Kate Pritchard

Lichfield District Council has launched a new “Protect Your Home from Fires” resource to help residents reduce the risk of household fires and keep their families safe.

The online guide offers simple, practical advice on a wide range of everyday risks; from cooking, candles and chip pans to heaters, electric blankets, faulty wiring and more. It also provides information on how to plan ahead in case of emergencies and what to do if a fire breaks out.

To mark the launch, residents are invited to take part in a home fire safety competition, open until 31 October 2025. A host of local businesses together with Lichfield Community Fire Station have generously donated prizes to support the campaign, including:

• Tesco – three heat alarms
• Lichfield PAT Testing Ltd – up to five items PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) tested for free (local businesses only)
• Lichfield Community Fire Station – a tour of Lichfield Fire Station
• Legionella & Fire Safe Services – two fire blankets and two packs of fire alarms (two alarms per pack)
• M&I Domestic Appliances – four Tower slow cookers and a Statesman 5L air fryer
• Dobbies Garden Centre at Shenstone – gift bag including prosecco, chutney and seeds

Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:
“The Community Safety Partnership is committed to keeping people safe across our district. Everyday items, from heaters to chip pans, can pose serious risks if not used with care. This new resource gives residents the knowledge they need to prevent fires before they happen. I’d encourage everyone to take a look, make small changes at home, and enter our competition to win useful fire safety equipment.”

The Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership brings together local organisations including Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, and local community groups to tackle key safety issues in the district.

Residents can explore the new fire safety guide and enter the competition at: www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/community/protect-home-fires-resources

More than £400,000 is being invested this year in projects to make Lichfield District’s neighbourhoods safer, cleaner and better connected.
From tackling antisocial behaviour and improving parks, to helping residents protect their homes from scams and fire risks, the funding is focused on the things that matter most to local people.

The work forms part of the district’s new Community Safety Strategy, delivered by the Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership; which brings together Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, Staffordshire County Council, Bromford, and the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office.

The investment, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Staffordshire Commissioner and council budgets, will see the following invested over the coming three years:
• £225,000 for district-wide clean and green improvements – tackling litter, improving lighting, and making public areas safer and more welcoming.
• £150,000 to enhance local parks and open spaces, including new pathways, accessibility upgrades, and safety measures to encourage families and community groups to use them confidently.
• £20,000 to support youth activities in antisocial behaviour hotspots such as North Lichfield and Chasetown – giving young people positive alternatives and safe spaces to thrive.
• £5,300 to expand a peer-led mentoring programme, offering support and lived-experience guidance to individuals at risk of reoffending.
• £2,500 to grow Neighbourhood Watch groups across the district, strengthening local networks and helping communities work together to prevent crime.
• £3,000 to deliver a dementia wristband scheme, helping to safely reunite vulnerable residents who become lost or confused with loved ones.
• £2,000 for doorstep safety initiatives, providing practical tools such as door stickers and mirrors to help residents make safer decisions at home.

A number of awareness campaigns will also run throughout the year, from home and car security to online safety for teenagers.
To support transparency, a new Community Safety Dashboard has also been launched, allowing residents and partners to monitor local statistics, identify areas of concern, and see where investment is making a difference.

Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “We’ve listened carefully to what residents have told us matters most – safer streets, cleaner parks and stronger communities. This investment means we can act on those priorities, working with our partners to deliver visible improvements across the district.

“I’d encourage residents to get involved, whether that’s reporting issues, joining Neighbourhood Watch, or simply looking out for a neighbour. Together, we can make Lichfield District an even safer and more connected place to live.”

The Community Safety Strategy was developed using insight from hundreds of residents and data analysis led by Impera, focusing on four key areas:
• People – building stronger relationships between neighbours and generations.
• Places – creating cleaner, safer, more welcoming public spaces.
• Policies – ensuring decisions are transparent, responsive and shaped by community voices.
• Programmes – delivering consistent, visible activities that empower communities.

Pye Nyunt, Chief Executive of Impera, added:
“This project demonstrates the full cycle of change – from rigorous research to measurable results. It shows Lichfield District Council’s commitment to evidence-based action that strengthens communities and enhances safety for all.”

Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to a special Meet the Leader event to learn more about Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and share their views on what it could mean for Lichfield District.

The free event will take place on Thursday 16 October 2025, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield.

Hosted by Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, the session will give attendees the chance to hear directly from him about the proposals being considered for reorganising councils in Southern and Mid Staffordshire.

The event will also explain the potential opportunities and challenges of replacing the current two-tier system with new unitary councils – single organisations that would deliver all local services.

Attendees will then be able to ask questions during an open Q&A session and take part in informal discussions with the Leader and senior officers.
Councillor Doug Pullen said: “Local Government Reorganisation is one of the most significant changes facing our area in decades, and it will shape how services are delivered for years to come. This event is a chance for residents to hear first-hand what is being considered, to ask questions, and to share their views about the future of their local council. I would strongly encourage anyone who wants to understand the proposals and have their say to join us on 16 October.”

Booking is free but spaces are limited. Residents are encouraged to register early to secure their place.

A group of young friends from Shenstone have raised £300 to help homeless people in Lichfield District by running a stall at the village library.
Annie, Mia and Cailin, all aged 10 and Polly, 6, filled their stall with bracelets and bookmarks they had made, together with donated items, and then sold them at Shenstone Library throughout the morning of Saturday 30 August.

Annie said: “We did our stall to help the homeless in Lichfield District because it makes us sad seeing people living on the streets. When my mum read an article in the local paper about Street Aid and how it was supporting people in Lichfield District, we really wanted to help them raise money.”
Lichfield District Street Aid, which is promoted by Lichfield District Council and administered by The Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, enables donations to be made directly to a fund that helps homeless people sustain accommodation, employment, and make positive life changes.
It also supports essential services that work closely with those experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness.
“I am very proud of the girls, said Annie’s mum, Charlie. “They worked hard and raised £300 which was amazing. It was a lovely morning at the library and the local community was keen to hear about Street Aid and what the campaign was doing in Lichfield District.
“Thank you to the people of Shenstone and to Shenstone Library for their support.”

Councillor Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement said: “I’d like to thank these amazing girls for raising money for the district’s homeless through Street Aid.

“Their efforts are heart-warming and a great example to us all about helping people less fortunate than ourselves.”
Donations can be made through our online donation page or through Street Aid donation points located in the reception areas at District Council House in Frog Lane, Lichfield and at Burntwood Leisure Centre, High Street, Chasetown.
They are compact, easy-to-use free-standing units allowing contactless donations. With a minimum contribution of just £3 donors can feel confident knowing they are supporting local homeless services.
For more information about Lichfield District Street Aid and details of how to make a donation please visit
Lichfield District Street Aid

Work is starting this September to deliver an exciting new Adventure Golf Course and enhancements to the main golf course in Lichfield’s Beacon Park.
The Crazy Golf course is being completely redeveloped to feature large, themed structures inspired by local landmarks including Lichfield Cathedral, the Garrick Theatre, Burntwood Climbing Wall and Beacon Park itself.

To enable the works, the Crazy Golf closed today (15 September) for approximately eight weeks.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Major Projects, said: “We’re working with MicroSports to bring this exciting new Adventure Golf experience to the park.
“Whether you’re young or young at heart, you’ll love the creative challenges and vibrant scenery that celebrate the best of the region. Perfect for all ages, this adventure course will guarantee a really memorable experience for everyone.”
The current main golf course will be reduced from 18 to 9 holes and will feature improved fairways and greens.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste, said: “With greater focus on maintenance we will be able to offer golfers better playing and putting surfaces making for a more enjoyable experience. The disc and footgolf will be retained within the remaining 9 holes.”
“The course will be closed for approximately 12 weeks from Monday 22 September to allow the works to take place and the greens to improve.
“The works have been timed outside of peak season to have the least possible impact and we’re grateful to regular users and the Friends’ group for their support.”

Cllr Andy Smith added: “We hope to provide an update on Padel tennis later this autumn.”
Katarina Obranovic O’Dell, project manager for Microsports commented: “Beacon Park’s new Adventure Golf brings the spirit of Lichfield to life in a fun and engaging way. By weaving our city’s landmarks into the design, it offers not just a game, but a journey through the character of Lichfield – a place where families, friends and visitors can make memories while celebrating our community.”

Further details about the Boosting Beacon projects can be found online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/boostingbeacon

Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park saw thousands of people gather on Saturday to enjoy a wonderful evening of music, picnicking and fireworks under the stars.

The City of Lichfield Concert Band opened the event with a setlist of popular classical works and showstoppers followed by The British Police Symphony Orchestra playing a selection of famous film scores from such classics as West Side Story, Out of Africa and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Compere Richard Winterton welcomed the excited proms audience and made the introductions on what was a fabulous, atmospheric evening culminating in the BPSO’s rousing performance of Proms favourites Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Pomp & Circumstance No 1.

There were also fairground rides to enjoy and a selection of food stands for those not bringing their own eats and treats.

More than 10,000 people attended Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park which is organised by Lichfield District Council and one of the highlights of the district’s events calendar.

The concert is free for everyone to enjoy which is only possible because of the support of local sponsors. This year the headline sponsors were Ansons Law and Bloor Homes and the bronze and community sponsors were 25Eight Events, Adcocks Solicitors, CB Collier, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Lichfield City Council, Swinfen Broun Trust, Creative Developments, Jukes Funeral Services, Keelys Solicitors, MD Hunt and Thyme Kitchen.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks & Waste at Lichfield District Council, said: “The 26th Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park on Saturday was a great success drawing many thousands of people from across Lichfield District and beyond. On behalf of Lichfield District Council I’d like to thank The City of Lichfield Concert Band and The British Police Symphony Orchestra for the superb musical entertainment and Richard Winterton for his work as compere.

“I’d also like to thank all of our sponsors and event partners, without whose support Proms could not take place, and I’d like to thank our fantastic Parks Team and Events staff and everyone who came along on the evening. Until next year.”

Jobseekers are invited to come along to Lichfield District Jobs Fair later this month and learn of the career opportunities available in the area.

The event, which is organised by Lichfield District Council and Lichfield Job Centre, is a great opportunity to meet a range of prospective employers.
Confirmed employers attending include QTT, Balfour Beatty/Vinci, Epwin, Home Instead, Stepnell, Wincanton, Zest, Busy Bees, Hercules, Central England Co-op, Avon, Acorn, GEODIS/Quest, South Staffordshire College, Florette/GI Group, Pilot Training and Bluebird Care.

Partner organisations offering expertise on a range of issues include Support Staffordshire, Staffordshire Jobs and Careers, National Careers Service, Step On, Lichfield District Council, Burton and District Mind, Staffordshire Football Association, Orbit Housing and SCCU Training.
The jobs fair is taking place on Tuesday 16 September from 10am to 12noon at The Guildhall in Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LU.

Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for High Street and Economic Development, Councillor Richard Holland, said: “If you are looking for work come to Lichfield District Jobs Fair. There will be recruiters from numerous companies gathered under one roof all ready to offer advice and information about employment opportunities in the district.”

A spokesperson from Lichfield Job Centre said: “The jobs fair is a great way to meet local employers, face to face, and find out what career opportunities are on offer. There is no need to book a place, just come along to The Guildhall on the day between 10am and 12noon.”

Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) has been awarded £200,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding from Lichfield District Council. This contribution will support the delivery of Phase 2 of the Gallows Reach canal restoration project – a transformative step in restoring the Lichfield Canal.

The Community Infrastructure Levy is charged on new developments and funds infrastructure improvements across the district. The council allocates the funds to projects that provide lasting benefits to the Lichfield area.
The CIL funding will enable the dedicated LHCRT volunteers to deliver phase 2 of the Gallows Reach project, which will link the section from Gallows Wharf to the footpath between Tamworth Road and Longbridge Road.
The funding will cover essential materials for the 225-metre stretch of canal, including sheet piling for the sides and a watertight lining for the canal bed.

The restoration of Gallows Reach will create a traffic-free pedestrian route linking the new housing developments at Cricket Lane and St John’s Grange, while also establishing new habitats for wildlife and enhancing biodiversity in the area.
Derek Lord, LHCRT Planning and Technical Trustee, said: “This funding is fantastic news. It will bring us closer to our vision of a fully restored canal. It recognises the project’s strategic value in enhancing green infrastructure, promoting sustainable transport, and supporting local regeneration, as well as another step towards reconnecting the Lichfield Canal to Huddlesford Junction.”
Lichfield District Council Cabinet member, Councillor Alex Farrell, said: “I was excited to visit the Gallows Reach section of the canal project and see how much the trust volunteers have achieved so far.

“The Community Infrastructure Levy funding will help them continue with the delivery of this fantastic restoration project.”
LHCRT continues to make huge progress at Gallows Reach, with enabling works for Phase 2 now complete, Phase 1 at Tamworth Road Narrows nearing completion, and major milestones underway — including the installation of a lift bridge and work due to start on the Cricket Lane culvert.
For more information about the Gallows Reach project and how to get involved, visit LHCRT’s Gallows Reach page.