Kate Pritchard

Small businesses across Lichfield District are being urged to apply for funding that will help them reduce energy bills and make their buildings more efficient.

Lichfield District Council has secured £75,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support projects that deliver lasting energy savings and cut carbon emissions.

Through the scheme, grants are available to cover up to 50% of project costs, with eligible improvements including; Installing LED lighting, adding solar panels and battery storage, using heat pumps and improving insulation.

All projects must demonstrate measurable energy savings and be completed by March 2026.

Councillor Janice Silvester Hall, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local business community to save money on energy bills and invest in greener, more sustainable buildings. By providing match-funded support, we can help businesses take forward projects that not only cut costs but also contribute to our wider ambition of reducing carbon emissions across the district.

We’re keen for as many businesses as possible to benefit, and I would encourage all eligible small businesses to look at this funding and apply before the deadline.”

The deadline for expressions of interest is 10am on Monday 1 September 2025.

Businesses will need to provide details such as their project plan, annual energy usage, utility bills for the last 12 months, and supporting information such as quotes or photos of the site.

For more details and to apply, visit: https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/community/can-i-fund-community-project/9

Staffordshire County Council have issued a temporary road closure on 8th September for Main Road, Edingale to carry out highway improvement works. For more details please see the below link

https://one.network/?tm=145115886

Lichfield District Council is introducing new plates and signage for all licensed taxis to make them easier for passengers to identify and to provide clear ways to give feedback on journeys.

From now on, private hire vehicles and hackney carriages licensed by the council will display distinctive plates and signs on the rear, front and sides of the vehicle. Hackney carriage fares set by the council will be clearly visible in the inside rear window, and all vehicles will feature information on how to contact the council, including email, phone and a QR code, to share feedback or report concerns.

Drivers are also being issued with new identification badges that must be worn at all times. Both the plates and badges feature built-in security measures to prevent counterfeiting.

The new system will be rolled out across all 114 licensed vehicles and 131 drivers in the district as they renew their licences, with full implementation by 1 April 2026.

Councillor Brian Yeates, Chair of Lichfield District Council’s Regulatory & Licensing Committee, said: “Our taxi drivers provide a vital service – from getting people home safely after a night out, to taking them to work, to helping people with disabilities get around.

“It’s important for the public to know whether a taxi is a Lichfield District Council-licensed hackney carriage, as these are the only vehicles that can be hailed or pick people up from a rank within the district. All other vehicles must be pre-booked.

“All of our licensed drivers undergo a DBS check every six months, complete medical examinations and safeguarding training every three years, and our vehicles face rigorous testing at least annually – alongside spot checks by our licensing officers.

“These changes are about making it easier for passengers to recognise licensed taxis, feel confident in their journey, and know how to get in touch with us if needed – while also supporting our local taxi trade.”

The council is encouraging residents and visitors to look for the new plates and badges as a quick way to confirm they are using a licensed and vetted driver.

In a proactive step toward reducing vehicle crime, Lichfield District Council, in partnership with the Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership, launched a new online resource to help residents protect their vehicles. The Stop Car Theft Hub provides residents with practical advice and expert information on the latest car security methods and tools.

To celebrate the launch, thousands of residents entered a competition that offered the chance to win a range of anti-theft devices. The aim of the competition was to strengthen car security across the district and raise awareness of the simple steps residents can take to protect their vehicles. Prizes included three fully fitted driveway security bollards, fifty Faraday pouches, four Apple AirTags, and two high-security steering wheel locks.
Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Chair of the Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership, said: “Vehicle theft is a major concern for many people in our community. We share their concern and have therefore created this resource to help people protect their vehicles. Our new resource hub offers residents the tools and information they need.
“With hundreds of people entering online, we’re glad that our competition added an interactive element, raising awareness in a fun and engaging way in partnership with great companies who can help residents.”
Winner feedback has already shown the impact of the campaign:
Fiona from Fradley, who won a driveway bollard commented: “Many thanks to Sutton Bollards and Lichfield District Council for the prize of a fully fitted high-quality security bollard at my home. Sutton Bollards provided excellent service with great care and attention to detail. This additional level of protection and deterrent gives me peace of mind as car thefts continue to rise in the area. A great prize!”
Simon from Shenstone said: “Winning the Faraday pouch and AirTag has made me think more carefully about how easy it can be for thieves to target keyless cars. Thank you to the sponsors for providing practical tools that I now use daily. I’d encourage everyone to visit the Stop Car Theft Hub and look at how they can better secure their own vehicle – don’t wait until it’s too late.”
The initiative was backed by local businesses committed to making a difference, including Justice Fire and Security, Anker Bollards, Sutton Bollards, and Defender Security Products.

Dave Sanders, Managing Director at Justice Fire and Security, commented: “Vehicle theft remains a serious issue, with criminals using sophisticated methods like relay devices to steal cars. We were proud to support this initiative by giving away our latest innovation – the car defender unit – as part of an integrated intruder alarm system designed to protect vehicles parked on driveways or near the home.”
Ella Hughes, Ecommerce Manager at Defender Security Products, added: “We’re committed to helping communities protect what matters most. Donating our Faraday pouches is just one way we’re contributing to this important initiative. We believe education is key, and the Stop Car Theft Hub does a brilliant job of empowering residents with knowledge and simple, effective solutions.”

James Keatley of Sutton Bollards said: “We’re proud to support efforts to raise awareness around the growing issue of driveway car crime. Far too often, we’re contacted after a theft has already occurred. We want to change that by encouraging people to take preventative action now.”
The Stop Car Theft Hub includes a wealth of information on car crime prevention, from keyless entry protection tips to suspicious activity reporting advice. The resource is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to community safety and crime prevention across the district.

Residents in need of housing advice and support are invited to attend the Lichfield District Housing Roadshow on Thursday August 21, a free drop-in event offering practical help with everything from applying for social housing to managing rising living costs.

Organised by Lichfield District Council in partnership with local support services, the event is designed to make it easier for people to understand how the Lichfield District housing register works and to get the guidance they need, all in one place and face to face.
Residents can expect:
• Step-by-step information on how to apply to the Lichfield District housing register
• Help understanding eligibility criteria, bidding, and waiting times
• Free advice on housing support, cost of living, and benefits
• Support from local partners on managing energy bills and more

Lichfield District Council Cabinet Member Alex Farrell said: “This event is ideal for anyone needing help to access social housing or who is looking for practical advice and support with housing issues in Lichfield District.
“It’s free, there is no need to book and experts will be available to answer your questions, so if you need support in this area, please drop in.”
Lichfield District Housing Roadshow takes place at Spark Burntwood, Mossbank Avenue, Burntwood, WS7 4UN on Thursday 21 August from 2pm to 4pm.

Staffordshire County Council have issued a road closure notice for Croxall Road, Edingale. The road closure is required on multiple roads for multiple pothole repairs as part of the ‘roadmaster’ programme being undertaken by SCC / Amey Highways.

This will take place between 1st September 08:00am – 5th September 16:00.

For further details please see the link below:

https://one.network/?tm=144845791

Lichfield District Council is delighted to confirm that the Lichfield Food and Drink Festival will take place this August Bank Holiday weekend (23-25 August), thanks to a united effort with local partners and organisations.
The event will feature around 100 stalls located throughout Lichfield’s historic city centre, offering everything from artisan produce and street food to sweet treats and handcrafted drinks.

The festival is being delivered by Lichfield District Council next month with community partners Lichfield City Council, Three Spires Shopping Centre, Lichfield Cathedral, The Hub at St Mary’s and Lichfield Chamber of Trade and Commerce, working collaboratively to ensure the city is buzzing with activity and community spirit over the long weekend.

Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader at Lichfield District Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome visitors to Lichfield for this year’s Food & Drink Festival. It’s fantastic to see the event going ahead thanks to strong local collaboration, even at short notice. While this summer’s festival will be slightly smaller than previous years, we’re confident it will still offer a safe, high-quality experience that showcases the best of our city.”
The Lichfield Food & Drink Festival will feature a wide variety of mouth-watering food and drink choices in the heart of the city. With live demonstrations and seating areas, the festival promises a vibrant, safe and family-friendly experience for all.
The organisers are also encouraging local high street businesses to get involved with special offers across the weekend to ensure the whole city benefits from increased footfall and visitor engagement.

More information, including a full list of traders and activities, will be announced in the coming weeks and will be available online at Visit Lichfield