WyredIn - Your round-up of news from Wyre Forest District Council

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wyred in - news from wyre forest district council

February 2020

Welcome to the latest edition of our online newsletter for residents.

Brown garden waste bin

10th birthday garden waste offer

Gardeners in Wyre Forest can save £10 in a new special offer to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the district's garden waste service. Wyre Forest District Council’s fortnightly kerbside collections are a simple, cleant and hassle-free way of disposing of garden waste for one easy annual payment of £49.50 for a 240ltr bin, and £34 for a 140ltr bin.To celebrate 10 years of the service, we are offering all new garden waste customers £10 off the usual £20 joining fee until Friday 6 March. During this period all existing garden waste customers can enjoy 10% off the hire of a Jumbo Bin and also 10% off any tree and landscaping works.

To take advantage of any of the offers simply use ‘Spring 2020’ at checkout.

The garden waste service starts on Monday 2 March for those that are week 1 and Monday 9 March for week 2.

Please note we are no longer printing and sending out collection calendars. You will be able to check your collection day online.

Sign up today!

BrintonPark

Brinton Park restoration update

Thanks to everyone who completed the recent survey asking for your views on latest plans to restore Brinton Park. We’re delighted that the vast majority of people completing the survey fully support the latest design proposals, and believe the restoration will truly enhance the park. People were particularly positive about the new cafe in the park and the ornamental pool.

Full survey results

Big Energy Switch Poster cropped

Don’t forget to check out the big switch

There’s just a week left to register for this year’s Big Energy Switch.  The deadline to register for this money-saving scheme which last year helped people save an average of £130 a year off their energy bills is Monday 10 February. 

The scheme uses collective bargaining power to get a better deal with a competitive process taking place to negotiate with energy companies. Those who have registered their interest will be given a personalised offer showing how much they could save by switching.

Registration is free and people only need their most recent energy bill to sign up with no obligation to switch. Register today

Join the Big Energy Switch  

Driver Training

New year, new career

If your new year’s resolution to change careers is fading fast we may be able to help. We can offer you great value professional driver training delivered by our RTITB-registered (Road Transport Industry Training Board) instructor Glyn, who has over 30 years experience in driving and training. We run regular courses in both Category C HGV & CPC training. Category C is the entry level into becoming a professional driver of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Our purpose-built vehicle is very easy to drive, and handles in a similar way to a larger car or van. It is maintained to the highest standard by our in-house DVSA approved garage. To start your new journey, contact us at or call 01562 732528 for more info or to book your free assessment!

Email the team

House to let

Calling all private landlords

We’re inviting all private landlords to a special event explaining latest changes to legislation affecting renting out properties. There will be advice on grant schemes, a talk on the new energy efficiency regulations being introduced in April and information on funding available to meet the new standards. Organised by Wyre Forest District Council, the event will feature guest speakers including a representative from the National Landlord Association, who will speak about proposed changes to eviction notices. There will also be information about a new social letting agency  -  ReWyre Letting Agency – which is looking to work with landlords to provide affordable accommodation in the private rented sector to low income households. The agency will be offering a range of options and incentives to landlords. This could include leasing properties with a guaranteed monthly income for two years, whether their property is occupied or not. The event will take place at 1.30pm on Thursday 27 February in the Council Chamber, Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster.  Any private landlord or letting agency representative who would like to attend the forum should email or call 01562 732725.

Email us

House with scarf

Keep warm and well

Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you are 65 or older, or if you have a long-term health condition. There are some simple tips you can follow to keep you and your family warm and well this winter.

 

  • if you're not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C
  • keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep the bedroom window closed
  • if you're under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you're comfortable
  • use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but do not use both at the same time
  • have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm
  • have hot drinks regularly
  • to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C
  • draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
  • get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional

Find out more

Volunteer Fair banner

Volunteer and skills fair returns

Do you belong to a community group in Wyre Forest? Then make sure you bag yourself a free stall at our next volunteer fair in Kidderminster next month. The event at Kidderminster Town Hall on Thursday 26 March will not only promote your organisation but also help you attract more volunteers. Building on the success of previous volunteer fairs, Wyre Forest District Council has partnered with Kidderminster College, Department for Work and Pensions and Vestia. The fair will start at 10am and finish at 2pm and will also include a special CV skills workshop. If you have a few hours spare and would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities in the district make a date to come along. If you’re interested in reserving a stall, simply apply before Friday 14 February 2019.

Apply for a stall

Homeless sign crossed out

New project to reduce homelessness

A new county-wide pilot scheme to reduce homelessness will help vulnerable rough sleepers in Wyre Forest get back into permanent accommodation. Worcestershire County Council and the six district councils, have received £435,000 of Government funding to pay for the new two-year pilot service, called Housing First. The service will provide a stable, independent home for up to 27 rough sleepers with multiple and complex needs across Worcestershire, supporting them with intensive personalised support. They will be given stable, affordable accommodation and intensive wrap-around support to help address any needs they have arising from issues such as mental ill health and substance misuse. It will be run as a partnership between the local councils, Public Health, St. Paul’s Hostel in Worcester and local housing providers.

ShamblesMuseum

Get set for new season at Bewdley Museum!

There's plenty of things to see, do and visit at Bewdley Museum which launches its new season of activities and entertainment this month.

From a new art exhibition to paranormal activities, from children's half term activities to wedding open days, don't miss out on what promises to be an action-packed year at one of our most visited and best-loved local attractions.

The museum will be fully open on Saturday 29 February, but you don't need to wait until then to enjoy the museum gift shop, craft workshops and Garden Bar which open today (Monday 3 February).

Please check out our new and improved website to find full details of opening hours, activities and entertainment in store this year at Bewdley Museum.

Museum what’s on

NWBusinessAwards

#NWBusAwards 2020 – watch this space!

NWedR and NWBL are delighted to announce that we will be organising the North Worcestershire Business Awards #NWBusAwards again for 2020!  Save the date for the glittering awards night – Thursday 26 November 2020.  The venue will be Hogarth’s Stone Manor. Look out for event sponsorship opportunities to be launched in March.  Entries for the awards will open in June.  Follow us on @NWBusAwards or visit the website www.NWBusAwards.org. To get you in the celebratory mood – watch the video highlights from our 2019 event !

Watch the video

Bill by email

Get your Council Tax bill by email

Help us save time, paper costs and the environment by registering for our online council tax ebilling service, instead of receiving traditional paper bills you will be emailed your bill as a PDF attachment in an email. You will need your council tax account number (you will find this on the top left-hand corner of your bill) and a valid email address.  When we receive the registration form we will send you a copy of your last bill to confirm that the service has been started.

Apply for online billing