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August 2020
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Welcome to the latest edition of our online newsletter for residents.
Don't lose your voice!
Local elections will be held next May and we will shortly be contacting you to make sure who's eligible to vote in your household.
With West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, Worcestershire County Council and Kidderminster Town Council elections taking place in the district in May 2021, this is an important opportunity to make sure you can take part.
The annual canvass helps us keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.
This year, residents may receive messages about checking their details by email, text, phone call or letter. How residents are contacted will depend on the details they have provided to the electoral services team in the past.
We’re reminding residents that anyone can apply for a postal vote – you do not need to give a reason.
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Splashpad reopened
Our popular splashpad in Brinton Park, Kidderminster has reopened.
We are asking all visitors to follow the Government’s Coronavirus guidelines and to help keep people safe we will have two council officers on site at all times.
We are also asking visitors to observe the following:
- All children must be supervised by a responsible adult
- Make sure you are social distancing
- Please bring your own hand sanitiser and make sure your child uses it before and after using the splashpad
- Do not consume food or drink in the splashpad
- The splashpad will be limited to a maximum of 12 persons at any one time
- During busy sessions the splashpad will be limited to 20 minute sessions
The splashpad will be open daily throughout the summer from 11am to 4pm.
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Coronavirus and our services
With our town centres re-opening for business we are constantly looking at reintroducing services, where it is safe to do so.
Car parks, public toilets, parks, play areas have re-opened, albeit with social distancing measures in place.
Keep up to date with all of our services by regularly visiting the dedicated page on our website.
Our customer service hub in Kidderminster is still closed for face to face enquiries although staff are continuing to deal with emergency homeless enquiries and pre-booked appointments where necessary.
However if you need help and advice, you can still contact us through a variety of channels such as:
You can also Email us or Call us
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Leisure centres to reopen
Wyre Forest Leisure Centre will open its doors on Friday 7 August and Bewdley Leisure Centre on Monday 24 August.
After Government instruction in March both centres were closed by Places Leisure who manage them on behalf of Wyre Forest District Council.
Since then, Places Leisure has been taking advice from Public Health England, following Government guidelines, and consulting with their trade body ukactive to make sure new measures are in place to reopen the centres safely.
Changes will include an increased cleaning schedule and clear signage to make sure visitors are following social distancing guidelines, aware of reduced activity capacities and know the locations of hand sanitizing and cleaning stations.
To help with social distancing, Places Leisure is asking customers to prebook sessions on the Places Locker mobile app or website. A video has also been put together to help customers understand the reopening plans.
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How we can all help control the virus
As more of us start to venture out, there are some basic things we can do to help control the virus and avoid a second spike, or local lockdown like we've seen in Leicester and other parts of the country.
Face coverings are now required when shopping, on public transport, or in enclosed spaces and it's still very important to keep our distance from other people who are not from our own household.
Face coverings can help control the spread of the virus but only if they are used safely. Worcestershire County Council has created a short video on the correct way to wear a face covering. It also includes advice on how to wash and care for your fabric face covering. If you opt for disposable face coverings, please note these should be disposed of in your black bin.
From Saturday 8 August the places where you will have to wear a face covering will be expanded.
For the latest Covid-19 health advice visit the
For information on what you can and cannot do, go to
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Older people's showcase moves online!
This year's Older People's Showcase event is moving online!
Due to the pandemic, this annual event, which highlights organisations and services tailored towards older residents, will take place over the week commencing Monday 28 September until Friday 2 October, incorporating Thursday 1 October, National Older Persons Day.
The event will take the form of a week of “virtual” online activities with involvement of partner organisations who would usually attend the event to promote their services to help keep residents fit, well and healthy, in both mind and body.
If you would like to find out more or belong to an organisation and may be interested in getting involved , click on the link.
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A summer at the museum
Bewdley Museum is running some exciting summer craft activities for children throughout August.
The Shambles, Wyre Forest Gallery, Bewdley Story, Walled Garden and Craft Studios are now open to visitors. You can access them and the cafe from Load Street and Queen Elizabeth II Jubliee Gardens between 10am and 4pm. Children’s Craft Activities are going ahead between Monday and Friday in a safe, socially distanced way. You must book onto the activities by calling 0845 607 7819.
The Museum team has worked hard to ensure the safety of our staff and visitors and are really looking forward to seeing you again.
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Better Health Campaign
Public Health England has launched the Better Health campaign to support people to live healthier lives and reduce their risk of serious illness, including COVID-19.
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Keeping you in the know
You can keep up to date with all of our news by checking our news section on our website.
You can get news on issues that matter to you the most delivered direct to your inbox by subscribing to more of our e-bulletin topics.
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