Cannock Chase Council members at their Council Meeting last week agreed to a freeze in their allowances following a review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

The Members’ Allowances Scheme has been reviewed by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), for which any changes will come into effect from 1^st April 2016.

These changes would result in an estimated saving of over £3,000.  This is in addition to the annual savings of over £8,000 previously agreed by the Council as a result of changes to the Committee structure. 

Cannock Chase Council is supporting Staffordshire Police’s, ‘Not sure? Don’t open the door’ campaign’, giving residents advice on how to deal with doorstop callers.

The Cannock Chase District is a very safe place to live and statistics show that residents do feel safe in their local area and the majority of residents do not experience any kind of crime.

However, some people are targeted at home by rogue traders and thieves.  These people often target vulnerable people, such as the elderly.  So we are asking residents to follow these simple rules:

Are you a local person who cares about services to the community?

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

We are looking to appoint one independent person and at least one ‘reserve’ independent person to serve on the Council’s Standards Committee to help develop and maintain high standards of conduct for local Councillors. 

Cold weather alert from the Met Office

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/cold-weather-alert/#?tab=coldWeatherAlert

There is a 99% probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow between 0900

on Thursday 14 Jan and 1200 on Tuesday 19 Jan in parts of England. This weather could

increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.

Why give blood?

Donated blood is a lifeline for many people needing long-term treatments, not just in emergencies. Your blood's main components: red cells, plasma and platelets are vital for many different uses.

Forthcoming sessions locally:

Church of the Latter Day Saints,

136 Penkridge Road, Cannock, WS11 1HN.

13:05 to 15:30 and 16:30 to 19:30 on the following dates:

Monday 25 January,

Monday 15 February

Monday 14 March

Monday 18 April

Cannock Chase Council welcome recent changes to a local bus route in Norton Canes made in the New Year, in response to passenger requests.

From 3 January, Arriva service 3, between Cannock-Heath Hayes-Norton Canes-Brownhills-Walsall, has been diverted to operate via Jerome Road, between Walsall Road and Brownhills Road, Norton Canes, in order to serve Norton Canes Health Centre.

When its time to make a change

If you’ve been thinking about making changes to your lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, losing weight, eating more healthily, drinking a little less alcohol or taking part in more activities then the Healthy Staffordshire Hub can help.

It provides information, advice and guidance about how to lead a healthier lifestyle and gives you access to self-help tools, phone and tablet apps and assessments that can be used to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Cannock based Goodfish Limited has secured a ‘Let’s Grow Programme’ grant funding to help grow their business and create one extra full time post.

Goodfish Limited, toolmakers and injection moulders have received a grant of £5,000.  The grant will be used to purchase a new piece of machinery which will increase productivity and take the pressure off already overloaded machines.

The ‘Let’s Grow Programme’ is funded by Chase Community Partnership and is aimed at helping small to medium sized businesses in the Cannock Chase District to grow and expand.

As part of our customer focus we will be running a Christmas tree chipping service. 

This will be located in three of our parks, Cannock Park, Ravenhill Park and Hednesford Park.

We are asking our residents to bring their de-decorated Christmas trees to one of the pen areas during the hours of 9am and 3pm (including weekends) from 5^th January to the 24^th January 2016. 



They will be chipped during this time and the chippings will be available to residents to collect if they wish at a later date.

Cannock Chase Council has received notification that the Secretary of State has decided not to ‘call-in’ the planning application for the Mill Green Designer Outlet Village and given the green light for the Council to proceed with approval in the New Year, subject to the completion of various agreements.