Margaret Jones

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newsletter Jan 25

Revamped pothole reporting system

The way people report potholes and other highways issues in Staffordshire has been completely revamped. The ReportIt system has undergone a complete transformation to make it easier for residents to report highways issues.

The new system is more user friendly, and gives people the option of having their own account where they can track the progress of their reported issue. In response to customer feedback, people can also now report the condition of a whole road, and the language has been made much simpler. It has taken a year to develop, and although it has been tested extensively, we are asking people to provide feedback that will further shape the system.

Reports made to the previous ReportIt system have been transferred over, so there is no need for people to make a new report.

More information about the new system, including some frequently asked questions, is available here

Why not sign up to receive highways news to your inbox? Follow this link

Training on how to use the defibrillators
Have you ever wondered how to use the defibrillators in Edingale?
Do you even know what they are for?
Or where they are? (at the Village Hall and opposite the former Black Horse) and of course in many other public places such as sports clubs and high streets. If you call 999 about a suspected heart attack they will tell you were the nearest one can be found.
Please come along to our free training session! It will be held at 7pm on Thursday 20th February at Edingale Village Hall.
This session is run by Have a Heart Tamworth and offers training in CPR and familiarisation in using an AED (defibrillator).
It takes up to a couple of hours and includes a presentation on common heart conditions and the appropriate action if heart problems occur, followed by a detailed demonstration and instruction on how to do CPR and how to use an AED. This is then followed by attendees having a go for themselves.
It is an informative session, and could help you save someone’s life! Everyone is welcome!
Please let us know by 17th February if you are coming to help with our planning (email clerk@edingale-pc.gov.uk)

The Parish Council would like to ask all dog owners to keep their pets under control while in the public areas and paths around the village. Only a minority are causing a problem but we’ve had recent reports about out of control dogs.
A villager had her small dog jumped on by a larger dog which also jumped on her while she was trying to protect her pet, which was very upsetting. The larger dog’s owner wasn’t even aware of what it was doing. We have heard of similar local incidents when dogs and even sheep have been chased by out of control dogs.
Please use a lead if possible unless you are sure your dog will come back to you when called, and please keep it near you and within sight at all times. It is against the law to have an out of control dog in a public place.

We’d also like to remind owners to pick up the poo – its only a few who don’t! It is unpleasant for others who stand on it and it can pass on diseases.
Thanks for your consideration!

Your flexible, on-demand bus service for rural villages

LinkUp on-demand bus service is provided by Lichfield District Council and connects our rural villages to our high streets and is being delivered on our behalf by wemove.
Perfect for those in areas with fewer public transport options, LinkUp provides a convenient and greener way to reach Lichfield.
Whether you’re off to the shops, meeting friends, or need to connect to wider travel networks, LinkUp is here to make your journey easy.
It’s a bit like booking a taxi, but you will share your transport with others, just as you would share a bus. The LinkUp service takes you to your destination from your nearest fixed or virtual bus stop.
• LinkUp bus operates:
o 9am – 5pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays.
o 9am – 7pm, Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays.
o We are sorry but the service does not operate on Sundays or bank holidays.
• LinkUp buses are accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and bikes, with drop floors and a dedicated space for wheelchairs.
• Assistance dogs (or those in training) are welcome on board.
• For those travelling with children, please let us know if any special arrangements are needed.
• View our bus stops across the district.
Booking and paying is really easy
You either need to book on the LinkUp app or call the LinkUp team to set up an account and make a booking on 0808 134 6632 – you cannot hail a LinkUp bus or pay for travel on the bus. You can add a payment card to your account to make paying for your fares really easy.
To book please head to Lichfield District Council for more information.

See FAQs below:
LinkUp FAQs

LOCAL ECONOMIC POWERHOUSES BLOODSTOCK, BEARDED THEORY, AND DERBYSHIRE SAUSAGE & CIDER FESTIVAL

DRIVE £16 MILLION ANNUAL BOOST WHILE CALLING FOR URGENT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

Bloodstock Festival, together with fellow Catton Park events Bearded Theory and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival, are shining a spotlight on the enormous positive impact these long-standing events have on the local economy. A recently commissioned independent survey carried out by Bluegrass Research reveals that these three festivals contribute over £16 million annually to the regional economy, amounting to £160 million over the next decade.

However,Chetwynd Bridge, a Grade II*-listed structure built in 1824, is no longer able to support the volume of modern traffic it endures today. Due to it’s historic significance. The council cannot carry out the recommended work needed to make the bridge structurally sound, resulting in the need to build a new bridge. Width and weight restrictions have already been implemented, causing significant disruption to not only the events, but to local traffic and business, especially farming. Emergency services are also affected, given the width restriction of the Baily Bridge at Walton. Plans for a new alternative bridge have already been discussed, but local authorities say they lack the funds to progress with construction.

“The success of the events at Catton, which bring in a significant amount of money to the local economy, are in a large part, due to the easy access to Catton Park from the A38, which does not disrupt any local villages” said Ollie Neilson, landowner of Catton Estate. “If the Chetwynd Bridge were to close, traffic would be diverted through rural communities in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, causing significant disruption to residents and event attendees alike. The potential economic and community impact of inaction is staggering.”

Bloodstock Festival and Bearded Theory have taken proactive measures to minimise strain on the local infrastructure. Both festivals have extended their arrivals over two days, spreading out traffic to reduce congestion for local residents and alleviate pressure on the ageing bridge and surrounding roads. These changes have been widely praised by the community and have significantly improved traffic flow. While these measures help mitigate immediate issues, the long-term solution lies in building a new bridge that meets the needs of today’s traffic demands.

Bloodstock Festival, Bearded Theory, and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival are jointly urging local authorities, national policymakers, and other stakeholders to prioritise funding for the construction of a new bridge. The festivals collectively highlight how the £16 million annual income they generate every year far exceeds the estimated cost of building a replacement bridge, a project that would pay for itself many times over.

None of the events wish to have to relocate or discontinue, depriving the local area of this crucial income, but fear they may soon be backed into a corner with little choice. When so many independent festivals are closing every year – the latest report from the Association of Independent Festivals detailed 72 closing in the UK in 2024 alone (and a total of 204 since 2019) – factors such as local infrastructure remain critically important to their survival, whilst they face a sea of other challenges.

“As festivals, we are not just about music, food, and community spirit – we are engines of economic growth for the region,” adds Rachael Greenfield, Director of Bloodstock. “This is not just about preserving access to Catton Park and our individual events; it’s about securing the future of the many local businesses, jobs, and services that depend on these events. The time to act is now.”

Bloodstock, Bearded Theory, and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival are committed to ensuring their long-term sustainability while continuing to drive growth and opportunity for the local economy. The festivals are calling on the community to join them, to amplify their voices and urge policymakers to prioritise this critical infrastructure investment.