Help is on hand to make dog walking as enjoyable as possible for you and your canine companion.

With many households buying or adopting a lockdown dog, Lichfield District Council is offering advice to new dog owners who may be struggling to keep their recent additions to the family under control.

Over the last year, the council has received a number of complaints about dogs off the lead that are giving cause for concern in local parks.

There are simple ways to make sure dogs follow commands, including enrolling on a dog obedience course.

The Dogs Trust - a registered charity - offer a four-week virtual and in-person Dog School for £65. Find out more at www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogschool.

Lyn from Lichfield said: “Puppy training really helped my dog Oakley, giving invaluable tips and support in a controlled socialising environment. The outcome was a fantastic and responsive pet. He is amazing off the lead and going back on it, especially when passing anyone who looks uncomfortable or if we come across dogs and I’m unsure of their temperament.”

Oakley, a three year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Japanese Spitz mix, is the face of Stay Pawsitive by Hegdesigns. You can find out what he gets up to over on his Instagram account at _oakleythedog.

For reactive dogs keeping them on a lead can be the best option. The Respect the Lead campaign offers the following advice:

• Don't let your dog run over to a dog on a lead, they may be on a lead for a reason
• Don't let your dog off the lead if you cannot easily recall them
• Don't ignore warnings from other owners about their dog
• Check with other owners before letting your dog interact
• Remember a seemingly friendly dog may lash out if approached while on a lead

To find out more about Respect the Lead, go to www.respectthelead.com.

The Parish Council would like to receive quotes from local builders for internal renovations to the pavilion in the Sports Field.

If any local firms are interested in quoting, please contact clerk@elfordparish.co.uk for more information.

Win a luxury break with community lottery!
Players of Lichfield Community Lottery are being offered the chance to win a UK holiday worth £1,000 this summer.

Sign up and support Lichfield Community Lottery today for just £1 a ticket. On top of the chance to win weekly cash prizes up to the £25,000 jackpot, players who enter before 28 August could win a luxury forest staycation. 

The prize is a break worth £1,000 with Forest Holidays that have a variety of locations in some of the UK’s most beautiful forests, from Scotland to Cornwall, Snowdonia to Norfolk and more.

Since the pandemic hit, local good causes need even more support to recover over the coming months, even years.

So far 47 good causes in Lichfield District have signed up to be a part of the community lotter, and since launching in April, it has raised more than £13,000 for local groups, clubs, charities and organisations.

Councillor Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “Playing Lichfield Community Lottery is a fun and easy way to support your community.

“You can choose which cause to support while being in with a chance of winning a cash prize or even a luxury forest holiday this summer.

“With 50p from every £1 ticket going to your chosen good cause and a further 10p going to We Love Lichfield, it really is win-win for you and the local community.”

The Forest Holidays draw is on 28 August. To choose which local good cause to support and buy tickets, go to www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk.

Elford Parish Council met this week in person for the first time since March 2020. Instead of holding a Zoom meeting your Councillors were able to meet at the Village Hall following social distancing guidelines. Up to 6 members of the public are permitted to observe meetings and to ask questions during Open Forum, and it is hoped that residents will begin attending again. Our next meeting will be on July 12^th at 7pm.

Due to the restrictions on numbers the Annual Parish Assembly due in May was postponed. Some organisations have sent in reports that they had prepared for the Assembly and these are available to read on our website http://www.elfordparish.co.uk/ If other village groups wish to contribute please send reports to clerk@elfordparish.co.uk and they can be included.

Lichfield Planning Department has made very little progress on the planning application for the Social Club and yet another planning officer will now take over the application. Councillors are very concerned about the delay and intend to ask Christopher Pincher MP to intervene on their behalf.

Elan Homes have not confirmed when they intend to begin work on the site at The Shrubbery and have not yet responded to requests for information on the drainage issues.

The Annual Audit has been completed and the documents will be available for the public to view from 18^th June on the website and notice board.

The Council held a long discussion on improvements required at the Playground. Although the handyman works hard to keep it tidy, the location and occasional misuse plus its age have meant that it will need substantial investment over the next few years. Meanwhile it will be kept safe for the children to use while long term plans are made.

For more information please see the Minutes section of the website, under the Parish Council tab.

To help local community projects and activities, groups can now apply for a small funding boost from their district councillor.

Lichfield District Council has launched a Councillor Local Community Fund, which is a two-year pilot scheme that will see each of its 47 district councillors distribute £300 each year to support community projects in their area.

Community groups based in Lichfield District can apply to receive from £50 to £300 between 12 July and 30 November 2021 for projects and activities that will have a positive impact on their local area.

Individuals can also apply for funding, provided they can show the application is on behalf of a local community project or activity.

Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “I’m delighted to be launching this community fund. It will allow district councillors to have even more involvement in their wards and will help empower local residents so they can be active in their community.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what activities and projects are planned and will be very pleased that I, along with all our district councillors, can help them make a difference to the local community.”

The payments will be made by the Community Foundation for Staffordshire.

Find out more and apply for funding at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/councillorfund. 

Interested in Volunteering for the Brmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games?

Click on  this application form and information

The Parish Council meeting due to take place at the Village Hall on the 12th has been postponed to July 26th.

This link will take you to information about how to claim this benefit

Universal Credit