13.03.23 – Road Sweeping in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mental Health Support in Staffordshire

A new generation of street sweepers may be on the streets soon to increase the amount of cleaning done in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The Borough Council’s Cabinet is being asked to approve the decision, which would put five new sweepers on the Borough’s streets by the summer.

The decision would also see the authority’s fleet of 14 vehicles which collect household rubbish, garden and trade waste replaced, resulting in lower running costs and greater reliability.

Trevor Johnson, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Environment and Recycling, said: “Keeping our streets looking smart, clean and tidy is a priority which is why we’re proposing investing in new equipment, which can do more than the present street cleaners. They will have greater capacity, be more reliable and be out on the streets for longer each day.”

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People with mental health problems in Staffordshire will be supported to take control of their mental wellbeing, benefit from equal access to services, and receive a timely response to crises.  It’s all part of a new five-year mental health strategy that aims to build strong and resilient communities, promote good mental health, and help people to find the support they need.                                       The strategy, which has been produced by Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), has been put together following months of consultation with local people.

Nearly 700 people have contributed to the production of the strategy, which included a countywide survey that asked people about their mental health needs.  As well as residents, the views of professionals, other key organisations, carers and those with mental health problems were also asked for their views.

Dr Paul Edmondson Jones, ICB Chief Medical Officer said: “Tackling mental health problems isn’t something that the NHS can tackle alone because the causes are so wide varied. Factors ranging from the cost-of-living crisis to drug and alcohol addiction all have an impact on the residents of Staffordshire, so we have to tackle this as part of a broad partnership.

The new strategy will be discussed by Staffordshire Council Council’s cabinet on March 15.