What would you focus on?

There is still time to take part in our survey on what you think the council should be focusing on over the next four years. 

Our questionnaire asks for your views on what makes somewhere a good place to live and what you feel needs improving in the area.

The results will help shape a new Corporate Plan in the autumn. 

The survey closes at 5pm on Friday 18 August. 

Have your say on alcohol restrictions and dog controls

We are also reviewing the measures we have in place to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour and irresponsible dog ownership.

We use Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) and we are looking to renew them.

The PSPOs in Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport town centres mean designated officers can order people to hand over or dispose of alcohol if they are causing a problem while drinking.

Our dog control PSPO covers the whole district.The order currently gives our enforcement officers legal powers to tackle concerns and problems around dogs including dog fouling.There is no other system or law applicable in England, which would enable council officers to hand out fines for dog fouling.

The surveys close at 5pm tomorrow - Tuesday 8 August.

Coffee and a catch up

A friendly drop-in group for Broadwaters residents is starting on Fridays from 1 September at the Rose Theatre. It is a chance for locals to chat, connect and have a hot cuppa. Pop in anytime between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Our Community Builder has helped bring locals together to start the coffee mornings which will be at the same time each Friday.  

Could you adopt a street?

Do you love where you live and would like to help keep it looking clean and tidy?

Join the Adopt a Street scheme on your own or as part of a group and make a difference to your community. All you have to do is sign the online pledge. This includes telling us which area of land you would like to adopt and a promise to litter pick there at least three times a year.

The area you choose to litter pick can be as small or as large as you like. The scheme is open to individuals, schools and community groups.

Are your details correct?

We are checking that all households' details are correct on the Electoral Register. This is called the Annual Canvass. You should be receiving a letter or an email. All you need to do is follow the instructions, and you'll be ready to have your say when we next have elections.

Rock Housing Needs survey

We are working to get a better understanding of local people's housing needs in Rock. To do this we are carrying out a survey in partnership with Rock Parish Council.

The feedback we receive will help us shape future housing and planning policies for Rock. It is so we can make sure there are enough of the right type of homes.

The survey is open to current Rock residents and any family members who have moved away and may be looking to move back.

The survey is due to open at 9am Monday 14 August and closes at 5pm Wednesday 9 October 2023. Respondents can enter a prize draw for a £50 shopping voucher.

Are you receiving all the Child Benefit you are entitled to?

If you have a teenager who is staying in full-time education or training, you need to let HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) know by 31 August if you want to continue receiving Child Benefit payments.

If you don’t, they will automatically stop. You should have received a letter in your child’s last year at school asking you to confirm their plans. You can also do this online.

Digital Switchover

The way we communicate is changing.

Our old telephone lines are being replaced with a digital network. This means a more reliable, future proof service that will support the UK and its residents for years to come.

It will affect anything that sends a signal through the old line from personal alarm buttons to old-style home telephones.

Anyone with these services should check if the digital switchover will affect them, so their service isn’t disrupted.

Help improve home buying and selling

Have you recently bought or sold a home? Are you in the process? The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) would like to hear from you. DLUHC is looking at ways it can help to improve home buying and selling. Research is being conducted up until September 2023. They are carrying out one-to-one, hour-long online interviews. As a thank you, those that take part will receive a £30 online voucher.

If you are interested you need to complete a short, five-minute survey.  Please use the relevant survey link below:

Recently completed the transaction(s)

Still in the process of home buying and selling

Full bridge closure at Beales Corner

Severn Trent Water will be undertaking their next phase of the utility diversions from Tuesday 29 August. These works are to enable the main construction works of the Environment Agency’s Beales Corner flood risk management scheme.

The works will require the full closure of the Bewdley Bridge to vehicles, it will remain open to pedestrians. It is expected that the work will last approximately 10 to 15 days, including weekend working.

There will be a public meeting with businesses and residents at St George’s Hall in Bewdley on Thursday 17 August at 5pm, to discuss the traffic management options during the main construction phase of the project.

Currently the Environment Agency and their partners are working to schedule the following works during this road closure:

• Repair to bridge balustrade at two locations
• Diversion of Cadent Gas utility
• Number of trial holes
• Diversion of the outstanding Openreach apparatus

WFDC featured in Worcestershire Wildlife

We have been working with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and three of our collaborations are featured in their July edition of 'Worcestershire Wildlife'.

Stories include Burlish Golf Course restoration (page 6), flood work on Battlefield Brook (page 6) and heather restoration (page 14). 

You can download a copy of the magazine for free below.

Summer activities fun

All this summer we are running our popular children's summer craft activities. Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 2.30pm until Friday 1 September. Each week has a different theme. Activities cost £6 per child. No booking required.

The Romans return

Also this summer there is a chance to visit our family friendly exhibition exploring the Romans in the district. It includes a display of Roman finds from the museum collections. Runs until Sunday 3 September. On Saturday 12 August, Comitatus, Britain's leading Late Roman re-enactment group will be putting on an infantry display. Join us to take the museum back to AD 400.