serve to highlight the importance to all employers of ensuring basic health and safety precautions are in place.”

Cannock Chase Council has become the top performing District Council in the West Midlands after scooping six Green Flag Awards.

Green Flag Award winners from around the country were revealed yesterday (Tuesday 18 July) and Hednesford Park, Stile Cop Cemetery, Elmore Park in Rugeley, Ravenhill Park in Brereton, Castle Ring in Cannock Wood and Cannock Park were judged to meet the strict criteria required to be the very best public open spaces in the UK.

The six sites managed by Cannock Chase Council are among 1797 parks and green spaces that received a prestigious Green Flag Award which is the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Councillor Christine Mitchell Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said: “We’re proud to have six Green Flag awarded parks and green spaces in Cannock Chase.  Cleaner safer and greener environments which offer a host of healthy initiatives are at the heart of the Council priorities. We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining these six sites to such a high standard.

These awards are a tribute to the hard work that Council’s parks officers, staff, community groups and partners put into keeping the green spaces within Cannock Chase clean, tidy and well maintained for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Cannock Chase Council has launched new campaign to promote microchipping and reduce dog fouling.  The ‘Chip and Bin’ campaign aims to encourage responsible dog ownership in the District.

Every year the Council receives over 100 complaints about dog fouling in Cannock Chase.  Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to foul without picking it up could face a fixed penalty notice of £75.  There is currently a consultation on the proposed Public Space Protection Order (Dog Control) 2017, which if approved by the Council will see the fixed penalty notice increase to £100.

The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2014 came into force in 2016 and requires all dogs over the age of 8 weeks to be microchipped and owners details registered on an approved database.

Councillor John Preece, Portfolio Leader for the Environment said “Dog fouling is a nuisance that could be avoided if all dog owners behaved responsibly.

It is a Council priority that Cannock Chase is a clean and safe environment for residents and visitors.  However this relies on dog owners respecting their surroundings and being responsible.

Microchipping does not only make it easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners but it is also now required by law, this campaign is a reminder for dog owners who have not yet got their dog chipped.”

Cannock Chase Council can confirm that action has been taken to initiate legal proceedings to remove the travellers from Barnard Way Play Area and Heath Hayes Park.

Travellers were reported on Barnard Way on Monday 10 July and this morning Walsall County Court have issued the claim for possession. The hearing date for this is set for 10:00am on Thursday 20 July.   The court papers will be served on the travellers tomorrow morning.

Travellers were also reported on Heath Hayes Park on Tuesday 11 July, and are believed to be a separate group to those on Barnard Way. 

The Council already has a Possession Order for this site, however the Council do require the Courts permission to apply for an Eviction Warrant.

An application seeking the Courts permission has been submitted to Walsall County Court today (13 July).  The Council now have to wait for a District Judge to consider the application.  If permission is granted, the Council can immediately apply for a Warrant of Possession to instruct the Bailiffs to evict the travellers.

Legal Officers at Cannock Chase Council said “We would like to reassure residents that we are doing all that we can to remove these illegal encampments as swiftly as possible.  However, there is a strict legal process that we have to follow.”

Staffordshire Police said “Police officers from Cannock continue to monitor the encampments; we will maintain patrols and deal appropriately with any incidents arising from their presence.  We remain committed to supporting Cannock Chase Council in their efforts to remove the travellers. Updated information is shared daily between our two agencies ensuring we continue our joint response to this issue in our communities.”

The Chase It! programme has launched this week, packed full of activities for children and young people in Cannock Chase.

The Chase It! Summer 2017 brochure has a fantastic variety of days out and activities for 5-15 year olds in Cannock Chase throughout the summer holidays.

Delivered by Inspiring healthy lifestyles on behalf of Cannock Chase Council, children and young people can experience great days out, activity camps, sports sessions and arts activities.

Discounts of up to 50% are available for those members of Inspiring healthy lifestyles’ Lifestyle Scheme

The programme runs from Monday 24 July and finishes with a summer extravaganza on Friday 25 August at Chase Leisure Centre with music, inflatables and much more.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said: “The Chase It! programme has been running in the District since 2001 and is a great initiative to keep children busy during the summer holiday.  Activities are always popular so I would urge parents to book early.”

To request a brochure please contact the Chase It! bookings officer on 01543 501519 or email chaseit@wlct.org.  Alternatively you can download a copy from the website http://www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/WLCT/cannock/news/chase-it.htm

Are you thinking of starting your own business and don’t know where to begin?  Why not come along to the next two day business start-up course in Cannock Library.

A must for any would-be entrepreneurs in their early stages of planning their business!  This course is part of the NEW Cannock Chase Council’s Enterprise for Success Programme.

Course Dates (click for details)

• 14-15 September
• 26-27 October
• 6 - 7 December

The FREE two day course covers all aspects of setting up a business from getting the right mind set, to basic financial control techniques, market research and writing a business plan. 

The course is led by an experienced Blue Orchid Business Advisor and will cover a wide range of issues, from registering your business, to financial planning and business plan preparation.

Whether you have a bright idea or would like more specific support around a particular business issue, the Enterprise for Success Programme can provide individual and tailored support through the course and 1-2-1 advice sessions.

Councillor Gordon Alcott, Portfolio Leader for Economic Development and Planning said “If you are thinking of setting up a new business, this new support programme provides useful information and advice to local residents to help sustain long-term success in their new business.

Cannock Chase District is a thriving area for local enterprise and business start-ups.  We are committed to providing our residents with as much help and support in setting up a new business or becoming self-employed in 2017.”

For more information on the course or to arrange for your first step towards starting your own business, call Blue Orchid on 0121 516 0330 or speak to Cannock Chase Council’s Economic Development Team on 01543 464272.

Protek Recruitment – Case Study

Protek Recruitment is a specialist recruitment company providing professional technical staff for the construction industry and is the result of a lifelong dream of Fiona Harris, support from Blue Orchid helped turn her dream into a reality.

Fiona has spent a few years working in the industry for a number of companies.  But Fiona’s passion was always to own her own business and she achieved this earlier this year when Protek began trading in February.

Fiona received help from Blue Orchid, who put her in touch with local business advisor Jane Pallister.  Fiona had the experience and enthusiasm required, but was looking for the general knowledge she needed to run her own business.

Visit www.protek-Recruitment.com for more information about Protek Recruitment.

Fiona said “Having this FREE support has helped me to realise my dream.  The course was very instructive and informative, Blue Orchid made the process of setting up my business much easier and I already have clients on contract as a result. I look forward to the future and the success it will bring”.

_________________________________________________________________________________

The Enterprise for Success Programme is part-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund Programme.  The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for the European Regional Development Fund , which is one of the funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.  For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) are working in partnership with Cannock Chase Council and Staffordshire Police to launch a ‘Bite Back’ campaign to crack down on loan sharks in the District.

The week-long campaign runs from today (July 10) to Friday (July 14) and will warn residents about the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders. The purpose of the ‘Bite Back’ week will be to steer people away from using the illegitimate services of a loan shark and instead, signpost them to their local credit union as a safe alternative when borrowing money.  

Officers from the IMLT and Staffordshire Police will participate in a targeted leaflet drop on streets within the Springsfield estate on Wednesday (July 12) to speak to residents about any concerns or information they may have about illegal money lending in the area.

The leaflet drop will also be an opportunity for officers to spread the word about the help and support available to loan shark victims through the services of the IMLT. Hundreds of informational leaflets will be posted through residents letterboxes with the IMLT’s contact information on.

Pubs in Rugeley will also be getting involved in the week of action by distributing the IMLT’s information beer mats out to customers.

Partners will be active on social media throughout the week; publishing helpful information and photos to Cannock Chase residents, using the hashtag #SLSCannock.

Councillor Carl Bennett, Portfolio Leader for Crime and Partnerships at Cannock Chase Council, said: “We are pleased to support ‘Bite Back’ week to raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders.

Illegal money lending is a despicable crime and lenders often take advantage of the most vulnerable in our communities. The rate of interest that has to be paid causes extreme hardship to the borrowers and I’m advising people not to go down this road.

Residents who find themselves in difficult financial situations are encouraged not to use loan sharks, but to seek help and support through the right channels. Advice and support is available from Fusion Credit Union, visit www.fusioncreditunion.co.uk”

A loan shark is someone who lends money without the correct authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Loan sharks often target low-income and desperate families; preying on struggling individuals and exploiting them for personal financial gain.

An estimated 310,000 households nationally are borrowing from illegal money lenders, many of whom charge exorbitant rates of interest to trap people into a spiral of debt.

Tony Quigley, Head of Service for the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Illegal money lending is an appalling crime that is happening amongst many of our local communities. We are pleased to be working with Cannock Chase District Council and Staffordshire Police to launch a week of action to educate residents on the risks of getting involved with a loan shark. The help and support services of the IMLT will be made highly visible this week; with informational leaflets being posted through doors and beer mats appearing in local pubs within the district.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a loan shark, we urge you to get in touch with the IMLT on 0300 555 2222. A trained officer from the team will be on the other end of the phone to take your call 24/7. We will take information either anonymously or in confidence.

If you are struggling financially with debt, please contact your local Citizens Advice (Staffordshire South West) on 0344 411 1444 – they can help you get your finances back on track.”

Inspector Mark Ward, Deputy Commander of Cannock District Policing Team, said: “Illegal money lending can cause significant problems within our communities, and many of our most vulnerable in society are often targets for this activity. We will work alongside our partners to protect vulnerable victims, and target those who are exploiting them with a view to both enforcement and safeguarding."

Nationally, Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured more than 378 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 325 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have written off £71.9 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 26,500 people.