The Savewells

This colourful and fun campaign aims to encourage residents of all ages to make small changes to their lives that result in big savings to their pockets.

In these economically troubled times we all know that every penny counts, so why not apply some of these simple ideas to your everyday life and sit back and reap the financial benefits.

Like most of us the Savewell family don’t always get it right first time when it comes to helping the environment and saving money but they are giving it a try. Why don’t you?

By meeting the Savewells you will find out about the most basic things you can do to save some money and give the environment a little helping hand in the process.

If you have a top money saving tip that none of the Savewells have mentioned on their profile pages then share it with us at savewell@sandwell.gov.uk and we will send you a free eco bag and an energy saving lightbulb to get you started. (While our stocks last) Don’t forget to leave your name and address.

All new tips will be put on the website and shared with other people from Sandwell.

Click on a character to discover how they are saving money with minimal effort. helping the environment and saving money but they are giving it a try.

Steve

Steve is a hard working but sometimes clumsy dad. He has been working full time at a local DIY store for 9 years, but is hoping for a promotion to assistant manager in the next few months. He is always enthusiastic about doing home improvements around the family home and loves his wife cooking (perhaps a bit too much!).

Sandra

Sandra is a super mum and wife (like most women in Sandwell). She has had to get time off her part time job as a school dinner lady since the arrival of baby Sophie. She hopes to return to work when Sophie is a little older. She keeps the Savewells as organised as possible and loves baking cakes for the family and her neighbours.

Grandpa Stan

Grandpa Stan moved into the family home 2 years ago when Grandma Sarah sadly passed way. Sandra wanted to keep an eye on him. He loves spending time with his grandchildren and having the occasional flutter on the Irish lottery.

Sam

Sam is a mischievous boy who loves his gadgets. TV, ipod, playstation, you name it he has it. He enjoys talking to his friend over the internet and his access to his room is strictly prohibited. He attends school not far from the family home.

Susie

Susie is probably the most environmentally conscious member of the Savewell family as she is doing a lot at school around reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Her school also takes part in the Big Spring Clean campaign every year to help make Sandwell sparkle by picking up litter.

Baby Sophie

Baby Sophie, born only 11 months ago is the newest addition to the Savewell family. Doted upon by Grandpa Stan and the rest of the family she loves the fuss and attention.

Scraps the Dog

Scraps the dog, the family pet, loves going on walks and accompanying Grandpa Stan to the local newsagents. Sam has taught him lots of tricks that impress his friends when they come round for tea sometimes after school.

Puffins Coming to Causeway Green

 

New Puffin Pedestrian Crossings are planned for the Junctions of Pound Road and the Wolverhampton Road 9A4123) and at the Causeway green Road Junction.

The crossing will use censors to detect the presence of pedestrians waiting at the crossing to try to ensure that the signal for vehicles remains on red until pedestrians have crossed safely.

Signals at each junction are to updated.

The section of the Wolverhampton Road between Regent Road and Hagley Road is proposed as a  Red Route .

Details on

www.A4123improvement.co.uk

or ring the Information Line on 0121 262  1930.

 

New Leader's Clean-Up Call

Sandwell Council's new leader has signalled a drive to meet residents' demands for a "clean and tidy" borough.

Cllr Darren Cooper was elected at a full meeting of the authority on Tuesday last.

And he told members the council's vision for a better Sandwell was first and foremost about the people of the borough -- great people who deserved the best.

He added, "I am determined to respond to what residents demand -- a clean and tidy environment in which to live, work and play.

"From April next year over-65s will no longer be charged for bulky waste collections from their homes.

"I am also demanding the removal of graffiti within 24 hours of it being reported.

"I am also announcing that from April next year removal of wasp nests, along with other existing pest control services, will also become free to local residents in Sandwell."

Cllr Cooper, who represents Soho & Victoria ward in Smethwick, also underlined the council's pledge to build new swimming pools in West Bromwich and Tipton.

He said the council had already fought hard to bring extra investment into Sandwell to improve schools, green spaces, housing for the older people and a range of other services.

He pledged continuing investment in, and protection for, the frontline services that were important to residents.

He had therefore ordered a root and branch review of the council's senior management structure to test its value for money and invest any savings into frontline services.

Cllr Cooper promised that council tax increases in future would be kept at inflation or below.

And he said, "I want this to be a 'can do' council, a council that is responsive to the needs of local people, a council that residents, councillors and officers can be proud of.

"I am determined to do my best for local people."

 

Oldbury and Rowley Regis off licenses face D-Day over booze sales to children

THREE off licences in Rowley Regis and Oldbury are facing D-Day next week as Sandwell Council review their permits in public.

Trading Standards officers have requested the licenses be reviewed on the grounds of protecting children from harm.

Hollybush Convenience Store Hagley Road West, Oldbury and Harry's News and Booze, Wendover Road, Rowley Regis will be fighting for their licenses on Monday at the Council House, Freeth Street, at 10am.

And the owners of B & G Liquor Store, Warley Court, Pound Road, Oldbury, will discover their fate on Tuesday at 10am.

All the hearings are opening to the public and Councillor Mohammed Rouf, chair of Sandwell Council's licensing panel, is urging people to turn up.

He said: "These are public meetings that members of the public can attend as observers."

Council staff send hundreds of xmas presents to needy kids

MORE than 500 toys and gifts will be given to under-privileged children in Sandwell this Christmas - thanks to the generosity of council staff.

Staff at the council's corporate property division collected presents from workers across the whole of the authority and the council’s Children in Need Service will distribute them.

The scheme started eight years ago with staff from corporate property buying a toy in lieu of sending each other Christmas cards.

For the last three years, the appeal has gone out to the council's staff and always brings a hugely generous response.

Assistant surveyor Kerry Jones, one of the organisers of the collection, said she had been delighted with the number and quality of presents collected.

Kerry said: "We are really grateful to the people who brought in presents, got involved in our raffle to raise money to buy more gifts and to people who made cash donations."

The Mayor Councillor Geoff Lewis said: "I was amazed to see the number and the range of toys collected by the staff.

"I'm sure the children who receive these presents will have a much better Christmas thanks to the efforts of our staff."

Library Fines Amnesty

Library users in Sandwell are to get an early Christmas and New Year present - a fines amnesty.

Anyone who has an overdue book, CD or DVD will not have to pay when they return them.

The amnesty will last until January 11 and it does not matter how long the item has been outstanding.

Cabinet member for culture and leisure Cllr Linda Horton said the amnesty was because the borough's libraries are moving on to a new management system.

She said: "While we make improvements to our catalogue, book/DVD issuing system and online services, we will be holding a fines amnesty on all overdue items. Don't be afraid, bring them back is the message.

"There will not  be any fines charged for any overdue overdue books, CD’s or DVD’s brought back to one of our Libraries until January 11, next year - no matter how late they are." 

Campaign calls for people to do a good deed

SANDWELL Council Leader Cllr Darren Cooper and blind marathon runner Dave Heeley are backing a campaign to ensure respect is a cornerstone of adult care services in Sandwell.

The duo joined councillors and care workers at the launch of the Dignity In Care campaign at The Hawthorns.

Sandwell Council is working with the NHS, West Midlands Care Association and other organisations to encourage people to make a pledge to do one thing to help vulnerable adults.

Dave, who ran seven marathons in seven days in seven continents, spoke about the importance of bringing up children to have respect for others.

Cllr Cooper promised fellow councillors would spread the campaign message in their constituencies.

He said: “Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to live lives free from abuse.

"We want everyone to take up the challenge, get involved and do something to improve the lives of vulnerable adults.

"We are asking people to meet the Dignity Challenge and sign up to be Dignity Champions.”

A free information pack on the campaign is available by calling 0800 011 4656. Dignity Champions will be offered training, and can attend support meetings to share ideas with others.

Schools across Sandwell to get £120m investment

GENERATIONS of pupils will benefit after Sandwell Council’s £120m proposals to rebuild or refurbish a further eight secondary schools in the area received approval.

Partnerships for Schools, the organisation responsible for delivering the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, has given the green light to the project.

The news means every secondary school in Sandwell is now included in BSF - the first phase was announced last year, and work has already begun at sites in Rowley Regis and Smethwick.

The total investment in Sandwell's secondary schools stands at £370m.

Detailed plans will now be drawn up for each school in the latest wave of funding, in partnership with parents and local communities.

The proposed schemes range from revamps to total rebuilds and are due to be completed by 2014.

Cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Ian Jones said: "BSF is the biggest single investment in England’s secondary schools in 50 years.

"Communities as well as schools will see a big difference in the future through education that will provide state-of-the-art 21st century sporting and IT facilities together with venues for the whole community to access across all of ou towns and neighbourhoods."

The latest schools to benefit include Bristnall Hall Technology College in Oldbury, Perryfields High School in Oldbury and Heathfield High School in Warley.

Melanie Dudley, Sandwell Council's director of transformation and BSF sponsor, said: "This latest announcement of BSF investment - called Wave 5 - is marvellous news for the young people of Sandwell.

"BSF will provide modern teaching and learning facilities, and will extend access to learning, raise aspirations and improve educational achievement in all our communities."

The 12 Safety Tips Of Christmas

The Safer Sandwell Partnership is wishing everyone a happy Christmas and New Year - with a 12-point checklist to help people make it a safe one.

The Partnership brings together Sandwell Council, West Midlands Police and 18 other organisations to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Simon Hackett, the council's cabinet member for safer communities, said: "This is a time for families and friends but people need to be aware that they and their property can be vulnerable.

"We want everyone to have a happy Christmas and New Year and hope this advice checklist will help Sandwell people stay safe and healthy over the festive period and throughout the year."

The 12-point checklist advises:

1. Watch out for dodgy goods
Beware of purchasing counterfeit or faulty goods as Christmas presents. Know your rights and access consumer advice at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or 08454 040506.

2. Mini-motos don't make good presents
Avoid buying mini-moto bikes as presents as these can only be ridden legally on private land with the landowner's permission. People using bikes illegally face a driving ban, fine or criminal conviction and having their bike seized and crushed.

3. Drink sensibly
Remember sensible daily limits for drinking alcohol are 3-4 units for men, 2-3 units for women. Have a few alcohol-free days each week. Know what a unit is and check your unit consumption by visiting www.nhs.uk/units

4. Don't drink and drive
There is no failsafe guide as to how much you can drink and stay under the legal limit for driving. The only safe option is not to drink any alcohol if you plan to drive. Also watch for hidden alcohol in food.

5. Keep Christmas gifts out of sight
Avoid putting presents under the tree long before Christmas. Use an ultra violet marker pen and write your house number and postcode on all valuables and equipment.

6. Home safety
Ensure ALL doors and windows are closed and securely fastened when you leave your home, even if for a few minutes. Use timers on lights, radios and TVs. Draw blinds and curtains to maintain a normal, everyday appearance. Consider installing a burglar alarm.

7. Don't advertise new stuff
Don't leave empty boxes and packaging from gifts outside your home, it's an easy clue to items inside. Break up/flatten boxes, take any cardboard to the Household Waste & Recycling Centre in Shidas Lane, Oldbury. Or, if you have one, put out cardboard in your blue lid recycling bin.

8. Doorstep safety
Don't let anyone into your home until you're satisfied they are genuine. Look through the window first to see who's calling, use a chain when answering the door. If in doubt, check the caller's identification by phoning their company's landline.

9. Keep your car secure
Don't leave valuables or equipment, including 'sat navs', on display in your vehicle, or in the glove box. Permanently security mark equipment using your registration number and house number and etch all glass surfaces.
If you own a car and have a garage, use it – you are 80% less likely to suffer vehicle crime if you do. Never leave keys in the ignition or leave doors/windows open. Beware of leaving the car running unattended while defrosting windows.

10. Keep personal items close to your chest!
Keep new personal items (e.g. jewellery, MP3 players, mobile phones, 'sat navs') tucked away inside pockets and closed bags whenever possible. Only use your mobile or MP3 player where it safe to do so.

11. Check your smoke alarm
When you put up your decorations, check your smoke alarm. Make sure your Christmas tree lights are switched off at night and when you go out. Make a New Year's resolution to ask your local fire station to carry out a free fire safety check by calling 0800 389 5525.

12. Don't fall victim to loan sharks
They can charge more than 1,000% interest and often resort to violence and intimidation to get their money back. Report loan sharks to 0300 555 2222, a '24/7' confidential hotline. A safe alternative to loans is Sandwell's Six Towns Credit Union. Call 0121 553 3110 or visit www.sixtowns.co.uk

 

Olympic Themed Sports Zone Opened By Star Athlete

Triple jump world champion Phillips Idowu had a spring in his step at the opening of an Olympic-themed open air sports zone in a Sandwell park.

The European Athlete of the Year joined excited primary pupils and other guests at the launch of a £150,000 adiZone in Victoria Park, Smethwick.

After posing for pictures and signing autographs, he showed off his talents by shooting some basketball hoops and trying out other gym equipment.

Built in the shape of the 2012 Olympics logo, the adiZone is the first in the West Midlands and part of adidas' sponsorship of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sporting his trademark dyed red hair, Phillips said: “This is a tremendous facility and I hope everyone takes advantage of it by coming down to the park and trying it out.

“When I was growing up I would have loved to have something free like this nearby.”

Sandwell Mayor Cllr Geoff Lewis and council leader Cllr Darren Cooper joined Phillips to cut a ribbon at the ceremony.

Local primary pupil Ricky Gharu, 11, said: “It’s really exciting to have all the things here because you can play.

Maria Rafi, 10, said: “It’s great because it will give everyone something to do and keep fit.”

The adiZone has a large gym, basketball and football area, climbing wall, tennis wall and a freestyle area for aerobics, dance and martial arts.

Coaches and sports club organisers will be invited to use the gym to spot talent and encourage young people to join local clubs and sporting organisations.

Oldbury Company clinches Sandwell Council schools contract

AN OLDBURY company is top of the class after winning a massive contract to help rebuild new schools in Sandwell.

The Building Schools for the Future contract will safeguard three jobs and create two more at LM Products which supplies reinforcement and related concrete and construction accessories and fabrications.

LM Products director Linda Lloyd said: “We’re really excited to be working with Interserve on BSF, a tremendous project which will benefits for generations of pupils.

“We try to purchase other services from local companies and our list of Sandwell suppliers includes Valbruna in West Bromwich for steel, Cell-Tex in Tipton for foam and J. Lister in Smethwick for tools.”

Interserve and its supply chain used council website www.finditinsandwell.co.uk to tender the contract and has pledged to support the local supply chain wherever possible to ensure local businesses benefit from BSF.

Interserve’s Andy Pearson said: “We are keen local people and businesses benefit during the programme. We have our own page on www.finditinsandwell.co.uk giving details of upcoming contracts and how to bid for them.

“We will also be looking to help create apprenticeships and training placements for local people throughout the BSF scheme.”

Work is already under way to create two brand new campuses at Smethwick and Rowley Regis as part of the BSF programme.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for employment, skills and partnerships Councillor Ann Shackleton said: “Building Schools for the Future is really starting to take off, with the first two schools under construction, and some big contracts coming on stream.

“I am pleased LM Products won the contract because we are keen local people and businesses benefit from BSF from the start.”

Help at Hand from Local Pharmacies over Festive Season

If you or a family member are feeling unwell on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day, help is at hand from local pharmacies that will be open for business as usual.

Richard Thompson, Senior Pharmacist at Sandwell Primary Care Trust said: “We use a rota system to ensure that local people have access to pharmacy services in Sandwell.

 

“That’s no different this year, but I would urge people to make sure they have their medicine cabinets up to date with essentials such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, antibacterial wipes and any first aid kits.

 

“NHS Direct are also able to help and can be called 24 hours a day on 0845 46 47. The walk-in centre in Parsonage Street, West Bromwich is also open 8am – 8pm, 365 days a year.”

 

Christmas Day – 25^th December 2009 (12noon – 3pm unless stated otherwise)

 

·        Boots the Chemist, Oakeswell Health Centre, Wednesbury

·        Duggals, Unit 8, Mostyn Buildings, Lower Church Lane, Tipton

·        Hill Top Pharmacy, 1 Pottery Road, Oldbury

·        Lloyds Pharmacy Hagley Road Quinton (10am – 12noon)

 

 

Boxing Day – 26^th December 2009 (12noon – 3pm)

 

·        Medi-Pharma, 279 Walsall Rd., West Bromwich

·        Peaches Pharmacy, 185 Halesowen Rd., Cradley Heath

·        Malchem, 60 High St., Smethwick

 

 

New Year’s Day - 1^st January 2010 (12noon – 3pm)

 

·        Superdrug, Unit 36, Kings Square, West Bromwich

·        Murrays, 221 St. Marks Rd., Tipton

·        Michaels Chemist, 262 High St., Smethwick

 

Please also check the opening times of your local pharmacy over the festive season.

More than 500 people are now following Sandwell Council on Twitter.

Residents and businesses across the borough are receiving news about Sandwell Council via the social networking site.

Twitter allows users to post and receive messages of no more than 140 characters known as “tweets”, via laptops, computers, mobile phones and other handheld communication devices.

Sandwell Council is using the site to update residents on what is happening in the borough and what the council is doing. Residents are also being encouraged to offer their views on what they would like to see tweeted.

Sandwell Council’s leader, Cllr Darren Cooper, said “Twitter is proving to be very successful with residents and the council already has a following of over 500 people so far.

“By using social networking sites, we aim to keep the public informed about things to do in Sandwell, work the council is doing and other Sandwell news.

“We could also encourage residents to contact us with what they would like to see tweeted in the future.”

Sandwell Council’s Twitter page address is www.twitter.com/sandwellcouncil.

 

Sandwell Council Helps Dream Become Reality

A Blackheath hair and beauty centre has "snipped" its way to a successful launch - with the aid of of a start-up grant from Sandwell Council.

Dream Hair and Beauty, which is based in Blackheath, was opened with the help and support of Sandwell business start up grant.

It opened in August 2008 using start up capital totalling £1,000 which was essential for Dream Hair and Beauty to meet initial start up costs.

And Sandwell Council also contributed £500 towards the hire of the first employee - a total grant of £1,500.

Company spokeswoman Shelley Martin said: "Since opening not only have we benefited from grants but also Professional Marketing Support, business rates reduction and free exhibition space to showcase our services.

"The support that Sandwell Council has given has enabled me to re-invest time and money to other areas of my business."

Cllr Ann Shackleton, cabinet member for employment, skills and partnerhsip, said: "It is satisfying to know that money provided by our start-up grant schemes is helping small local businesses to get on their feet.

"Anyone looking for money for starting up a new business in Sandwell should contact Sandwell Business Engagement Team on 0121 569 3265 to learn more about the Business Start up Grants as well as other products and services the council can offer local businesses."

Families get cash for headstone work

Thousands of pounds have been given to 160 families in Sandwell after they were told to repair headstones on their loved ones’ graves.

Sandwell Council has paid out £8,000 to families who had to secure and repair damaged headstones at cemeteries across the borough. The £50 “goodwill payments” were offered to reimburse dozens of families who had already paid for repairs after the council ordered the clean-up of hundreds of dangerous memorials which were thought to be unsafe.

The Express & Star revealed earlier this year that some people in Sandwell had to take out loans to make headstones at borough graveyards safe before the council announced it would be paying £40,000 to fix thousands of memorials for free.

It was then decided that people who had already paid would be reimbursed £50.

Sandwell’s neighbourhood’s chief Councillor Mahboob Hussain said that the gesture would be for people who had “heeded warnings over unsafe memorials”.

In one case a 40-year-old woman ,who wished not to be named, said that her mother had been forced to borrow £270 to repair a grave belonging to a relative in Uplands Cemetery in Smethwick.

She said: “We have struggled to pay for the work to be done and we were put under a lot of pressure to get it done on time.”

A report to Sandwell’s neighbourhoods and community scrutiny panel, which will meet on Wednesday, December 9, reveals that 160 families came forward to claim the grant.

Councillor Mahboob Hussain, said: “All authorities had to carry out this work and we were the only local authority that decided to take responsibility and there were some people that paid had already paid for the work themselves.

Four Out Of Five Sandwell Homes Are Now Top Standard

Four out of five Sandwell Council houses now meet the Government's Decent Homes Standard, housing bosses announced today.

Latest figures show 23,290 Sandwell Homes properties - over 80 per cent - now enjoy modern, comfortable facilities with up-to-date bathrooms, kitchens, heating, windows and roofs.

Sandwell Homes is managing one of the largest Decent Homes programmes in the country, and will have spent £425m by 2012.

Sandwell Council’s deputy leader and housing strategy chief Cllr Mahboob Hussain said:

"Thousands of homes now have decent kitchens, bathrooms, heating, roofs, wiring and windows, really improving people’s lives.

"People have told me what a difference it makes to have this work done, they even get to choose the type of kitchen they want.

"Sandwell is also in the top 25 per cent of all metropolitan councils for collecting rent, customer satisfaction and re-letting properties quickly.

"Meeting this 80 per cent milestone is a tribute to the work of Sandwell Homes.”

Chief executive of Sandwell Homes Brian Oakley added: “We are delighted to break through the 80 per cent barrier with our Decent Homes programme.

"This level of work is making and will continue to make a fantastic difference to the quality of life for our tenants

 

Sandwell shoppers  getting their festive presents will have more money in their pockets if they shop in the town during the run-up to Christmas. Parking at the borough’s 23 Pay and Display car parks will be completely free for the next three weekends.

Saturday parking charges will be scrapped and Sundays will continue to be free on December 5 and 6, December 12 and 13 and December 19 and 20.

Free parking applies to off-street Pay and Display car parks on these four weekends only. Pay and Display charges for parking on the road on Saturdays will still apply.

We hope the shoppers and the traders in all of the towns enjoy the benefits of free weekend parking in our car parks. We don’t charge for Sundays though some other councils do. Staff have put up signs telling people about it and I hope people take advantage of this. This is the first time we have started free weekend parking in November.

Free weekend parking applies in 18 West Bromwich car parks, two Blackheath car parks, two Oldbury car parks and one in Bearwood. All other car parks across the borough currently do not charge for parking.Although the free parking does not include on-street Pay and Display parking.

Residents will be able to switch from Star Wars to Sandwell Homes with a flick of the TV remote this Christmas, following a move of its services onto digital interactive TV.
Anybody with a Sky or Virgin TV subscription can now access information about Sandwell Homes and the local community through the ‘interactive’ button on their remote control.
Customers can report repairs and anti-social behaviour, make a complaint, request housing registration forms, or just make a general enquiry via easy to use online forms, which are sent to the company’s customer service …

Halesowen MP helps Sandwell Young Members of Parliament debate in Commons

Members of Sandwell’s Youth Parliament made history when they debated in the House of Commons chamber with the help of Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, chaired the debate which aimed to give young people a greater understanding of how Parliament works.

The 11-18 year olds debated a range of issues from lowering the voting age to 16, youth crime and how to tackle it, public transport for young people, jobs for young people and the economy and university fees.

They voted lowering the voting age to 16 as the issue on which they would campaign over the next year.

Sandwell MYPs Stuttee and Vijay said: "It was a memorable and inspirational day where we made history in The House of Commons! Meeting both Sylvia Heal MP and Adrian Bailey MP, before the event and on the day helped us to prepare. It was good to have their support”.

Sandwell Youth Officer Shohba Sharma added: "I was truly proud of all the young people who took part in the historic House of Commons debate, however, I was particularly proud of our Sandwell Members of Youth Parliament - Stuttee and Vijay, who participated and conducted themselves really well.

“Having support from our MPs Sylvia Heal and Adrian Bailey was invaluable and gave the young people confidence and inspiration".

Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal said: “I was really pleased to be able to welcome local MYP’s to Westminster, it was a fantastic opportunity for them to debate in the chamber and their contributions were both passionate and confident.”

Sandwell doctors offer swine flu jab to priority groups

 

All doctors in Sandwell are now offering the swine flu vaccination to patients who were identified as being in a priority group by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson.

 

The priority groups are:

1. individuals aged six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
2. all pregnant women
3. household contacts of immunocompromised individuals
4. people aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups

Dr John Middleton, Director of Public Health at Sandwell Primary Care Trust said: “Patients in the priority groups are more vulnerable to infections, particularly respiratory infections such as swine flu.

 

“People in the priority groups will have been, or will shortly be notified of their vaccination appointment at their doctor’s surgery or health centre. Although for many people swine flu has been generally mild, patients more at-risk of catching infections are more likely to have more severe symptoms if they catch swine flu. The best thing to do is to be immunised and get protected.”

 

Priority group patients should also request their seasonal flu vaccine to be fully protected from flu.

Criminals have been ordered to clean the graves of 150 fallen soldiers in Sandwell, it was revealed today.

War graves will be tidied up by offenders in Smethwick, Wednesbury and Blackheath as part of the controversial Community Payback scheme. Those who died in the First and Second World Wars are buried in the graves.

Offenders in Sandwell will be tidying up war graves in cemeteries across the borough as part of the probation service’s Community Payback scheme.

It is a partnership between the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Community Payback and will see supervised low risk offenders help with the upkeep at Uplands Cemetery in Smethwick, Fallings Heath cemetery in Wednesbury and St Paul’s cemetery in Blackheath.

Graham Kimberlin, secretary of Blackheath British Legion, said: “Giving it a clean up won’t do it any harm as far as the legion is concerned.

“They might as well be doing something useful which helps out the community. As far as I’m concerned it would be most welcome for them to clean the graves up of ex-servicemen. I’ve got no objections whatsoever.”

Martin Walton, Sandwell Community Payback unit manager, said: “We’ve been asked to focus on three sites, Uplands which has over 100 war graves, Wednesbury which has around 43 and Blackheath which has about 14.”

 

World Champ To Open Outdoor Sports Zone

Triple jump world champion Phillips Idowu is set to open the West Midlands' first outdoors multi-sports zone in a Sandwell park.

The European Athlete of the Year, nominated for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, is due to launch a £150,000 adiZone in Victoria Park, Smethwick, on Wednesday, December 16.

Sandwell Council has teamed up with sportswear giant adidas to build the gym in the shape of the London 2012 logo.

It has a large gym, basketball and football area, climbing wall, tennis wall and a freestyle area for aerobics, dance and martial arts.

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for culture and leisure Cllr Linda Horton said: "Phillips Idowu is a bubbly personality and an inspiration to young people everywhere and we're tremendously proud he will launch the adiZone.

"Everyone is welcome to come along and try out the gym; its free, open at all times and in all weather and will provide a great workout."

 

 

Impact Youth Theatre secure People's Millions victory

 

We are pleased and proud to announce that Wednesbury 2000 Ltd’s Impact Youth Theatre project was the people’s choice to win the week’s first People’s Millions grant, after a closely fought head-to-head battle for support from ITV Central viewers on Monday.

 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for the project.

 

The good cause cash of £50,000 comes from the Big Lottery Fund’s People’s Millions TV contest.

 

Supporters tuned in to their regional news to vote for the project, which will see a hall in a centrally located historical building in Wednesbury being renovated. The hall will be used as a theatre space and community hub for local young people. Arts practitioners will involve young people in art, music, drama and dance, and will build their confidence, social skills, self-esteem, creativity and self-discipline.

 

This is the fifth year that the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and ITV have given the public the chance to vote on where Lottery good cause cash goes in their region. Eight groups across ITV Central have the chance to win up to £50,000 for projects that will enhance their local communities, with a total funding pot of up to £250,000 up for grabs.

 

 

Langley Park -  Hard Surface Football Area set to go ahead

 

The Hard surfaced Football Play Area and Goal Mouth for Langley Park is set to go ahead  and all being well should be completed before Christmas.

Councillor Martin Prestidge said:

“ I. along with my colleagues Mick Davies and Pauline Hinton have been pushing hard for the Goal mouth to be installed for quite some time.

The Play area should be completed before Christmas, assuming the Contractor is able to complete the work.”

“It will be welcomed by lots of young people  who at present play in the High Street “.

 

ITV Central & People’s Millions - £50,000 for the Wednesbury and Tipton Areas

 

We write with brilliant news with regard to a groundbreaking youth and community project for the Wednesbury and Tipton areas of Sandwell. It looks highly likely that The Centrepoint Project will make it through to the finals of the People’s  Millions on ITV Central News, with live broadcasts during week commencing 23 November 2009.

 

The Centrepoint Project is an ambitious and pioneering venture. Steeped in drive, determination, and enthusiasm, its aspiration is to develop a long term ground breaking youth and community engagement strategy for Wednesbury and Tipton. Led by motivated business men, educationalists, councillors and community leaders, the project is a new partnership between Lea Brook Church (http://www.leabrookchurch.co.uk/) , Wednesbury 2000 Ltd (http://www.wednesbury2000.co.uk/), West Midlands Police  and other community organisations which will become a catalyst for renewed community cohesion and enhanced educational and training opportunities. Fundamentally, it will improve people’s lives! Follow this link to learn more: http://www.thecentrepointproject.co.uk/

 

Each night of the week, two projects will go head to head on ITV Central News to win £50,000 and the result is decided by the public vote. Quite simply, the project with the most votes wins! We’re counting on your support! Please SPREAD THE WORD!

 

The £50,000 will be used to develop youth work in the local area. The project development with Wednesbury 2000 Ltd, allows the refurbishment of the old historic Post Office building on Holyhead Road into a state of the art youth HANGOUT space for use every night of the week, as well as a range of other important community activities. In addition, further capital equipment will be purchased which can be used across numerous venues in the local area. Most importantly, the  funding will secure the appointment of two part time youth workers, to provide positive activities for young people to undertake in their leisure time! It will also build on the highly successful Impact Youth Theatre, which was launched in May 2009 and now has 60 young people per week engaged.

 

This is the beginning of a massive £1m project for the local area, with the creation of a new youth theatre, provision of a youth bus and a whole range of other community activities. We’re hoping you share our excitement! This is going to impact the whole of the Black Country!

 

So the purpose in writing, is to bring this to your attention, and hopefully, count on your support in sending this onto as many colleagues, friends and relatives as you can. Once final details are confirmed, we will contact you to promote the exact date and time, but until then, please start spreading the word that ITV and the People’s Millions will hopefully be heading our way! For any further clarifications please contact us by email at: info@thecentrepointproject.co.uk

 

Tenant Loses Home After Drugs Conviction

An Oldbury man has lost his council flat after being convicted of growing cannabis in a bedroom there.

Sandwell Council's anti-social behaviour team, supported by Sandwell Homes and police, took 38-year-old Simon Yates to Dudley County Court on September 9 to gain possession of the flat in Wallace House, Badsey Road. He also owed £1,073 in rent arrears.

The court granted the council possession and ordered Simon Yates to pay £1,203.60 court costs. He has now quit the property.

Simon Yates had broken his tenancy conditions by growing cannabis at his flat. He pleaded guilty at Warley Magistrates Court in October 2008 to producing cannabis, was fined £305 and ordered to pay £15 court costs.

The court was told that police had been called to his flat at 1.47am on September 17 2008 because of complaints of loud music which had been playing since about 2pm the day before. After speaking to neighbours, police were concerned for the safety of the resident and they broke into the flat with help from Sandwell Homes' staff.

They found no-one in the flat but they discovered a bedroom that was being used to produce cannabis, with electrical equipment, hydroponics set up with trays and lamps and several cannabis plants were found drying on lines and a black bin bag on the floor containing dead cannabis leaves.

Councillor Derek Rowley, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for safer communities, said: "This is another good result for the council's anti-social behaviour team, working with Sandwell Homes and the police.

"We cannot allow council properties to be used for growing drugs.

"On a general point, I would say that while we are always keen to support drug users into treatment, we take a zero tolerance approach to anyone who is producing drugs."

Brian Oakley, Sandwell Homes chief executive, said: "The vast majority of tenants are, of course, law-abiding. But where homes are used for drugs and tenancy conditions are breached, as in this case, we will not hesitate to take action."

Sandwell Gets Set for London 2012

Young people in Sandwell are set to get their first taste of London 2012 with the opening of a £150,000 Olympic-themed multi sports outdoor venue.

Sandwell Council has teamed up with sportswear giant adidas to open an adiZone in Victoria Park, Smethwick, the first in the West Midlands.

Designed in the shape of the London 2012 logo, the facility is part of the company’s sponsorship of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will have a large gym, basketball and football area, climbing wall, tennis wall and a freestyle area for aerobics, dance and martial arts.

Local coaches and sports club organisers will be invited to spot talent and encourage young people to join local clubs and sporting organisations.

The parks service will look after the equipment over the coming years.

Work is set to begin this week and is expected to be completed later in the month with an official opening shortly afterwards.

Sandwell Council's greenspace development manager David Brown said: "There has already been huge investment in Victoria Park and the new adiZone will compliment this nicely.

"People will be able to come to the park, have a great workout and have fun at absolutely no cost. It’s recommended that adults should do 30 minutes of moderate intensity  physical activity at least five times a week - what better way than to visit a local park and make use of such an exciting facility."

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for culture and leisure Cllr Linda Horton said: "This is yet another example of superb partnership working in Sandwell.

"We got together and worked really hard to secure the funding needed to create the adiZone. I can’t wait to see it open and being used by all sectors of the community."

adiZones were initially installed by adidas in four of the London 2012 host boroughs and are now being introduced to towns and cities across the UK as the Olympic and Paralympic Games preparation increases.

Nick Craggs, Director of Marketing, adidas Area North added: "As a London 2012 sponsor, adidas believes it is vitally important that free sporting facilities are made available and accessible if we are truly going to get the nation participating in sport.

“To date the installation of adiZones has brought groups of young people together to get involved in a variety of sports and improved community relations, echoing the legacy that the London 2012 Games hopes to achieve."

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: "The adiZones inspire young people to become more active and help make our vision of encouraging them to choose sport a reality."

 

Words, Signs & Vibes is an integrated Youth Theatre for young Deaf & Hearing people aged 13-18yrs.

 

This years Christmas performance is 'Robin Hood' 

Our performances are in Sign Language/spoken word & are accessible to Deaf & Hearing audiences

 

Date:   Saturday 9th January

Times: 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Where: The Public, New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG

Cost:   £6

 

To buy tickets please contact The Public box office on 0121 533 7161

 

Or 

 

For more information contact Angela Twigg on 07515939806 or email angela@wordssignsvibes.co.uk

 

We will also be joined by DAD (Deaf Adult Drama) group from Walsall, who will be playing background characters for the Youth Theatre's performance.

 

If you would like a poster to display please reply to this email with your address and how many posters you need, and we'll get them sent out to you.

Public Transport In Sandwell

Residents in Sandwell are being asked for their views on public transport in the borough.

In May, the Council set up a select committee to look at every aspect of public transportation.

The select committee chair Cllr Bob Price said: "It is crucial to the work of the committee that we collect the views of the public in relation to a range of issues on public transport."

As a result a special survey form has been put on the web that residents can easily access.

Cllr Price added: "I would urge the public to take a few moments to have a look at the survey and give us their views.

"The information will be very valuable to us in adopting a transportation policy in the borough."

Cllr Martin Prestidge added ;

“There are clearly gaps  in provision of transport and I would hope residents will help by bringing these forward.

I would like to see  more evening and weekend provision. “ 

                Complete the survey

If anyone wants more information they should contact Rob Picken in the Council's Strategy,Partnering and Improvement Unit on 0121 569 3287 or email robert_picken@sandwell.gov.uk

ones said: "This will be a great opportunity for youngsters to see decisions being made close up and at the same time have a real say in what is eventually done."

If anyone wants further information they should contact Phil Lydon on 0121 612

 

 

 

New Green Box  Recycling For Langley

 

Councillor Martin Prestidge has welcomed the extension of the Green Box recycling Scheme  to Langley Residents.

The replaces the Green Bag Scheme operated by Community Recycling

Volunteers.

Residents can now have

v     Newspapers and Magazines

v     Jink Mail

v     Brochures and catalogues

v     Envelopes

v     Yellow Pages and telephone  directories

v     Drinks cans

v     Food Cans

v     Empty Aerosols

v     Foil containers

v     Glass bottles and jars

v     Textiles

removed every week in the Green Box on the same day as their refuse collection.

He said:

“This is very welcome and long overdue in Langley. I wish the new scheme well.”

 

Over 50’s Friendship Group at Lion Farm

 

Lion Farm Action Centre , Harry Price House in Hartlebury Road are hosting a new Friendship Group for over 50’s on Tuesdays at the Centre in partnership with Age Concern Sandwell.

Free Transport is available for those who need it. Cotact the Centre on 0121 544 3094 for more information.

 

Storytime Sessions at Rounds Green Library

Story time  Sessions are held at Rounds Green Library, Martley Road, Lion Farm on Wednesdays, 2.30 pm to 3.00 pm.

 

Corner Shops Exhibition

Britain as a nation of shopkeepers is the subject of an exhibition set to tour Sandwell.

The show will explore the heritage of the corner shop and small independent retailers, which have been a British institution for over a hundred years.

Put together by Sandwell Museum Service, the exhibition is part of a wider Heritage Lottery funded project to find new ways to portray the Black Country’s rich heritage. Partners include English Heritage, Foursight Theatre and Black Country Touring.

As part of the project, volunteers talked to people about their experiences of running independent shops over the last 60 years.

Councillor Linda Horton, Sandwell Council cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "Corner shops were and still are very important to our communities.

"I'm sure this exhibition will provide a fascinating insight into their past and jog the memories of many people who grew up with this famous institution."

The stories of residents have become part of the archive at Sandwell’s Community Heritage and Archives, and some were also turned into a vivid and inspiring theatre production.

The Corner Shop exhibition explores this further and looks at a variety of stories from Black Country people and the role the shops played in the community.

The Corner Shop exhibition visits Wolverhampton's Mander Centre until November 8; Tipton Library from November 14 until December 5; The Public in West Bromwich from December 12 until January 31; Oldbury Council House from February 1 until March 1; Windmill Community Centre, Smethwick, from March 27 to April 24; and Wednesbury Museum from June 8 until July 3. For more information on the exhibition visit www.museums.sandwell.gov.uk

 

Bonfire and Firework Display at Dartmouth Park

 

Sandwell is arranging the Borough's Annual Bonfire and Firework display on the actual traditional Bonfire Night - Thursday 5th November 2009.

The Mayor of Sandwell will light the Bonfire, which will then be followed by the Firework display, this will be accompanied by the latest in laser special effects.

Pat Collins Fun Fair will be there with all the thrills of the fair, and lots of on site caterers will provide a varied selection of food and snacks. The public are asked to park in the Town Centre car parks, parking for this event will be free of charge after 6.00 pm.

For further information please contact Jane Johnson on 0121 569 8276.

 

 

Good News for Mill Lane Development

Bovale Ltd  has been given approval by Sandwell Planners for the lay out of a residential development on the Mill Lane Site in Langley which has been derelict for a number of years since the demolition of the Hughes Johnson Stamping works.

Councillor Martin Prestidge said:

“I and my Langley Colleagues have been campaigning for the development of this site for quite sometime and I am pleased that things seem to be happening at last. Mill Lane has been an eyesore for quite sometime and there have been problems of fly tipping.”

He added:

“The site is adjacent to the main Birmingham – Stourbridge railway Line and at present gives a very negative impression of Sandwell  . I would welcome early development since this would be  a shot in the arm for the Langley  area.”

 

The layout approved shows a total of 92 properties with a mixture of 3 / 4  bedroom houses and two bedroom flat over garage designs.       

750K Loan Fund For Sandwell Businesses

Businesses across Sandwell are to benefit from better access to finance thanks to Sandwell Council.

A loan fund of £750,000 has been pulled together from Council, European and Advantage West Midlands sources. The cash will be made available exclusively for Sandwell businesses having difficulty in raising the funds they need from high street banks during the credit crunch.

Loans of between £10,000 and £50,000 will be made available to viable Sandwell businesses through the Black Country Reinvestment Society (BCRS).

The Black Country Reinvestment Society www.bcrs.org is a mutual friendly society that has already lent over £270,000 to Sandwell businesses since the credit crunch started.

"We are delighted that Sandwell Council has taken this initiative to help its local businesses. With the additional funding we will be able to help even more businesses who have been rejected by the banks," said Paul Kalinauckas, chief executive of BCRS.

"Entrepreneurs need access to finance for their businesses and even in these difficult times we have been able to step in where the banks have not been able to help."

Councillor Ann Shackleton, cabinet member for employment, skills and partnerships, said: "Despite the recession, Sandwell has some amazing businesses with great potential to help us pull out of the recession and create the jobs we desperately need.

"For some it is proving really difficult to get loans, either because they are new and don’t have a track record, or the recession has badly affected the recent trading position.

"In addition to all the other support Sandwell Council is offering to our local business community, we are pleased to be doing what we can to ensure viable businesses have better access to the finance they need now the economy is starting to pick up."

The new funding will be available from 1st October. Any Sandwell business wishing to apply for a loan should contact BCRS’s local Business Development Manager, Tony Wood on 0845 313 8410.

Beware Bogus Phone Scams

Sandwell Trading Standards are warning businesses and local residents to be aware of the latest phone scam.

Fraudsters, pretending to be from various phone companies, have been calling people on the pretence that there is an outstanding bill and threatening to disconnect their line immediately if they do not pay the bill straight away by credit or debit card.

The fraudsters have been pretending to "cut off" the customer and, worried about having their line cut off, some people have been persuaded into giving the fraudsters their bank account details.

Bob Robinson Sandwell’s Trading Standards Manager said: "Under no circumstances should anyone reveal details of their bank account, debit card or credit card to anyone who contacts you in this way."

A scam is a scheme designed to con you out of your cash. Scams come in many forms and are getting more sophisticated all the time. So, even if you think you would never be fooled, make sure you remain sceptical about offers that seem too good to be true - they usually are!

Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing Cllr Mahboob Hussain said: "People who live alone may be particularly vulnerable to such approaches.  I would therefore urge family, friends and neighbours to ensure that they do not fall victim to these scams."

Scammers aim to con us all. Deceptive premium rate competition scams, bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, get-rich-quick schemes and fake health cures are some of the favoured means of separating the unwary from their money. And the number of scams just keeps on growing.

Other types of scam include;

• lotteries scams;
• premium rate phone scams;
• letters predicting the future;
• pyramid selling;
• miracle health cures;
• work from home scams;
• foreign money offers and advance fee scams;
• email spam scams;
• bogus holiday clubs;
• career opportunity scams;
• online dating scams;
• investment scams;
• phishing; and
• charity publishing.

How to report a scam

If you have been a victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, you can:
• contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 for scams in general, and
• contact Financial Services Authority 0300 500 5000 for investment scams.

 

Sandwell Hub Set To Launch

A new ground-breaking service to help vulnerable people in Sandwell to get support and advice from experts is to be officially launched at Full of Life Festival on October 1.

The Sandwell Hub scheme was set-up in May and provides a simple web-based referral process for a range of agencies that provide home-based services to provide people with a joined up package of appropriate support.

The Hub, which is run by the Sandwell Home Safety and Support Partnership, is aimed at vulnerable people of all ages which will improve access to services to those who need it most.

The new service was established by the fire service in May and has expanded to include the police, Sandwell Council, Sandwell Homes, the Falls Management Team from the local PCT and Black Country Housing.

From the oficial launch the scheme will be joined by Telecare, Surestart, Agewell, Sandwell Community alarms, Mental Health Teams, Trading Standards, other sections fromt the PCT and the Welfare Rights Unit at Sandwell Council.

An example of the scheme is that a fire officer visiting an elderly persons home to carry out a fire safety check and fit a smoke alarm might notice that the resident is unsteady and their feet.

With the consent of the resident the officer would be able to use the Sandell Hub to make a referral to the Falls Management Team.

Councillor Bill Thomas, leader of Sandwell Council, said: "This is an enterprising scheme which will bring very real benefits for the vulnerable people in the borough.

"It is excellent that so many different agencies have signed up to the scheme to make it services and advice available from so many people who can help vulnerable people."

It is expected that early next year the Partnership will be exploring the possibility of the Hub accepting self-referrals from residents. In addition it will be looking at ways expanding the scheme to include other voluntary and community sector partners.

* The Full of Life Festival is being held at The Public at West Bromwich on October 1, between 10am-3pm.

The free event is being held to celebrate life and opportunities for over 50's in Sandwell and will have sessions involving Sounds of the 60's, a 50's Classics hits, a Samba band, Rangoli and mosaic workshops and an Information Zone

Treasures Of The Black Country

Children in Sandwell have been boasting about the region's treasures and helping to put together a new exhibition on display at Haden Hill House Museum.

The exciting project, which was funded by Renaissance West Midlands, has been raising awareness of museums and galleries, as well as celebrating the creativity and heritage of the Black Country.

Primary school pupils across the Black Country have spent the last two years working with museums in Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton, with a piece of decorative "treasure" from each of the collections being used to fire their imaginations.

They worked with a storyteller to create stories, drama, art and poetry around the object, as well as trying out Black Country trades such as glass blowing and leather crafts.

Holyhead Primary in Wednesbury was the Sandwell school which took part in the project, and worked with Sandwell Museum’s education officer at Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery, looking at the famous Ruskin Pottery collection.

All the schools then helped to create a touring exhibition, selecting Black Country made objects from their local museums that made them proud of their area.

Cabinet member for culture and leisure, Councillor Linda Horton, said: "The project has been a great way of showing how schools and museums can work together to create inspiring learning, and also allows visitors to see the work that was done by the children."

The exhibition runs at Haden Hill House Museum, off Barrs Road, in Cradley Heath, until November 1 and entry is free.

For more information call 01384 569 444 or visit www.museums.sandwell.gov.uk