This page contains older news items. See the most recent news.
Residents Survey
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II 1926 -2022
Blithfield Parish Council offers its deepest sympathy to
His Majesty King Charles III and all the Royal Family at this very sad time.
There is a book of condolence in Uttoxeter Town Hall.
Police Report 01.09.2022
Blithfield Platinum Jubilee Celebration
Blithfield Parish Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
On the evening of Thursday 2 June 2022, around 160 members of the Parish, their friends and family gathered together, to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign. A fantastic achievement for the Queen who has served this country tirelessly over so many years and something to really celebrate! And we did …..
We celebrated in style at Admaston village hall, which was extended with a marquee in front. The village hall had been decorated with bunting and some tables had been imaginatively decorated for the evening by their occupants. We all felt in the spirit.
We enjoyed a delicious hogroast, during which we all chatted happily, in some cases meeting other members of the Parish for the first time, followed by Platinum Jubilee decorated cupcakes. Following the food, we were entertained, brilliantly, as ever by Lola Lamour. Many people singing along to the well known tunes, in particular, Why, why, why Deliah, proved to be a favourite.
The evening came to an end all too soon, the beacon needed to be lit at 9.45pm along with thousands of them nationally. We made our way up the path behind the village hall, to witness, Paul Riley (pictured) lighting the beacon. We could see one or two others in the distance, along with some wonderful fireworks from the Stowe direction.
On the evening of Thursday 2 June 2022, around 160 members of the Parish, their friends and family gathered together, to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign. A fantastic achievement for the Queen who has served this country tirelessly over so many years and something to really celebrate! And we did …..
We celebrated in style at Admaston village hall, which was extended with a marquee in front. The village hall had been decorated with bunting and some tables had been imaginatively decorated for the evening by their occupants. Everyone felt ready to celebrate!
We enjoyed a delicious hogroast, during which we chatted happily, in some cases meeting other members of the Parish for the first time, followed by Platinum Jubilee decorated cupcakes. Following the food, we were entertained, brilliantly, as ever by Lola Lamour. Many people singing along to the well known tunes, in particular, Why, why, why Deliah, proved to be a favourite.
The evening came to an end all too soon, the beacon needed to be lit at 9.45pm along with thousands of them nationally. We made our way up the path behind the village hall, to witness, Paul Riley (pictured) lighting the beacon. We could see one or two others in the distance, along with some wonderful fireworks from the Stowe direction.
WATCH YOU CHILD
All parents in the parish with children attending local schools. who are collected and brought home by taxi contractors, need to be vigilant. Two children were approached by a bogus taxi driver last week but he was disturbed and drove off when the real driver arrived. The incident has been reported to the police and local schools.
Blue Bag Collection
Waste Savvy Staffordshire
Waste Savvy Staffs waste reduction project PRESS RELEASE 2022
Changes to Recycling
Get Involved In ‘The Big Outdoor Staffordshire Art Project’
Draw your favourite outdoor spot in Staffordshire and have your artwork feature in the Big Staffordshire Day Art Expo as part of Staffordshire Day.
The drawings will be blown up and placed across Staffordshire on lampposts, bus stops and other places across the county to celebrate our great outdoors.
Add your name, age and school to the back of each drawing so we can include this underneath the drawing as part of the Expo.
Deadline: 31st March 2022
Send in your artwork: You can drop your artwork off at your local library and they will send it in for you, or you can send your item by post or email.
| Post | Communications Team, 4th Floor, Staffordshire Place 1, Stafford, Tipping Street, ST16 2DH |
| communications@staffordshire.gov.uk |
Poster below
Garden Waste – Service resumes from 3rd February 2022
Dear Residents
East Staffordshire Borough Council provided the following press release on Wednesday 2nd February 2022
Resumption of garden waste brown bin collections
East Staffordshire Borough Council is preparing to resume its garden waste collection service from Thursday 3rd February 2022. The service had to be temporarily suspended for a short period of time due to staff shortages, partly as a result of the pandemic, and to allow the Council to focus its resources on dry recycling and residual waste.
Councillor Ray Faulkner, Deputy Leader for Environment and Housing, said: “I am pleased to announce garden waste collections will recommence this week. The collection of garden waste is not a statutory service but unlike many councils, we continue to provide this service at no additional cost and recognise its importance to many of our residents. Therefore, households should present their brown bins on their usual collection day from Thursday 3rd February”.
Climate Action Fund from Staffordshire County Council
Dear Residents
Staffordshire County Council have provided the following information:
The Climate Action Fund is still open for applications but will be closing on the 25th February 2022.
- Climate change is one of Staffordshire County Council’s top priorities and we are committed to reaching net-zero by 2050 after declaring a climate change emergency in 2019.
- This is the second round of the Climate Action Fund. The funding is for non-for-profit organisations to make sustainable changes.
About the fund
Every county councillor has £1,500 to award to projects in their area
Councillors can give up to £500 per project, but organisations can approach more than one councillor to receive up to £2,500.
The grant can be used to fund new projects that can:
- Reduce carbon impact
- Improve air quality
- Reduce waste
- Improve natural environment
Organisations who are eligible include charities, societies, voluntary and community groups, parish councils and schools.
Before submitting an application online, organisations should first speak with their county councillor.
Funding is given on a first come, first served basis.
The closing date is 25th February 2022.
More info on the fund and what type of projects non-for-profit organisations can apply for can be found by visiting
https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/environment/Climate-change/Climate-Action-Fund.aspx
Garden Waste – suspension of service from 13th January 2022. Announcement from ESBC
Dear Residents
Garden Waste Collected Suspended
East Staffordshire Borough Council(ESBC) has taken the decision to suspend its garden waste collection service following a significant reduction in the availability of refuse workers predominately as a result of coronavirus.
Protecting the health and wellbeing of both the community and staff is its biggest priority and whilst the Council makes every effort to minimise disruption, the number of refuse workers unavailable is impacting the service in the short term.
As a result, the Council has taken a decision to suspend all brown bin (garden waste) collections from Thursday 13th January 2022. This will allow the refuse team to focus efforts and resources on blue bin (dry recycling) and grey bin (residual waste) collections.
The Council cannot rule out further reductions in the level of service, but at this stage, there is no impact on the frequency of collections or any change to the date of collections. Residents should continue to present their blue and grey bins on alternate weeks on their usual collection day.
The County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres remain open and will accept garden waste or please see more about home composting.
Cllr R Faulkner
Ward Member for Winshill
ESBC Cabinet Member for Environment and Housing
For further updates, please visit ESBC website – http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/bins-rubbish-recycling
EnviroGrant 2022 – how to apply
Dear Residents
The Parish Council has been provided with the following:
Applications for EnviroGrant 2022 will be opening soon
From Monday 10th January not-for-profit organisations, including charities, societies, voluntary and community groups and schools are being welcomed to apply for funding up to £750 for projects that help make Staffordshire sustainable.
The Staffordshire EnviroGrant programme is being coordinated by Staffordshire County Council and environmental company Veolia. Grants could be awarded to projects that help improve waste and recycling, improve the natural environment, or raise awareness of environmental issues. These could include community food gardens, community larders and fridges that help reduce food waste. Schemes that help reduce carbon emissions or promote and improve recycling and re-use such as repair cafes may also be considered for funding.
For more information and how to apply visit: https://bit.ly/3zyLwh5
Cold Weather Plan – details
Dear Residents
The Parish Council has been provided the following information:
The UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.
Announcement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cold-weather-alert-issued-by-ukhsa
Cold weather plan:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cold-weather-plan-for-england
Covid – updates on latest information – 10th January 2022
Dear Residents
The Parish Council has been provided with the following information:
Coronavirus: where to find the latest information and guidance
- Guidance for councils and LRFs during the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-local-government
- Latest information on coronavirus: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
- Coronavirus communication materials:
https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/ - FAQ from the Cabinet Office: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
- How to Stay Safe:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know - Coronavirus cases: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/
- Previous Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Coronavirus Bulletins:https://bit.ly/3iC2Pnz
Remote Meetings – ADSO (the Association of Democratic Services Officers) and LLG (Lawyers in Local Government) launched a petition
Dear Residents
The Parish Council has been provided with the following information:
ADSO (the Association of Democratic Services Officers) and LLG (Lawyers in Local Government) launched a petition via Change.org to “call on the government to create Parliamentary time to agree a change in the law to allow councils in England to meet remotely if they wish”.
A full copy of the petition can be accessed at https://t.co/GuNvhl42Ve
Police and Crime Plan and Fire and Rescue Plan – details of 3yr plan
Dear Residents
We have been provided with the following information:
Staffordshire Commissioner, Ben Adams has launched his new policing and fire plans, which provide the strategic direction for how both services should be delivered over the next three years.
The Police & Crime Plan, and Fire & Rescue Plan, have been developed following widespread consultation with members of the public, partners and stakeholders.
The Police & Crime Plan consultation focused on five key priority areas:
– A local and responsive service – 93% of respondents rated this as ‘very important’
– Prevent harm and protect people – 92% rated this as ‘very important’
– Support victims and witnesses – 75% rated this as ‘very important’
– Reduce offending and reoffending – 81% rated this as ‘very important’
– A more effective criminal justice system – 86% rated this as ‘very important
The Fire & Rescue Plan consultation focused on four key priority areas:
– A flexible and responsive service – 84% of respondents rated this as ‘very important’
– Protect people and places – 90% rated this as ‘very important’
– Help people most at risk stay safe – 84% rated this as ‘very important’
– A fire and rescue service for tomorrow – 64% rated this as ‘very important’
Find out more about the plans for the next 3 years: https://staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk/
Staffordshire Police Newsletter – January 2022
The Figures stated below incorporate the Policing Area known as “Bagots Ward”. This incorporates the villages of Abbots Bromley, Blithfield, The Blythe, Kingstone and Newton.
All figures, unless stated otherwise, incorporate a twelve month period which in this instance captures data from 22/12/2020 to 22/12/2021.
Crime
Overall
10% increase this year compared to last year – 50 incidents last year to 55 incidents this year, an increase of 5 crimes.
Biggest Reductions – Top Three
Arson – 1 incident last year to 0 incidents this year
Other Offences – 1 incident last year to 0 incidents this year
Public Order – 2 incidents last year to 0 incidents this year
Biggest Increase
There has been an increase of reports of Drug Offences. This has risen from 2 incident last year to 8 incidents this year
Pattern or Trend
Blithfield Reservoir is still considered a Hot Spot location however there has been a general decline in incidents reported to Police in this area. Regular stop checks are carried out on vehicles frequenting the Reservoir at odd hours, leading to an increase in persons caught for various vehicular offences. There is limited CCTV coverage in the village although this has not caused a problem as of yet, although it does limit evidence when crimes are committed.
Focused Crime Prevention advice
How to keep your vehicle safe and sound
Having your car broken into and losing your things to thieves can be very distressing. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your vehicle, and what’s in it, safe.
Always lock it
Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured. So get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment.
Close windows and the sun roof to prevent ‘fishing’
Leaving windows and the sunroof open invites fishing for items through the gap by hand or with, say, a bent coat hanger, which could also be used to unlock a door for them to get in. Thieves can be ingenious. Don’t give them the opportunity.
Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws
The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number.
Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels
Stolen wheels are valuable, either as parts or for their scrap value. Using locking wheel nuts reduces the risk of your vehicle’s wheels being stolen.
Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle
Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it.
Take it with you or hide it
Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen. And it should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.
Hide electrical items and leave no clues
Leaving Sat Nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or cables on view gives it away that you have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can’t see the Sat Nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight.
Tool theft from vans
Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it’s a good idea to mark them clearly with your name / company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.
Consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools – a number of security rated products are available. Small cameras are also designed to record inside vehicles.
You can also take photographs of items of value, make a note of the serial numbers and consider registering them online at a property register site like Immobilise External Link.
Park in well-lit and busier areas
It can take less than 30 seconds to break into a vehicle. Parking in well-lit areas and busy streets increases the chances of a thief being seen, so they’ll probably steer clear.
Take your documents with you
Having a vehicle’s registration and insurance documents could let a thief pretend to be the owner. Which means they could sell it on quite easily. So, never leave any documents in the vehicle.
Choose your car park wisely
If possible, always try to park in well-lit and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award.
ASB (Anti Social Behaviour)
Overall
Reports of Anti-Social Behaviour have decreased over the year from 38 incidents last year to 23 incidents this year, a decrease of 39%.
Biggest Reduction
There has been a reduction in reports of Drugs Related ASB – 2 incidents last year to 0 incidents this year
Biggest Increase
There has been an increase in reports of Neighbour Disputes – 9 incidents last year to 10 incidents this year
HOT Spot Locations
Blithfield Reservoir Causeway and the adjoining car parks are considered to be ASB Hot Spot locations and are regularly patrolled. Police are also working closely with Community Speed Watch in an effort to combat the reported speeding vehicles through the villages.
Community engagement
Contact details of the Ward Team are:-
- PCSO Tim Leathers – leathers@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
- PC John MacDonald – macdonald@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
- Sgt Helen Kirkland – kirkland@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
Smart Alert
Be SMART and Keep Updated – Get FREE, Localised Crime Alerts and Community Safety advice by utilising the Staffordshire Smart Alert App. This is available FREE and is available for both Apple and Android devices. You can also get Email alerts through the following website; www.staffordshiresmartalert.uk/staffs//
Digital 101
Digital 101 means that Members of the public can now report non-emergency incidents or make general enquires to Staffordshire Police through the force’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Staffordshire Police is one of the first forces to facilitate crime reporting through social media and this development supports the force’s ongoing work to develop new and more convenient ways for the public to make contact with the police, anywhere, any time. It’s also the latest development in the force’s transformational programme, following the launch of its new operating model last summer.
Staffordshire Police is committed to providing the best possible service to the communities it serves and to delivering a modern police service reflective of modern-day needs.
The service launched on 4th March 2019 and is available to the public 7am – midnight, seven days a week. Members of the public can contact the force through its Facebook Account using the message facility or Facebook Messenger, Twitter users can Direct Message us via the Staffordshire Police Twitter Account @StaffsPolice
Covid – update – 20.12.2021
Dear Residents
Please see below the website links for updates from National Government on Covid
Nationally:
· Updated Government Guidance on Covid-19 is available at: Guidance -Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread. Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. [Updated: 14 December 2021]
New and Updated Covid-19 Measures and Guidance:
· DHSC – Visiting arrangements in care homes – GOV.UK Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents. [Updated: 14 December 2021]
· DHSC & UKHSA – COVID-19: arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event – GOV.UK Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. [Updated: 16 December 2021]
· DHLUC – Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations – GOV.UK Guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, and venues hosting these events. [Updated: 16 December 2021]
· DHLUC – Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings – GOV.UK Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains. [Updated: 13 December 2021]
· DHLUC – Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home. [Updated: 13 December 2021]
Waste and Recycling Collections over the Holidays
Dear Residents
ESBC have advised of the following:
ESBC Waste and Recycling Christmas Collection Arrangements
East Staffordshire Borough Council has confirmed there are no changes to the refuse and recycling collection service over the Christmas and New Year period this year.
As there no changes, waste crews will not collect additional waste with the grey bins. Flattened cardboard presented at the slide of the blue bin and acceptable recycling in an open, clear or white bag, will be collected. Recycling material presented in black bags will not be collected.
Brown bin garden waste collections will continue through the Christmas and New Year period.
Excess waste or recycling can be taken to one of the household waste and recycling sites located throughout the Borough. Please visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk to find your local household waste site details.
If you need clarification on when your recycling and waste is to be collected please download a copy of your collection calendar from www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/bins-rubbish-recycling/collection-dates.
After the Christmas period residents in East Staffordshire can recycle Christmas cards (without glitter or ribbons) in their blue wheeled bins.
Residents can also recycle their real Christmas trees through the brown bin scheme. Place your real Christmas tree inside your brown bin ensuring that the lid is fully closed or place it at the side of the bin and it will be collected on your collection day.
Residents are asked to use their grey bin to dispose of wrapping paper. The materials used to make wrapping paper mean it may not be being accepted for recycling. This is due to wrapping paper containing dye, being laminated, containing glitter or having sticky tape attached to it which cannot be recycled.