Tamworth Blog

Swimmer - Photo by Brit

Tamworth Borough Council have announced that swimming will remain free of charge to people aged under 16 and over 60 across the towns swimming pools, despite national government cuts to the Free Swimming Programme.

With cuts being made across the country by the new government, Tamworth Borough Council wanted to find alternative ways of funding the scheme, with members of the council meeting at last week’s Cabinet meeting, where members asked for other funding options to be looked into.

The scheme which was introduced by the government in 2008, was aimed at getting the country fit and deal with obesity throughout the UK.  Provision was made for young and old alike to take advantage at the council run pools in Belgrave and Wilnecote.  At the time, the council received £20,000 to support the scheme.

Last month’s national budget saw this provision being removed from the end of this month.

Councillor Steve Claymore, Cabinet Member for Economic Health, said:

“Thousands of people have used the free swimming service at both Belgrave and Wilnecote and we were keen for this to continue, despite the grant being cut nationally.

“At last week’s meeting we asked for other funding options to be looked into and I am pleased to say that we have been successful and free swimming will continue across Tamworth.”

The free swimming now has funding until April 2011.

Following on from our video interview with Christopher Pincher after his first couple of days as Tamworth’s Member of Parliament, we will be meeting with Chris over the weekend (31 July 2010) to speak to him about his first couple of months in charge and the burning issues for Tamworth and it’s residents.

We want to give you the opportunity to ask you’re questions to our MP, so if you have any questions, please leave a comment or mail us at blog@tamworthblog.co.uk and we’ll endeavour to ask Chris and publish the interview here.

Our first interview with Chris can be viewed below:

Interview with Christopher Pincher – MP for Tamworth from Warren Free on Vimeo.

Maelstrom - One of the big rides at Drayton Manor

Celebrating their 60th anniversary, Drayton Manor are offering an additional discount on advanced tickets purchased to enter the park this summer.

Starting this week, all pre-booked, individual adult and child tickets will be on sale at a new reduced price. Originally £22.00 each, adult ticket prices will be just £20.95 and child tickets only £18.95.

Colin Bryan, managing director, Drayton Manor Theme Park:

“This year is our 60th anniversary year, which we wouldn’t have reached without visitors. The reduced entry price and additional entertainment and giveaways are just a small token from the park, to say thank you.”

So, if you’re looking for things for the kids to do this summer and you’re thinking a bit of action and wildlife will keep the kids entertained (both old and young), then remember to get your tickets booked in advance.

Strykers Summer Holiday Flyer

The Summer holidays are with us, and those of us lucky enough to still be at school are enjoying the early days of the summer holiday.  There are six weeks to fill with things to keep the kids occupied and Strykers Pleasure Bowl are offering some cheap bowling before 1pm on Mondays to Friday.

Why not get the ball rolling this summer?!?  I couldn’t resist.

Pint of Lager. Pic Andrew Mason

For the Summer Sizzler Party night Tamworth is the place to be for Tamworth Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual And Transgender Friendly Nights.

Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual And Transgender Friendly Nights
Every Thursday at the Vodka Bar (previously the Bow Street Runner)
PLUS special Theme Saturday nights at Decadence (previously Mistrels and Lakins)
Cabaret with resident cock-in-a-frock “Pollyesta”.
Ladybank, Tamworth, Nr Birmingham, B79 7NB

Pre drinks at the Vodka Bar ( Bow street runner ) at 9PM
Going to the decadence at 9.30pm with DJ Bouncy Ben

Tamworth Gay Club are also holding a summer theme night so Casual summer dress/ beach dress is great.
Special cocktail to be announced shortly

Come on guys gals and everything else
This is the place to be on the 21st August 2010

ALSO LOYALTY CARDS AVAILABLE AT £5,
GIVING 20% OFF ALL DRINK PURCHASES IN THE VODKA BAR AND ON FUTURE EVENTS THAT THEY HOLD.

LOYALTY CARDS ALSO FOR USE AT
BULLIT
THREE TUNS
SO-BAR & BISTRO
WHITE LION
HUSTLERS
SESSIONS
PORTOBELLO
GEMINI BUFFET
MONSOON

On 21 August at 21:00 – 22 August at 02:00 2010
At Decadence
Ladybank
Tamworth.

For more information contact oliver.odriscoll@live.co.uk

Tombola - Pic: Nikki T

More than 600 residents joined in at the recent ‘Stonydelph Together’ event.

According to Neil Mushrow, Community Development Officer for Stonydelph:

“There was a real carnival atmosphere as residents came together to enjoy the event. The event left residents buzzing and many are already asking when the next one will be.”

Hundreds of keen footballers took to the inflatable pitch, which proved to be the star of the show.  While another favourite attraction was the falconry display, along with rare and exotic birds of prey.

This was the first event organised by the Community Development Team, and three others will be held over the coming weeks.

The next event will take place in Glascote on July 31, followed by Amington on August14 and finishing in Belgrave on August 21.

For details on venues and times, and if you wish to get involved, please contact the Community development team on 01827 709709.

Tamworth Police Station - Photo: Paulette Francessca Sedgwick

Staffordshire Police is re-appealing for the public to report any sightings of a missing 15-year-old girl.

Sarah Jayne Louise Dunn was seen Sunday 4 July 2010.

Sarah is described as white, between 5ft 1in and 5ft 3in tall, with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was wearing white jeans, a black vest top, cardigan, black/grey scarf and tan ankle boots and carrying a black handbag.

It is believed Sarah has connections with the West Midlands area.

A police spokesman said:

“We consider Sarah to be vulnerable, and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

“Any person who has seen Sarah recently, or has any information, is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 445″

Christopher Pincher and Sukur Miah outside Fazeley Park restaurant on Atherstone Street

Fazeley Park has won Christopher Pinchers nomination for the Tiffin Cup, a national competition to find the best South Asian restaurant in the country.

The battle in Tamworth was hard fought, with the Tamworth area being littered with great South Asian eateries.  Fazeley Park though beat off tough competition from Ivory Tusk, which at one point was neck and neck with the Fazeley based restaurant.

Christopher Pincher MP, congratulated the the team on their success after announcing the winner of the competition he ran for locals to vote for their favourite.

Mr. Pincher said:

“Congratulations to Fazeley Park for winning the most nominations to go forward to the “play off” stage of the Tiffin Cup. I am pleased so many restaurants from around the town got so many nominations. It will help raise our town’s profile for good, modern cuisine.

“I would like to say well done to all the restaurants involved, particularly the Ivory Tusk for running Fazeley Park so close, and better luck next year.”

Fazeley Park are now entered into the national competition, and will go up against the best South Asian restaurants around the country. The winner will be picked by after a shot-list is created, the top tier of restaurants participates in a cook-off event judged by MPs and guest celebrities with the proceeds going to charity. As well as giving Tamworth the chance to win the coveted crown of best South Asian restaurant in England and Wales, the 2010 competition raises funds for “World Vision” which helps children suffering from poverty.

Fire Engine in Tamworth

Tamworth residents are being urged to stay vigilant following reports of a caller posing as a Home Fire Risk Technician.

The man who is described as a white male with dark hair and approximately 5′6″ tall, knocked on the door of a lady in Featherstone, claiming to be there to carry out a Home Fire Risk Check.

The woman had received a Home Fire Risk Check from Brewood Fire Station earlier in the day however the suspicious man arrived at around 6 pm claiming she had an appointment.

The incident comes following a previous visit to woman’s property where the same man had attempted to sell her a burglar alarm.

David Steele, Risk Reduction Manager for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said:

“The lady recognised the man who turned up at her property as the same man who had previously tried to sell her a burglar alarm on a separate occasion.

“The man did not provide her with any leaflets or contact information and she did not allow him into her property, as she had already received her free Home Fire Risk Check earlier in the day from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“We would urge anyone who receives visitors to ask to see identification and if you are unsure, don’t let them into your home. At Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service we will always carry official identification and will not be offended if you wish to telephone a station to double-check a member of staff’s identity.”

So please remember, if you have booked a Fire Risk Check, the officer who comes to visit you will carry official identification.  Always ask to see this.    If in doubt, don’t let them in and check with the Fire and Rescue Service, they will not be offended if this is the case.

Get Behind Us - Launch

‘Get behind us’ – that’s the message to the general public as the town’s street wardens gear up to launch a new litter campaign.

Every week, Borough Council Street Scene staff collects more than 200 bags of litter from the streets alone. This is equal to 215 tonnes a year – the weight of 50 African elephants – and costs in region of £1 million every year to clean up.

As part of the new campaign, street wardens will have enforcement powers; which means they could people with a fixed penalty notice for £80 for dropping litter or £50 for dog fouling.

Failure to pay the fixed penalty could lead to prosecution.

The ‘Get Behind Us’ campaign is part of the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign, urging people to take responsibility for their litter and to dispose of it responsibly.

Recent surveys carried out by the Borough Council revealed that 52% of people felt litter was a problem in Tamworth, while 89% of residents supported a proactive approach to environmental crime.

Street wardens will also be educating people about litter and youngsters will be given the opportunity to take part in litter picks, in lieu of penalty payments.

Cllr Brian Beale, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:

“The street wardens are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the town. Time and time again they are reporting back that litter is one of the public’s biggest concerns.

“We spend endless hours picking up other people’s litter – despite having almost 750 litter bins across the borough – to keep to town looking beautiful. The message is simple to those who needlessly drop rubbish: ‘continue to drop litter and we will take action’.”

Councillor Beale also explained that these new powers were ‘the last tool in the box’.

Street wardens currently carry out an education in schools across the borough to help drive the message home to them and their parents about littering.

The public can also ‘Get Behind Us’ by reporting littering – especially from cars – and dog fouling by phoning 01827 709709. Alternatively it can be reported online by clicking on the Report It Online button on the right.