www.tamworth.gov.uk

In this issue:-

Your Right to Buy

Page 2

Customer DashboardVisit online for the latest performance indicators in housing: www.tamworth.gov.uk/housing

Majorredevelopments

Page 3

TamworthHomelessness

EducationProgramme (THEP)

Page 5

Help to avoidoverspending

and debt

Page 7

RESPECT accreditationawarded to Landlord Servicesfor recognition of actions totackle anti social behaviour.

HouseMark, an independent bodythat inspects housing providers, hasawarded Tamworth BoroughCouncil the Chartered Institute ofHousing Accreditation for RESPECT,the first council landlord in the UKto receive the award. During theassessment period, all aspects of thecouncil’s work to reduce ASB werescrutinised and compared againstother housing providers.

Areas highlighted by the inspectorsas best practise includecommitment to reducing ASB,victim and witness support, the useof a support directory, a range ofenforcement and preventativemeasures, a zero toleranceapproach to ASB, and encouragingcommunities to take responsibility.

The community safety hub, basedat Tamworth police station andacting as a one-stop shop wherecouncil staff and otherorganisations work together inpartnership to tackle ASB, wassingled out for special praise.

Tamworth will hold theaccreditation until November2015, but the authority is notresting on its laurels, with anaction plan already under way tobuild on the existing success.Plans include the appointment of

an ASB Project Officer based at thehub, a new IT system to bettermanage cases and more efficientbudgeting providing more value formoney for our customers.

Cllr Michael Greatorex, Cabinetmember for Housing, said:“Tackling anti-social behaviour wasrated as one of the top priorities byour tenants and this is aboutresponding to them. We are nowmore confident that tenants canexpect a good service when theyexperience difficulties. “Thehousing team remains at theforefront of service improvement,and I am delighted that this hasbeen recognised with this nationalaccreditation.”

Tamworth Borough Council ChiefExecutive, Tony Goodwin, said:“This huge accolade is a testamentto the hard work and dedication ofthose staff involved in developingand delivering the RESPECT ASBCharter, which is now being held upas an example for other authoritiesacross the country to follow.

What ishappening at the

ARCH?

Page 9

Winter 2012Housing Services

National recognitionof work to tackle anti-social behaviour

“ This huge accolade is atestament to the hardwork and dedication ofthose staff involved indeveloping and deliveringthe RESPECT ASB Charter”Chief Executive, Tony Goodwin

If you are a council tenant – or wereliving in your council home when itwas sold to another landlord – this isa perfect time to think aboutwhether buying your home is rightfor you. The top discount has justbeen increased to £75,000. The extramoney raised through the scheme isnow going straight towards buildingnew affordable homes.

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Your right to buy: there’s a new window of opportunity

Now might be your best opportunity toown a home. For example, if the marketvalue of your home is £140,000, and youqualify for the maximum discount youcould buy your home for just £65,000, lessthan half the price it would normally cost.For a typical mortgage, this is around £100a week (plus any service charges that mayapply).

Now could be your turn to take advantageof the added benefits and security thathome ownership brings. Are you ready totake that first important step?

Home ownership gives you more freedom.You can make the changes you alwayswanted to make – like decorating yourhome exactly how you want, putting in anew kitchen or bathroom, or painting yourfront door or landscaping the garden.

Owning your home also means that youcan move on when you choose – to take upa new job opportunity in another area, ortake the next step on the property ladderand provide more room for your growingfamily. You can then downsize and benefitfrom your asset and investment when yourchildren leave home. For some people, thebest thing is knowing that you have aproper stake in your home, because it’snow your name on the deeds.

Buying your home is an important decisionfor you and your family. For most people itis the biggest investment they make. Nowis a good time to decide if it’s the rightchoice for you.

If you are interested in finding out moreinformation or whether you are eligible,visit www.tamworth.gov.uk or call theRight to Buy Team on 01827 709259.

Advertisement of Initial Demolition Notice

Notice is Hereby Given: That Tamworth BoroughCouncil of Marmion House, Lichfield Street, TamworthStaffordshire B79 7BZ intends to demolish:

Numbers 1 – 71 inclusive, Hastings Close, Tamworth, B77 5LG

Numbers 7 – 16 inclusive, Cottage Walk, Tamworth, B77 5NB

Numbers 17 – 20 inclusive, Cottage Walk, Tamworth, B77 5NB

Numbers 22 – 28 inclusive, Leisure Walk, Tamworth, B77 5LX

Numbers 1 – 24 inclusive, Saxon Close, Tamworth, B77 5LU

Numbers 1 – 23 inclusive, Linthouse Walk, Tamworth, B77 5LS

Numbers 1 – 23 inclusive, Stonehill Walk, Tamworth, B77 5LT

The intended demolition of these properties is necessaryfor the regeneration of the Tinkers Green area. Theperiod within which it is intended to carry out theproposed demolition is 21 November 2019.The date when any Initial Demolition Notice or noticesrelating to the above premises will cease to be in force,unless revoked or otherwise terminated under theHousing Act 1985 Schedule 5A paragraph 3 is 21November 2019.During the period of validity of any such notice or notices,the landlord will not be under any obligation to make agrant of freehold or of a lease of any dwelling housecomprised in the above premises in respect of any claim toexercise the right to buy in respect of any such dwellinghouse. There may be a right to compensation under the HousingAct 1985 Section 138C in respect of certain expenditureincurred in respect of any existing claim.Rob Barnes, Director of Housing, Tamworth Borough Council

Advertisement of Initial Demolition Notice

Notice is Hereby Given: That Tamworth BoroughCouncil of Marmion House, Lichfield Street, TamworthStaffordshire B79 7BZ intends to demolish:

Numbers 1 - 48 inclusive, Kerria Centre, Tamworth, B77 4EW

The intended demolition of these properties is necessaryfor the regeneration of the Kerria area. The period withinwhich it is intended to carry out the proposed demolitionis 21 November 2019.The date when any Initial Demolition Notice or noticesrelating to the above premises will cease to be in force,unless revoked or otherwise terminated under theHousing Act 1985 Schedule 5A paragraph 3 is 21November 2019.During the period of validity of any such notice or notices,the landlord will not be under any obligation to make agrant of freehold or of a lease of any dwelling housecomprised in the above premises in respect of any claim toexercise the right to buy in respect of any such dwellinghouse. There may be a right to compensation under the HousingAct 1985 Section 138C in respect of certain expenditureincurred in respect of any existing claim.Rob Barnes, Director of Housing, Tamworth Borough Council

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Major £21.5m redevelopment plans for Tinkers Green and Kerria estatesA major redevelopment planwhich will involve thedemolition and rebuilding ofparts of the Tinkers Greenand Kerria estates has beenagreed by the council’sCabinet.A major redevelopment planwhich will involve thedemolition and rebuildingof parts of the TinkersGreen and Kerria estates hasbeen agreed by the council’sCabinet.

Tamworth Borough Councilwill invest around £21.5million over the next six yearsin the redevelopment of thetwo estates.

The decision to redevelop theareas has been taken following anin-depth study of council housingin Tamworth, which found thatsome housing in Tinkers Green inWilnecote and the Kerria Centre inAmington was unpopular withresidents, outdated and unsuitablefor current housing needs.

Consultation and ongoingfeedback from local residents hashighlighted a number of issueswith the area and in particulardissatisfaction with the availableaccommodation. Feedback fromresidents also showed a majoritywanted to see the estatesredeveloped, with a largeproportion in favour of demolitionand rebuilding.

The study found that despiteinvestment in the existingproperties, this has not solved theunderlying issues. It was decidedthat the best way to achievelasting change is to demolish theexisting properties and build newhomes to suit modern standardsand housing needs.

The rebuilding of the two estatesis a long-term project which isexpected to take at least six yearsto complete. A total of 136properties are proposed fordemolition – 100 in Tinkers Greenand 36 in the Kerria Centre.

All tenants affected by theproposals have been served withan Initial Demolition Notice, whichis required by law, and which alsoprevents any Right To Buy, butthey will not have to move in theshort term.

A detailed plan for the rehousingof tenants is set to be consideredby Cabinet in March 2013. It isestimated that it will take at leastthree years for every household tobe rehoused. Tenants will be keptinformed and consultedthroughout the process.

Shops and businesses on the twoestates are also being consultedabout the plans for the future.

Secure tenants are being reassuredthat no household will be leftwithout a home as a result of the

rebuilding programme and will besupported by the councilthroughout the process.

As the project is still in its veryearly stages, the final layout of theestates, number and design ofhomes is a matter for futureplanning.

The redevelopment of TinkersGreen and the Kerria Centrehas been a long-term ambitionof Tamworth Borough Council,but has now been madepossible by changes to the wayin which councils can fundhousing. The final cost willdepend on a number of factors,but the project is expected to costaround £21.5 million.

Cllr Michael Greatorex, Cabinetmember for Housing, said: “Theredevelopment of Tinkers Greenand the Kerria Centre is thebiggest council housingprogramme in Tamworth for ageneration and gives us theopportunity to build modernhomes fit for the 21st century.”

“It will allow us to massivelyregenerate those areas ofWilnecote and Amington,designing out crime and anti-socialbehaviour, giving residents theysort of areas they are proud to livein, as well as stimulating economicgrowth.”

“It is really good news forTamworth, and particularly forthese two areas of the town.”

A hotline has been set up forresidents and businesses who haveconcerns and questions about theredevelopment. It can becontacted on 0800 183 0454. There is also a website withfrequently asked questions atwww.tamworth.gov.uk/yourhome.aspx

“ The redevelopment ofTinkers Green and Kerria isthe biggest council housingprogramme in Tamworthfor a generation and givesus the opportunity to buildmodern homes fit for the21st century.”

Cllr Michael Greatorex

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ESTATE WALKABOUTS

The aim of an estate walkabout is to give residents, Tamworth BoroughCouncil staff and partner agencies the chance to work together to makesure estates are a better places for people to live now and in the future.Estate walkabouts pick up issues such as litter, car parking problems,communal areas etc.

As a result of this years programme of walkabouts we have successfullyrecruited 8 new tenant volunteers to get involved and have a say in theirhousing service is managed and delivered

Tenants have played a key role in shaping and monitoring housing servicesfor many years and we acknowledge the importance of tenant engagementand consultation to ensure continuous improvement and tenant satisfaction.

Four estate walkabouts were held this summer in TinkersGreen, Glascote Heath, Leyfields and Stonydelph

“You said” “We did”

Shrubs and trees have become overgrownand unmanageable.

The winter maintenance programme for cutting backshrubs and trees is now in operation until the end of March2013. For any stray branches or shrubs heavily overgrowingonto pavements posing, a health and safety risk, these arecut back sooner.

A small amount of non-offensive graffiti andgeneral graffiti was highlighted during thewalkabouts.

All offensive graffiti was removed within 48 hours of thewalkabout.

An increasing amount of vehicles are parkedon communal grass and pathways.

The Estate Management Team have wrote to residents inthe area to address the issue.

Planting project tobrighten up estate’sopen spaces A community planting project is set topay off in the spring, when the 1,000bulbs planted last week are due to burstinto a riot of colour.

Staff and volunteers dig deep to plantaround 1,000 bulbs in Glascote Heath.

Glascote Heath residents and community groupsjoined Tamworth Borough Council caretaking andtenant involvement teams last Thursday to plantbulbs around the walkway to the shops near StPeter’s Church and the health centre.

In total, around 1,000 daffodil and narcissus bulbswere planted. The aim of the planting was topromote pride in the area, to make it look betterand to discourage littering, as the walkways to theshops are hotspots for litter.

The bulbs were donated by Tamworth BoroughCouncil, after residents and other members of theGlascote Heath Locality Forum suggested that aplanting programme would be a good way ofimproving the appearance of the estate.

Cllr Jeremy Oates, Cabinet member for CommunityDevelopment, said: “Once these flowers are inbloom next spring, it will make a real difference tothe appearance of that part of Glascote Heath andhopefully encourage people to keep the area tidy.”

Thomas Hardy Courtand Rawlett School

Look out for THEP appearing at a schoolnear you! Tamworth Homelessness Education Programme(THEP) has been re-branded and re-launched,and will be visiting schools across the borough.

The aim of THEP is to tell children and youngpeople about homelessness, in a fun andinformative way. THEP offers a variety of sessionsto different age groups and abilities throughstory telling, quizzes and discussion. Childrenand young people discover more abouthomelessness, how it happens and moreimportantly how it can be prevented.

The sessions are very interactive and have beenaccredited as resource for use in the Personal,Social, Health and Economic Educationcurriculum by Staffordshire County Council.

All children who take part in a session willreceive some THEP goodies, so look out for yourchild coming home with a colouring book, oractivity book, which you can complete withthem to reinforce their learning.

If you do have anyconcerns regardingyour housingsituation orhomelessness, pleasecontact housingadvice on 01827709459.

On September 27, the residents atAnkermoor Court sheltered scheme inBolehall hosted a Macmillan coffeeafternoon to raise money to help peopleliving with cancer. Cakes and biscuits, baked mainly by the residentsthemselves, were on sale during the event.

A raffle of donated prizes pushed the grand totalraised on the day to £206.50 to help thisworthwhile cause.

Ankermoor Court Independent Living Manager,Annette Darby, said: “It was a great day and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved.”

Ankermoor Court

Following on from the success of a similarproject last year, pupils from RawlettSchool visited Thomas Hardy Courtsheltered scheme with their home-madecakes and kindly hosted coffee morningsand afternoon teas for the residents.

Pupils and residentshad fun playinggames together andchatting about thepast. The studentswill be returningnearer Christmas toperform a carolservice.

Thomas Hardy CourtIndependent Living Manager, Trish Lees, said: "Thetenants love to see the pupils and the pupils areeager to come each year. It really is a greatpleasure to see the generation gap closed andeveryone enjoying each other’s company. A bigthank you to everyone who has helped to makethe visits such a success.”

Tamworth HomelessnessEducation Programme,(THEP)

5

Council tenants in Tamworth are beingreminded to make sure they pay their renton time over the Christmas period. They arealso being warned that they could lose theirhomes if they fail to pay and fall intoarrears.

Tamworth Borough Council has launched its ‘RentFirst’ campaign, offering help and advice to peoplewho may be facing difficulties paying their rent overthe festive period and encouraging them to makepayment of their rent their top priority.

A Christmas card reminding tenants about the RentFirst message is being sent to tenants who are inarrears with their rent. It was designed by 10-year-oldAlfie Turner from St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary Schoolin Belgrave and carries the message “Pay your rent.Best present ever – keeping your house!!”

The message is also being displayed inside and on theback of buses running in Tamworth, where it will beseen by thousands of people.

The main aim of the campaign is to make suretenants are aware of all the ways they can pay theirrent and to ensure that it is paid up to date over theChristmas period. It forms part of a larger campaignby Tamworth Borough Council and the CAB to helppeople budget properly for Christmas, not overspendand to pay bills on time.

Cllr Michael Greatorex, Cabinet member for Housing,said: “We want people to enjoy Christmas and theNew Year but it is vital that they put their ‘rent first’.So far this year, sadly 14 families in Tamworth havebeen evicted because they did not pay their rent.”

He added: “Help is at hand for those who may behaving difficulty paying their rent and we havededicated staff on hand to offer advice. I would urgeanyone who is having difficulties to call the TenancySustainment team - please do not stick your head inthe sand and risk court action or eviction.

“The message is clear - if you don’t pay your rent, youcould end up losing your home.”

Alfie Turner was one of nine pupils from StGabriel’s who – encouraged by teaching assistantand art specialist Jo Brown – gave up a week’sworth of lunchtimes to create posters remindingtenants to pay their rent on time.

A delighted Alfie won an X-Box Kinect, which waspresented to him at school – wrapped inChristmas paper made up from his winningdesign. The eight other young artists from theschool won chocolate selection boxes.

Anyone who is having difficulty in paying theirrent is being urged to call the TenantSustainment team on 01827 709709 or theHousing Advice team on 01827 709459.

The Citizens Advice Bureau can also help peoplewho are in debt or struggling to budget. Theycan be contacted on 01827 305952.

Pay your renton time thisChristmas,tenants reminded

6

With Christmas on the way, Tamworth Borough Counciland the Citizens Advice Bureau are urging people to seektheir help and advice on budgeting properly for Christmas,paying bills on time and avoiding overspending.

Help is at hand to avoidfestive overspending and debt

The council and the CAB worktogether throughout the yearto try to prevent homerepossessions and homelessnessand to help people avoidgetting into serious debt.

But with Christmas being a timewhen people are more likely tooverspend and get into moredebt, the two organisations arereminding people that help isat hand.

A service offering support andguidance to those who may befacing financial difficulties, isavailable every Mondaybetween 10am and 2pm at theCAB offices at the Philip DixCentre in Corporation Street.

The Money Advice Service isprovided by the CAB and offerstwo kinds of help. The CourtDesk offers offer free advice,assistance and preparation topeople facing homerepossession or eviction, withdedicated staff also offeringhelp to complete paperworkrelated to any court action.

The Court Desk Service isavailable every Mondaybetween 10am and 2pm, byappointment only, at theCAB in the Philip Dix Centre.It can be accessed via areferral from the Council’sHousing Advice Team on01827 709 459, or by callingthe CAB for an appointmenton 01827 305952.

The Debt Advice Service isavailable to anyoneexperiencing debt and financialproblems, and offers freeadvice to help people managedebt, budget properly and

avoid overspending. It aims tohelp Tamworth residents out offinancial difficulties andprevent them losing theirhomes. It is available everyFriday between 10am and 2pmat the CAB offices byappointment only, which can bemade by contacting the CAB on01827 305952.

Cllr Michael Greatorex, Cabinetmember for Housing, said: “It isvery easy to get into debt overthe Christmas period – and thiscould have seriousconsequences for manyfamilies, including repossessionand eviction.

“The Court Desk and DebtAdvice Services offer vital helpand advice to stop familiesgetting into debt by helpingthem to budget properly, aswell as discouraging peoplefrom spending more than theycan afford.”

The Money Advice Service isprovided by the CAB andfunded by Tamworth BoroughCouncil.

“ I would encourageanyone who needs helpto contact the CourtDesk or the Debt AdviceService, because stayingout of debt could be thebest Christmas presentfor you and yourfamily.” Cllr Michael Greatorex

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We reported earlier in the year that wehad successfully obtained an injunctionagainst a tenant in Wilnecote fortampering with the electricity supply. An update on this is that the occupant did breachthe injunction and has been evicted as a result.Unfortunately, when we took possession, the flathad substantial fire damage which potentially couldhave put all the residents in the block at risk.

This case has been one of the most expensivehaving cost a total of £30k to obtain possessionplus over £5,700 to repair the damage left behind.

A report has been made to the police and anywitness information would be appreciated.Please call Tamworth Borough Council on01827 709491, the police on 101 orCrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

8

Is your home toobig for your needs?Will you be affected by cuts in your benefitsbecause you have a spare room?

This may mean you may not be able to afford tocontinue to live in your home.

What are your housing options?

Apply for council rehousing. The Finding a Homeservice aims to help people find rehousing, but weknow from the number of people on the waiting listcompared to the number of empty properties availablethat the Council cannot meet the housing demand onits own.

Why not consider applying for a mutual exchangeto move to a smaller home with the right amount ofbed rooms for you. You can register free of charge onthe website www.homeswapper.co.uk - this is thefastest way that many people are rehoused. Staff atMarmion House reception will be happy to assist you inapplying if you need help. Hard copies of details of allavailable properties can be viewed here.

The Council offers an Incentive to Move schemefor people in houses to downsize to flats or bungalows,which includes a £1,000 payment. Contact the Void &Allocation Team on 709520 for further details.

If you are aged 60 or over you may want to consider amove to sheltered housing. The Council has 10 schemesacross the Borough, each with a dedicated IndependentLiving Manager. There is also the reassurance and peaceof mind of a 24-hour community alarm service.

Consider taking in a lodger. Advice on the Rentingout a Room in Your Home scheme can be found onwww.gov.uk. You must tell us immediately if you takein a lodger and when one leaves your property.

The Bond scheme – the Council provides a guaranteeto private landlords against rent arrears, loss ordamage to the property for six months. A move to aprivate landlord provides the opportunity for you todecide the area and property type you move to. A fullfinancial assessment is carried out to make sure this isthe right move for you.

For more information on these schemes, please contactHousing Advice on 01827 709459 (Monday to Friday9am to 5pm) or email housingadvice@tamworth.gov.uk

Don’t let foodpoisoning ruinyour festivecelebrations

If there’s one thingguaranteed to ruin yourChristmas meal out withfriends, family orcolleagues, it’s a nasty boutof food poisoning.

But if you’re eating out, how doyou know if the restaurant ownertakes food hygiene seriously?

The Food Hygiene Rating Schemerates eateries and other placesthat sell food on their hygienestandards, based on inspectionscarried out by Tamworth BoroughCouncil and these ratings areavailable for everyone to see.

This national scheme, developedby the Food Standards Agency(FSA) in partnership with localauthorities, rates food outlets ona scale ranging from zero at thebottom (which means ‘urgentimprovement necessary’ to a toprating of five (‘very good’). Youcan check the rating online atwww.food.gov.uk/ratings, via afree phone app, or look for thedistinctive green and black ratingsticker that businesses areencouraged to display.

If you’re organising a Christmasgathering with family, friends orwork colleagues at a localrestaurant, pub or hotel, don’tjust examine the menu, also checkwhat their hygiene rating is too.

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There have been some changes in the ARCHes in Amington,Belgrave, Glascote and Stonydelph and you may notice somenew faces. The only thing that has not changed is the greatactivities!

What is happening at the ARCH?

Jobs - Are you looking for work? No matter howdifficult you find it, there are people here to help. Joband work clubs and employment advice are availablearound the town and within the ARCHes, so help isnever too far away. If you have any questions or wantinformation and help, just come over to one of thedrop-in sessions at the employment clubs.

Fun - There are a range of activities for people of allages. The arts and crafts group in Amington is greatfor those who want to try their hand at new activitiesor just have a chat and watch others work. Thecommunity cafe offers activities for the whole familywith games, information and refreshments. For thosewho want to get fit and have a laugh at the sametime, why not try Zumba.

Kids - There are things to do for kids as well, likethe Stay and Play sessions with HomeStart who offergreat family support activity. Stay and Play sessionswith Jayne Allen offer fun and educational activitiesfor 0-4 years. The Community Cafe offers great funactivities for all ages too.

Health - HomeStart's Zumba sessions are a greatway to make new friends and a fun way to keep fit.At the same time Changes are also there at hand tohelp you if you are experiencing mental distress,including: worry, feeling low, confusion, anxiety,panic, depression and mood swings.

Come and join us at one of the ARCHes to takeadvantage of what we have to offer

Amington

ZumbaMondays, 9:30 - 10:30Kerria Youth Centre. £2

ChangesMondays, 10:00-12:00Amington ARCH

Parents & Toddler Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30Kerria Youth Centre

Arts and CraftsWeds & Thurs, 11:00-1:00, Amington ARCH

Job ClubWednesday, 2:00-4:00Amington ARCH

Community CafeWednesday, 3:00-5:00Kerria Youth Centre

MarkAston

AmingtonARCHUnit 3Kerria Centre

Tel: 01827 55017

Belgrave

Job Club Need help findingwork, pop down!Thursday, 2:00-4:00Fire Station

Community Cafe Fun after-schoolsessions for all ages.Thursdays 3:00-5:00 Fire Station

Fit Tots Healthy activities frombirth to 4 years 1stsession free then £21st child, £1-50 2nd £13rd (in same family) -Includes healthy snackThursdays 9:30-11:00 Fire Station

StuartEtheridge

BelgraveARCHTamworth CommunityFire StationMarlborough Way

Tel: 07891042164

Glascote

WaistlinesAdult weightmanagement servicesFridays starting soon atGlascote ARCH

Tel 01827 306190

Midland PsychologyAutism support forchildren (0-18 years)MondaysGlascote ARCH

Tel 01543 417139

NeilMushrow

GlascoteARCHGlascote Heath LibraryCaledonian

Tel: 01827 254933

Stonydelph

Work ClubNeed help finding ajob? pop in. Mondays, 2:00-4:00

Stay and playFamily learning frombirth to 4 yearsTuesdays, 9:30-3:30Thursdays, 1:00-3:30

Job searchHelp looking for a jobWednesdays,10:00 - 4:00

Family SupportActivities for parentsand toddlers withHomeStart.Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30

Yasser Din

Stonydelph ARCH44 Craven

Tel: 01827 709503

Activities

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Looking for a special Tamworth gift for friends and family thisChristmas? Shoppers need look no further than the award-winningTamworth Information Centre (TIC).

To celebrate this year’s festive fun, the TIC - based in the Philip Dix Centre, Corporation Street– are stocking a whole range of festive gifts. Whether you are looking for Tamworthcalendars, specially made Christmas decorations, ornaments or candles, the TIC has it all.

Many of the gifts showcase and celebrate Tamworth, including speciallyhandcrafted gifts, pictures from local artists and mementos from theStaffordshire Regiment. The TIC is also selling the popular Lolita drinks

glasses, which are proving a hit with shoppers and areavailable at low prices in Tamworth.

The TIC is open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, and on Saturdays, 9am to 5pm.

Looking for a special festive gift?The Information Centre has it all

Saturday 15 & 22 December

People who come into thetown centre to do theirChristmas shopping, or lookingfor a last minute festivebargain, will be able to parkfor free on Saturday December15 and Saturday December 22.

On these days, all council-runcar parks will be free of charge.

The car parks are: Aldergate,Bolebridge Island (Odeon), MillLane, Hopsital Street, Holloway,Church Lane, Lower Gungate,Spinning School Lane(temporary), Marmion Street,Albion Street, Jolly Sailor andRiverdrive *Please note: thisdoes not include Ankerside orthe Railway Station.

FREE town centreparking in the runup to Christmas!

Congratulations to Mrs Turnerwho was the lucky winner of theSpot the Difference competitionin the Summer 2012 issue ofOpen House. Enjoy your prize!

Thanks to everybody who sent incompetition entries!

Spot the differencewinner!

Spot the difference to win!Tamworth Borough Council is offering you the chance to win £20 if yourspot the difference competition entry is selected from our prize draw. There are just two competition rules:

l You have to be a tenant of Tamworth Borough Council.l You have to circle three differences between these two photographs.

Once you think you’ve found all three differences, circle them clearly, fillin and cut out the entry form and then return it by Friday 25 January2013 to:

Diane Hughes, Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, LichfieldStreet, Tamworth Staffordshire B79 7BZ.

All correct entries will be entered into a prize draw and the winnernotified soon after the deadline. The competition is open to TamworthBorough Council tenants only. Good luck!

Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Telephone No: ______________________________________________________

What’s On

See website for more events anddetails:

www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk

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Sleeping Beauty Panto19-23 December & 3-6 JanuaryVarious times and prices

The Comedy Club 25 JanuaryTickets £13, £11 conc8.00pm

Floydian Slip26 JanuaryTickets £12, £10 adv. 8.00pm

The National Clown Theatre27 JanuaryTickets £52.30pm

Rat Pack27 JanuaryTickets £197.30pm

The Counterfeit Beatles1 FebruaryTickets £17, £16 conc7.30pm

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Look out for the Tamworth Town Centre

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Alternative Formats

If you would like this document in a different form, forexample audio CD, large print or Braille, please contact theTenant Participation team on 0800 1830454.

Designed and Produced by Tamworth Borough Council

Tamworth Borough CouncilMarmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 7BZ.

Enquiries: (01827) 709709 . Main Fax: (01827) 709271

If you would find it easier to talk to us in your ownlanguage please ask an english-speaking friend or relativeto contact 0800 183 0454. We can arrange for an interpreterto contact you to discuss any translation you need.

If you would like to getinvolved then contactTamworth Borough

Council’s TenantParticipation team:

Other useful numbers:

Tamworth Borough CouncilCustomer Services(01827) 709709

Benefits(01827) 709540

Council Tax(01827) 709530

Housing Advice01827) 709459

Housing Office Enquiries (01827) 709491

Tenant Participation(01827 709374)

Rent Enquiries (Income team) (01827) 709514

Estate Management Team(01827) 709491

Allocations and Voids(01827) 709520

Leanne AllwoodTenant Regulatory andInvolvement Manager

01827 709448Diane Hughes

Tenant Participation Assistant01827 709260Helen Rich

Customer Service Assistant01827 709260Ann Summers

Landlord Improvement andProject Officer01827 709374

email us:tenantparticipation@tamworth.

gov.uk