Election of Parish Councillors for the Parishes listed below.

If you are unable to access the details below, please contact the Parish Clerk via this link

Parishes	Number of Parish Councillors to be elected	Parishes	Number of Parish Councillors to be elected
Alrewas	Nine	Harlaston	Seven
Armitage with Handsacre	Nine	Hints and Canwell	Seven
Burntwood (Boney Hay & Central)	Five	King`s Bromley	Seven
Burntwood (Chase Terrace)	Four	Lichfield (Boley Park)	Four
Burntwood (Chasetown)	Three	Lichfield (Chadsmead)	Four
Burntwood (Gorstey Ley)	Two	Lichfield (Curborough)	Four
Burntwood (Highfield)	One	Lichfield (Leomansley)	Six
Burntwood (Hunslet)	Two	Lichfield (St. John`s)	Six
Burntwood (Summerfield and All Saints)	Five	Lichfield (Stowe)	Five
Clifton Campville	Seven	Longdon (Gentleshaw)	Two
Colton	Seven	Longdon (Longdon)	Seven
Curborough and Elmhurst	Six	Mavesyn Ridware	Seven
Drayton Bassett (Coleshill)	Two	Shenstone (Little Aston & Stonnall)	Eight
Drayton Bassett (Village)	Five	Shenstone (Shenstone Wood End)	One
Edingale	Seven	Shenstone (Shenstone)	Six
Elford	Seven	Streethay	Seven
Farewell and Chorley	Seven	Swinfen and Packington	Seven
Fazeley	Eleven	Thorpe Constantine	Two
Fisherwick	Three	Wall	Seven
Fradley	Ten	Weeford	Seven
Hammerwich (Hammerwich)	Three	Whittington	Twelve
Hammerwich (Pool)	One	Wigginton and Hopwas (Hopwas)	Four
Hammerwich (Triangle)	Seven	Wigginton and Hopwas (Wigginton)	Three
Hamstall Ridware	Seven

1. Nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 6YU from the date of publication of this notice, on Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding bank holidays) but no later than 4 pm on Tuesday, 4 April 2023.

2. Nomination papers may be obtained from the offices of the Returning Officer, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 6YU, during the times stated above.

3. If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday, 4 May 2023.

4. Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Monday 17 April 2023. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

5. 5. Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 6YU by 5 pm on Tuesday, 18 April 2023.

   6. Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

   7. New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 6YU by 5 pm on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.

   8. Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 6YU by 5pm on Thursday, 4 May 2023

   Simon Fletcher

   Dated: Monday 20 March 2023 Returning Officer

What is it?

We are thrilled to launch our biggest recruitment campaign in recent years, termed a BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. We would all like to achieve a better place to live no matter our starting point – whether it be working together to reduce fear of and opportunities for crime, supporting our neighbours, reducing isolation and loneliness, or making new friendships. With 2.3 million members already, the campaign aims to:

• attract even more members
• encourage groups to be more active
• encourage all local group members to register their membership nationally

Why are we running this campaign?

We want more members
We know the top four barriers to people joining are: there isn’t a group in their area, they don’t know who else is involved, no one has asked them, or they are unsure about what is expected of them. These barriers are all easily overcome by members chatting with neighbours. And there is no better time to invite people to join your group than now. We have a range of printed material to help you to grow your group, such as membership flyers, join postcards, volunteer flyers and a Coordinator pack that brings all that material together.

We want to be more active in your community
We are proud to say that we have a tested brand recognition of 93%. Despite this, it is clear that not everyone knows what we do. Our charity becomes more visible by being more active and vocal within our communities. More importantly, active groups are more effective at preventing crime, reducing loneliness and isolation, and building a more resilient community. 

So our campaign also encourages and enables Coordinators to be more active within their community. We have a range of resources such as ‘how to’ guides to help groups to be more active.

We want local group members to register their details
The strength of our charity is in being volunteer-led and by being embedded within communities for over 40 years. But times have changed, and how we process data has changed. Like any membership organisation, we ask volunteers and members to register on our robust and free membership database.

Registered members will receive a digital New Member Welcome Pack and regular crime prevention advice. They can opt-in to receive further information from local organisations, such as the police. Members can sign up in three easy steps, and as they move area, their account moves with them. With all members registered, Coordinators can manage their scheme from one central place and easily hand over the reins to a new person when they move on.  

How you can get involved?

• Visit ourwatch.org.uk/betterplacetolive to learn more about the campaign
• Look at ways to support the campaign in our BETTER PLACE TO LIVE Campaign Pack
• Order printed material such as membership flyers, join postcards, crime prevention booklets or Coordinator Packs that brings all that material together

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team

 ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / Online shop

 Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

There will be a police Clinic at Shenstone Library, Main Street, Shenstone on Saturday 4/3/23 from 1045 to 11:45.  Please come and speak to one of your local PCSOs if you have any policing concerns or want to make us aware of something in the community or want advice about a policing matter.  You are most welcome!  If you want to speak to your local PCSO, but cannot make Saturday, please contact us by email and we will contact you – andrea.horsnall@staffordshire.police.uk 

or Thomas.passmore@staffordshire.police.uk

 Thank you.

On Saturday 11th February, between 10:00 and 12:00, there will be an extended Police drop-in clinic with PCSO Horsnall and PCSO Passmore.  A representative from the Crime Prevention Panel and a safety officer from Lichfield District Council will also be available in the community room at the library. Come and speak to us about your concerns in relation to crime and safety and receive advice on how to increase your own security.  There is also information of crime prevention on the Staffordshire Police website – staffordshire.police.uk

We look forward to meeting you.

PCSO 25049 Andrea Horsnall

 

The PCSO team   will be at Dobbies Garden Centre , Birmingham Road, Shenstone,  WS14 0QQ on 27th Jan 2023 from 10.0 until 11.30 am, with members of the Community safety team to offer crime prevention advice and  discuss any policing issues in the area.  If you are free and available it would be great to see you there. 

We Will be running  further drop in sessions at various locations across the area, which we will keep you updated about.  

kind regards 

PCSO Tom Passmore 

Information on the general background to the neighbourhood plan review

From June 2023 to March 2024 Shenstone Parish Council intends to review the Neighbourhood Plans of Shenstone and Little Aston villages. The Shenstone Parish Council area of responsibility is located north of Birmingham City Council boundary and within the boundaries of Lichfield District Council (LDC) which is the Local Planning Authority and Staffordshire County Council. The current District Council Local Plan 2008 – 2029 was adopted in February 2015. The LDC new Local Plan 2040 has been consulted upon and was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in June 2022. A decision by the Planning Inspectorate is expected in the next six months.

The Parish Council is the largest in Staffordshire and contains three distinct villages; all three have existing Neighbourhood Plans (NP’s), two of which are the subject of this tender invitation specification, Shenstone and Little Aston. The Shenstone NP was made in December 2016 and Little Aston NP in April 2016. Details of both Plans can be found on lichfielddc.gov.uk/site-search/results/?q=neighbourhood+plans

The existing NP’s contain clear community vision and objectives statements that remain relevant as do the majority of the approved NP policies which support the vision and objectives. The approved policies cover the greenbelt, housing, movement, environmental and community facilities, commerce and non land use issues.

Shenstone Council was actively involved with the development of the preferred development options for Shenstone and Little Aston during the new Local Plan consultation period. As a result of the updating of the Local Plan the NP context has also been revised. The Parish Council now wishes to procure a consultancy services to refresh and renew the existing two village NP’s. Following procurement the review work programme is planned to commence in June 2023 when the two NP’s will be over seven years old and when the Planning Inspectorate decision has been received.

The areas of the existing Neighbourhood Plans that require updating or inclusion.

The Parish Council was actively involved in the District Council options consultation for Shenstone and Little Aston that led to the final District Council proposals in Local Plan 2040. While the consultation options identified the potential for additional housing and light industry expansion in Shenstone they were not taken forward to the final proposals. We see (i) the existing NP proposal for residential growth in Shenstone being reconfirmed. We also see (ii) the Local Plan 2040 recommendation for recreation provision to the south of Shenstone to be reviewed and (iii) the clear focus of the District Council in addressing Shenstone traffic issues also being subject to review. The Parish Council has recently completed a Rural Communities Energy Fund Feasibility Study in Shenstone which is attached and we would want (iv) the new Shenstone NP to identify the two options for delivering carbon neutral energy. For Little Aston the review needs arising from the Local Plan 2040 are (vi) continuing protection of the conservation area (vii) housing for elderly downsizers and (viii) countryside access and recreation links. In addition to the above the Parish Council NP’s would benefit from (ix) the inclusion of any national planning policy or guidance that strengthens the effectiveness of an NP.

The background skill and experience Shenstone Parish Council is seeking to appoint.

1. Experience

• Range of work in contributing to neighbourhood planning document policy and process.

• Effective working with a range of community and local government organisations in relation to planning.

2. Skills and Knowledge

• Membership of relevant professional organisations e.g. Royal Town Planning Institute.

• Ability to solve problems with multiple stakeholders and find the most appropriate solutions.

• Strong, successful communication experience using traditional and new channels.

• Communication graphics and document writing skills that successfully translate complex issues.

• Strong organisational skills.

3. Organisation values

• A belief in the value local community involvement.

• Flexible and agile working practices.

• To be solutions focused with a can-do attitude.

3. Community and stakeholder involvement

Preliminary Neighbourhood Plan preparation actions to date.

The Parish Council has met the District Council who have requested that we hold off carrying out any formal work on NP review until the Local Plan 2040 is finally confirmed as approved by both the Planning Inspectorate and then by District Council. The District Council have also advised on the need for a revised NP referendum. This will depend on the nature and impact of any revised or newly introduced NP recommendation.

What the Parish Council will supply to the preferred consultant.

A single point of contact. Any necessary information or data gathered to date around the sites in the area. A physical base within the area when undertaking work on site. Contact details for any key local stakeholders. Additional capacity to help undertake any necessary background tasks relevant to the assignment, including help on the ground. Some of these roles may be shared by the Parish Council with the Working Groups.

Scope of work required.

Main elements required to ensure that key areas of work are covered:-

1. Identify and gather and support the gathering of the relevant local and national evidence required (plus any gaps in the existing evidence base) to support the NP revision objectives.

2. Site assessment work, including site visits, desktop assessment of relevant evidence, liaison with external bodies and use of sub-consultants to produce original analysis where necessary

3. Produce a report summarising the analysis arising from the information gathering, supported by detailed appendices as appropriate and a short presentation of key findings to Steering or Working Group(s).

4. Provide appropriate review consultation support to the Shenstone and Little Aston communities. As this is a review of existing plans with some original policies and issues at various delivery stages. The review consultation will be a blend of confirming policy areas yet to start, areas of policy work in progress and new policy areas for inclusion or amendment.

The extent of the revision consultation structures to be supported in each village community are yet to be established and could range from support for a single steering group and community consultation to up to support for six subject based steering groups and community consultation.

The output requirement for supporting the eventual structures will be:-

Defining a broad set of review aims, objectives and outline strategy for achieving the review recommendations. Securing agreement on the issues around which the review will form, and the main elements of a work-brief for each issue area. Adequate preparation for the workshops, including the intellectual content, graphics, presentational material, etc. Delivery of the workshop. Follow up reports summarising the workshop product, in PDF and Word document file format. Draft work-briefs for the steering groups.

5. Drafting an overall review consultation statement from the preferred revision options work Identification of the main next-step elements and production of a revised Neighbourhood Plan.

Selection

Selection will be based on the following criteria. Cost – 30% – Please specify the number of days work and the cost per day. Quality – 70% please provide details of appropriate skill, experience and qualifications for the work.

Council Contact and schedule of events.

Name	Shirley O’Mara – Parish Clerk
Telephone	01543 481947
Email	admin@shenstonepc.pcwpreview.co.uk

All Supplier questions must be directed only through the Parish Clerk to ensure continuity of the sourcing process.

The timeline of this tender invitation is indicated below:

Event	Date
1. Invitation distribution to suppliers	Monday 30th January 2023
2. Email confirmation of interest required	Monday 6th February 2023
3. Return tender	Friday 17th March 2023
4. Tender award by Parish Council	Tuesday 11th April 2023
4. Preferred tender notified	Wednesday 12th April 2023
5. Anticipated commencement date of work	Monday 6th June 2023

1. Following the invitation to tender suppliers are asked to email a confirmation acknowledgement of the document, and intention to submit a tender by 6^th February 2023.

2. The tender must be received by 12 noon 17^th March 2012 in electronic format to admin@shenstonepc.pcwpreview.co.uk Any proposal received at the designated location after the required time and date specified for receipt shall be considered late. Any late submissions cannot be evaluated for award.

3. The costs supplied in the bid will be the only costs accepted and used for the evaluation process.

4. Your proposals must identify activity, days/hours associated; identify hourly rates applicable to the roles and responsibilities accountable to the delivery of the plan, printing, consumables, set up, management, telephone, branding, consultation, social media, web site design and hosting.

5. Shenstone Parish Council will initiate meetings with suppliers if clarification of a supplier’s proposal is necessary and only with suppliers who have returned a proposal that is being considered for acceptance.

6. Please provide an organisational diagram with the CV of the people who will work on this contract with evidence of two examples of similar work.

7. Scanned copies of relevant insurance documents should also be included.

8. The tender submission should also include the following:

• An outline of your previous experience and suitability for the commission

• Where it is proposed to sub-contract any element, details of the company concerned together with relevant staff

• A document setting out concisely what work will be undertaken and how

• Any issues that are identified with the brief that may impact on the scope of work

• A draft programme for key milestones/ draft project programme.

• Fixed pricing against each element within the scope of work

• The resources to be used including staff costs and other resources.

For individual members of staff, the day rate and rate per day should be specified. An estimate for travel expenses should also be provided.

• Names of two referees preferably from other NP Projects you have worked on.

9. The scope of work required has been agreed by the Parish Council to guide consultant tender submissions. Consultants may choose to set out a different approach in their tender submissions if they believe it to be justified based on delivering best practice.

10. Consultants will be required to provide a named project manager to lead and act as the point of contact throughout the duration of this project. The project manager should have sufficient and applicable experience to manage this type of project and be available for discussions and work with the client as required.

12. Key milestones and client sign-off procedures, interim and final outputs expected from the commission to be set and agreed with the consultant upon appointment.

13. The Town Council is not bound to accept the lowest tender nor is it bound to make an appointment from this exercise.

Shenstone Parish Parish Council

 

Deadline for receipt of tenders via post or email to the Parish Clerk by 5.00pm Friday 27^th January.

The Contractor is required to maintain the grounds listed below throughout the period of the contract.

1. St John’s Lower Lawned Cemetery Shenstone

2. St John’s Upper Closed Cemetery Shenstone

The Contractor is to provide all plant, labour and materials including marking out and fuel to carry out the operations detailed in the tender specification.

In carrying out such work the Contractor will ensure that his staff conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, this is especially important in the Cemetery and Churchyard.

The contractor will operate days of the week pre-specified to the Clerk. If dates need to change then notification must be given & approved to avoid being onsite during any burials.

When working in the cemetery

1. The Contractor shall hold and provide copies of the required insurance and public liability cover.

2. The Contractor shall comply with the latest Health and Safety at Work Act and shall hold the relevant Health and Safety certificates.

The length of the contract will be for a period of four years, subject to an annual review, and to include a rate of inflation rise each year to be agreed between the Clerk to the Council and Contractor.

All Tenders are to be sent to the Clerk to the Council and be exclusive of VAT.

Cemetery Grounds Maintenance

The following maintenance standards are required for the St John’s Lower Lawned Cemetery:

Description and Standard

Figure in brackets is the scheduled number of works to be quoted for

1. Cut all grass areas.

(a) Between March and October complete weekly cuts dependant on growing conditions. (32)

(b) Between November and February: (2) cuts throughout this period dependent on growing conditions. If further cuts requested by Council, cuts to be completed within one week or as soon as possible. (c) Grass height should not exceed 50mm. (d) Arisings to be evenly dispersed at each cut. (e) Blow away any loose grass that gathers on gravestone flat surfaces following each cut.

2. Grass edges

(a) To avoid any damage, strim with careful attention around all graves/headstones where other maintenance equipment cannot access. Follow same frequency as the grass cuts in 1 (a) and (b) above. (32) & (2). (b) Strim or chemically treat the edging to the base of the ramp down to the lower cemetery and the base of lower cemetery walls and trees three times a year. (3)

(c) Blow away any loose grass that gathers on gravestone flat surfaces following each cut. (32)

3. Dead flowers

(a) Remove weekly from each gravestone/headstone flowers that are dead a have started to rot and smell. Dispose of dead flowers in bins on site. (52) (b) Cut back daffodils once flowered and finished for the year. (1) (c) Remove and dispose of Christmas wreathes after the end of January into the bins provided. Under no circumstances are any personal items to be removed. (d) Clear and dispose off site fallen leaves at visit each visit during the autumn period. (3)

4. Bushes, trees, hedges

(a) Undertake an annual trim of all sides of the boundary hedge that runs along the northern boundary. (1) (b) Undertake annual pruning of the small number of individual trees and bushes in the lower cemetery (1) (c) Provide a day rate for the lopping and topping of trees (1)

5. Litter

(a) At each visit inspect all areas of the lower cemetery for litter and dispose of in bins provided. (52) (b) Remove any glass items that may cause harm during strimming or cutting and remove any broken glass items on gravestones (52)

The following maintenance standards are required for the St John’s Upper Closed Cemetery:

Description and Standard

1. Cut all grass areas.

(a) Between March and October complete three cuts per month dependant on growing conditions (16)

(b) Between November and February (2) cuts throughout this period dependent on growing conditions. If further cuts requested by Council, cuts to be completed within one week or as soon as possible.

(c) Grass height should not exceed 75mm. (d) Arisings to be evenly dispersed at each cut. (e) Blow away any loose grass that gathers on gravestone flat surfaces following each cut.

2. Grass edges

(a) To avoid any damage, strim with careful attention around all graves/headstones where other maintenance equipment cannot access. Follow same frequency as the grass cuts in 1 (a) and (b) (16) & (2) above. (b) Strim or chemically treat with careful attention the internal areas of graves where the stonework has disintegrated, and grass now grows. (3) (c) Strim or chemically treat with careful attention the base of cemetery walls and trees three times a year. The immediate base of mature trees to be treated once per year to allow fauna and flora to thrive. (1) (d) Blow away any loose grass that gathers on gravestone flat surfaces following each cut (18)

3. Dead flowers

(a) Remove weekly from each gravestone/headstone flowers that are dead a have started to rot and smell. Dispose of dead flowers in bins on site. (18) (b) Cut back daffodils once flowered and finished for the year. (1) (c) Remove and dispose of Christmas wreathes after the end of January into the bins provided. (1) (d) clear and dispose off site fallen leaves during the autumn period (3)

4. Bushes, trees, hedges

(a) Undertake an annual trim of all sides of the boundary hedge that runs along the southwestern and northern boundaries. (1) (b) Undertake annual pruning of the small number of individual trees and bushes in the upper cemetery (1) (c) Provide a day rate for the lopping and topping of trees (1)

5. Litter

(a) At each visit inspect all areas of the Upper cemetery for litter and dispose of in bins provided. (16) (b) Remove any glass items that may cause harm during strimming or cutting and remove any broken glass items on gravestones. (18)

7. Paths and hard standings

(a) To be swept clear of grass by hand at each visit. (18) (b) Edges strimmed or chemically treated three times per year.

8. Day rates for work to trees

(a) Provide a day rate for removal of epicormic tree growth

9. Litter bins

(a) Empty litter bin next to Old Tower each visit (18)

(b) Empty dog poo bin on the glebe on each visit (52)

10. Weed killing

Weed killing around side & back of Old Tower March, June & Sept (3).

Miscellaneous for Upper and Lower cemeteries

1. Report to the Clerk any unsafe trees or structures or vandalism. (b) Refuelling of mowers/strimmers must not be carried out on the grassed area.
2. Maintenance of shrubbery and trees

 

For most Christmas shopping has begun, and we want to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Christmas period.

Here are some crime prevention tips to help you:

Out shopping:
If you are visiting the shops this Christmas, be careful how you leave your car.
Do not leave valuables or shopping on display in your car

Close windows, sunroof, lock doors and activate security alarms when leaving your car

Park in a busy, well-lit area or secure care park if possible

Take valuables with you when you leave your car

Avoid going back to your car to leave your shopping part-way through your trip

If you have no choice, make sure your valuables and shopping are locked in the boor, taking care no one is watching you or they are left on show. 

Do not leave your bag unattended on your trolley whilst loading your car

Shopping online:
Choose where you shop: if you are making a purchase from a website or a person you don’t know or trust, carry out some research first. Look online for reviews of the website or person you are buying from. 

Payment method: use a payment method that offers buyers protection. 

Staying secure online: use a strong, separate password for your email account. Criminals can use your email to access other online accounts, such as those you use for online shopping. 

Christmas Eve:
Everyone will leave presents under the tree on Christmas Eve, after all that is where Santa will leave the presents for all of the good children! 

Don’t give the thieves an easy target!

Make sure that your windows and doors are secure 

Keep presents and valuables out of sight by closing the blinds and the curtains

Dispose of the packaging carefully, do not leave the expensive outer boxes on show. 

Security mark gifts and valuable with your postcode and house number

Register items using the free service immobilise.com which enables police to identify the owner of the valuables if they are stolen

We hope that you have a wonderful time getting ready for a magical Christmas.

 

Thank you
Deryn Small – PCSO Lichfield