Last Friday, along with over 50 other stall holders, the Chairman of South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Meg Barrow held her bottle tombola stall at Codsall Christmas Fair in aid of her chosen charity, Motor Neurone Disease Association. 

Despite the below freezing temperatures, the event was a great success with all raffle tickets sold and a grand total of £246 raised for her charity.

Over 3,000 people attended the event who enjoyed live bands, a Fire Eater, a whole host of hot food outlets and carols around the Christmas tree by the local schools.

Thank you to all those who donated bottles and who came along on the night to support the event.

Cheslyn Hay and Wombourne Leisure Centres swimming pools will be temporarily closed from Monday, December 4^th whilst work is carried out to install new air handling systems.

Should the works remain on schedule, the pools are planned to re-open around the end of December/beginning of January.  We will provide further updates in due course to notify you of progress and provide a specific re-opening date. 

Follow Cheslyn Hay and Wombourne leisure centres on Facebook to receive the latest updates.

Thinking of buying an e-scooter or e-bike?

Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home. Counterfeit items and their batteries can cause a fire.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Services is encouraging everyone to buy safe and charge safe to reduce the risk of fires caused by these batteries and products.

Always buy e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries and charges from reputable retailers as many fires involve counterfeit goods. Items which don't meet British or European standards pose a huge risk. 

Always register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties; batteries are usually included in warranties. Registering makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of safety or recall information. You can check if any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall. You can do this by visiting Electrical Safety First.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging and use the manufacturer approved charger for the product. Do not overcharge your battery and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging. It is always advisable to charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.

Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters in escape routes (such as a hallway) or in communal areas of a multi occupied building. If there’s a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape.

In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.

For further information and to watch a video to see how quickly a fire can take hold, click here.

People face loneliness and despair throughout the year, but the Christmas period can be a particularly challenging time for many. 

Staffordshire County Council and the Samaritans have teamed up to light up the longest night. Click here to see how you can get involved.

Friday, December 22nd is the longest night of the year, with the sun setting shortly after 4.00pm. Several council buildings including the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford will be lit up green and you can show your support by displaying a green light in your window at home.

The date will be used to remind residents in need that the Samaritans are there for them during their darkest hours, including over Christmas and New Year.

Samaritans offer emotional support to anyone in need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You don’t have to be suicidal to ring Samaritans. Many people call because they are stressed, depressed, anxious, bereaved, lonely or struggling with everyday life.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free, any time, from any phone - even from a mobile without credit. Call 116 123. This number won’t show up on your phone bill.

Other organisations offering telephone support:

• North Staffordshire urgent mental health helpline: 0800 0 328 728 option 1 (covers Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs Moorlands)
• South Staffordshire urgent mental health helpline: 0808 196 3002 (covers Stafford, Stone, Rugeley, Cannock, South Staffs, Lichfield, Burton, Uttoxeter, Tamworth)

Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline - a confidential emotional support helpline offering a safe place to talk if you’re feeling worried, stressed or low, or if you're concerned about someone else. Call 0808 800 2234 Text 0786 002 2821