Redditch matters - Redditch Borough Council - Worcestershire Hub

RedditchmattersWINa family ticketto see MotherGoose at thePalaceinsidethisissue...Threading itall togetherAnnualReportSummaryGetting inthe AbbeyhabitIn praise ofvolunteeringVisit us online at www.redditchbc.gov.ukAutumn/Winter 201O

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Contents4 Council news. Going local – fromWalk the Wards to Back the Floor;councillors and Councilmanagers experiencelife at the sharp end5 Making sense ofthe Census.Next one due inMarch 2011It’s Greenditch.From a silver giltfor floral displays toa third Green FlagAward for parkland,Redditch confirms itsgreen credentials7 In praise ofvolunteeringHow volunteersenrich the Council’swork and contribute toits achievements8 That was the summer offun. Photographic roundup of summer events10 Getting in the Abbeyhabit. Redditch Mattersfocuses on life in theAbbeydale area24About Redditch Matters815 Annual Report 2009/10summary. Mainachievements from yourCouncil and how we performed2619 Historian Ralph Richardsonuncovers more about Redditch’spast21 Introducing WorcestershireRegulatory Services.Redditch Partnership looks toresidents for issues to tackle24 Promotion to helpyou get in the swim.Swimming is good for you.Further help for swimmersin Redditch while weprepare for the new AbbeyStadium swimming pool26 New BMX track getsoff to a flying start27 Oh yes it is! It’spanto time again asMother Goose steps into thePalace Theatre, plus there’s achance to win a family ticket inour latest Redditch Matterscompetition30 What’s on this December, Januaryand February.32 How to contact your Council. Plusdetails for sports and leisure venuesThis magazine is produced by the Communications Team at Redditch Borough Council. It is printed on paperfrom sustainable forests and costs 7.5p per copy. To the best of our knowledge, all information was correctat the time of going to print.Our thanks to everyone who has advertised in this edition. However, the inclusion of advertisements orinformation from any third party should not be taken to imply the endorsement by the publisher of anyproduct or service advertised in Redditch Matters.Spring edition out 30th March 2011Cover photograph: Lighting up winter. Twins Ava and Eden Parker, aged 8, with thelantern they made at Arrow Valley Country Park’s Lantern Procession.ForewordONE of the keyphilosophies of thenew Government is the idea of`localism `, a real drive anddetermination to ensure that localpeople have a greater say in therunning and the shaping of theircommunities.Localism has also been mentionedalongside the Big Society and while it isfair to say that many of us - includingRedditch Borough Council – are still notentirely sure what the Big Society willmean for the Council and the residentsof Redditch, we do believe that theemphasis on localities can only be buta good thing for anybody whobelieves in the power of local peopleto influence life in their community. It iswhat the `local` in local governmentshould be all about, after all.A Decentralisation and Localism Billbegins its journey through Parliamentthis month. The main benefits of the Billwill be to empower local people.It will see greater powers devolved tocouncils and neighbourhoods, andgive local communities control overhousing and planning decisions. It willsucceed the much commented on`regional spatial strategies`.As a compact borough with adedicated voluntary sector Redditch iswell placed to embrace this new era oflocalism and the Big Society.At Redditch Borough Council we will besupporting any initiative that puts you,our customers, at the heart of the waywe deliver our services and championsthe great things about living inRedditch. We look forward to this newage of localism with interest.Read on and you will find examples ofthe sort of localism Redditch is alreadydelivering and has been involved inover many years.Happy reading! YoursCllr Carole Gandy, Leader of RedditchBorough CouncilRedditch Borough Council Redditch matters 3

NEWS from your CouncilGoing localLOCALISM is the latest buzz word in local government and theCouncil has introduced new initiatives aimed at residents and tobetter understand the needs of customers. They build on existinglocal programmes alreadyrunning.Walk the WardsWalk the Wards was set up in the earlyautumn and saw ward councillors, literally,walking the wards of their patch with seniorCouncil managers. The purpose was toidentify issues needing to be tackled onthe ground, and to look at projects takingplace in the area.The initiative took in all 12 Borough wards,from Abbeydale to Winyates.Budget JuryNEW!NEW!The key objective behind setting up abudget jury this Autumn was helpingpeople understand the Council’sbudget setting process and assistingthe Council’s Executive Committee tomake their budget decisions.The jury, made up of 10 residentsrepresentative of the Redditchpopulation, agreed to attend fourevening meetings which culminatedin deciding, from a range of options,how the Council should spend itsbudget in 2011/12.They were taken through the Council’srole; its vision, values and priorities;how it is financed and the nationalcontext of budget cuts. They couldalso use red cards whenever jargonwas being used and an explanationwas required.Their views will now go to theExecutive Committee before Councilagrees its 2011/12 budget andCouncil Tax rates on 21st February.Back to the FloorThe Leader of the Council joineddirectors and managers to go ‘back tothe floor’ during August and Septemberas part of a move to help improveservices.Cllr Carole Gandy spent the day withthe Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Teamwhile senior Council staff spent time indepartments including landscape andgrounds maintenance, waste andrecycling collection, customer services,homelessness support, Sure Start,Benefits, CCTV and Lifeline, to namesome.During her stay with the team CllrGandy attended a drop-in session atWinyates Barn which was followed by awalkabout with members of the ASBTeam and the local policing officer. Shealso visited What’s Your Point, who carryout work with young people and thecommunity in Woodrow.Warren Stone, the Council’s ASB TeamManager, said: “We were able to showCllr Gandy that it is not just a case oftaking action in the form of ASBOs, butalso about how we and our partnerscarry out preventative work such asgoing into schools and working withpupils.”This year’s Local Democracy Daycoincided with the Government’sComprehensive Spending Review on20th October.Around 50 young people from highschools around the borough took part inthe event and, inevitably, the effect ofspending cuts was high on the agendaas the students learnt more about thedemocratic process and the part they willplay as future voters in shaping theborough’s future.A Question Time session with RedditchStudent Council, Youth Parliamentrepresentatives, and police andcouncillors gave students the opportunityto quiz those making decisions for theborough’s future.NEW!Local Democracy DayAngie Heighway, Head ofCommunities for Redditchand Bromsgrove Councilsexperiences groundsmaintenance work.And staff celebratecustomer service weekCouncil staff found out more about howthey can help improve services forresidents as part of National CustomerServices Week in early October.Staff who do not normally deal directly withcustomer queries, joined the CustomerService Centre in the Town Hall to learnmore about the work which is done toassist people ringing or visiting the Council.Head of Customer Services Amanda deWarr said: “We are currently looking at wayswe can improve the customer’sexperience and are putting together anewstrategy fortheCouncil.”The customer service team inRedditch deals with around34,000 phone calls a month,9,201 face to face enquiries,and over 16,747 payments.Speed Date a Councillor which gaveyoungsters the chance to quiz a number ofdifferent councillors and then vote for theirfavourite, an interactive survey (YouThink) runby Worcestershire County Council's YouthService, and Meet the Police completed theday long activities which had beenorganised by county and borough councillorJuliet Brunner.Left to right: Student Cllrs Katie Chan 17,April Powell 17, with Cllr Carole Gandy.4 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council

Makingsenseof theCensusON 27th March 2011 a ten-year eventswings into action. This is the day whenGovernment will be conducting the Census,an estimate of the population that is carriedout every ten years which asks everyone thesame questions at the same time, toproduce a unique set of facts and figuresabout the UK.In England and Wales the census is plannedand carried out by the Government’s Officefor National Statistics (ONS).Every household will be asked to completea census questionnaire. Personalinformation collected in the Census isprotected by law and kept strictlyconfidential, but by looking at thecharacteristics of people by area thecensus provides population estimates whichpublic bodies can use to fund, plan anddeliver local services such as healthcare,education, housing and transport.It is important for people to respond to theCensus as the number of people includedaffects the amount of funding given toeach local area.Job opportunitieswith the CensusThe ONS’ recruitment partner, Capita, islooking to employ local people in a varietyof fixed-term full and part-time posts to workas census field staff and help carry out theCensus.How do I apply?Recruitment is already underway and hasbeen publicised in local newspapers, butfurther job opportunities will run throughoutthe remainder of 2010 and into 2011. Youcan register your interest in Census rolesnow via the recruitment website atwww.censusjobs.co.uk. The website alsocontains information about theemployment dates, working patterns andsalaries for each role, which you can find byselecting ‘2011 Census Roles.’If you require an application form in aparticular format to enable you to applyor are unable to apply online pleasecontact the Capita Census RecruitmentTeam on (01256) 383847. Please be awarethat all successful applicants will needaccess to a computer with an Internetconnection to complete online testing andtraining for each role.It’s Greenditch!Blooming great!CLEAN and green are two of theCouncil’s priorities and so it was afantastic achievement in September tolearn that the Council had managed towin a silver gilt in the Heart of England inBloom Awards.And this was after having not entered theannual floral competition since the1980s.Redditch achieved its award in the SmallCity category.The judges highlighted the followingareas of achievement:➤ Beds and planters in Walter StranzSquare; mix of annual andherbaceous planting➤ The beds and the maintenance ofthe churchyard➤ Planting at Arrow Valley CountrysideCentre➤ Colourful bus shelters designed byyoung peopleKick start your home repairsThree’s companyfor Green FlagAwardsOVERDALE Park at AstwoodBank has become the thirdRedditch park to be awardedthe prestigious Green Flagstatus. It joins existing awardholders, Arrow Valley CountryPark and Morton Stanley Park.The park was only opened in2009.➤ Work done by Forge MillNeedle Museum volunteers➤ Rain water collected atMatchborough First Schoolfrom the roof then used fortoilet flushing➤ Management of lakes andwildlife areas➤ Where Next Associationnursery➤ Friends of Green SpacesThe awards were supported byWebbs, the independent gardencentre group, based in nearbyWychbold. At the ceremonyWebbs’ staff congratulated theRedditch team and offered tohelp with future entries made inthe competition.YOU love your home, you want to look after it; it’s an investment for your future.However, it can be a struggle to find the money to pay your mortgage,household bills and keep your home up to a decent standard.This is when a new scheme called Kick Start could help. It is especially forhome owners and offers a range of payback options to suit yourcircumstances. The money borrowed could be used for major repairs,adaptations or to modernise your home for your family’s needs.Kick Start is run locally by Care and Repair Worcestershire which is based atRedditch Town Hall. Care and Repair will guide you through the process fromconfirming the work needed on your home to helping with the loanapplication; they will also arrange the work and inspect the finished job. Aspart of the service you will also have access to an Independent FinancialAdvisor to check Kick Start is for you.For more information contact the Care and Repair Worcestershire team on(01684) 579456 or email care&repairinfo@festivalhousing.org quotingreference KS/05.Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 5

Shared Services – latest news for residentsTHE Spending Review put into sharpfocus local government finances withRedditch Borough Council probablyneeding to save about £1.8 million overthe next four years.The Shared Services project withBromsgrove District Council which beganjust over two years ago, is continuing topursue creative and innovative ways ofsaving money while providing servicesthat customers expect to see.In fact many other councils are nowactively looking to share services, withRedditch and Bromsgrove among thefirst to now have a joint chief executiveand a single management team. This,along with services already beingshared, should save both Councils£1million by the end of 2011/12.A timetable for Shared Services andBusiness Transformation across bothorganisations’ teams has also juststarted. This will include a process calledsystems thinking which will critically lookat how services are delivered to ensurethere is no unnecessary bureaucracy orred tape.Council produces Climate Change StrategyACTING on Climate Change is a key priority for Redditch Borough Council as itseeks to reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable.Residents may be aware of recent initiatives and campaigns supported by theCouncil, ranging from Switch it Off (day of action each November to saveenergy) to supporting 10:10 (10th October) and global efforts to act onclimate change; and working with bodies including the Energy Saving Trust.Now to pull all this vital work together, Redditch and Bromsgrove Councils havedrafted their first climate change strategy. This is due to go to the Full Councilsof both authorities in early December for approval and then implementation.The strategy has been written by the Councils’ Climate Change Manager,Ceridwen John.You can find more information on Redditch’s work on climate change byvisiting www.redditchbc.gov.uk and clicking Climate Change within theEnvironment and Planning section.Demonstrating the breadth of the subject you willfind information there on:➤ Energy efficiency and renewabletechnologies➤ Recycling and waste➤ Biodiversity, countryside andallotments➤ Water efficiency➤ Transport➤ What this Council is doing➤ Go local! the WorcestershireGreen Directory➤ Green businesses➤ Planning issues and climatechange6 Redditch mattersAnd Shared Services is not the onlyinnovative project Redditch andBromsgrove and authorities acrossWorcestershire are pursuing.The Worcestershire Enhanced Two Tier(WETT) project sees the following sharedacross all or most of the councils countywide.➤ Regulatory Services➤ Property Services➤ Audit servicesYou can find out more about SharedServices and other Council initiatives byfollowing the Chief Executive Kevin Dicks’blog at www.redditchbc.gov.ukServices already shared betweenRedditch Borough and BromsgroveDistrict Councils are:➤ Payroll➤ Procurement➤ Community Safety➤ Electoral Services➤ CCTV and Lifeline Services➤ Information and CommunicationsTechnology (ICT)Helpis at handtoswitchto digital TVTV is changing. In 2011 the traditionalanalogue TV signal will be switched offin the Central region and replacedwith a digital TV signal. This is not aconcern for most people but somemay find it harder to make the switchthan others.The Switchover Help Scheme hasbeen set up by the Government andis run by the BBC. Its purpose is tomake digital TV easy for older anddisabled people by converting one oftheir televisions to digital in the run-upto switchover.People are eligible for help if they are:➤ aged 75 or over➤ have lived in a care home for sixmonths or more➤ get, or could get, disability livingallowance➤ receive attendance or constantattendance allowance, or mobilitysupplement or;➤ are registered blind or partiallysightedIn the run-up to switchover, everyeligible person receives a SwitchoverHelp Scheme information pack. Mostpeople will be asked to contribute £40towards the help. But the service isfree for people who are eligible. Logonto www.helpscheme.co.ukREDI Centre – an updateTHE decision to close the REDI Centre wasan extremely difficult one the Councilhad to make. Staff and volunteers canfeel rightly proud of their achievementsover the past 20 years, helping numerousRedditch people acquire new skills andaccess learning opportunities.One of the services delivered through thecentre was a range of learndirectcourses and these are continuing.Learndirect courses have now transferredto the Council’s Greenlands BusinessCentre on Studley Road. There are plansfor the new facility to eventually have anew name and identity. Details to beannounced, in due course.Courses on offer include EverydayEnglish, Everyday Maths and Home andOffice IT. For more details contact(01527) 68583.Redditch Borough Council

Focus on VolunteeringVOLUNTEERS are the backbone of any community, giving their time tohelp others. Without them, many charities and community groupswould struggle to operate. Here, we turn the spotlight on two groups,who, through their work with Redditch Borough Council, enrich boththe cultural and environmental life of the town.Lifeblood of the PalaceTHE Palace Theatre is rightlyregarded as one of thejewels in Redditch’scrown. But how manytheatregoers realisethat the peopleserving their drinks,selling themprogrammes andshowing them to theirseats are actuallyvolunteers?Barbara Warr (right) andRoyston (Roy) Campbell (far right)are two of the 100-plus army ofvolunteers who Front of House ManagerOwen Goodgame calls ‘the lifeblood ofthe Palace Theatre’.Roy has been a volunteer for 24 years. Amanufacturer’s agent with a keen interestin drama, he became involved with thePalace while appearing in a play.Barbara came to the theatre afterretiring from the Alexandra Hospital.For her, volunteering is a chance tocombine a love of live theatre withhelping others.“I wanted to keep busy in retirement,” shesays. “I’m a people person - I like helpingold ladies to their seats. Andwe’re so lucky to have thistheatre.”“It’s a way of helping thecommunity and youcan’t beat live theatre,”says Roy. “And you reallyfeel like part of the show.“One of the things that Iget out of being avolunteer is the chance tomeet the performers. Theyreally are just like normal people.”Volunteers at the Palace do a variety ofroles, from helping backstage to workingfront of house, on the bar andthe kiosk plus sellingprogrammes and alsomerchandise. Theirages range from 18to 70-plus.Owen Goodgameis in no doubtabout theimportance ofvolunteers to thetheatre.“Without them therewould be no theatre as theyUnsung heroes preservetown’s green heritageREDDITCH is a town rich in woodland,parks and green spaces. And workingbehind the scenes with the Council topreserve this green heritage is a stalwartband of volunteers.Come rain or shine, Tuesdays find theRedditch Mid-Week ConservationVolunteer Group in the great outdoors.The group has been running for over adecade and works on over 45 tasks ataround 25 sites each year.Members come from all walks of life butshare a common interest inconservation. Paul, a 62-year-old formerelectrical engineer from Webheath, hasbeen a volunteer for five years. Heregularly joins ex-admin workers, drivinginstructors and teachers in tasks as variedare so important to the running of thebuilding,” he asserts.“They are very reliable, committed andtrustworthy. I never worry if they are allgoing to turn up for a shift, even inbad weather they are hereready to help whereverneeded.“Many of them are retiredand want something else todo with their free time. Manyvolunteers have made newfriends here, too.“Volunteering at the Palace canalso benefit young people whowant to get into theatre as a career.”as hedge laying, tree planting and evenbuilding bridges.Recent projects the group has beeninvolved in include planting an orchard inBrockhill Community Wood and helpingpreserve wildflower diversity in PlymouthRoad cemetery.“I would recommend volunteering toanyone. It has taught me new skills andgiven me the opportunity to work in manyRedditch woodlands and open spaces,”says Paul.“Our work enables the Council to dothings that it would otherwise not be ableto afford to.”Pictured left: Volunteer Gary Emms at work inPlymouth Road cemetery.Redditch matters 7

Summer of FunRAIN didn’t stopplay at thisyear’s MortonStanley Festival.Despite a soggystart to the eventthis August,thousandsflocked toMorton StanleyPark for twodays of musicand fun.Around 40 liveacts graced thefestival’s twostages acrossthe weekend,including a wealth oflocal talent such asIdiosync, That Man Foxand Sunset Cinema Club.8 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council

ARTS were on the agendaas summer turned intoautumn.Airfest 2010, a monthlongcelebration of arts inthe borough featured abespoke radio station, AiRFM, the FLAIR Variety Showand a town centre streetcelebration featuring livebands, choirs, dance anddrama workshops andmore.The festival was an AiR(Arts in Redditch)Partnership projectinvolving organisationssuch as Redditch BoroughCouncil, Kingsley College,Kingfisher FM and FLAIR.THE Mayor of the Borough of Redditchhad a right royal time this summer whenshe attended a garden party atBuckingham Palace.Cllr Kath Banks went to the Palace on asunny July day along with Cllr JinnyPearce and guests from all over the world.She said: ”The Palace grounds arebeautiful with flowers, lakes and lovelytrees.“We picnicked on the lawn, ate daintysandwiches and delicious little cakes, noalcohol!“We saw Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip,Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess ofCornwall. They spent over two hoursgreeting and talking to people.”THOUSANDS of peopleflocked to summeractivities at ArrowValleyCountrysideCentre.July’s Green Fairfeatured livemusic, woodlandcrafts, stalls anddisplays, claylaser shooting,archery, facepainting, flyball,crafts and circus skills.Visitors also got toexperience 13th Centuryre-enactments and meetowls and ferretsBank Holiday Monday in Augustsaw another successful ScarecrowDay at the centre. Almost 100scarecrow were made by childrenin the run-up to the event, withthe winner being selected onthe day by the Mayor.Redditch Borough CouncilRedditch matters 9

Focus on AbbeyCouncillors, Council officialsand representatives of ISG ata turf cutting ceremony tomark the start of constructionwork at the Abbey Stadium.Workers Jane Hands, Mike Fletcher andMo Dennis seated from Sure Start Playand Stay sessions.ALL eyes will be on Abbey Ward in2012 when the new-look AbbeyStadium opens its doors after muchanticipation.Planning permission for the stadium’stransformation was granted earlier thisyear and now the long-awaited boost tothe town’s leisure facilities is movingcloser to becoming a reality.A contractor ISG Regions Ltd wasappointed in September andconstruction work has begun. If all goesto plan, the £6.574 million project will beWard Councillors for AbbeyCllr Simon ChalkConservativeTel: 550124Mob: 07990 733247Cllr Diane ThomasLib DemMob: 07908 449390completed by February 2012.Work will first start on the new 25m,six-lane swimming pool andlearner pool. This will be followedby a brand new reception areaand refurbishment of the changingrooms.The centre’s car park will be closedduring the project, but alternativecar parking will be provided. TheCouncil’s Leisure team is keen tostress that disruption will be kept to aminimum.Abbey Ward was the first area inRedditch to get a purpose-built, onestop-shopfor children’s services.Plans for a building on the St Stephen’sFirst School were first announced in early2002 when the SureStart Children’sCentres project was in its infancy in thetown. Approval for the centre, whichwas built on an area formerly occupiedby a caretaker’s bungalow, came insummer 2004.TV favourite Fizz from The Tweenies wasthe star attraction when Holly TreesChildren’s Centre opened on 20th April2006.Four and half years on from its opening,Holly Trees now also provides servicesfrom a link site at St George’s School andStay and Play sessions at AbbeydaleSocial Club.A wide variety of clinics, courses, funsessions and support for families areoffered through Holly Trees. Theseinclude antenatal, child health andpaediatric clinics, counselling sessions,10 Redditch matters Redditch Borough Council

aby massage and messy play. Otherorganisations come and hold sessions atthe centre including RedditchCounselling services and the Citizens’Advice Bureau. There is also onsitechildcare run by Holly Trees Day Nursery.Stay and Play is the longest-runningSureStart service in the ward, datingback to the early Noughties. Running onMonday afternoons, it offers themedplay and physical activity plus a chancefor mums and children to make newfriends.Around 25 families get involved on anaverage week.The centre is going from strength tostrength and due to its popularity anextension is being built toaccommodate more families. Workbegan at the end of October and is dueto be completed in early 2011.To find out more about what Holly TreesChildren’s Centre can offer, call (01527)61360.Abbeydale is home to some amazingstreet art thanks to young people inthe town.Two brick bus shelters on the ChurchHill/Abbeydale bus lane weretransformed earlier this year by local highschool students as part of the RedditchRoadway Arts project.The project is funded by RedditchCommunity Safety Partnership, which alsoteamed up with students this summer tobrighten up an Abbeydale shop front.NEW College students came up withimages based on thetheme of ‘beautiful shop’. They thenworked with the arts group Hedz to paint amural on the shutters of Abbeydale Storesin Sedgley Close.Peter Hill, Redditch Borough Council’sCommunitySafetyProjectOfficer, whoworked onbothprojects,said:Left: Andy Ellam (2) andRehan Shasad (2) enjoy a Play and Staysession at Holly Trees Children’s Centre“Lowered shutters often make an arealook harsh and intimidating. I think thisartwork makes everything feel far morewelcoming.”Left to right: Lynn Timmins,Louise Cargill and NathanCook, from NEW College.Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 11

Terry water liliesreturn home towoodsWATER lilies that originally flourishedin Southcrest Woods have beenreturned home with the help ofRedditch Borough Council.HomesecurityguidelaunchesA YEAR ago, we told youabout a new, DIY practicalguide to home security thatwas being developed byRedditch Community SafetyPartnership and West MerciaPolice.Now, after testing byvolunteers, the Home SecurityGuide is being officiallylaunched.The guide brings togetheradvice which has previouslybeen spread across a varietyof booklets and leaflets.It offers advice on physicalsecurity and practical tips onsimple steps people cantake in the home to minimisethe risk of burglary.The guide’s authorCommunity Safety ProjectOfficer Peter Hill said: “Mostburglars select a homewhere a resident hasoverlooked something simplein their home security.“A burglar will look for anumber of signals that ahome may be an easytarget. The guide explainswhat these signals are andhow to reduce the risk of yourhome being targeted.”Residents who want toimprove their home securitythemselves can request acopy by contacting RedditchBorough Council’sCommunity Safety Team on(01527) 534187.The woods used to be part of theestate of the spring-making Terryfamily, along with the building nowknown as the Southcrest ManorHotel.The estate had a formal garden witha pond planted with water lilies.Over time, the pond fell into declineand the number of lilies decreased.Local horticulturalist the late ColinKershaw was given some lilies fromthe pool by the Terry family. Henurtured them in his own pool, wherethey soon flourished. When the timeMargaret marks40 years of theWoodrow CentreWOODROW Centre turned 40 this yearand its very first resident was there tohelp it celebrate this very specialbirthday.Margaret Murphy was the first person tomove into the centre’s flats in July 1970.She still lives in the same flat today.So it was fitting that on the 40thanniversary of her move Margaret wasinvited to take tea with the Mayor of theBorough of Redditch, Cllr Kath Banks.The former nurse was treated to tea anda tour of the Town Hall. She was alsopresented with a bouquet of flowers bycame for him to revamp his own pool,he gave the plants to RedditchBorough Council to care for.This summer Gavin Boyes and ChrisFranklin from the Council’s Landscapeand Countryside Team got togetherwith the Friends of Southcrest Woods toreturn the water lilies to their originalpool. Around five basketloads wererestored to Southcrest Pool.Gavin said: “It’s great that we’ve beenable to bring the water lilies home. Wehope we can help them to flourishthere once again.”the Mayor.Local Policing Officer PC Nigel Bennettescorted Margaret on the day, along withher sister and niece. He said: "When Ifound out that Margaret was one of thefirst tenants there and had lived in that flatfor 40 years I felt that she deserved somerecognition.”Margaret was also on hand to helpWoodrow Library celebrate its 40thbirthday too.The library, which is also in WoodrowCentre, held a family fun day in August tocelebrate its big day.Local families made large planters(pictured) to brighten up the centre tomark the event.12 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council

Services forma friendly lifelineWE’VE all seen the distinctive Dial-A-Rideminibuses out and about on theRedditch roads. And we’ve all noticedthe Shopmobility scooters zippingaround the Kingfisher Centre. But weprobably don’t realise what a differencethese two services make to people’slives. In this issue of Redditch Matters,we’re throwing the spotlight on these twoinvaluable Council services.Dial-A-Ride has been helping peoplewho can’t use public transport get outand about since 1988. Its six buseseach do around 25 journeys a day,taking people to visit family and friends,to the shops, to the Palace Theatre, topay their bills and to regular sessionssuch as the Stroke and Arthritis clubs.The service is a lifeline to people withmobility restrictions, enabling them tomaintain their independence and keepup their social lives.Webheath resident Sally Smith is onesuch person. She takes a monthly trip withDial-A-Ride to pay her bills and collect herpension and has a regular Thursdayjourney to stock up at thesupermarket.Dial-A-Ride driver Ian Borehamexplains how the route he usesto take Sally from her home tothe Kingfisher Centre iscarefully considered.“Sally is a wheelchair userand wheelchairs get joltedevery time the vehiclestops. So I plan herjourney to ensure the busdoesn’t have to stopvery often.”Margaret Chiversand Joann Spiersare also Dial-A-Rideregulars, using theservice to get tothe KingfisherCentre and togo out to lunchtogether. Theyare full of praisefor the Dial-A-Ride drivers,describingthem as‘helpful’ and‘obliging’.Like Margaret and Joann,many Dial-A-Ride customers use theminibuses to get to the Kingfisher Centre.This means the service works very closelywith Shopmobility, which is based on theground floor of Car Park three in thecentre.Redditch’s Shopmobility service started inFebruary 1987 and was the first scooterhirescheme in the West Midlands andone of only four such services in the UK atthe time.Nearly 24 years laterShopmobility is helpingover 70 people withmobility issues per day getaround the KingfisherCentre and town centre asquickly and comfortably aspossible. This figure rises toaround 100 this time ofyear with the Christmasshopping crowds.Shopmobility has a modernfleet of small/large scooters,plus powered manual andattendant wheelchairs.Equipment hire is free (thoughmany users make a donation)and users are fully trainedbefore they take it out. Scooterscan be brought to andcollected from users’ cars andthere is also an escort service forwheelchair users.Customer donations and theproceeds of raffles, flag days andmarket stalls are all spent on renewingequipment.Ruth Griffin, Dial-A-Ride andShopmobility Manager, said: “In the runupto Christmas, we are also open onSundays. It’s always a help if users cancall us up before they visit and let usknow what equipment they require, butthis time of year, pre-booking isessential. We would hate for anyone toget here and not be able to get theright chair or scooter.”Shopmobility fact fileContact number (01527) 64910Opening hours: Mon to Sat 9am-5pm(third Tues of every month 10.30am-5pm)Bank Holidays: 10.30am-4pmSun up to 19th Dec – 10.30am-4pmYou must be registered to use the service.To find out more about Shopmobility visitwww.redditch.whub.org.uk/cms/healthand-social-care/disabilities.aspxor call(01527) 64910Dial-A-Ride fact fileContact number (01527) 64910Operates Mon to FriBooking line is open 9am-4.30pmYou need to be registered to use thisservice.More information about Dial-A-Rideis available on the Council’s website atwww.redditch.whub.org.uk/cms/healthand-social-care/community-transportservices.aspxor by calling (01527) 64910Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 13

Fantastic RangeOf ChristmasDecorationsArtificialTrees Indoor& OutdoorLights & Christmas Gift IdeasLarge animated display to raisemoney for Macmillan.Fresh cut Norway spruceand Non drop NordmanChristmas trees, alsopotted and containergrown trees.Holly wreaths made onsite, mistletoe and bunchesof holly.Fresh English Poinsettiasand Cyclamen in a rangeof sizes plus a wide variety ofother house plants and plantedarrangements.Fresh cut flowers andfull floristry service.BadgerNurseriesBirmingham RoadMappleborough GreenStudley, ,Warks. B80 7DLOpen 7 Days a WeekTel: (01527) 852631www.badgernurseries.co.ukWe offer a local, friendly and reliable service for..House sales and purchasesRemortgage and freehold purchasesInheritance Tax savings adviceProbate and administration of estatesand elderly client matters including..Lasting Powers of AttorneyDeputyshipsFinancial PlanningCare home issuesHOME VISITS AVAILABLESHORT NOTICE APPOINTMENTSEASY PARKINGRegulated bythe Solicitors Regulation Authority1 Mason Road, Redditch. B97 5DA. Tel: 01527 544221www.taylorssolicitors.comemail: enquiries@taylorssolicitors.comNeed help payingyour rent or Council TaxIf you are on a low income(including earnings) or receive StateBenefits you may be able to get help towardsyour rent and/or your Council Tax bill.Housing Benefit helps towards your rent andCouncil Tax Benefit helps towards your Council Tax.New on-line application form now available – visit our websiteto check potential entitlement and to make your claim.To find out more information or to apply please use the contactdetails below.Web - www.redditchbc.gov.uk - use our calculator to see if youqualifyEmail - hbenefits@redditchbc.gov.uk - request more information or aclaim formTel - (01527) 534050 - speak to an experienced Benefit OfficerIn person - call in at one of our One Stop Shops - Town Hall, Batchley,Winyates, Woodrow -please check opening times.If you are unable to wait, we can offer you analternative appointment at the Town Hall at anytime between the hours of 9am and 12 noon.Write to us at: Redditch Borough Council,Benefits Section, Town Hall, Walter StranzSquare, Redditch B98 8AHRedditchOpen Air MarketLooking for a day out with a difference?Then visit Redditch Market where youwill always find a warm welcome. Comeand pick up a bargain - from fresh flowers,fruits, vegetables and meats, pet supplies,electrical spares and haberdashery tosome of the latest fashions - it’s alwaysworth dropping by to see what’s on offer.Redditch is easy to get to by bus or trainand disabled parking is also available,with easy access for wheelchair usersaround the Market area and town centre.For further information please callDarren Hawkins on 07880 838650Market Days:Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat 9:00am - 4:00pm14 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council

Redditchannual report2OO9/1OThreadingit all togetherTHREADING it all together is what local authorities strive to doon a daily basis, whether it relates to our customerssuccessfully accessing a range of services, or when we as aCouncil manage to bring external partners together for thegood of the town.As the centre of the world’s needle-making industry, withRedditch at one time supplying 90 per cent of the world’sneedles, threading it all together has a special significancefor us.No more so than during 2009/10 when councillors inRedditch and at neighbouring Bromsgrove District Councilmade the major decision to share services, formalisearrangements to share a Chief Executive and thenappoint a single management team to cover bothauthorities.With the hindsight of recent months and the earlyannouncements made by the new CoalitionGovernment to make savings, this project willgo a long way to securing the long termfuture of Redditch Borough Council.The project continues over the next fewyears and will see services transformed tomeet the needs and expectations of ourcustomers, as Redditch Borough Councilstrives to provide services that are robust,timely and provide real value for moneyfor Council Tax payers and other serviceusers.We hope you enjoy reading about ourachievements during 2009/10 as westitch together a sustainable future forRedditch Borough Council.Leader of Redditch Borough Council,Councillor Carole Gandy and ChiefExecutive of Bromsgrove District Counciland Redditch Borough Council, Kevin Dicks.Redditch Borough CouncilRedditch matters 15

An eye for the futureour vision and prioritiesThe vision for Redditch is to be `an enterprising communitywhich is safe, clean and green`.This is underpinned by being a well-managed organisationThe priorities are:➤ Enterprising Community➤ Safe➤ Clean and greenPointers from 2009/10highlights of the yearMonth-by-month there was a range of projects, initiatives andevents for the people of Redditch led or supported by yourBorough Council.April 2009New swipe card introduced to make it easier to pay your rent.Council publishes Coping with the Credit Crunch informationpack.Play Ranger service launched for children across outdoorareas.May 2009Freedom of the Borough granted to the Mercian Regiment.Worcestershire and Herefordshire Golf Partnership takes onmanagement of Pitcheroak Golf Course.Cllr Malcolm Hall elected Mayor.June 2009Car park by Arrow Valley Countryside Centre improved.Overdale Park at Astwood Bank opens.July 2009Lifeline celebrates 25 years.Bus shelter art unveiled in Winyates.Dial-A-Ride marks 20 years.Works starts on sensory play garden at Arrow Valley CountryPark.Council formally agrees to share services with BromsgroveDistrict Council and appoints Joint Chief Executive.August 2009Morton Stanley Festival attracts 5,000 people.Titanic exhibition held at Forge Mill Needle Museum.Customer Service Centre wins Contact Centre TechnologyAward at 2009 Good Communication Awards.Morton Stanley and Arrow Valley parks achieve Green FlagAwards – again.September 2009Farm animals at Forge Mill for fun of the farm event.Council hosts civic reception for Redditch Rugby Club aftersuccessive league titles.Council opts for single management team with Bromsgrove.Care and Repair service 20 years old.New park forAstwood BankLifeline celebrate 2October 2009Electric street cleansing vehicle trialled.Local Democracy Day held for town’sstudents.Civic Service marked with performancesby local musicians and Indigo Arts.Business booster grants launched for entrepreneurs.Abbey Stadium pool and development gets councillors’ approval.November 2009Councillors support Switch It Off campaign to save energy.Council awarded Society of Procurement Officers in LocalGovernment Award for Outstanding Achievement inProcurement 2009.Accord signed with Federation of Small Businesses to help localbusinesses.December 2009Licensed premises receive Responsible Alcohol Retailers Award(RAR) from Redditch Community Safety Partnership.January 2010Redditch Partnership holds week-long We are Redditchconsultation event.Councillors agree to pilot Garden Waste collections across 5,000homes.February 2010Redditch School Sports Partnership awards held.Council agrees to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10per cent by 2010.Bus stop installed at Arrow Valley Country Park to improve busservices.March 2010Countess of Wessex visits Redditch community groups.Council feeds back on My Home, My Future, My Choiceconsultation affecting older persons’ housing.Preparations in full swing for General and BoroughElections in May.No Barriers Award scheme launched to highlightsupport for people with disabilities.Council consults on Redditchexpansion to produce its PreferredDraft Core Strategy.16 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council

5 yearsCountess of Wessexvisits RedditchElectric street cleaningvehicle trialledPlay RangersService launchedHow sharp were we?Performance in 2009/10Redditch Borough Council has a large number ofperformance indicators which are reported on regularlythroughout the year to allow Councillors, Council officers,members of the public, partners and any other interestedparties an opportunity to gauge how the Council isperforming and comment on that performance.More detailed information is available on the RedditchBorough Council website at www.redditchbc.gov.uk (seeCouncil and Democracy then Performance).For 2009/10 it was seen that 75 per cent of theperformance indicators had improved or remainedstable throughout the year, which is very positive as itshows a marked improvement on the previous year(69 per cent).Performance indicators showing improvement included:➤ time taken to process benefit claims, which improvedfrom 17.7 days to 13.4 days➤ processing of all types of planning applicationsexceeded their targets. There are three types ofapplication: major (100 per cent), minor (95.24 percent) and other (98.16 per cent)➤ the number of families living in temporaryaccommodation was only seven at the end of the year,less than half the target➤ the percentage of urgent housing repairs completedwithin the timescale set by the Government was veryhigh at 94.5 per cent, compared to 83.72 per cent in2008/9However, there are also areas where we recogniseimprovements are needed and these include:➤ reducing the amount of waste disposed per household.During the year the amount of waste disposedincreased from 566.74 kg per household to 574.93 kgper household, an increase of 8.19 kg➤ increasing the percentage of household waste sent forre-use, recycling and composting; as there was areduction of three per cent since the same period in2008/9➤ increasing the amount of adult participation in sportand active recreationPlans are to be implemented to address indicators that areunder-performing.Of those indicators included in the nine which remained static,six are at their optimum level of performance and as such noimprovement is possible.Redditch Borough Council is committed to improvingperformance in all services and is focussed on a customer ledservice delivery.A Budget Jury is to be set up during autumn 2010 to allowmembers of the public to get more involved in deciding whatpriorities the council should concentrate on, and how it shouldspend its money.Redditch Borough CouncilRedditch matters 17

Our Financesyour moneyRevenue Account for the year ended 31st March 2010The Revenue Account presents the cost of running Councilservices between April 2009 and March 2010, and wherethe money came from to finance those costs along with thedeficit at the year end.Gross Gross Netexpenditure income expenditure£000's £000's £000'sCentral services to the public 8,057 (7,094) 963Cultural, environmental 14,253 (5,580) 8,673and planning servicesHighways, roads and 1,863 (553) 1,310transport servicesLocal authority housing (HRA) 18,206 (20,008) (1,802)Housing services 24,690 (23,880) 810Corporate and 2,002 (26) 1,976democratic coreUnapportionable 1,206 (1) 1,205central overheads70,277 (57,142) 13,135Net interest received (118)Appropriations and other internal (263)accounting adjustmentsAdjusted Net Operating Expenditure 12,754Financed by:General Government Grants (1,299)Business Rates (5,221)Council Tax due to RBC (5,607)Net General Fund deficit 627General Fund balance brought forward (2,131)General Fund balance at March 2010 (1,504)Balance Sheet£000'sBuildings, land and equipment owned 338,076by the CouncilInvestments 15,402Stock 257Cash in bank 232Money owed to the Council 8,090Money owed by the Council (40,225)Pensions liability (54,442)267,390Financed by:Unusable reserves 257,598Usable reserves* 9,792267,390Usable reserves*Specific reserves 6,107General Fund 1,504Housing Revenue Account 1,105Collection Fund 51Capital Receipts reserve 1,0259,792Capital ExpenditureHousing 9,550Leisure and Tourism 441Community Safety 39Environment and Transport 553Information Technology 208Well Managed Organisation 11210,903Financial ManagementAnnual accounts were submitted on time and received anunqualified audit opinion.Description 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10Annual Accounts ✓ ✓ ✓submitted on timeUnqualified Audit ✓ ✓ ✓Opinion (**)**The Council's external auditors are required to give anopinion on the financial statements. Where the opinion isqualified, each qualification identifies an area where thefinancial statements are unreliable.18 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council

Bordesley monksreach RedditchbyRalph RichardsonTHE Domesday Book tells us thatthere were small numbers ofpeople living in Ipsley andTardebigge, but there is no signof anyone in the area of centralRedditch before 1138. This partof Worcestershire was still denselywooded and its soil a heavy claywhich was frequently waterlogged.There was a very strong religious revivalthroughout Europe in the 12th century.One major effect was the founding of anew order of monks in Citeaux, in Burgundy,France. These monks were calledCistercians. One of their founders was theEnglishman, Stephen Harding. It is possiblethat the parish church of Redditch, StStephens, was named after him.Groups of 12 monks and an abbot weresent out from Citeaux. They founded a newabbey and, as soon as they had a surplusof monks, the next group of 13 was sentout. The first company reached England in1128 and settled in Waverley in Surrey. Fiveyears later, Waverley founded GarendonAbbey in Leicestershire and in 1138 thirteenmonks came to Bordesley from there.They needed permission to settle and build.They also needed a sponsor with moneyand spare land. Bordesley was part of theroyal manor of Tardebigge. The lady of themanor was Queen Matilda, wife to KingStephen. It looks as if she was happy togive the monks what they wanted – afterall, nobody lived down by the river.Unfortunately Queen Matilda was involvedin her husband’s interminable civil wars andit seems from the Foundation Charter thatthe abbey was endowed by anotherMatilda, the daughter of Henry I. She wasthe other protagonist in thecivil war.The site for the monasteryproved ideal. Nobody livedthere, except possibly ata hamlet calledOsmerley. It wasrapidly demolished.Elaborate drainageschemes were begun. Astone church andnecessary buildingswere quicklyconstructed. Fishpools were dug. TheRiver Arrow wasstraightened. Hugeponds to providewater power forindustrial uses wereconstructed. Onehad a water-driventrip hammercapable of forgingiron and possiblysteel. Weaponswere made there – allyears before the IndustrialRevolution.Local landowners gaveBordesley Abbey largeestates. This eased theirpassage to heaven, or sothey thought. Supplies offood and timber camefrom Hewell Grange – agrange being an outlying farmof a Cistercian Abbey.Bordesley had granges in theCotswolds from which it obtained ahuge supply of wool. It is possible thatthe bridge over the Avon at Bidfordwas built from the wealth of Bordesley toimprove access to and from its Cotswoldestates. By 1536 Bordesley was the fifthwealthiest Cistercian abbey in England –not bad for an empty, water-loggedpiece of land.The abbey was closed down 400years after it was founded. KingHenry VIII was, as so often, short ofmoney. He therefore decided toclose all abbeys and confiscatetheir estates. They were wortharound one third of thenation’s wealth and Henrycoveted this. A way of lifewhich, in some places, hadlasted nearly 1,000 years, wasabandoned forever.The Bordesley Abbeyprocessional cross survivestoday at Mount CarmelRoman Catholic Church.Four of its library books are inthe Bodleian Library, Oxford.Two of its mass vestmentsare kept at Downside Abbey,near Bath. There is a tombstoneto an Abbot of Bordesley, withhis picture on it, at Hinton on theGreen, south of Evesham.Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 19

BusinessCentreslook tothe futureLOCAL companies can get better help and supportfollowing a review of Redditch Borough Council’sbusiness centres.The authority runs three business centres – GreenlandsBusiness Centre which provides office accommodationfrom 108 sq ft to 600 sq ft, the Rubicon Centre whichoffers both offices and workshops between 150 sq ftand 600 sq ft, and Heming Road Enterprise Centre, acollection of workshops ranging from 170 sq ft to 515 sqft.The business centres were originally set up to help newbusinesses and to support business growth. The Councilis keen to bring the centres back to their originalpurpose, but for all businesses whether they are new orold.The centres provide secretarial support, telephoneanswering and meeting rooms. Many of these servicesare also available to non-tenants.The Manager, Gaynor Lavery is now looking at a rangeof measures, increased business support and financialincentives which will mean that the centres can offermuch more to their tenants.IO Studios Limited, an Internet marketing specialist,recently moved into the Council’s Greenlands BusinessCentre.Tom Floate, from the business, said: “We are very happywith the high levels of service and professionalismprovided by the staff. With the high standard of onsitefacilities we are delighted with the impression left uponour clients and potential clients. We would thoroughlyrecommend the offices to other local businesses."For more information contact Gaynor Lavery on (01527)517165.20 Redditch mattersGet moving at Redditch’snew exercise classesWHETHER you like a fast, energeticworkout or a more holistic style ofexercise, Arrow Vale Sports Centre hassomething for you.The Redditch Borough Council-run sitehas four newexerciseprogrammes whichinclude dance, martial arts, yogaand Pilates as well as barbell work.The new sessions include:➤ Body Balance – a yoga, Tai Chi andPilates workout that builds flexibilityand strength➤ Body Combat - an energeticprogramme inspired by martial artssuch as Karate, boxing, Taekwondo,Tai Chi and Muay Thai➤ Body Jam - a fusion of the latestdance moves and hottest newsounds➤ Body Pump - a barbell class thatstrengthens the entire bodyFor more information visit the Council’swebsite www.redditchbc.gov.uk or call(01527) 500010.Redditch Borough Council

Help tackle the big issueswith the Redditch PartnershipREDDITCH residents are being given the powerto decide what issues should be tackled overthe next few years as part of two projectsbeing run through the Redditch Partnership.Following a report looking at the needs of thearea, the group has already agreed to focustheir efforts on health, education andeconomic development.And now they want people to let them knowwhat they think needs to be done to helpimprove levels of health and education anddevelop trade and industry in the borough.Cllr Carole Gandy, Redditch Partnership Chair,said: “We really want people to get in touchand let us know what is most important tothem and what issues they think we should beconcentrating our efforts on.“The work we do will have an impact oneveryone living in the borough so don’t passup this opportunity to get involved.”In Winyates a new neighbourhooddevelopment manager has been appointed,with the help of funding from the partnership,What is the Redditch Partnership?The Partnership is a single body which aims toimprove the quality of life for people inRedditch by bringing together different parts ofthe public, private, business, community andvoluntary sector. It develops a local strategyfor the area and organises any work which isneeded to meet its aims.Members include, Redditch Borough Council,Worcestershire County Council, West MerciaHelping older residents in RedditchOLDER people in Redditch are being givena helping hand from the borough’s AgeConcern team.The group, which has a walk-in advice andinformation centre in the Town Centre, worksclosely with the well-known national charityAge UK to provide a number of services aswell as social groups for people in later lifeto get involved in.Age Concern provides anything from ahandyman service for help with odd jobsaround the home, to advice on legalmatters or benefits.to co-ordinate projects there over the next fiveyears.Liz Williams is currently talking to residentsabout what they would like to do to helpimprove the area and wants as many peopleas possible to get involved.Liz will be in the district on Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays to talk to residentsand take their ideas for projects, events orimprovements.She said: “This project is all about local peoplesetting the agenda, not the Council or anyother organisation. It is a real chance for thepeople of Winyates to say what is best forWinyates - and let’s be honest who would knowbetter than the residents themselves?”To find out about when Liz will be holding hernext coffee morning visit the Winyates Centrenotice board or call her on 07760 178995.To give your views on ways to improve health,education or economic development callHelen Broughton, Redditch PartnershipManager, on (01527) 64252 ext 3237.Police, Worcestershire Primary Care Trust,Bromsgrove and Redditch Network (BARN),North East Worcestershire (NEW) College,Hereford and Worcester Fire and RescueService, Hereford and Worcestershire Chamberof Commerce, Redditch Community SafetyPartnership Chair, the Community Forum andthe Federation of Small Businesses.Visit www.redditchbc.gov.uk and click onCommunity and Living for more information.They also have a number of groups which runthroughout the week including keep fit, yoga,dancing, art and bowls.They are currently looking for volunteers tohelp in the information and advice centre,carry out administration and to help with otherservices.For more information pop into the AdviceCentre in Market Walk or call (01527) 584653.What services do Age Concern provide?➤ A Handyman service for help with jobsaround the home➤ The Home Service for cleaning,➤➤➤➤gardening and shoppingDignity Champions, who currently go tohospital and assist patients who maystruggle with eating during their stayAdvisors, who can help with a number oflegal issues or give advice on whichbenefits are availableA wheelchair loan serviceComputer trainingNew WorcestershirewideserviceTHE NEW Worcestershire Regulatory Service,which brings together Trading Standards,Environmental Health and Licensing fromacross the county, is going from strength tostrength according to its head.The service is a partnership between the sevenauthorities across Worcestershire –Worcestershire County, Worcester City, RedditchBorough, Bromsgrove District, Wyre ForestDistrict, Malvern Hills District and WychavonDistrict Councils.Since its launch on 1st June great strides havebeen made to streamline the service to createa consistent and effective experience for thecustomer.In the current economic climate, when localgovernment faces funding cuts, theprogramme, hosted by Bromsgrove DistrictCouncil, could save around £1.3million acrossall the authorities involved.Heading up the service is Steve Jorden. Hesaid: “A lot of work has been done to focus onthe best practice already being delivered incertain areas and using that as a basis to formthis new service.“Meeting local needs is also our priority and thiscertainly won’t be a one size fits all service.”Customers may already have started to seethe changes to the service as branding,contact details and forms are being updatedand improved.Steve added: “We still havesome work to do oncreating our teams forthe new service butrest assured that itwill be business asusual for ourcustomers whowill see theservice go fromstrength to strengthover the next fewmonths.”Redditch Borough CouncilRedditch matters 21

The disruption caused by last winter’s snow and ice hit the headlineswith thousands of people becoming trapped in their homes. Forolder people, the inconvenience can turn to serious concern ofbecoming isolated and out of pocket due to the costly repairs ofmaintaining a property.If you’re worried about spending anotherlong winter alone in your current home thena retirement apartment from Britain’s leadingretirement builder could be just the solution.FREEDOM & FRIENDSSurrounded by like-minded neighboursyou’ll have reassurance that companionshipis only a few minutes away in the residents’To fi nd out more about retirement living atMcCarthy & Stone and how we can helpyou move and beat the winter blues, call ustoday or drop into your nearest sales offi ce.You’ll have the opportunity to take a tour ofour beautifully furnished show apartmentsand communal facilities and discover awonderful new hassle free way of living.McCarthy & Stone havegot it all wrapped up this winterRetirement Living Security and independencelounge if you’re in the mood for a littlesocialising. Which is especially welcomeduring winter months as Margaret Everittfound out after purchasing a McCarthy &Stone apartment in Nottingham: “Duringthe terrible weather last winter I was unwelland my wonderful neighbours brought mebreakfast and soup for lunch. They evenhelped me with my shopping. If I’d havebeen in my old bungalow I’d have been allalone but here I’m surrounded by friends.”COST EFFECTIVE LIVINGSome residents fi nd they can heat theirapartment for a little over £1 a day – and thatincludes lighting, hot water, and cooking.The secret lies in McCarthy & Stone’s highstandards of insulation where every selfcontained apartment enjoys an element ofshared warmth. What’s more there’s no needto worry about external repairs or sweepingup leaves in the garden as it’s all takencare of.PERFECTLY LOCATEDMcCarthy & Stone apartments areconveniently located within easy reach of awide range of shops, amenities and publictransport, so residents have everything theyneed for day to day living on their doorstep.Even those who have given up driving willhave no diffi culty in getting about.KINGS NORTONAwdry Court, St Nicolas GardensOpen daily 10.30am - 5pmPrices from £151,950Tel 0121 459 2526HALL GREENGracewell Court, Stratford RoadOpen Tues - Sat, 10.30am - 5pmPrices from £139,950Tel 0121 745 7993STRATFORD-UPON-AVONHathaway Court, Alcester RoadOpen Tues - Sat, 10.30am - 5pmPrices from £169,950Tel 01789 295740For more information send to: Freepost RSBL-TXHJ-TBAYMcCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd., Coventry CV3 2TR.Development of interestTitleAddressPostcodeNameTelWho are you enquiring on behalf of? Yourself OtherMOSELEYLorne Court, School RoadOpen Tues - Sat, 10.30am - 5pmPrices from £119,950Tel 0121 449 2644STUDLEYPardoe Court, New RoadOpen Tues - Sat, 10.30am - 5pmPrices from £104,950Tel 01527 852867MOVE FORFREE **Terms and conditions apply. Offer available at listed developments subject to legal completion by 18th February 2011. Offer notavailable in conjunction with any other offer/promotion.www.mccarthyandstone.co.ukRedditchMatters22 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council

NEWSfrom housingGoing green at St David’s HouseEXTRA Care Sheltered Housing scheme StDavid’s House could be going green ifplans to install solar panels get the goahead.The Council is currently looking intoplacing a number of large Voltaic Cells,which generate electricity by reactingwith sunlight, on the roof of the building inBatchley.This could save up to 60 per cent of theenergy used in the communal areas ofthe building and reduce the cost to theCouncil.Smaller cells could also be placed on thescheme’s bungalows, with the electricitygenerated being used by the residents.Free Gas ServicingEVERY year the Council carries out gasservicing on all its properties to keep homessafe.To do this, the Council’s gas contractorAbleflame needs access to Council-ownedhomes to check the gas boiler, heatingpipes and radiators.Liz Tompkin, the Council’s Head of Housingsaid: “It is important that tenants allowaccess to their homes and it is one of theconditions of their tenancy to allow thissafety check to take place.”For more information on gas safety checkscontact Ableflame on 0845 4021517.Audit Commission to view Council dataTHE Audit Commission has requested theCouncil to participate in a national datamatching exercise to help prevent anddetect fraud.This means that the authority will have toprovide the Audit Commission withparticular sets of data that it holds.Data matching involves comparingcomputer records held by oneorganisation against other computerrecords held by the same or otherorganisations. This is usually personalinformation.Computerised data matching allowspotentially fraudulent claims andpayments to be identified.For more information on the Council’sinvolvement go towww.redditchbc.gov.uk, click on Counciland Democracy and Fair ProcessingNotice.For more information on what sets ofdata will be included, see the AuditCommission’s handbook at www.auditcommission.gov.uk/nfi.To view the Audit Commissions Code ofPractice and for further information onthe process visit www.audit–commission.gov.uk, contact Peter Yetzes,on 0844 798 2222 or emailnfiqueries@auditcommission.gov.uk .Housing newsin BriefDecent Homestarget metALL Redditch Borough Council houseshave met the Government standardfor decent homes.The standard has been put in placeto make sure all Council tenants livein a comfortable property that hasmodern facilities, good heatingsystems and is well insulated. This willhelp reduce the running costs andcut down on harmful CO2 emissions.Do you wantto be more involved?TENANTS can get more involved inhelping to improve where they live aspart of the Council’s TenantInvolvement Strategy.For more information contact theHousing Services Team on (01527)534153.Annual reportTHE HOUSING Service Team hasproduced an annual report lookingat how the Council has performed forits tenants in 2009/10.The annual report is now available onthe Council’s website, at the Town Hallor by calling (01527) 534188.Housing Performance2009/10RepairsIn 2009/10 96.4 per cent of urgentrepairs were completed withinnationally set timescales and theaverage time to carry out non-urgentrepairs was 14 days - six days lessthan the Council’s target. TheCouncil’s repair team also kept 100per cent of their appointments.RentIn 2009/10 we reduced the rentarrears by three per cent which isequal to £43,202 and we reducedthe number of tenants in arrears by254.Empty HomesThe average time it took to re-let aproperty after a tenant moved outwas just 23 days. This is ten days lessthan the target.Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 23

Let’s get Redditchswimming!RESIDENTS of all ages are being encouraged to get swimming as part ofa new campaign.Let’s Get Redditch Swimming is being run by Redditch Borough Council,with the help of the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), to get peopleback into the pool and to promote the health benefits of this form ofexercise.The Council currently has two pools and is building a new pool at the AbbeyStadium which is due to open in 2012.It runs a number of activities including swimming lessons for all ages,Swimfit classes, Aqua Zumba and fun inflatable or splash sessions.Dave Wheeler, Leisure Services Manager, said: “We try to havesomething for everyone, so if the thought of simple laneswimming is not exciting enough, then people can try one ofour fun activities such as Aqua Zumba.“It is also never too late to learn how to swim, which is why wehold adult swimming lesson as well assessions for children.”For more information on swimmingvisit the Council’s website or callHewell Road Pool on (01527)64189 or Kingsley Sports Centreon (01527) 529724.Get fit andhealthy throughswimmingWith the help of the ASA, the Council iscurrently running two schemes to helppeople improve their health and fitness levels.The new Swimfit initiative has been developed by swimmingexperts at the ASA to give participants a tailored work-outprogramme, similar to what you get when you join a new gym.There will also be an Aqua Health Club starting in the new year,which provides a swimming and advice programme for peoplewith health conditions who have been referred by their doctors.The health benefits of swimming➤ 30 minutes of steady paced lane swimming burns over 200calories.➤ The pressure and resistance of the water makes the body work harder.30 minutes of activity in the water is worth 45 minutes of the same activity onland.➤ Swimming can be great for those who want low impact exercise.➤ Swimming works the whole body for all over toning.➤ During swimming the heart has to pump blood hard to the arms and legs, helping circulation.➤ It is also great for the lungs.24 Redditch matters Redditch Borough Council

Learn to swimDuring swimming lessons, instructors work towards the NationalPlan stages one to seven which are set by the ASA. Thecurriculum aims towards developing good water confidenceand strokes.Swimming teachers are qualified to a minimum level one withmost being at level two. All staff working on site are also fullyCriminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked.Children’s lessons are held at Kingsley Swimming Pool onTuesdays between 4.15pm and 5.45pm, Fridays between4.15pm and 5.15pm and on Saturdays between 8.30amand 10.30am. Adult lessons are held on Tuesdays between6.15pm and 6.45pm.At Hewell Road Swimming Pool lessons are on Wednesdaysand Fridays between 3.45pm and 6.15pm, Thursdays from3.45pm to 5.15pm and on Saturdays between 9.15am and10.45am. Adult lessons are on Saturdays from 8.30am to9.15am.For more information and to find out the cost for a block ofswimming lessons contact the swimming pools.To save £10 on your first block of ten swimming lessons, cutout the voucher (right) and take it with you to either HewellRoad or Kingsley swimming pools when you make yourbooking. This voucher is valid for children’s and adult’sswimming lessons.Have fun in the poolThe Council runs a number of activities in its pools to keepswimming fun.At Kinglsey Swimming Pool Parent and Baby sessions are heldon Tuesdays at 12.30pm and on Sundays from 9am. FamilyFun sessions are held on Fridays at 6pm and Sundays at10am. Inflatable Sessions are on Sundays from 11.15am.Aqua Zumba is held every Thursday at 7.05pm.At Hewell RoadSwimming PoolParent and Toddlersessions are held onThursdays between 2pmand 2.45pm.Get swimming for lessFree swimming for under 16s and over 60s may have nowcome to and end, but there are still a number of ways to usethe Council pools for less.The Council is currently running a promotion which allowsswimmers to get 12 swimming session for the price of ten. Thepromotion runs between now and 31st March next year. Pick upyour stamp card at any of the swimming pools.Redditch residents can also get discounts by buying aReddicard, which can also be used in all of the Council's sportsand leisure sites as well as cultural and heritage sites.There are different types of Reddicards available to suit avariety of needs and cost £23.75 for an adult for the year or£32.95 for a family.£10 OFF BLOCKOF 10 LESSONS✂£10 OFFERPLEASE SHOW THIS VOUCHER TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT. NEW CUSTOMERS ONLYRedditch Borough Council Redditch matters 25

Redditch’s new BMX track gets off to a flying startSPORTING stars and hundreds of bike enthusiasts have already taken up the chanceto ride on the borough’s new state-of-the-art BMX track.The long awaited £350,000 national standard venue opened to the public in Julywith over 1,000 visitors on the first day and 196 riders taking part in its firstcompetition.Since then the venue has been used by Great Britain Olympic Team member LiamPhillips and the leading UK Elite Men’s Number One Kelvin Batey, who delivered acoaching course.The track’s staff and volunteers have also been kept busy over the summer with over650 riders taking part in events and 420 signing up to the pay and play membership.Steve Rooke, from Redditch Premiers BMX Club, said: “This has been a great startand shows just how popular BMXing is in Redditch. We hope the track continues toattract some of the sport’s biggest stars and helps Redditch youngsters get involvedin this popular past time.“With the BMX freestyle ramp, riding at the existing Skatepark and the all new BMXtrack, Redditch offers a national-class extreme sports facility second to none!”The track was funded by RedditchBorough Council and British Cycling,and is run by Redditch Premiers BMXClub and the Redditch WheelsProject.For more information contactRedditch Premiers BMX Club on(01527) 524550, emailinfo@redditchpremiers.co.uk orvisit the websitewww.redditchpremiers.co.uk .What is BMXing?BMX racing is open to riders of allages. Up to eight riders race, Moto-Cross-style, around a 300 to 400mtrack, with jumps, bump and berms(banked corners). The excitement andpopularity of BMX racing has caughtthe attention of the InternationalOlympic Committee and BMX is nowan Olympic sport.Who races BMX bikes?Riders come from all areas andbackgrounds, starting from four yearsof age and running up to 40 plus. Theyrace against riders of their own age orability group. It is common for thewhole family to be involved with theparents acting as coaches,mechanics and involved in the clubcommittee.Safety and getting startedAll you need is a helmet, a longsleeved shirt, long trousers or jeans andgloves. Rubber soled skateboard ortennis style shoes are recommendedand elbow pads, knee pads andshoulder pads are always a goodidea! The club has helmets that youcan borrow when you first start riding.26 Redditch mattersRedditch Borough Council

The traditional familypantomime ‘EGGS-TRAVAGANZA’THE PALACETheatre’s Christmasoffering this year is the‘eggciting’ tale ofMother Goose, featuringthe nation’s favourite dameDon Maclean in the title role.This simple tale of golden eggs, glamour,gorgeousness and greed are just thestart of things in this spectacularnew pantomime. Join MotherGoose, her two sons Willy andColin, and Priscilla the cleverestgolden egg laying goose who, withFairy Virtue’s help, can make dreamscome true as they try to overcomethe evil schemes of Fairy Vanity.Will Mother Goose be able toovercome the temptation of theFountain of Youth and avoid the otherhidden dangers put in her path?Mother Goose will be at the Palace Theatrefrom Monday 6th December to Monday 3rd January. Ticketsstart from £13.50. Call the box office on (01527) 65203 or visitwww.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk to book tickets.WINWin afamilyticket tosee MotherGooseFor your chance to wina family ticket to seeMother Goose,answer this simplequestion:Q: Who is playing the title role inthis year’s pantomime MotherGoose?Send your answer along with yourname, address and daytimetelephone number to:Redditch MattersPanto Competition,Communications Team,Redditch Borough Council,Town Hall,Walter Stranz Square,Redditch,B98 8AH.Closing date for entries is 8 thDecember 2010.*The winner of the lastcompetition was Kate Duffin fromWinyates.Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 27

Keepingour boroughTHE COUNCIL has beenworking with residents tohelp keep Redditch aclean and environmentallyfriendly borough.green and tidyRedditch recyclers make the most of new technologyRESIDENTS are making the most of beingable to recycle more items, with 5,000tonnes of waste being redirected awayfrom the landfill so far this year.Since January, recyclables placed in thegreen bin have been transported toWorcestershire’s state-of-the-art facility,EnviroSort.This has meant that more items,including cartons and cardboard, canbe collected at the kerbside forrecycling rather than being thrown away.Cllr Brandon Clayton, RedditchBorough Council's Portfolio Holder forLocal Environment, said: "I'd like to say abig thank-you to everyone who hastaken advantage of the new kerbsidecollection scheme to recycle thisimpressive amount. The people ofRedditch should becongratulated for their effortsand, most importantly, I'd liketo ask residents tokeep up the goodwork.”28 Redditch matters Redditch Borough Council

Council reminds dogowners to bag it and bin itDOG OWNERS are being reminded that theymust clean up after their pets as part of a newcampaign by Redditch Borough Council.Officers have been going out into districtsaround the borough highlighting dog mess withflorescent markers and then carrying out a fullcleanse of the area.There have also been high visibility walks byenforcement officers, who can issue fixedpenalty notices of £50 to people who fail toclean up after their dog, and awareness raisingposters have been placed across the borough.The Council’s Waste Awareness Officer PeterBrown, who is leading the campaign, said:“Many owners do responsibly throw away thedog mess, but there are still owners out therewho are prepared to leave it littered on thestreets, in our parks and around our countryside.This is just not acceptable – bag it and bin it!”Cllr Brandon Clayton, said: “Dog fouling is veryunpleasant and can be dangerous to our healthGardenwastecollection trialTHE COUNCIL has been running a trialGarden Waste Collection in whichresidents in two parts of the borough weregiven the opportunity to take up this newservice.Since mid March households using theservice have had all their garden waste,including lawn cuttings, hedge clippings,leaves, dead flowers and old plants,collected for £35 a year. All the wastecollected was turned into compost andreused.A decision on the future of the service is tobe taken in the next few months.which is why theCouncil will be doingeverything it can tomake sure people startcleaning up after theirdogs.“Bagged dog messcan be thrown in anygeneral litter bin sothere is really noexcuse.”Dog excrement cancause toxocariasis –an infection whichcan last betweensix and 12 months.Symptoms includeeye disorders,aches, dizziness,nausea, asthmaand epileptic fits.Boost your cash flow whilehelping the environmentECO-FRIENDLY residents are findingout that they can do more than justhelp the environment by investing inrenewable energy.Some homeowners are nowearning around £700 a year bytaking part in a new GovernmentClean Energy Cashback Initiative inwhich energy suppliers makeregular payments to those whogenerate their own electricity fromsources such as solar panels.As part of the scheme, theGovernment will pay for every unitof electricity generated for the next25 years – even if the electricity isused by the resident. And any extraelectricity generated can beexported back into the national gridand a small sum of money will bepaid back to the household for this.As part of the deal, the homeowneris required to invest upfront in thetechnology, which for an averagehome would cost around £10,000.Ceridwen John, the Council’sClimate Change Manager, said:“Although this is a lot of money, thebenefits to investing now aregreater than ever before. With thesaving you can make, yourinvestment would normally havepaid for itself over about ten years,and then you would continue toreceive a yearly income from theGovernment.”There are also more ways to savemoney and energy with help fromRedditch Borough Councils grants,which are available for heatgenerating renewable technology.Residents can get up to £600 to installequipment such as solar thermalheating or ground source heat pumps.If you want more information on FeedinTariffs visitwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk or callthe Council’s energy efficiency advicepartner, Act on Energy on 0800 9882881.Or for more information on theCouncil’s Renewable Energy GrantScheme and application forms callMatthew Bough on (01527) 64252 ext3120 or emailmatthew.bough@redditchbc.gov.uk.Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 29

What’s onSelected events for December, January, FebruaryArrow Valley Countryside Centre(01527) 464000www.redditchbc.gov.ukChristmas Wreaths andDecorations9th December 10am to 12.30pm.An enjoyable few hours makingChristmas decorations with coffeeand mince pie. £20 whichincludes materials.Christmas Craft Fair andChildren’s Activities11th, 12th, 18th and19th December,10am to 4pm.Visit our craftstalls for greatChristmas giftsand take partin our funactivities. MeetFather Christmasin his Grotto 12noonto 4pm.Family Learning Activity: Bird foodcafé activities. 30th January, drop inbetween 11am and 4pm.Family Learning Activity: bird boxmaking. 28th February, drop inbetween 11am and 4pm30 Redditch mattersPalace Theatre(01527) 65203www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.ukMother Goose6th to 30th December, and 2nd to 3rdJanuary, various performance timesplease check online or ask for a leafletfor full performance schedule. Ticketsfrom £13.50 to £17.50Robin Hood and the Babes in theWood3rd to 5th February 2011, 7.15pm andSaturday Matinee 2.15pm. Tickets £9.50and £7.50 (discount rate).The Strauss Story11th February 2011, 7.30pm. Tickets £16and £15 (discount rate).The Rockin’ Berries50th Anniversary12th February 2011,7.30pm. Tickets£15.Giles BrandrethOne to One13th February2011, 7pm. Tickets£16.Elevenses16th February2011, 10.30amand 2.30pm.Tickets £5.The Three Degrees18th February2011, 7.30pm.Tickets £26 and£27.Beyond the Barricade19th February 2011, 7.30pm. Ticketsband A £19, B £18, and C £16.Chris and Pui23rd February 2011, 11am and 2pm.Tickets between £7 and £11. Familytickets between £30 and £38.American Song Book25th February 2011, 7.30pm. Tickets £26and £25.Felix Dexter – Multiple Personalities inOrder26th February 2011, 7.30pm. Tickets £15Forge Mill Needle Museum(01527) 62509www.forgemill.org.ukVictorian Christmas Fair5th December, 11am to 4pm. Entrancecosts £1 adults, children go free.A Traditional Christmas Evening5th December, 6.30pm to 8pm, Entrancecosts £5 for adults, £2 for children.Christmas Town Centre EventsChristmas Family Fun days. In ChurchGreen and the Market area. 11th and18th December between 11am and3pm.Funbusters Roadshow. In the Marketarea. 20th to 24th December.Redditch Borough Council

Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 31

Contacting the CouncilWebsitewww.redditchbc.gov.ukContacting your CouncillorWard Councillors Party Telephone EmailAbbey (2) Simon Chalk Con 550124/07990 733247 simon.chalk@redditchbc.gov.ukDiane Thomas Lib Dem 07908 449390 diane.thomas@redditchbc.gov.ukAstwood Bank &Feckenham (2) Michael Chalk Con 63319 mike.chalk@redditchbc.gov.ukBrandon Clayton Con 501797/ 07825 604072 brandon.clayton@redditchbc.gov.ukBatchley andBrockhill (3) Jack Cookson Lab 63122 jack.cookson@redditchbc.gov.ukJinny Pearce Con 07983 456146 jinny.pearce@redditchbc.gov.ukBrenda Quinney Con 07944 963991 brenda.quinney@redditchbc.gov.ukCentral (2) Greg Chance Lab 456264/07795 665465 greg.chance@redditchbc.gov.ukDebbie Taylor Lab 07917 072710 debbie.taylor@redditchbc.gov.ukChurch Hill (3) Bill Hartnett Lab 836802 bill.hartnett@redditchbc.gov.ukRoger Hill Con 07967 385074 roger.hill@redditchbc.gov.ukRobin King Lab 456792 robin.king@redditchbc.gov.ukCrabbs Cross (2) Andrew Brazier Con 402048 andrew.brazier@redditchbc.gov.ukDerek Taylor Con 07506 771200 derek.taylor@redditchbc.gov.ukGreenlands (3) Wanda King Lab 456792 wanda.king@redditchbc.gov.ukGraham Vickery Lab 544742/07506 771199 graham.vickery@redditchbc.gov.ukWilliam Norton Con 542375 william.norton@redditchbc.gov.ukHeadless Cross &Oakenshaw (3) Peter Anderson Con 401367/07943 811561 peter.anderson@redditchbc.gov.ukGay Hopkins Con 524197 gay.hopkins@redditchbc.gov.ukCarole Gandy Con 542022/07739 431049 carole.gandy@redditchbc.gov.ukLodge Park (2) Andy Fry Lab 455646/07894 058880 andy.fry@redditchbc.gov.ukMark Shurmer Lab 455296 mark.shurmer@redditchbc.gov.ukMatchborough (2) Juliet Brunner Con 07990 733054 juliet.brunner@redditchbc.gov.ukAnita Clayton Con 501797 anita.clayton@redditchbc.gov.ukWest (2) Kath Banks Con 404599 kath.banks@redditchbc.gov.ukMichael Braley Con 543433 michael.braley@redditchbc.gov.ukWinyates (3) Adam Griffin Con 07865 481437 david.enderby@redditchbc.gov.ukMalcolm Hall Lib Dem 523985 malcolm.hall@redditchbc.gov.ukNigel Hicks Lib Dem 523036 nigel.hicks@redditchbc.gov.ukAll telephone numbers have the 01527 area code except mobiles. (All details correct at the time of going to print)32 Redditch mattersEmail: worcestershirehub@redditchbc.gov.ukBy phoneCustomer Service Centre (part of the Worcestershire Hub) - (01527) 534123 for domestic refuse, repairs,highways, disabled persons’ parking badges.All other enquiries (01527) 64252 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5.30pm. Fri 9am - 5pm)Emergency out of hours (01527) 67666 Fax (01527) 65216In personFour Customer Service Centres (part of the Worcestershire Hub)Town Hall Customer Service Centre, Town Hall, Walter Stranz Square, Redditch B98 8AHOpen: Mon, Tues and Thurs 9am-5.30pm. Wed 10am-5.30pm. Fri 9am-5pm. Sat 9am-12pm.Batchley Customer Service Centre, Batchley Shopping Centre, 183 Batchley Rd, Batchley, Redditch B97 6JBWoodrow Customer Service Centre, Woodrow Shopping Centre, Studley Road, Redditch B98 6RYWinyates Customer Service Centre, Unit 3, Winyates Centre, Redditch B98 0NR(For opening times visit the website as above or phone (01527) 534123Copies of Council publications can be made available inlarge print, Braille and audio cassette or if you would like helpwith translation into another language please call(01527) 64252 ext 38051010 BA0762Sports andleisure venuesArrow Valley Countryside CentreBattens Drive, South Moons Moat,Redditch B98 0LJTel: (01527) 464000email: avcc@redditchbc.gov.ukForge Mill Needle Museum &Bordesley Abbey Visitor CentreNeedle Mill Lane, Riverside,Redditch B98 8HYTel: (01527) 62509email: museum@redditchbc.gov.ukPalace TheatreAlcester Street, Redditch B98 8AEBookings: (01527) 65203Administration: (01527) 61544Abbey Stadium Sports CentreBirmingham Road, RedditchB97 6EJTel: (01527) 60206email:keith.omeally@redditchbc.gov.ukArrow Vale Sports andLeisure CentreGreen Sward Lane, Matchborough,Redditch B98 OENTel: (01527) 500010email:scott.brinkworth@redditchbc.gov.ukHewell Road Swimming PoolHewell Road, Redditch, B97 6BATel: (01527) 64189email:scott.brinkworth@redditchbc.gov.ukKingsley Sports CentreOff Woodrow Drive, Woodrow,Redditch B98 7UHTel: (01527) 529724email:richard.boyd@redditchbc.gov.ukPitcheroak Golf CoursePlymouth Road, Redditch B97 4PBTel: (01527) 541054Sports and Leisure(General Enquiries)Tel: (01527) 64252email:dave.wheeler@redditchbc.gov.ukor ray.cooke@redditchbc.gov.ukTourist Information CentrePalace Theatre, Alcester Street,Redditch B98 8AETel: (01527) 60806email:info.centre@redditchbc.gov.ukRedditch Borough Council