The tireless work of the amazing Biddulph in Bloom team has again been rewarded as Biddulph were named winners of the best large town category in the Heart of England region of Britain in Bloom and were again presented with a Gold Award.

The Biddulph in Bloom team, led by the indefatigable councillor Hilda Sheldon MBE, also won the Chairman’s Memorial Trophy for the best floral display. The judges commented on the outstanding displays in Biddulph saying: “The difference that Hilda and her group of dedicated volunteers make to Biddulph becomes apparent as soon as you enter the town. Traffic islands, well maintained and planted, surrounded by colourful barriers and baskets would leave many local authority displays in the shade.” [Read more…]

Biddulph residents are being encouraged to get involved in the development of the town’s Neighbourhood Plan. The Neighbourhood Plan gives residents and local groups their say on what is needed and is suitable for them in their area. There is support available to help put them together and a series of workshops have been arranged for people wanting to get involved. Sessions for Biddulph North, Gillow Heath and Knypersley will take place throughout October. A combined meeting for the Gillow Heath and Biddulph North areas will be at 7pm on Tuesday, 27th October, at St Lawrence’s Church. More information is available by calling 01782 297845 or emailing biddulph@ staffordshire.gov.uk

Plans for new allotments in Springfield Road have been met with a mixed response. Biddulph Town Council Allotments Committee have submitted an application for 31 new allotments with access path and landscaping on vacant land in Springfield Road to satisfy a pressing need for gardening space. The Town Council currrent has two allotments sites – one in Moorland Road and one off Park Lane – which are in great demand and are currently full with long waiting lists. But the plans have been met with a mixed response. [Read more…]

A review of the recycling centres in the Staffordshire Moorlands has led to the decision to close the ‘bring’ recycling sites including those in Biddulph. ‘Bring’ sites are recycling points the council provide where residents can take their recyclable items such as bottles/paper/plastic/textiles and tin. They currently provide 27 recycling ‘bring’ sites but following a review have taken the decision to close them. The bring sites to be closed in Biddulph are at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre and Mill Hayes Sports Ground. The review was taken as the contracts for the service, provision and maintenance of the sites comes to an end on the 31st October this year. Alternatives to closure that were considered were to procure new contracts or to reduce the number of sites from 27 to 10. The amount of waste collected from bring recycling centres has steadily fallen (down 68%) since 2007 as the council have moved more towards collecting from households at the kerbside. The report states: [Read more…]