Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents that a free Home Fire Risk Check is for anyone in Staffordshire who wants one.

Evidence shows that in some parts of the county, several properties in one neighbourhood or area have not had free Home Fire Risk Checks from the Service, despite the checks being free and for everyone.

Station Manager, Al Bateman said: “We have been to a number of fires in recent months where the property has not had a free Home Fire Risk Check from us and more often than not do not have any smoke alarms fitted. We have then found out that a number of the surrounding homes haven’t had smoke alarms fitted either.

“We cannot stress enough how important working smoke alarms are and we desperately want to remove the belief some people appear to hold that a fire will not happen to them.

“The reality is, a fire can happen to anyone at any time and a working smoke alarm could save the life of you and your family by giving you an early warning, allowing precious extra time to safely evacuate.

“Although we do prioritise elderly and vulnerable members of our community when it comes to carrying out free Home Fire Risk Checks, we will visit anyone who asks for one so please don’t think you can’t have one, or even worse – don’t need one.

“We don’t want to find out that your property was unprotected because we’re there putting a fire out: prevention is better than cure.

“Give us half an hour of your time and we’ll help to protect you, your family and home from fire as well giving you potentially life-saving advice on what to do in the event a fire. It’s even free to call us – 0800 0241 999 and you tell us when is most convenient for us to pop around.”

Not having a working smoke alarm can also affect your household insurance should you have a fire in the home.

A 19-year-old woman was assaulted while walking along the canal tow path between the Anchor Pub, Glascote, and the bridge leading to Kettlebrook Road, near to Tamworth Cruising Club, Kettlebrook.

The woman was confronted by a group of young men, described as being in their late teens or early twenties, wearing tracksuits and hoodies. One of them was wearing a black beanie-style hat and had blond stubble on his face, which was more prominent around his chin.

The woman was pushed into the canal and when she managed to get out she was assaulted. As a result she received minor injuries. It is also known that some of the men were in possession of a dark coloured ‘mini-moto’ bike, possibly stolen from a nearby garden. It is believed that the offenders then continued along the tow path towards Amington.

Detectives from Staffordshire Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this incident or may have seen a group of people pushing a ‘mini-moto’ bike around the Glascote or Amington area. Anyone who had a such a bike stolen overnight on Saturday 29 September/Sunday 30 September and has not reported it to police is also encouraged to do so.

Anybody with any information should contact DS Kiley Round on 01785 235933 or ring Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 166 of 30 September. Alternatively, they can ring independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Traffic congestion at part of one of the county’s top shopping attractions should be eased as early as November when a new car park exit opens.

Staffordshire County Council’s highways team has been working closely with Tamworth’s Sainsbury’s store and the borough council to resolve congestion issues at the Jolly Sailor retail area and ensure people enjoy their shopping experience.

Tamworth Borough Council’s planning committee approved the new car park exit onto the A453 Bonehill Road in the summer, meaning traffic leaving the store does not have to head back along Elmhurst Drive.

The highways team ensured detailed plans had been drawn up with the Sainsbury’s consultants so that any issues could be overcome in the design stages.

Now work is scheduled to begin week beginning Monday, October 8 with a scheduled completion date in early November, subject to weather conditions.

Local county councillor Mick Oates said:

“This is a big project by our highways team which will make a real difference to traffic around Ventura Park and help to ease congestion.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing the scheme start so the new exit will be open as soon as possible and certainly in time for the Christmas shopping period.”

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport Mike Maryon said:

“The county and borough councils have worked closely together with Sainsbury’s on this project as we realise how important it is for the people of Tamworth and the continued success of Ventura Park as a leading leisure destination and centre for job creation.

“This demonstrates how improving our infrastructure benefits business, our economy and life for people who live, work and visit Staffordshire.

“We would ask people to bear with us during the month the work is carried out but we are sure the long-term benefits will be considerable.”

Councillor Steve Claymore, Cabinet member for economic development, said:

“It is great news that work is about to get underway on the second exit.

“We know that traffic at Ventura is a cause of frustration for residents and visitors, and this should help reduce the impact on roads around Ventura, and the work will be completed ahead of Christmas.

“Ventura Park is incredibly important to Tamworth as it provides jobs and has continued to attract major retailers to our town; this new exit should hopefully help reduce congestion at busy times. I would like to thank Sainsbury’s for their hard work on this project and making it happen.”

Sainsbury’s store manager, David Wilson, said:

“Sainsbury’s is delighted that work will commence next week. The new exit will improve the shopping experience of our customers and visitors to the retail park, and we look forward to its completion in time for the festive season.”

Mia rocking at the Barrell in Thornbury.

Mia and the Blackhawks are a female-fronted tribute to classic rock, bringing you a homage to all things loud, with bands such as Metallica, The Sweet, Motorhead, Judas Priest, The Rolling Stones, Joan Jett and many more. For too long, classic rock has been dominated by sweaty old men, and, thinking that it was about time that the girls had a go, Mia and the Blackhawks were born.

Classic anthems you will know and love with the Blackhawks twist, this will be a night and a band that you will never forget. Be on your guard, you never know what Mia the mischievous will do next.

The Blackhawks – Adam Newbery, Ben Evans, Martin Griffin and Rik Raven- are four of the most exciting, talented musicians of whom Birmingham should be proud.

So come on feel the noize and join us – what have you got better to do?

For more information visit www.miaandtheblackhawks.com.

The entries should be sent in on A4. Arts and crafts can be included on the card but please note, if there are too many elements, they may not reproduce as well as the original.

Do you want to hear about Tamworth Borough Council’s work and its plans for the future? Then why not come along to an event taking place later this month?
 
Residents are being encouraged to turn out to a special ‘Tamworth Listens’ event taking place in the Town Hall on Tuesday September 25, between 6.45pm and 9.15pm.  
 
This event is part of the ‘Tamworth Listens’ initiative, which aims to improve communication between councillors and the public.
 
Members of the council’s Cabinet will be giving an insight into work taking place at the council and how they make decisions.
 
Members of the public will also be invited to ask questions and have their say – as well as putting forward ideas they may have to make the borough a better place to live.
 
Councillor Daniel Cook, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Tamworth Listens aims to find out what people really think about where they live, what they like and don’t like, while also finding out what improvements residents would like to see.
 
“I want all members of the Cabinet to be more approachable and visible. Additionally, I want residents to feel they can have their say and help to influence long-term decisions about Tamworth, for Tamworth.”
 
For more information and to book a place, please contact Charlotte Green on 01827 709570 or email charlotte-green@tamworth.gov.uk.

Two girls have shared their love of Tamworth with the whole town – and won themselves afternoon tea with the Mayor in the Town Hall.

Nine-year-old Lauren Bowman and eight-year-old Mia Talbot were chosen as the winners of the I Love Tamworth Because…competition, organised by Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Tina Clements.

Cllr Clements wanted to hear from the residents of Tamworth what they love about the borough. She asked entrants to complete in 50 words or fewer the sentence: “I Love Tamworth Because….”

Lauren, from Dosthill, said: “I Love Tamworth Because… it is where I have grown up all my life. Tamworth is the best town because we are all a happy community. We have a park, a cinema, the Snowdome, Tamworth has everything a town needs. And we have the best Mayor!”

Mia, from Wilnecote, said: “I Love Tamworth Because… there are loads of fun activities for children including the Snowdome, bowling, Drayton Manor, Tamworth Castle, bike lanes and I love going down to the Castle Grounds on my scooter and playing in the park then eating an ice cream and looking at the pretty flowers by the bandstand.”

Lauren and Mia have now been invited for afternoon tea with the Mayor at Frankie & Benny’s.

Cllr Clements said: “It is great to see how much the people who live here love Tamworth and want to share it with everyone. I would like to thank everyone who entered the competition, especially the winners, Lauren and Mia.”

Mia said that winning the competition was ‘awesome’, and Lauren said it was ‘the best thing that could have happened.’

Mia Talbot and Lauren Bowman tell Mayor Cllr Tina Clements why they love Tamworth.

Tamworth Borough Council is playing a leading role in helping the company and Jobcentre Plus to fill the vacancies by holding the interviews and inductions at its Marmion House offices.

Interviews for a mix of full and part-time positions will be held on September 4 and 5, with inductions being held on October 4, 5 and 8.

The Range is set to open on October 12 in the old B&Q store on the Tame Valley Industrial Estate.

Cllr Steve Claymore, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Enterprise, said: “The opening of The Range is another boost to Tamworth’s economy, providing a valuable addition to what the borough has to offer, as well as creating 70 new jobs for local people.

“We are delighted to be able to actively support The Range – in conjunction with Jobcentre Plus – by allowing the company to hold its interviews and induction days at Marmion House.”

Tamworth rich history and heritage – from Anglo Saxon bloody battles to a more genteellook at William MacGregor and the Almshouses - will all be under the microscope at the forthcoming Heritage Festival.

The festival, which takes place on the weekend of September 1, will celebrate Tamworth’s history and heritage with a range of free events across the weekend.

As well as many buildings throwing open their doors free of charge, a Saxon encampment will move into the Castle Grounds to give a taste of what life was like.

Re-enactments, boats, games and pottery making are just some of the activities taking place. Children will also be able to try their luck and take part in battles with Saxon warriors.

St Editha’s Church will be running guided tours and opening the double spiral staircase for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Tamworth from the rooftop.

Tickets for various events are available from the Tourist Information Centre.

There will also be a special talk about ‘the real Enigma Heroes’ by Phil Shanahan to mark the 70th anniversary of the Colin Grazier story. This will take place at the Town Hall on Friday August 31st. This is priced at 6.50.

A new Staffordshire Hoard exhibition will also be open to the public at Tamworth Castle, made up of more than 20 new items. Please note, entry to the Castle is not free of charge.

Activities taking place include:

Events are also taking place at Middleton Hall, Spital Chapel, Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Tamworth Football Club, the Colin Grazier Hotel and the Market Vaults.

For a brochure, visit Tamworth’s Information Centre in Corporation Street, or visitwww.tamworth.gov.uk.

In addition, there is a free Tamworth Heritage app which can be downloaded at the itunes store. This will guide you around all Tamworth’s fascinating buildings and other interesting features at the touch of a button.