06.03.23 – Community Heroes in Newcastle, Flood Risk Consultation, Staffs Engine Switch Off

There are only a few days left to nominate someone young or old who makes a difference for Newcastle’s first ‘community heroes’ awards.

Entries have flowing in for the inaugural ‘Newcastle Heroes’ awards, part of the year-long celebrations of the 850th anniversary of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s incorporation as a borough, but the deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 10^th March.

Winners of the three categories will be celebrated with a ceremony at the Mayor’s Charity Ball at the end of March.

Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “We all know someone who lends a hand, volunteers to help others, or gets things done to make their neighbourhood or community a better place.

“Whether it’s running errands for those who can’t get out, providing opportunities for others, or changing their surroundings, there are so many people who make a difference.

“People do these things to help others, rather than for reward or recognition, which is why it is important to take a moment to celebrate the good things in our midst.

“I’m particularly pleased that one of our categories is specifically for younger residents, who often do good things unnoticed and I want to emphasise that we value their contribution.

“Please don’t leave it to someone else, it will only take a moment or two to make a nomination and it’s lovely to be recognised.”

The three categories are:

Community Champion

The Community Champion Award is an opportunity to say thank you to someone who has done something special for their local community and who goes above and beyond to support the Borough.
The Community Champion will be someone who has tirelessly supported a local cause and engages with others to help their local area flourish.

Young Hero

The Young Hero award is open to nominations for young residents between the ages of 14-21.

This person will have made a significant contribution to their community, perhaps through volunteering, environmental projects or any other work.

Lifetime Achievement

The Lifetime Achievement award recognises and celebrates a resident who has persistently and tirelessly championed a cause or community project which has had long lasting and sustainable impact on the Borough. We value those who use their experience, and passion for progress and improvement to benefit the Borough in the long term.

Applications can be made via https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/community/newcastle-lyme-awards, or email Susan.Davies@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk or post to Susan Davies at Castle House, Barracks Rd, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Newcastle ST5 1BL.

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Residents, businesses and organisations across Staffordshire are being asked to shape Staffordshire’s approach to help manage the risk of floods in the county.

Staffordshire County Council has launched a four-week consultation to gather views on is updated strategy to minimise and mitigate floods.  This will help the council to set out goals to make communities more aware, informed and prepared for flooding from sources, such as ground water, sewers and rivers in heavy rainfall.  The consultation closes on March 20^th.

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Residents and businesses in Staffordshire are being asked to lead the charge as part of a campaign to help combat air pollution in the county.  Staffordshire County Council has launched an ambitious campaign to encourage as many businesses and organisations as possible to become anti-idling zones throughout March.  The initiative, dubbed the “Staffs Engine Switch Off”, aims to improve air quality by reducing the amount of pollution produced from car engines.  Air pollution is a significant problem that affects everyone.

Simon Tagg, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change at Staffordshire County Council said: “We are delighted to be launching this initiative to help tackle air pollution in Staffordshire.  This is a great opportunity for businesses and organisations to get involved, make a change and help clean up the air we all breathe.

People can sign up to the campaign at https://bit.ly/Anti-IdlingZone.