Time to clean some space on your fridge, as the revamped waste and recycling calendars for 2017/18 are on their way to residents in Cannock Chase.

The new calendars will be distributed to 42,500 households in the District over the next few weeks and include important Christmas collection changes.

The calendars which form part of an information booklet have been revamped to make it easier for residents to see which item goes in which bin, using the icons that were used in the successful contamination campaign.   

Cannock Chase Council consulted on the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to the control of dogs, during July and August this year. A significant response was received from the public and other interested parties and as a result the draft Order has been amended.

The Council, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 still proposes to renew the existing Dog Control Orders in respect of dog fouling and dogs off leads.

Consultation starts on Monday (6 November) for 6 weeks on draft documents which include proposals to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of Sheep Fair/Bow Street, Rugeley Conservation Area.

The Area is recognised as being of special architectural and historical interest and was designated as a Conservation Area in 2004.

Local residents, businesses and community groups are being asked their views on Cannock Chase Council’s priorities for the future, as part of the Council’s ambitious new plan for the next three years and beyond.

The public engagement, which started on 27 October, runs until 1 December and aims to gauge opinions and seek views on how the Council works with partners in public, private and community sectors to promote prosperity and community wellbeing.

As part of Cannock Chase Council’s Annual Canvass, in August this year every household in the Cannock Chase District was sent a form asking residents to check that the information held for those living at that address was correct.

Households that failed to respond have been sent reminders and will be visited in person by canvassers if they don’t respond soon.

The aim of the canvass is to ensure that the electoral register is up to date and to encourage those who are not currently registered to do so.

Are you a local person who recognises the valuable work that Councillors do?

If so, you could be the person we are seeking…

We are looking to appoint independent persons to serve on the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel. The Panel will consider and make recommendations relating to the allowances to be paid to elected Councillors, together with recommendations about the responsibilities and duties for which allowances should be payable.

Cannock Chase Council is working closely with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and local outreach workers to help young people stay safe and keep out of trouble this Halloween and Bonfire night.

Halloween can be harmless fun but some members of the community can become distressed by unexpected trick or treaters. Part of a wider ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative, young people are being encouraged to ‘Think – Be Aware Who You Scare’ and to follow some simple do’s and don'ts this Halloween. These can be found on Cannock Chase Council’s website.

Cannock Chase Council is reminding owners that an empty property loan is available for properties in the Cannock Chase District, this empty homes week (16-22 October).

The Council have developed an interest free loans scheme to assist owners whose properties have been empty for 2 years or more. Owners may be able to loan up to £10,000 to renovate their property to the Decent Homes Standard.

Residential properties that stand empty within Cannock Chase could be providing homes for the many people who need one.

Cannock Chase Council has helped to secure over £13million of investment in the District during 2016/17, a record amount that shows significant progress in the local economy.

The figures have been highlighted in the Council’s Annual Report 2016/17, alongside key information about achievements and service delivery during the year. 

Work by the Environment Agency is nearing completion on rebuilding the former collapsed footbridge.

This work is complementary to the Rugeley Flood Alleviation Scheme which is currently under construction at Hagley Park and due for completion in December 2017.

Cannock Chase Council has provided funding of circa £100,000 to enable the bridge to be re-built, and with the help of the Environment Agency and their contractors the bridge has been reinstated.