Crime prevention advice received from Staffordshire Police:

As we enter the middle of winter with much darker nights and terrible weather it's worth highlighting some crime prevention measures we can do at home: -

. Always make sure all your doors and windows are locked over night and when you leave your premises
. Think about leaving a light on when away from home.
. keep car keys in a safe place in your home away from easy access to the front door
. Double check all valuables are removed from vehicles and vehicles are locked at all times
. If you receive a call or visit from salesmen, be vigilant regarding handing over personal information without confirming who they are. Always ask for ID and if you're not happy then don't pass any information.
. Banks and Building Societies will not ask for account information over the phone.
. If anyone asks to enter your home you have the right to refuse entry.
. Think about investing in a home security system such as CCTV cameras.

If you suspect any crimes have occurred or you feel unsafe please don't hesitate to contact Staffordshire Police on 101, via 'digital 101' on the Staffordshire Police website or via Facebook/Twitter Messenger. In an emergency, please call 999.

In light of the recent circumstances with COVID-19 Will Bridgen has recently launched a range of fruit and vegetable boxes delivery service that may be of interest to residents of Elford. Please see the link below for details of produce, prices and how to order

files/Purefield_produce.pdf

With dark nights we often have an increase in reports of people not clearing up after their pets. We know it is only a minority, but please bag the poo!

Bins are available at the entrances to the Sportsfield and near the Walled Garden, so please carry a bag and use these. Environmental Health have increased their visits to Elford to help educate dog owners.

Never miss out on Lichfield council news by signing up for a brand new email newsletter which is launching in 2021.

Hot on the heels of sending its community magazine - LDC News - to homes right across the district, Lichfield District Council is encouraging its residents to sign up to receive its new monthly e-newsletter in time for the first issue in January. 

Also entitled LDC News, the email newsletter will feature a roundup of council news, services, events and promotions, and anyone can subscribe to receive it at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/enews.

Councillor Ashley Yeates, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “From activities and events in our parks and streets, to the not so exciting but very important changes to bin collections and community consultations, our monthly e-newsletter will help communities to keep up to date with what we are doing.

“LDC News will feature bite-sized stories every month as well as links to campaigns we are running, such ‘Save time, get online’, which encourages everyone to interact with us through our handy online forms. 

“It will be an easy way to stay on top of council news, and we hope all of our local residents, businesses, groups and stakeholders sign up to receive it and also join in by sending us your stories.”

To join the LDC News mailing list, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/enews. You can unsubscribe at any time. 

Cases in the area have seen a great improvement over the past week. Keep following the advice on hands/face/space so we can get out of tier 3!

December meeting update

The Parish Council met online on 14^th December.

Here are some of the things discussed:

The organisers of the Illuminated Elford event were thanked for a very enjoyable evening, which had included sponsored decorated trees in the Avenue, fireworks, socially distanced refreshment stalls, and competitions for the best house, best street and children’s favourite; funds were raised for the Church and PTA. 

The Friday taxi service for anyone needing transport to Tamworth had resumed after lockdown.

Councillors and farmers had met to discuss the recent traffic concerns and had agreed a way forward. Highways would continue to be pressed on a solution to the Brickhouse Lane surface.

Dog fouling was still a problem, anyone walking their dogs after dark should still clear up after them even if no-one can see you! Environmental Health will make more patrols.

The playground surface was still slippery in places and quotes would be obtained for jet washing it.

The defibrillator had required a new battery and this would be ordered.

For further information and details of other matters discussed please see the minutes of the meeting via the Parish Council tab.

The taxi to Tamworth will run again on Friday mornings on 4th, 11th and 18th December and on Wednesday 23rd December. The taxi service can be used by any resident unable to drive who needs to go shopping or to attend appointments, it was arranged by the Parish Council after the bus service to the village ended and is financed from the proceeds of the Coffee Shop.

Anyone wishing to book a place on the taxi please contact Barbara Harcombe or Margaret Jones, Clerk to the Parish Council.