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Welcome to the latest edition of our online newsletter for residents.
New Covid-19 restrictions
It's almost a week since new restrictions came into force across Wyre Forest. The district, and the whole of Worcestershire, is now in the new Tier 2 - High Alert category.
To find out what this means for you, click the button below. Don't forget to keep yourself and your loved ones safe by continuing to do the basics, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering and keep your distance from others at all times.
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Our services over Christmas
You may be planning your Christmas celebrations a little differently this year, but make sure you stay up to date with our services over the festive period.
With more of us planning to shop locally this year, our festive parking offer will come in very handy. All council-owned car parks are now free after 3pm until Sunday 3 January 2021. So if you are supporting local traders instead of heading out of the district, park for free, but please make sure you stick to social distancing guidelines.
The majority of our residents will have their bins collected as usual over the festive period. Only residents who have Friday collections will be affected.
If your recycling bin would have been due for collection on Friday 25 December (Christmas Day) please put it out by 6am on Monday 21 December. And if your black bin would have been due to be emptied on Friday 1 January, this will now be done on Monday 28 December. All other bin collections will take place as usual.
Find out changes to other services by following the link.
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Bewdley Museum call and collect
Christmas gift shopping has just got a whole lot easier thanks to a new call and collect service from Bewdley Museum.
National restrictions meant the museum's gift shop had to close in November, so staff decided to introduce the new call and collect scheme as an alternative way for shoppers to access the museum's unique range of gifts.
The shop has now re-opened along with other non-essntial retail shops, however the call and collect service will continue until 23 December for those who prefer not to visit in person. Check out its new stock of homeware, textiles and jewellery offering something for everyone. It also has a range of greeting cards, wine, cider, local beer, honey, jams and chutney.
The museum will close in January, reopening on Saturday 6 March, although the shop will be open for business again from Monday 1 February.
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More coronavirus info
Keep up to date with the latest information about the virus and its impact in Wyre Forest by regularly checking our dedicated webpage.
It has up to date information about how our services may be affected, as well as information, advice, support and grants for local businesses.
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Wyre Forest Energy Switch
If you are looking to save money on your energy bills sign up for our Energy Switch. We have joined up with iChooser to once again get a deal from energy providers and make it simple for you to switch. It is free to register and you do not have to switch if you don't like the offer!
The deadline for registering is Monday 8 February.
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Grants to make energy efficient homes
If you are a low-income home owner, you can apply to us for funding to make your home more energy efficient. We have grants available for, loft insulations, solar panels, draught proofing and installation of high heat retention storage heaters.
To apply you must live in a property which has an Energy Performance Certificate band rating of E,F or G and have a combined household income of no more than £30,000.
The maximum amount people can apply for is £10,000.
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Time running out to have your say on budget proposals
There's still time to give us your views on a range of budget proposals put forward by Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet.
The survey asks for feedback on the Cabinet’s key proposals and is your opportunity to shape the future of council services in the district.
The survey will close at midday on Thursday (10 December).
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Bulky waste collections
Forget Santa’s sleigh, trust The Depot to take unwanted items away!
Christmas is an ideal time to clear out those unwanted items and make way for the inevitable influx of new goods and gifts.
But there's no need to struggle to dispose of your unwanted items yourself, simply book our "little helpers" to do that for you, saving you time and hassle. Prices start from £25 per collection.
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Don't risk a fine!
Don't start 2021 with a fine for flytipping!
One resident who dumped waste outside the locked gates of one of Worcestershire County Council's household recycling centres in Wyre Forest on Boxing Day last year, started the year off with a £600 fine.
Please check out the county council's website for opening times and restrictions in operation as a result of the pandemic. The centres will be open over the festive period, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
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My Wyre Forest
Have you downloaded our free My Wyre Forest app yet?
It makes life so much easier, especially for reporting things like flytipping, missed bin collections and so much more.
The free mobile app and online self-service platform is a great way to contact us anytime, anywhere.
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Creating a new forest
Our rangers, parks, maintenance teams and tree gang have been busy planting more than 18,000 trees at the former Burlish Park golf course.
The tree planting project is a key part of a joint plan between the council and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to create a 600-acre nature reserve in the heart of the district between the towns of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley.
A small number of pupils from Stourport High School helped the rangers with planting on Friday 4 December.
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Get prepared for Census 2021
Census 2021 will take place next year on Sunday 21 March 2021.
This national survey, which happens every decade, helps the Government and public bodies plan services where they are most needed.
Make sure you're prepared by following the official Census posts on social media.
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And finally...
We wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Wyredin will be back with more council news in February 2021.
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