Wyre Forest is a safe, vibrant and clean place to live, work and visit.

That is our vision for the Council over the next four years. We are going to be prioritising economic growth and regeneration, securing financial sustainability for services our local communities value as well as making the district a clean, safe and green place to live, work and visit. The new vision and priorities form part of our new corporate plan which was agreed at the Council meeting on Wednesday 20 September. The plan was developed using feedback from a public consultation.

Cost of living summit

Ways to support people struggling with the cost of living were discussed at a summit we held at the end of last month. We brought local organisations together to update our Cost of Living Action Plan to keep improving how we work together to offer help.

The Big Recycling Hunt

This October join the Big Recycling Hunt and find out what else you should be recycling. It is Recycle Week from 16-23 October and this year we are focusing on items that can be recycled but are commonly missed in the home. Look out for #RecycleWeek on social media.

Taxi survey - making the fleet greener

There is still time to have your say on our plans to change our hackney carriage and private licensing policy. We want to do this to reduce the impact the taxi fleet has on the environment. We are suggesting that no fossil-duel driven vehicles could enter the fleet after 31 December 2026. We are also looking at changing the maximum age vehicles can be when they enter the fleet and when licences are renewed. Licensing fees for vehicles that do not use fossil fuels may also be reduced as part of the policy reform. Survey closes Friday 3 November.

No Barriers returns

Do you know someone who goes the extra mile to help people with disabilities or wider needs? Nominate them for the No Barriers – The Mike Oborski awards. The scheme recognises local business, organisations and individuals who provide significant access, service or employment opportunities for people with disabilities and wider needs in the Wyre Forest district. Nominations close on Monday 30 October and there will be an award ceremony on Thursday 30 November.

Thank you to our volunteers

Thank you! We have lots of fantastic volunteers who regularly give their time to help us make the district the best it can be. From volunteer litter pickers to those who help our rangers on the nature reserves or people who offer their time at Bewdley Museum. We are really grateful for all they do. We are holding a thank you event for them on Tuesday 7 November between 4pm and 5.30pm at Wyre Forest House. If you are a volunteer and would like to come along or if you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities please email Karen Haynes.

Fines for litter louts more than double

We have increased our on-the-spot fines for littering, graffiti and flyposting. The fixed penalty notices have increased from £150 to £500.  For flytipping offenders could can now be charged £1,000, up from £400. For all offences, the fine would be reduced if it is paid within a given period. These changes come after the government introduced a new regulation in July which allows councils to increase the upper limits, as part of their Antisocial Behaviour Action Plan.

PSPOs renewed

We have renewed our Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). These are the measures we use to tackle alcohol related antisocial behaviour and irresponsible dog ownership. The street drinking PSPO means our officers can order people to hand over or dispose of alcohol if they are causing problems while drinking in the town centres. The dog control PSPO means we can tackle issues the come about because of irresponsible dog owners. The decision to renew them was backed by overwhelming support in our public consultation.

Next step in regenerating Kidderminster

Demolition work is underway in Worcester Street, Kidderminster. The former Woolworths, Megavalue, Poundland and Sigma Aquatics stores are being knocked down as work has started to create a new green space in the town centre. The steps which link Worcester Street and Bromsgrove Street were closed last month and diversions are in place. This regeneration project is being funded through the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

Polling district review

We are carrying out a review of polling districts which will also look at places where electors vote in person. We are looking at the areas polling stations serve and the places used for stations to make sure that all electors have reasonably accessible facilities. We will be taking into account the growth in population and new guidance from the Electoral Commission reducing the number of electors it recommends for each polling station. You can have your say on our proposals by taking part in the review. The consultation is due to open this week. 

Attend our Landlord Forum

We have joined up with the National Residential Landlords Association to host an online Landlord Forum on Thursday 12 October. The free event runs from 1pm to 3pm and is open to all landlords. Find out about the best way to avoid dampness, condensation and mould in rental properties. There will be updates on how the cost of living crisis is impacting the district as well details on grant funding available for energy efficiency schemes. The forum will also cover the latest legislation updates for landlords and there is a question and answer session.

Chairman's Charity Quiz

Take part in a quiz, raise money for charity and enjoy a buffet! Councillor Chris Rogers, Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council is holding a charity quiz on Saturday 14 October. Join in the fun at Stourport Yacht Club, Engine Lane, Stourport, DY13 9EP and help raise money for the Chairman's charity, Midlands Air Ambulance. There are prizes to be won too! 7pm for a 7.30pm start. It is teams of four and costs £12.50 per head.

For youngsters looking for some Halloween fun, Dippy is visiting the museum with his Halloween disco and show from 6pm. Come in fancy dress and with your carved pumpkins for the competitions. Find out more about the show and book tickets

There are some spooky half term activities for the children too - as well as some autumn themed craft makes. Drop in every day from Monday 30 October - Frday 3 November. 10.30am until 2.30pm. £6 per activity per child. Find out more about what is on which day.