Better Bromsgrove Together Winter 2019

Christmas ‘19

Better Bromsgrove Together 8 page pull-out inside

Contents

Parkside Customer Service Hub Christmas Opening Hours

4-5:

Going Green across the district

Normal opening hours 9am - 5pm Date

Open/ Closed

8-17:

All things Christmas

Monday 23rd Dec

OPEN

Tuesday 24th Dec

OPEN

Wednesday 25th Dec

CLOSED

Thursday 26th Dec

CLOSED

Friday 27th Dec

CLOSED

Monday 30th Dec

OPEN

Tuesday 31st Dec

OPEN

Wednesday 1st Jan

CLOSED

12-13: Dates for your diary 20-21:

Bromsgrove Does: Recycling, what can and can’t go in your bin

22:

Homelessness support services

Thursday 2nd Jan 2020 OPEN

And much more…

Friday 3rd Jan 2020

Bromsgrove District Council Normal Collection Day

Revised Collection Day

Tuesday 24th December

No Change

Wednesday 25th December

Monday 23rd December

Thursday 26th December

Saturday 28th December

Friday 27th December

No Change

Tuesday 31st December

No Change

Wednesday 1st January

Monday 30th December

Thursday 2nd January

No Change

Friday 3rd January

No Change

There are no more planned changes to collections throughout the season

PLEASE HAVE YOUR BINS OUT BY 7AM If we experience snow and icy weather and cannot get to you on collection day, please leave your bin out and we will return as soon as we can.

You can check our website, Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.

01527 881188 letswasteless.com

OPEN

My year so far as Leader has been very busy and exciting.

This council is committed to Climate Change and I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our Electric Vehicle consultation. This will enable to identify where charging points would be best placed – you can more about this and other ‘green’ initiatives on pages 4/5.

We have also produced a council plan, which will help us set the strategic direction to deliver council services and the District Plan has moved along to the next stage.

Get in touch Visit us / Write to us

Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B61 8DA Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Call us

Customer Services: 01527 881288 Out of Hours emergency: 01527 871565

Click on

www.bromsgrove.gov.uk Bromsgrove @BromsgroveDC District Council If you want this magazine in a different format, e.g. audio CD, or language, call 01527 881651.

The council does not endorse any of the products or services advertised in this magazine by external customers.

To advertise in this magazine call 01527 881651.

All information was correct at time of going to press.

This is always my favourite time of year in Bromsgrove as so many organisations across the district put together to put on a host of festivities. I hope as many of you support the events and of course make the most of the free parking weekends to do your Christmas shopping. We are lucky in the district to have a plethora of independent shops which I hope get your support on Small Business Saturday and beyond.

Next year we are looking to produce some tangible developments on current unused space including Burcot Lane and the Old Market Hall car park. Watch this space!

Until then I wish you a very merry Christmas and health and prosperity in the New Year.

DID YOU HEAR

?

You can park for free in any Bromsgrove District Council car park on 22nd November and on 7th December.

As the 7th December is Small Business Saturday, remember to park for free and show your support for a small business!

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS

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Bromsgrove market to go SUP free up to a pledge Bromsgrove traders signed ll on its way we is t rke ma the e to make sur e. fre ) to be SUP (single use plastic Government The district council secured bags jute 00 2,0 e duc pro funding to ead of inst for stall-holders to give out y have the er eth tog plastic bags. Working bag the se re-u to ers urged their custom to nt me mit com l nci cou the as part of part of the the reducing plastic soup as y. enc climate change emerg

by ITV and The initiative was picked up gramme. broadcast on their Central pro

Flying flags in an emergency Bromsgrove District Council became the first authority in the county to fly flags in recognition of the climate change emergency.

4

Leader Cllr Karen May raised two sea signalling flags at the council headquarters, Parkside, to show the authority’s declaration of the climate change emergency.

Litter pick boards popping up across the district

Residents and visitors can help keep their local area clean, tidy and litter free thanks to a brand new 2 Minute Litter Pick initiative.

The 2 Minute Litter Pick is a national scheme which aims to encourage residents to pick up litter quickly and easily, by providing the equipment necessary to do this. It’s an ‘inland’ version of the 2 Minute Beach Clean, and developed by the same organisers, A number of 2 Minute Litter Pick boards are now featured in various locations around the district in shared community spaces outside shops, near schools, in parks etc.

The 2 Minute Litter Pick boards hold two litter pickers and bags to collect litter in and taking part is easy: • Take a picker and bag and get collecting.

• Recycle where possible and empty the litter from the bag in a normal litter bin.

• Return the bags and litter picker to the board for the next person to use.

• Take a selfie or a photo and share it using the hashtag #2minutelitterpick to help spread the word about the project and encourage other people to take part.

The boards have been purchased with grant funding from the Ministry of Communities and Local Government.

Funding sparked for electric vehicles Following consultation carried out via social media, to ascertain the need and locations for more public charging points for Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV), feedback was used to help us submit a bid for a slice of £5m of Government funds.

This funding is available to assist residents that are looking to move over to electric vehicles but don’t have the ability to charge at home because they live in flats, properties with no driveway, properties that use communal parking areas etc.

taxis installed at key sites across Bromsgrove in 2020.

Officers are also exploring tapping into the Workplace Charging Scheme to secure vouchers in order to supply electric car-charging points for council staff. The council would also like to encourage businesses and retailers to access this government funding that will support 75% of purchase and installation costs for up to 20 electric car-charging points for their staff.

In August the Government announced that 16 local authorities have already been granted funds for the installation of 1,200 charge points.

So, fingers crossed!

The Council has already been successfully awarded £300k from round two of the Ultra-Low Emission Taxis Infrastructure Scheme which will see ten rapid chargers for

5

Sanders Park latest A new improved main entrance to Bromsgrove’s Sanders Park is to be built as pathway improvements in the park enter their final phase.

The existing entrance on Kidderminster Road will be widened, making it easier for vehicles to get in and out of the car park, and a brand new dedicated access point for pedestrians will be added next to the crossing point over the road.

The entrance is part of the third and final phase of works that have seen footpaths and cycle routes in the park widened and improved by

Phase 1 - complete

Widened combined walking and cycling path from Whitford Road through the wooded areas near the wildlife pond and play area; improved informal path from Leadbetter Drive

Worcestershire County Council, using National Productivity Investment funding from the Department for Transport to provide better walking and cycling access to Bromsgrove town centre. The link through Sanders Park is one of nine such links in the town in total.

It means there will now be all-weather access for everyone to more areas of Sanders Park than ever before! Thanks for your patience during the works, which have been phased around holidays, events, and peak periods to reduce disruption.

Phase 2 - complete

Re-routed and improved pathway between the tennis courts and St John’s School / Watt Close / Brook Road

Phase 3 – in progress

Connection of new walking and cycling paths in the centre of the park; new main access at Kidderminster Road.

New pedestrian access at this crossing, where the new path will connect Car park entrance now widened here

6

Warm Homes Fund

Being on the mains gas network comes with many benefits including a more comfortable, healthier home and more affordable energy bills.

If you’re not yet connected to the mains, Warm Homes Funding may be able to help.

Worcestershire County Council are working in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council to bring mains gas and the installation of gas central heating systems to qualifying households in the district.

Any residents who believe they meet the following criteria may qualify for a full or partially funded installation: • Homeowners or private tenants (social housing cannot be funded in this way) • Property is within 23 meters of a gas main - this can be checked for you • No existing central heating system (some old electric systems will qualify)

Did you know?

Get your property on the gas mains • Around 11.5%* of Worcestershire residents are low income households and often struggle to heat their homes?

• 4,100* households have no central heating • 11,800* urban households are reliant on more costly electrical heating, such as storage heaters, electric wall heaters and plug in electric heaters. *census figures

• Meet an assessment of low income

and high energy costs, or be in receipt of income related benefits (not essential) • Existing EPC (A-E) for the property if privately rented (in line with national criteria) • For privately owned flats within blocks of flats, permission for works will be required from the owner of the block, who may prefer the work to take place as part of a scheme for the whole block.

The funding will be available until May 2021 unless it is all allocated prior to this date.

Worcestershire County Council has appointed trusted local energy advice partners Act on Energy to deliver this scheme. Act on Energy can check residents’ eligibility, register their interest, answer any questions they may have and talk them through the process.

To find out more, contact Act on Energy: FREEPHONE 0800 988 2881 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or email advice@actonenergy.org.uk.

7

A special appearance from Father Christmas!

Primrose Tree of Light Switch On at 5pm Big Switch On 5.30pm Live music from: • Singers ‘Free to Dream’ • Singer Emma Nuule • Beaconside School Choir • St James School Choir • Rubery Singers

RUBERYVILLAGE LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Saturday 30th November 3.30pm - 5.30pm, New Road Bromsgrove District Council See the events section on www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/events or call 01527 534030

Artrix Winter Weekender

A festive filled weekend of seasonal films and shows Saturday 7th December 11am: The Polar Express film: Come dressed in your pyjamas and be whisked away on a North Pole Adventure with a free hot chocolate for every child.

8pm: Quill Christmas Concert: Get ready for a fabulous night of music and well-known Christmas favourites.

Sunday 8th December 11am: NEW Rom-Com “Last Christmas” featuring the music of George Michael. Audiences are encouraged to get into the Christmas spirit by sporting their very best (or worst!) Christmas jumpers!

8pm: Upon a Winter’s Night: Cara Dillon and her band return to Artrix with their Christmas Show to capture the mystery of Christmas with a selection of ancient and modern songs.

Throughout the Winter Weekender there will be festive music in the foyer and mince pies in the cafe.

And the fun continues throughout December. For full details of all events and the most up to date listings visit www.artrix.co.uk.

Bromsgrove LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Saturday 23rd November

3.30 - 5.30pm, outside Golden Cross Pub Hosted by Malcolm Boyden from BBC Hereford & Worcester

Live music from: • Singers 'Free to Dream' • Chadsgrove School Choir • Artrix Songstars Showchoir • The Theatre Workshop Choir • Rock Choir See Snow White from the Artrix All & Sundry Panto PLUS a special appearance from Father Christmas!

Primrose Hospice Tree of Light Switch On & Artrix Choir from 4.40 outside Asda Friends of St John's Christmas Market 22nd /23rd Nov, High St @FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove Worcester Rd Xmas Lights & Street Party 2 - 9pm @BromsgroveIndieClub

@BromsgroveIndie

Bromsgrove District Council See the events section on www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/events or call 01527 534030

village

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Alvechurch

• Choir • Father Christmas • Best Dressed Shop Window Winner

friday 6th DECEMBER • Best Decorated 5.30pm, in the square House Winner parishes x2

• Support your local businesses More details are yet to be to be announced - please see the events tab on Bromsgrove District Council Facebook page for updates For more information please contact Alvechurch Parish Council on 0121 4478016

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barnt green

• Entertainment from Blackwell Concert Band and The Star Project • Lights Switch On at 5pm

saturday 30th NOVEMBER

4 - 6pm, village centre

• Meet Father Christmas • Local traders selling food and drink • Support your independent businesses

More details are yet to be to be announced - please see the events tab on Bromsgrove District Council Facebook page for updates For more information please contact Barnt Green Parish Council on 0121 4479893

9

c at s h i l l

saturday 30th November

3 - 6pm, outside village hall parishes x2

• Best Dressed Window Competition winner will be revealed • Entertainment from Methodist Mens Choir, Chadsgrove School Choir, Star Dance Academy, Fairfield First School Choir and Mettle Monkeys • Support your independent businesses on Small Business Saturday

More details yet to be announced - please see the events tab on Bromsgrove District Council Facebook page for updates

For more info please contact Catshill & North Marlbrook Parish Council on 01527 873266 Catshill and North Marlbrook

9

Parish Council

hagley village

saturday 7th december 5 - 8pm,village centre

• Come and greet Santa at 5.30pm • Lights switched on at 6pm • live music and performances for all the family • Enter our “Find Santas Elves” competition Proud to support local charities Finn the Fabulous, SARA and Mary Stevens Hospice.

More details yet to be announced - please see the events tab on Bromsgrove District Council Facebook page for updates

For more information please contact Hagley Parish Council on 01562 886239

r o f s e Dat y r a i d e th Friday 22nd November Free Parking Friday 22nd November 9am-4pm. Friends of St Johns Christmas Markets Saturday 23rd November 10am-6.30pm Friends of St Johns Christmas Markets Saturday 23rd November 3.30-5.30pm Bromsgrove Town centre Light Switch On 12

Saturday 30th November 3-6pm Catshill Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 30th November 4-6pm Barnt green Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 30th November 4.30pm-6.30pm St Johns Orchestra - The Snowman Friday 6th December 5.30pm Alvechurch Village Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 7th December Small Business Saturday with free parking Saturday 7th December 5-8pm Hagley Village Christmas Lights Switch On 13

Blackwell Brass Band Blackwell Training Band was founded six years ago by Sarah Williams and is now run by Blackwell Concert Band members Gill Reynolds and Maureen Brown. The purpose of the group us to provide an opportunity for beginners of any age to gain experience of playing in a band on a regular basis.

The training band has gone from strength to strength and are now able to play independently of the main band. One of the highlights of the year was performing on a float for Bromsgrove Carnival.

They shall be out performing for Macmillan Charity on Bromsgrove High Street on Saturday 30th November from 11am until 12noon.

Please come along and enjoy the festive music whilst you do your Christmas shopping.

Christmas in Bromsgrove 2018

Friends of St John’s Bromsgrove Christmas Markets

Friends of St John’s Bromsgrove Christmas Markets are back for a fifth year on Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd November 2019.

Come along and support local crafters, producers and charities as we kick off the festive season and switch on the town centre lights. On the stalls you’ll find home made preserves and chutneys from Sarah’s Feisty Flavours, Christmas Crafts from St Basil’s, Chadsgrove and St John’s, repurposed jeans from the Denim Upcycler, beautiful jewellery from Romsley Gems and Christine Harmer, wonderful stained glass gifts from Bren Henderson at Sildil, delicious apple juice from Fruitfields and much much more!

Friday from 9am til 4pm with local entertainment throughout the day.

Saturday from 10am until 6.30pm with all day entertainment, with Vintage Class Singers to take us into the Bromsgrove Christmas Light Switch On at 5.30pm on Saturday 23rd.

The Snowman

On Saturday 30th November join the Orchestra of St John Bromsgrove (OSJ) for a Christmas favourite let the music from the Snowman start your festive celebrations in style.

OSJ return to St John’s with The Snowman for a third year following sell out performances. All are welcome to wrap up warm, come along and enjoy the wonderful music in our magical setting of St John’s Church.

There are two performances - at 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

Adult tickets are £5 and children can attend for free - please make sure you request free child tickets when buying adult tickets. Tickets are available from Decanter Spirit in Bromsgrove or online via www.snowman-in-stjohns.eventbrite.co.uk Please note we won’t be showing the movie, we’ll be playing the wonderful music so that you can create a movie in your mind.

For further details see www.facebook.com/FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove or www.OSJBromsgrove.org or email friends.stjohns.church@gmail.com Image © Snowman Enterprises Limited

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The average household spend at Christmas last year was £775 and £216 of that was spent on food and drink. Here’s a few alternative ways to make the most of the top three foods that get wasted over the festive period.

Love Food Hate Waste: Christmas Culprits

Stilton: This stinky Christmas staple can divide taste buds, meaning it is often left wasting on the cheeseboard…

Stilton W hite pricot and A s Toas t

White Stilton and Apricot Toasts: Use leftover cheese to make delicious canapés for New Year’s Eve. Toast brioche lightly on both sides, then spread one side with butter. Arrange some apricot halves and sliced Stilton onto the toasted bread, squashing the apricots down slightly with a fork. Sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar over the top and grill until the cheese melts and the sugar begins to caramelise. Cool for a moment, decorate with mint leaves and serve.

Brussel sprouts: It can be hard to

resist special offers in December, meaning you can end up with more of these divisive little orbs than you need after Christmas dinner is done…

Sprouts Gratin: Start by making a white (or roux) sauce with added fried onions or shallots, add some grated cheese (Gruyere works nicely but you could use up any odds and ends you have left), fry up some chopped bacon or pancetta then add it in. Arrange your boiled sprouts in an ovenproof dish, pour over the delicious sauce and top with breadcrumbs and bacon rashers. Cook the whole lot in a preheated oven at 180oC (160oC fan) for 25 minutes.

Turkey: The cornerstone of the Christmas dinner has

a lot to give, but after your five-hundredth turkey sandwich you might be feeling like a change...

Turkey and Cranberry Spring Rolls – a recipe by Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean Cut all the vegetables into fine strips, known as julienne, and mix together.

Heat a non-stick frying pan, add a tablespoon of oil then sauté half of the : ts Ingredien vegetables on a high heat for 2-3 mins. leftovers ey rk u T 200g y er el Pour veg into a colander over a bowl to drain off fat, then repeat with 1 Stick C n nio the other half of the veg. Mix turkey and veg together, then season with e ½ Red O c berry sau cranberry sauce.

50g Cran t tou e g Place a pastry sheet on a clean work surface. Spoon 2 tablespoons of 8 Man t turkey mixture diagonally across the centre of the pastry sheet, leaving ½ Carro leek a 4cm border at each end. Brush the corners and sides with egg wash. ½ Small ns soya sauce o po pastry ll Fold in the ends and roll up firmly to enclose filling (you should have a 2 Tables ro g n h) of spri (egg was 10cm-long spring roll). Repeat with the remaining pastry and turkey 8 Sheets k il M l m 20 mixture.

1 Egg + er oil Sunflow To cook shallow fry in a little oil until the pastry is Salt crisp and golden.

For more recipes, tips and tricks go to www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

17

Have a healthy Walks for Health Join us on fun walks around Sanders Park every Monday (easy) and Friday (harder).

Walks are led by trained volunteer walk leaders, or you could become a volunteer walk leader yourself!

Fun! Explore your area, get out into the fresh air, meet new people.

Healthy! Regular brisk walking can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, improve blood cholesterol levels and help control diabetes.

Keeps you fit! Walking is an ideal form of exercise. Regular walking helps keep bones and joints healthy. A brisk walk can help you lose weight.

For all walks meet at Sanders Park at 9.50am for 10.00 am start.

Bromsgrove Junior Parkrun takes place every week on a Sunday at 10am at Sanders Park. It is a FREE 2k event for juniors only (4-14 year olds).

Just turn up and register.

Keep On Moving Disability Sports club Sport is a fantastic way to meet new friends, be healthy and keep active! We welcome all forms of ability to join our fun and friendly disability sessions at the Dolphin Centre.

The Dolphin Centre, Bromsgrove. Fridays (excluding holiday periods) 11:00am - 12:30pm. ÂŁ3 per session.

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Find out about all of our Community Exercise sessions at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do

New Year

Something for everyone

Bromsgrove Boccia Boars Inclusive sports Boccia is an exciting game for people with disabilities, similar to French Boules and can be played by anyone! This is a fun and friendly club, based in Bromsgrove and we are looking for new members. We are also looking for other teams to start some friendly games. The Ryland Centre, New Road, Bromsgrove, B60 2JS. Thursdays 4.30 - 5.30pm. £3.00 per session.

N-able Come and join us, Meet new people, keep active and remain independant - activities include Mobility, Table Tennis, Boccia & Indoor Bowls. Mondays 2-3pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road B60 1AS. £3 per session Walking Sports Hub Bromsgrove Walking Football and Daytime walking hockey at Bromsgrove Cricket Hockey & Tennis Club. Get into your stride with these slower versions of the games you love.

Bromsgrove Walking Football Tuesdays 10.30-11.30 Daytime walking hockey Thursdays 10.30-11.30 First session free then £4 a week.

For more information contact alan@sport-edge.co.uk Strong and Steady Exercise Classes Do you want to improve your balance and co-ordination?

Do you want to increase your strength, mobility and flexibility?

Do you want to improve your posture and stamina?

Strong and Steady sessions are supported by the Public Health England and they are specifically designed to help people who have problems with strength and balance and who consider themselves to be at risk of falling.

The Strong and Steady exercise classes are evidence based and progressive. We also teach participants how to deal with getting up off the floor after a fall safely.

Classes run at: • Bromsgrove Methodist Centre • Gilbert Court, Charford • Dennis Potter Court, Wythall • Rubery Social Club, Rubery

If you would like to join a Strong and Steady session please call Hayley on 01527 881404.

19

All homes in Worcestershire can put the same things in their green recycling bins.

We collect household packaging from your food, toiletries & cleaning products.

Yes Please! Put these things in your green bin Plastic pots, tubs and trays (all colours but black) Pots (e.g. yoghurt, soup) Tubs (e.g. margarine, ice cream) Trays/punnets (e.g. raw meat or ham trays, take away trays, fruit/veg punnets) Plastic bottles – leave tops on. Leave triggers on but remove pumps Cleaning product bottles (e.g. bathroom cleaners, washing up liquid, bleach) Detergent & soap bottles Cosmetic bottles (e.g. shampoo, shower gel) Drinks bottles (e.g. juice, squash, milk) Metal cans & aerosols Drinks cans Food cans (e.g. beans, soup) push lids inside tins Biscuit /chocolate tins and lids Aerosols – empty, lids off Glass bottles & jars Bottles (e.g. wine, beer, perfume, face crèmes) Jars - metal lids & caps can be put back on Cartons - leave plastic tops on and straws in drinks Drinks cartons (e.g. juice, milk) Food cartons (e.g. custard, passatta) Paper & card All items must be: Newspapers & supplements Greetings cards without glitter Clean – A quick rinse under the Magazines, brochures & catalogues tap to remove residue will do Telephone directories Loose – Do not put items in a Leaflets, flyers & letters plastic bag/bin liner Non-foil wrapping paper Cereal boxes Egg Boxes Toilet roll tube Small quantities of shredded paper – put these inside an envelope or cereal box Corrugated card (e.g. online deliveries & card envelopes) – remove plastic inserts & packaging tape

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For more information on recycling, including alternat of items that cannot go in your green bin please visit

No thanks! These items cannot be recycled in your kerbside collection, and here are the reasons why.

Textiles All textiles

Why? Can bind up recycling and prevent sorting process

These Paper/Card Items Shiny / glitter cards and paper Tissues, wet wipes, sanitary products

Why? Glitter and foil causes issues in the recycling process Generally contain bodily fluids/food. Tissue is paper at the end of its life and the fibres are too short to knit back together to make paper.

The sticky stuff prevents the paper from being recycled as it binds the fibres Must be dealt with separately

Sticky paper (wallpaper, post-it notes/ labels) Textiles These Plastic Items: Black plastic Crisp/sweet packets & wrappers, medicine packs, laminated pouches (cat food etc.)

Cling film and film lids from pots or trays Plastic toys Toothpaste tubes Expanded polystyrene Plastic bottles containing strong chemicals (e.g. antifreeze) Compostable bags / liners etc.

Carrier bags / plastic wrapping & bubble wrap

Why? Sorting equipment can’t detect the colour Composite materials can’t be separated Often made from a type of plastic that cannot be recycled & cause issues with sorting process Can often be plastic that can’t be recycled and too bulky to fit through the sorting machine Cannot clean out tubes sufficiently No viable recycling method Check manufacturer instructions Not designed to be recycled Can bind up recycling and prevent sorting process

These Metal Items: Laminated foil pouches, crisp packets & sweet wrappers, coffee pods Metal items e.g. pans, cutlery, pipes Electrical items e.g. kettles, irons & white goods, batteries Gas canisters (BBQ gas, camping fuel, helium)

Why? Composite materials can’t be separated

These Glass Items:

Why?

Glass cookware, drinking glasses, vases, ceramics, mirrors, window glass, light bulbs Nail varnish bottles

Doesn’t melt at the same temperature as recyclable glass Difficult to remove varnish from glass

ive ways to dispose letswasteless.com

Sorting equipment cannot deal with these materials Must be dealt with separately due to hazardous materials and numerous components Explosive risk

21

or t services Homelessness surpp services that

Suppor t continues fo ing and suppor t prevent rough sleep on the streets to those who do end up ion. access accommodat mplemented by services are now co The council’s existing homelessness in for people at risk of additional suppor t : Bromsgrove District to February, rvice from December A Rapid Rehousing Se ek, to any reports we a y, seven days da a s ur ho 24 g din respon n be offered at the at accommodation ca th so ing ep sle h ug of ro . earliest opportunity ring for Communities y provision, with Ca nc ge er em ed ov pr Im ailable when ensure shelter is av and People (CCP), to low, available under t to reach zero or be temperatures are se ergency Protocol or e Severe Weather Em what is known as th SWEP. ugh?

ro t someone sleeping ncerns to Concerned aboucia co e os th rt l way to repo There’s a simple, offi every report link, and it ensures us. It’s called Street commend and reported. We re is formally recorded or their w.streetlink.org.uk using the website ww the to u don’t have access phone app, but if yo 14.

09 0 e number is 0300 50 internet their phon

22

Did you attend our Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular at Sanders Park?

This year’s theme was ‘to the Moon and back’ in celebration of 50 years since the first Moon landing.

Let us know what you thought about the event here: https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/consultations

Could you help draw a line locally on the war on drugs?

Key agencies and organisations are being urged to come forward to join a new forum which aims to promote a better understanding of substance misuse and its implications in Bromsgrove.

Bromsgrove District Council wants to set up a Substance Misuse Multi-Agency Forum to initially set the scene and provide key figures and data about the issues locally.

Once an understanding of the substance misuse issues facing Bromsgrove are determined then the Forum will seek to develop an action plan to address these.

If you are interested in getting involved in the Forum, contact Joanne Gresham on joanne.gresham@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Purchase in Reserve at North Bromsgrove Cemetery Between 2008 and 2018 funeral costs rose three times faster than house prices* and continue to rise year on year.

That’s why we’ve introduced the option for you to ‘fix’ a big part of your funeral cost at today’s prices with our special ‘purchase in reserve’ grave plots.

These 75 year leases in North Bromsgrove Cemetery include the right to erect memorials and aren’t just about saving money for you or your family. They allow you to plan ahead, securing your future in the way you want.

It’s one less thing for you or your family to think about later.

If you’d like to know more about Purchase in Reserve plots, contact Bereavement Services by calling 01527 62174 or email bereavement@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk. *Statistics from Sunlife insurers

23

A Dog Is The Present

with a Future Please think before gifting an animal this Christmas.

Unwanted gift

Treasured Gift

If you can’t afford your pet, if it’s too much of a tie or you can’t cope, please call our wardens on 01905 822799