parish council fulford Parish Council News newsletter Affordable Housing [update] Street Lighting - Energy Conservation Initiative

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1 Chairman Cllr. Barry Shaw Parish Council News Clerk to F.P.C. Stephen Beck Office mailto: stephen_beck@btconnect.com Affordable Housing [update] We have now received the report on the survey of nominated sites in the parish for the possible building of affordable housing. The report was prepared by Stafford & Rural Homes, following discussions with Stafford Borough Council Planning Department and, of course, Fulford Parish Council. Fourteen sites in the parish have been considered in the survey and we will study the report carefully before proceeding further and seeking the views of residents. The process for obtaining residents views is yet to be determined and when this has been done we will let you know, but this is not likely to be for a few weeks yet. Proposed Development to accommodate Gypsy Families [Meir Heath] A planning application has been received by the Borough Council to establish a site for mobile homes to accommodate gypsy families and their activities. The proposed site is at Woodview, Hilderstone Road, Meir Heath. A short report on this is featured in the Meir Heath Ward News section of this. It would seem that the Localism Bill - An introduction to neighbourhood planning, [see article in our Spring ] has not come soon enough, as this process is still under consideration by the Council. However, if a neighbourhood plan was established it would give the community a greater say in and, hopefully, control of development within the parish. Street Lighting - Energy Conservation Initiative For information on this matter, please refer to the Bulletin Board later in this. To ascertain the views of our residents, we are asking you to comment and respond to the plan via our clerk [parish office], the 1

2 County Councillor, or one of your lors, particularly re the introduction of part night switched street lights. A good response to this request is necessary to enable us to make a balanced decision on the course of action to take. MSWMAINTENANCE Domestic and Commercial Property Maintenance Reg. No Mark Walker Tel: Mob: Coombe Drive, Meir Heath, Stoke-on-Trent. ST3 7LB W R BETTELLEY Funeral Directors A caring independent family business, est Personal 24 hr service Nationwide repatriation service Green and Eco-friendly options Pre-paid funeral planning Full advice service and home visits Floral tributes and catering arrangements Help with claims from D.S.S. Social Fund 315 Uttoxeter Rd, Longton ST3 5LQ Tel:

3 Cllr. Richard Mycock Cllr. Mrs. L. McPherson New Councillor We would like to welcome Deborah Barker to the Blythe Bridge ward of Fulford Parish Council. Deborah has lived in Fulford Parish all her life, in Blythe Bridge for most of the time, works locally too, and is keen to put something back into the community. Springcroft School As another academic year drew to a close, Mrs Lewis and staff wished all leavers every success in their new schools. At an emotional assembly attended by parents and grandparents, the children were presented with keepsake autograph books. The Summer Term had been a particularly busy one, with the 40th Birthday Celebrations culminating in open afternoons and a hugely enjoyable and successful Garden Party/Summer Fayre on June 23rd when even the weather was kind. The money raised is going towards furnishing a new room and kitting out a brand new Early Years area. Another highlight was the end of year production, "What a Knight", in which all Cllr. Kath Brayford Cllr. Deborah Barker Cllr. Shirley Wheat Blythe Bridge Ward News 120 Key Stage 2 pupils took part - quite a feat, a huge amount of work but such good fun! The school now welcomes those joining the Springcroft Family in September. One of the first matters to be addressed is the perennial issue of inconsiderate parking. All parents are asked to park responsibly, to consider others but primarily to think of the safety of all children when parking or dropping off their children. Litter and Dog Fouling The dropping of litter and dog fouling has continued to improve in our area during the past few months. People have commented how much better the areas look on Uttoxeter Road near to the flats and also on Grindley Lane. Would you please keep your dogs on a leash when out walking as even the best behaved of dogs can be unpredictable at times. Please clean up the mess that your dog leaves and dispose of it in the bins provided. 3

4 Portland College (Aynsley School) Work has been continuing at Portland College during the summer holiday to finish the jobs that had not been completed before the pupils returned in July. Hopefully all the work will be finished and the pupils will enjoy being in their new school. The staff worked very hard during the change over from Longton High School back to Blythe Bridge to make it as stress free as possible. Ellis Bevan MBE As reported in the last, Ellis has retired from Fulford Parish Council after being a Councillor since The Parish Council will be presenting Ellis with a Scroll giving him the Freedom of the Parish to show our thanks for all the work he has done during his term as a Fulford Parish Councillor. Ellis will also receive a present from the Parish Council in recognition for all the work he has done in the parish for so many years. From the Blythe Bridge Ward councillors and all the parishioners of Fulford Parish he has represented for so many years, we wish Ellis a long and happy retirement. parking has been refused by the Highways Department. Blythe Lodge Blythe Lodge has vacancies for the over 55, if you would like more information please contact Parking The Parish Council is aware of the problems caused by cars for sale on the spare ground by the Tesco roundabout and the entrance to Sutherland Crescent. We are consulting with our County Councillor Ian Parry, the Highways Department and the Police to try and resolve this problem The police are keeping an eye on the biker problem we are experiencing, anyone reporting an incident needs to have the registration of the offending bike. The Jubilee Year The Parish Council has been given permission by Stafford and Rural Homes to plant two trees outside the flats on Uttoxeter Road to replace the ones that died earlier in the year. Permission for two planters we were hoping to put on the verges outside the gates at Springcroft School to prevent 4

5 Cllr. Martin Oxby Cllr. Steven Evans Cllr. Tony Holmes Cllr. Frank Colclough Fulford Ward News '20 is Plenty' Preparations are being made to introduce the '20 is Plenty' project at the Primary School, part of which encourages motorists to slow their speed. Staffordshire County Council will activate speed indication devices as part of an initiative to encourage drivers to reduce their speed to 20 mph on the approach to schools. The signs act as a reminder for motorists to be extra careful on the approach to schools. Conservation Area A Fulford Conservation Area for the village was defined in 1978 which placed specific responsibilities upon the Local Planning Authority. It is now time to review this with a Conservation Area Appraisal which will define the special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, i.e. the reason it was designated and what we need to protect to ensure our village remains special. The Parish Council is considering whether it should take the lead in the development of this Appraisal, however before making a decision it would like to find out what interest there might be from residents in becoming involved in this work. An example of a completed Appraisal can be found on: ward%20planning/stone-conservation- Area-Appraisal.pdf If you are interested please contact the Clerk. Broadband Residents will be aware that their connection speed is poor compared to other areas due to our distance from the Blythe Bridge exchange. Staffordshire County Council who conducted a survey to identify locations with poor broadband service has extended the date of an online survey to 31st October 2012 for the further consultation which is a demand survey. If you want superfast broadband in the future they need to know now so that our area is included in the plans of broadband 5

6 providers. To make sure that your views and needs are included, please complete their online survey. Don t worry this is not a sign-up document; they just need to build a picture of your needs. consultation Dog Fouling This is still an issue around Fulford, such a pity particularly with the efforts that many residents are putting into the BKV initiatives. You may have seen the yellow hot spot signs please clear up after your dog! Fulford Village Hall The Committee with its own funds and having secured grants from the Staffordshire Environmental Fund, Fulford Parish Council, Staffordshire County Council, and from Stafford Borough Council, has undertaken a building programme to create a rear extension to the hall which will provide an ante-room, storage, and direct access to the grassed area. This will benefit all hirers and also the pre-school which operates from the Large Hall. BKV Fulford again achieved Highly Commended in the Best Kept Village competition. The judges feedback will be available in October check for this on: The BKV initiative is not about a competition for a pretty village; it is about a best kept village and aims to foster community spirit and bring the whole village together. For the 4th year there was a FULFEST event held on the Village Green on Saturday 7th July when Morris Men, brass bands and local musical artists performed to a large audience. 6

7 Cllr. Howard Monks Cllr. Barry Shaw Cllr. Roy Taylor Cllr. Angela Noblett Vacancy Meir Heath Ward News Council Vacancy Sarahjane Cuncannon has resigned her position as a councillor for this ward, after a short period of service, because of occupational work commitments. We are sorry to lose her from the Council and wish her well for the future. This creates a vacancy for anyone in the parish who is interested in becoming a Council member for the Meir Heath ward. For further information, contact the Clerk or one of your lors. Proposed Development for Gypsy Families Once again the Council is having to fight against the development of another site to accommodate gypsy families and their activities - this time in the Meir Heath ward. [ Woodview Hilderstone Road, Meir Heath - property opposite the entrance to MH cricket club grounds] Many residents attended the August meeting of the Council to voice their opposition to the planning application for this proposed development. The Council has objected strongly to the proposal and has listed several reasons for it s objection, consistent with planning guidelines and reflecting the expressed views and concerns of residents. In addition, we requested that our Borough councillors call-in the application, which means that the application would be considered by Stafford Borough councillors and not just by SBC officers. Most people, by now, will be aware of the difficulties of successfully opposing such an application and preventing the development from taking place. Witness the outcome of a similar application at Spot Gate, Fulford, and the continuing occupation by gypsy families of that site. In these matters, it seems that, although objections are valid and justified on planning grounds, the applicant is able to move onto site and remain there either on a technicality of planning law or a reluctance of the planning authority to act decisively. At the time of writing, we await the planning decision on the application, fearing that preemptive action by the applicant could take place. That is, the families will move onto the site without authority. We will, of course, continue to press SBC to take steps to prevent this happening. Your continued support and vigorous opposition to the proposal would be greatly appreciated. 7

8 Any progress on this matter will be given at the next meeting of Fulford Parish Council. Wild Flower Meadow [update] Following our discussions with SBC s Biodiversity Officer, Bill Waller, we have decided to establish a wild flower area on part of Grindley Park. The designated area for this project is between the two entrances to the park and adjacent to the rear of the properties on Grindley Lane, extending across about a quarter of the width of the park. Work on this should commence during September, when the area will be prepared for the planting of wild flower seeds. Access to this area will be restricted during this period. Vermin Because we continue to receive reports on the sighting of rats in gardens, we again ask you to report these to Stafford Borough Council. D S Building Services Over 30 years experience Advanced City and Guilds Qualified All Building Work Undertaken EXTENSIONS, GARAGES, PROPERTY REPAIRS, POINTING, GARDEN WALL AND FEATURES, ROOF TILES, DRAINS, GUTTER CLEANING, SLABBING, BLOCK PAVING, MODERNISATION AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE Reliable Friendly Service All Work Guaranteed / Free Quotes Also Labour Only Quotes Available Contact Dave: Mob

9 Cllr. Andrew Lovatt It is the intention of your Parish Council to make some improvements to the small patch of land between Windmill Close and West View. The site currently looks very untidy and overgrown. Local councillors are working to create a garden area here dedicated to the Queen s Diamond Jubilee. It is proposed that the land be cleared of scrub and weeds, and planters installed, to bring a little colour. A litter bin will also be installed on the site and a decorative seat. This will not only deal with the unsightly state of the site but will produce an attractive entrance to Rough Close and a pleasant area of respite for those who have walked up Windmill Hill. Cllr. Joy Bennett Cllr. Mrs. Wendy Jennings Rough Close Ward News With what has constituted our summer coming to an end it is hoped that all have found time to make the most of our lovely common at some point during the season. The cattle are allowing some long lost species of fauna to make a comeback and the bottom common is a particularly interesting and pleasant walk at the moment. Why not take a stroll with the children to see what you can identify? It s fun, healthy and free. Once again The George and Dragon site has proved somewhat problematic in our village. It continues to hold an irresistible attraction for flytippers and vandals. Our local police are aware of the situation but can only deal with incidents if they are reported immediately. Please call them if you happen to witness anything suspicious. Unfortunately litter is still a problem in the village. Although the Common is not as bad as it has sometimes been at this time of year, Stone Road, the bottom of Windmill Hill and The George and Dragon site are frequently in an awful state. Please take litter home to dispose of or use bins where they are provided. Property Maintenance Plumbing, Electrical, Joinery PVCu Doors, Windows, Fascias & Soffits Kitchen & Bathroom Installations info@speedy-fix.co.uk 9

10 Report from County Councillor Sorry! Last time I explained how the surface dressing programme to repair roads could be affected by adverse weather. It was! quite badly in fact, which means that a lot of the work in this area will need to be repaired again. This will not cost anymore since our contractor has to complete re-work for free. It does mean that the road condition is poor in those areas that failed and we may need to wait for decent weather to get them surface dressed again. We have been particularly badly affected by the really poor summer this year, and this area was probably the worst affected. I apologise for the inconvenience. Speeding in Stallington Speeding traffic is a problem everywhere it seems. As you read this no doubt you will be saying that it is a problem where you live. Speeding is a motoring offence and police will take action if you report specific problems. The County Council can sometimes help by introducing traffic calming, signs and other features. These are not always successful as drivers can and do ignore them. We are about to focus on Stallington Lane, where we plan to conduct a traffic survey shortly to count traffic flows, speeds and weights of vehicles. This will give us a clear profile of the traffic movement and allow us to look at possible solutions. I am also be keen to help any group interested in running a community Speedwatch please contact me if you would be willing to take part. 10 Fulford 20 is Plenty Campign I have arranged for Fulford Primary School to be included in a new scheme to reduce speeding outside schools. From September, when the school re-opens, new signs including a speed indicator sign will be positioned outside the school. The signs will be active during the morning and afternoon sessions. I am working on getting Springcroft and Meir Heath Schools included in the scheme in the future. Cars parked at Catchems Corner I understand that many local residents are frustrated by the cars parked for sale on the grassed area. These people are very difficult to prevent for a variety of reasons. We have tried many different tactics. If we cannot resolve this I have agreed to install a low-rail barrier around the site to prevent access. I am reluctant to do this immediately as I think it will just transfer rather than prevent the problem. If I had my way I would have them all towed away and crushed! I intend to try one last tactic, after which we will install the barrier. Volunteer Awards If you know an organisation that does great work in the community on a voluntary basis please consider entering them for a Queen s Award. This is seen as an equivalent to an MBE for an organisation. For more information Please contact me if you need help with any local problems or issues involving the County Council Ian.parry@staffordshire.gov.uk You can also get latest news by following my Twitter posts twitter.com/ianparrycc

11 Delivering Key Information Quickly EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY (EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS), the Clerk of the Parish Council will be present at the annexe to the MEIR HEATH & ROUGH CLOSE VILLAGE HALL, GRANGE ROAD, MEIR HEATH between 9.30AM and 12.30PM to discuss any problems or issues which the Parish Council may be able to help with. The contact telephone number is where you can also leave a message. Fulford Parish Council has a website which is run and updated by the Newsletter Committee of the Parish Council. Please log on to see and find the latest information! Contact via the Clerk stephen_beck@btconnect.com STREET LIGHTING OPERATIONAL CHANGES Street Lighting - Energy Conservation Initiative To enable us, Fulford Parish Council, to ascertain the views of our residents, we are asking you to feed back any concerns re the plan below via our clerk [parish office], the County Councillor, or one of your parish councillors, particularly re the introduction of part night switched street lights. Please indicate which ward of the parish you reside in - Blythe Bridge / Fulford / Meir Heath / Rough Close. The Plan In April this year Staffordshire County Council approved changes to the way its street lights would be operated following a complete review of operations associated with the delivery of the Street Lighting PFI (Private Finance initiative) contract. The changes will mean that the majority of new street lights will be fitted with equipment which will reduce (dim) light output levels from late evening to early morning. Approximately 28,000 street lights will be renewed and subsequently fitted with dimming equipment between September 2012 and May In addition and where appropriate we also intend to retrofit dimming equipment into existing street lights which are fitted with high wattage lamps. The retrofit Bulletin Board programme will see approximately 15,000 street lights fitted with dimming equipment over a three year period. It is envisaged that the installation works for the dimming project will commence in October In conjunction with the above dimming strategy the County Council has also approved the introduction of part night switched street lights when requested by a Parish Council. For confirmation the County Council will not be introducing part night switched street lights; however; under the localism agenda the County Council will permit Parish Councils to submit requests for the introduction of part night street lights when supported by the local community. The Process Dimming (Forward Programme) Dimming equipment will be fitted to new equipment either as a consequence of a new highway related development e.g. new residential estate, or when the existing street lights have reached the end of their serviceable life and are replaced by the renewal mechanism contained within the County s street lighting PFI contract. This then ensures that dimming technology is introduced only when a street lighting system has been updated to accords with current design standards. Dimming (Retrofit Programme) Dimming equipment will be installed into existing street lights which are fitted with high wattage lamps on what we term to be Traffic Routes. Higher wattage lamps are generally used on roads where traffic volumes are much higher e.g. A roads, and which require a higher level of illumination to cater for peak traffic periods. Following a County wide assessment of vehicle flow rates it was determined that traffic volumes drop dramatically after the morning. The introduction of dimming technologies therefore enables the street lighting authority to dim down lighting to a more appropriate level in line with the reduced vehicle flow rates. Part Night Switching Under the remit of the localism agenda the Parish Council can request the introduction of part night switched street lights provided the local community support the initiative. There are no restrictions as to how part night street lights can be implemented; it can be a whole street, every other street light or individual street lights. The County Council would check all requests to ensure that highway safety standards are maintained. 11

12 The Regimes The following dimming / part night switching regimes will be applied on a County wide basis: Dimming Traffic Routes street lights dimmed down from 100% brightness to 50% brightness between the hours of 20:00 hrs and 06:00 hrs. Other Routes (including residential streets) These street types will have a two stage dim process with street lights dimmed down from 100% brightness to 75% brightness between the hours of 20:00 hrs and 00:00 hrs and from 75% brightness to 50% brightness from 00:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs. Part Night Switch Off The part night switching off of street lights shall be configured so that street lights switch off at 00:00 hrs and switch back on at 05:30 hrs. Dimming Restrictions The following exclusions will be restricted to a street light dimming regime whereby street lights are dimmed down from 100% brightness to 75% brightness between the hours of 00:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs: Roads with traffic calming measures, humps and speed tables; Within the Vicinity of a Traffic Signal Adjacent to central carriageway islands Bus stops The following location types will not be subject to dimming; City and Town Centre locations; Pedestrian subways; Areas covered by permanent Local Authority /Police CCTV cameras; Areas adjacent to 24 hour operational emergency services; Areas adjacent to Pedestrian commuter locations; Railway Stations, Bus Stations, Taxi ranks. Part Night Restrictions Each request for the introduction of part night street lights will be vetted by the County s street lighting section to ensure that highway safety standards are maintained at the appropriate level. Similar restrictions to that for the implementation of dimming will be applied during the vetting process. 101 for Non-emergency Police Calls Communities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent now have access to 101, the national non-emergency telephone number for the police service in England and Wales. The introduction of the 101 number will help communities to keep their neighbourhoods safe by giving them one easy way to contact their local police force to report non-emergency crime and disorder. Calls to 101 will cost 15 pence per call, no matter how long you are on the phone - this applies to both landlines and mobile phones. In an emergency, the public should continue to call 999, such as when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened. The Staffordshire Police current number ( ) will remain in place while our communities become familiar with 101. People should call 101 to report less urgent crime and disorder or to speak to their local officers. For example, you should call 101 if your car has been stolen, your property has been damaged or you suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood. You can also use 101 to report a minor traffic collision, give the police information about crime in your area or speak to the police about a general enquiry. Blue Bin Recycling Service In the Inner Caddy: Newspapers, magazines, brochures, catalogues, junk mail, yellow pages, shredded paper. In the Bin: Cardboard (flattened); Aerosols - eg shaving gel, polish, deodorant; Plastic bags - must be empty; Wrappers - food, cellophane and clingfilm; Foil - food trays and tin foil; Cans - food and drink; Glass - bottles and jars; Plastic bottles eg milk, soft drink, yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and household cleaning fluid bottles - shampoo, bleach etc; Waxed cartons - food and drink [Tetra Pak] eg juice, soup and milk cartons. All items must be clean, empty and have the tops removed. No longer must textiles be put in the blue bin as it has been found that textiles have become contaminated with broken glass etc., which means that they cannot be re-used. 12

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14 Townswomen s Guild Meets at Meir Heath and Rough Close Village Hall on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2.00pm. There is a speaker each month followed by tea and biscuits. The group would welcome new members or visitors. For further information contact Meir Heath Windmill Preservation Group Windmill Grade II Listed building 1775 The Meir Heath Windmill Group is publishing a local history book called Behold a Giant the story of a windmill. Sweet Melody Dreamboat Band is performing at the Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall on Saturday 3rd November. Please call G Swift on for the details. Professional Driving Tuition With Martin Williams BSc. (Hons) A.D.I. (Associate Franchise to B.S.M) Offering Simulator Lessons Pass Plus Courses Track Record of Progress Hazard Perception Training Plus Much More Theory Support Mock Practical Tests Motorway Tuition Grade 5 Assessed Instructor For further information call: or Enjoy all the convenience and benefits of having a local instructor with national backing PROMOTING SAFE DRIVING FOR LIFE. Agents for Lotus, Grenson, Loake, Van Dal, Gabor, Hotter, Rieker, Padders, Josef Seibel and Richard Draper Sheepskin Slippers & Boots Also Main Stockist for Radley and Tula Leathergoods APB PLUMBING & TILING Professionally trained in: Domestic Plumbing WRAS Water Regulations BPEC Part P Electrical Wall & Floor Tiling From dripping taps to full Bathroom refits Call Paul Twigg on or for free estimates, no hidden charges and competitive rates. 14

15 Members of the Council Finance and General Purposes Committee Cllrs. Mrs. Bennett, Colclough, Holmes, Mrs. Jennings, Taylor & Mrs. Wheat Chairman and Vice-Chairman ex-officio Planning Committee Cllrs. Colclough, Ms Cuncannon, Evans, Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. McPerhson, Mycock. Chairman and Vice-Chairman ex-officio Representatives to Outside Bodies Fulford Primary LEA Governor: Frank Colclough Portland School & Specialist College (formerly Aynsley Special School) Governor: Cllr. Mrs. Brayford Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall: Cllr. Mrs. Jennings Fulford Village Hall: Cllr. Tony Holmes Springcroft Primary School LEA Governor: Cllr. Kath Brayford, Cllr. Richard Mycock Cllr. Linda McPherson Staffordshire Parish Councils Association: Cllrs. Mrs. Brayford, Holmes and Mrs. McPherson Sustainability Committee: Staffordshire County Council - Stone Rural Councillor: Ian Parry Stafford Borough Council - Fulford Ward Councillors: Michael Dodson Tony Holmes Peter Roycroft Dates for 2012 Parish Council Meetings Thursday 11th October Location: Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall Thursday 8th November Location: Fulford Village Hall Thursday 13th December Location: Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall Note: All meetings start at 7.15pm with an opportunity for any local government elector from the Parish to ask questions of the Parish Council relating to any Parish issue. At the formal meeting, which follows at 7.30 p.m., these matters will then be considered; the publuc may also attend but are not usually invited to join the debate. Alternatively, write to the Clertk such that the matter can be raised. SHELLTECH SERVICES The complete support team Electrical, Plumbing, Joinery, Landscaping, Drains, Roof work, General Maintenance. Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom installations. ti Alarm Systems Appliance Repairs. Domestic, Commercial & industrial Maintenance See for more details or call Tel: Mobile: Big jobs, Small jobs, Odd jobs We do them all. 15

16 Civic Amenity Visits A REFUSE LORRY will be available for the collection of household items between : Fulford Village Hall car park - 22 September. Mayfield Drive, Blythe Bridge - 29 September. Common Lane, Rough Close - 6 October. Household Recycling Centres At recycling centres in Staffordshire there are facilities to recycle newspapers, magazines, telephone directories, glass bottles, jars, fridges, freezers, scrap metal, car batteries and oil. Stone - The recycling centre is on Beacon Road, Stone Business Park, off the A34 Stafford Road at the roundabout with the A51 Butterhill Bank Road - about 1 mile from Stone Town Centre. This centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Cheadle - This centre is on New Haden Road, Cheadle, off the road to Draycott, and is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Police Contact numbers In an emergency, where life is in danger or a crime is in progress, call 999. For non-emergency calls and general enquiries contact us on the new 101 number service (replaces the ). Based at Stone Police Station are the Community Beat Officers and Police Community Support Officers for our area, PC 5506 David Perry, PCSO 8849 Becky Powell and PCSO 6643 Emma Kempson. You can speak to your local officer by calling them direct on Follow the simple instructions and enter the officer s personal collar number. Or call 101 and speak to the operator. Call Crimestoppers - Tel This telephone number can be used to pass specific information about crime or criminals without fear of reprisals or direct contact with the police. Calls are FREE from land lines and most mobile phones. The service is anonymous and rewards of up to 1,000 are available for information which leads to an arrest and charge. Stafford Borough Council Customer Contact Centre Open 8.30 am pm Monday - Friday Tel: (01785) or Planning queries: planning@staffordbc.gov.uk Staffordshire County Council General Enquiries Tel: This is a new number replacing the former switchboard number of The new phone number is charged at local rate. Highways Hotline (formerly CLARENCE) Safety Defects, such as potholes, ice, flooding and broken street lighs should be reported directly to the Highways Hotline on to highways@staffordshire.gov.uk or on-line via Report Faults Online STREETscene ONE phone call, one solution The special hotline means that a wide range of environmental issues, such as littering, graffiti, dog mess, sharps, fly tipping and problems with children s play areas, can all be reported with just one phone call. You can contact the Streetscene team in the following ways: Phone the contact centre on Text in with your problem on contactcentre@staffordbc.gov.uk 16