Up to date, dynamic news feed on local issues and subject that impact the voluntary sector.
Wednesday, 01 April 2020
Businesses are being urged to donate spare personal protective equipment (PPE) for Sandwell Council staff.
Read more on 'Call for businesses to donate PPE for carers and other Sandwell Council services '
Wednesday, 01 April 2020
Parking charges will be suspended in Sandwell Council town centre car parks from today (31 March).
Drivers are being asked to continue to park safely and appropriately, and to observe bay markings.
The suspension of parking charges applies to town centre cars parks run by Sandwell Council and does not include Sandwell Valley car parks. Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Yvonne Davies said: “We want to do all we can to support people who live and work in Sandwell during this difficult time. “We know that people are having to make essential journeys – particularly keyworkers and those who have to make trips to do essential shopping. “By suspending parking charges in council car parks we hope this will make things easier for people making those essential journeys.
“But I would ask that people don’t use this as an opportunity to make unnecessary trips to the shops.” All other parking conditions including charges for on-street parking bays will still apply.
Parking will continue to be monitored and free parking will be in place until 30 June 2020. The situation will be monitored and vehicles parked in contravention of the normal requirements for the safe and efficient use of car parks will still receive Penalty Charge Notices. Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport Councillor Jackie Taylor said: "I am committed to supporting the residents of Sandwell during this difficult time. "During this difficult time our essential workers also requires support to enable them to do their work. "Every opportunity has to be given to allow them to do so.
"That is why the decision has been made to allow free parking on council car parks from 31 March until 30 June 2020. "I am sure that every resident in Sandwell will be sensitive to the reasons why this has to be done. "Our essential workers are putting their lives at risk to keep us alive. "Free parking will be monitored to ensure it is working in the way it should. "Finally, I want to thank all of our essential workers for keeping our citizens safe and well in Sandwell.
Your hard work and commitment is hugely appreciated." Details and locations of council car parks can be found at www.sandwell.gov.uk/parking
Read more on 'Parking charges suspended in Sandwell Council town centre car parks'
Monday, 30 March 2020
Sandwell Council and its environmental services partner Serco are continuing to prioritise household waste and recycling collections during the coronavirus pandemic.
Due to some staffing reductions, we have today (Monday) decided to suspend food waste collections until further notice.
Please put any food waste that can’t be composted into your general waste bin for the time being.
Food waste such fruit and vegetable peelings can be composted at home.
Garden waste collections, bulky waste collections, new bin requests and bin repairs remain suspended.
Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience and would like to thank everyone for their understanding at this time. “We also thank our bin crews for keeping critical services running as best as possible during this emergency situation.”
Should there be daily delays to household waste and recycling collections, residents are advised to leave bins out at the edge of their property and they will emptied as soon as possible.
Any garden waste during this time can be composted in a home composter or bagged up and stored in the rear of properties or outbuildings such as sheds and garages.
Bulky waste items and other waste that cannot fit inside bins will also have to remain on the property until collections resume.
For more information on bin collections go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/bins, advice on home composting at www.sandwell.gov.uk/composting and sign up for our regular e-newsletter updates at www.sandwell.gov.uk/emailupdates
Friday, 27 March 2020
People from across Birmingham are being invited to use their time at home to unleash their creative energy and be part of a unique artwork to celebrate the 110th anniversary of John Taylor Hospice.
Read more on 'People Invited to Take Part in Art Project – From Their Homes'
Friday, 27 March 2020
A new £6 million fund has been launched to support organisations working to prevent youth offending and make communities safer.
Read more on 'New Funding Programme Announces to Keep Children Safe From Crime and Violence'
