17.03.23 – Spring Booster for the Vulnerable, Staffordshire Flood Risk Management, City Central Library

A spring booster vaccine against Covid-19 is to be offered to people most at risk of serious illness to protect them this summer.

Last week the government announced that the spring booster will be made available to people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes and those aged 5 years and over with a weakened immune system. The booster programme will start in early April, with those most vulnerable invited first.

People at higher risk of severe Covid-19 are also expected to be offered a booster vaccine dose in autumn 2023 in preparation for the winter.

For more information about the spring booster covid vaccine and how to book, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-spring-booster-resources/a-guide-to-the-covid-19-spring-booster-2023

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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 it’s 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. which is next Monday.

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A brand-new image which shows the initial concept for a major Stoke-on-Trent library has been revealed.  Plans to redevelop City Central Library, in Hanley, include 96 one and two-bedroom apartments, a gym and nursery facilities.

It is hoped that the £1.3 million site will also be able to host a restaurant and other leisure facilities, subject to planning approval.

As part of the redevelopment, library services will be relocated to a new home inside the neighbouring Two Smithfield building.

The £1.5 million investment from Stoke-on-Trent City Council will see the creation of a new computer suite, a dedicated children’s area, public toilets and a new mezzanine floor to provide extra space.

This comes as work is ongoing to move the city’s archives service from City Central Library to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery – bringing the archives and museum services under one roof for the first time.