Community News

Vote now for your favourite piece of art in the final of Sandwell’s Hidden Treasures art competition.

Amateur artists, schools and community groups entered a range of pieces for the project, inspired by their favourite buildings, open spaces, walks, views and local attractions.

Over the summer, entries were displayed at our four museums – Haden Hill House, Manor House Museum, Oak House Museum and Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery – and visitors voted for their favourite at each site.

Now you can vote for the overall winner, which will be announced in October.

Vote by 5 October at www.sandwell.gov.uk/hiddentreasures

The finalists are:

• Brunswick Park by Priory Primary School Art Club – Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery finalist
• Herons Trail by Wendy Priest – Oak House Museum finalist
• Old Chestnut at Sandwell Valley by Austin Clifford – Manor House Museum finalist
• Sunny Sunday Walks by Hayley Jukes – Haden Hill House Museum finalist

"Now we have our four finalists, I encourage everyone to take a look and vote for their favourite piece of art."

Alongside the online vote, the four pieces will be going on a tour around local libraries so that people can also paper vote for the winner of the arts trail.

They will be exhibited for four weeks as follows:

• Tipton Library (Unity Walk): Week beginning Monday 10 September
• Oldbury Library: Week beginning Monday 17 September
• Central Library West Bromwich: Week beginning Monday 24 September
• Blackheath Library: Week beginning Monday 1 October

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) is urging people across the Midlands to host their own ‘MAAC’N’CHEESE’ event to raise funds for the lifesaving charity.

Whether it’s a lunchtime event in the office, or a Friday night in with friends, the cheese inspired fundraiser is set to raise awareness and funds during National Air Ambulance Week, which takes place from Monday 10th to Sunday 16th September.

Abbie Hawkins, events coordinator for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity says: “MAAC’N’CHEESE is a really fun and simple way for our supporters to help raise funds, and a great excuse to catch up with colleagues and friends.

“The idea is that people host their own get together, providing refreshments or asking friends or colleagues to each bring something along, hopefully tucking in to lots of cheese and making fundraising fun!”

The charity has enlisted support from Herefordshire based business, The Mousetrap Cheese Shop, which is selling cheese packs for the event. Starting from just £10, specially put together packs of locally sourced cheese can be purchased online at: www.mousetrapcheese.co.uk/MAAC/maacncheese for national delivery or to collect from their Ludlow, Leominster or Hereford shops, with a donation from every sale going to the charity.

If you would like to host your own MAAC’N’CHEESE event, you can find further information and a downloadable fundraising pack at www.midlandsairambulance.com/maacncheese.

The fundraising pack includes an event poster, sponsorship form, social media picture, printable cheese board template, recipe ideas and ‘guess the grapes’ activity sheet.

On World Suicide Prevention Day today, Gay Times Magazine have created ‘The Flag We Shouldn’t Be Proud Of’ which will be raised at Birmingham’s iconic landmark, Town Hall.

This ceremonial version of the iconic pride flag has 2 of the 6 stripes removed in order to represent the 2 in 6 LGBTQ young people we risk losing to suicide due to issues including bullying, discrimination, gender identity and mental health. This powerful statement is made all the more poignant because the lost red and blue stripes traditionally symbolise ‘Life’ and ‘Harmony’.

Comedian Joe Lycett, who performs at Symphony Hall this November, said: “I’m really excited about performing at Birmingham Symphony Hall, but even more so now knowing that they are supporting such an important cause. Suicide and mental health issues are massive problems in the LGBTQ+ community and I’m delighted THSH are helping to highlight this.”

Collabro’s Jamie Lambert, who will perform at Symphony Hall in April 2019, said: “The reason why this project is important is because there's such a high level of suicide particularly in young people in the LGBT community and it's really important that we step up and look after our own and make sure that we address that issue. Not just within the community but in the wider world as well. I'm really proud to support it.”

Richard Loftus, Director of Sales & Marketing for Town Hall Symphony Hall said: “This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the original pride flag. ‘The Flag We Shouldn’t Be Proud Of’ will remind passersby how far we have come but also the work we have ahead of us to keep the LGBTQ community safe and well.”

John Osborne and Rickie Marsden, advertising creatives from The Gate London, initiated the project: “Despite this being an issue close to our hearts, we didn’t realise the scale of the problem. We felt like we had to help put a spotlight on it and start the conversation in a simple yet powerful way.”

Sandwell museums staff are preparing to welcome Buckingham's Retinue historical interpretation group to West Bromwich to bring to life the Wars of the Roses.

The group will be performing at the Manor House Museum, Hall Green Road, taking over the grounds of the 13th century house, once known as Bromwic Hall, with a medieval encampment.

The group will be displaying a wide variety of activities and visitors can experience the sights and smells of medieval times on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September between 11am and 3pm.

Councillor Steve Trow, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for culture and core services, said: "Visitors will have the opportunity to see the arms, armour and firepower available to a medieval army as they enjoy the demonstrations and perhaps get the chance to join the army, try on a helmet or hold a sword.

"Those interested in more gentle activities will be able to enjoy a display of medieval music and dance with the opportunity to participate with easy-to-learn enjoyable medieval dances."

There will also be a chance to play games, hear about a gruesome surgeon and see a battle display.

The fantastic medieval house itself will be open for self-guided tours throughout the event or join us for a guided tour at 11.30am and 1.30pm (please book on arrival).

On the Sunday (16 September), local historian Ian Bott will be there presenting his talk of The History and Legends of West Bromwich Manor House at 12.15pm and 2.15pm

"This is a fantastic opportunity to discover and explore this amazing building which we are so lucky to have in Sandwell and see it come alive with real historical characters," said Jane Hanney, museums services manager.

New research commissioned by Philips reveals that modern British men have many faces, with the majority (62%) agreeing that they juggle an average of four roles each day, yet the traits they value may not be aligned with the more stereotypical traits they believe society expects.

While men say the top personality traits they aspire to be are loyal (63%), supportive (63%) and caring (62%), they also say they believe society deems it most important for them to be strong (42%), confident (32%) and loyal (27%). This disconnect may be the reason that more than half of respondents (52%) also admit to feeling pressure to live up to a certain image, and this rose even higher to 60% amongst generation Z.

This new data about the expanding chasm between personal values and societal expectations inspired Philips to launch its Many Faces campaign.

“As the world’s number one electric shaving brand, few understand how men’s faces, identities and self-expression have changed over the decades like Philips,” said Marlieke Evers, Philips Male Grooming Marketing Manager. “We find ourselves living in unparalleled times, full of contradictions and new, ever-evolving influences. With this campaign, Philips encourages open discussions about men’s lives, triumphs and insecurities. We want men to appreciate the many positive ways they impact the people around them in the many roles they hold, to prioritise what matters most to them and to be confident about their choices, because confidence is the very essence of feeling comfortable in your own skin.”

The campaign has never been more timely, as research reveals that more than half of men (52%) are comfortable talking about their feelings and 54% generally feel confident, which a fifth of men (21%) attribute to having a strong support system in place. But only a third (37%) feel comfortable in their own skin and almost half (47%) agree that they care about what others think of them.

A campaign with many faces

To bring Many Faces to life, Philips has collaborated with five ambassadors from different walks of life – from models, mentors, fathers, leaders and artists. Among them is musician, dancer and author Harry Judd, who said, “I myself swing between numerous roles, one as a father as well as a drummer, dancer, husband and friend, so I know from personal experience that men are multi-dimensional. I also have sensitive skin, both figuratively and physically, and believe it’s important to overcome stereotypes in today’s society.’’

Live painting artist Guglielmo Alfarone will create unique portraits of all of the Philips ambassadors. Alfarone thrives on revealing depth and dimension in his portraiture and is excited to realise the nuances of modern British men. Alongside a live portrait session, the artwork will be showcased at Mayfair Gallery on 5 September.

Live music from local musicians, children’s wildlife activities, the Stick Man trail, seasonal produce sales and gardening inspiration are some of the treats in store for visitors to Martineau Gardens annual Autumn Event on Sunday 16 September from 11am – 3pm. The organically maintained Community Garden, in Edgbaston, is holding a family-friendly ‘green’ fete to celebrate the Autumn harvest.

The Garden’s seasonal harvest will be for sale including home-made jams, freshly-cut vegetables and salads and honey (made by local bees!). Gardeners will enjoy the opportunity to stock up on the Gardens’ plants and compost and there will be expert gardeners on hand to deal with gardening queries, plus a gardening workshop. During the day, there will be live performances from Black Adder Morris Dancers, Raggle Taggle, East by South East and more. On sale will be delicious home-made cakes, salads and sandwiches and other refreshments, inspired by the garden harvest.

The Gardens are a place for children to get close to nature. The Shipwreck play area is a popular spot for picnicking and play. The Stick Man trail offers an interactive learning experience for three to seven year olds and has been designed to help children go on their own adventure with the character. Brightly coloured boards featuring Stick Man and other characters from the picture book will be used alongside an activity sheet, with children able to claim a Stick Man Trail Certificate for completing the trail. Juliette Green (the Gardens’ Environmental Education Teacher) will be running ‘Stick Man’ themed wildlife activities and reading the Stick Man story at various times throughout the day.

Local community groups will be running stalls including Suburban Plants, the Craft Co-operative and the Beekeepers.

The Community Garden, just two miles from Birmingham city centre, is a green oasis teeming with wildlife and is looked after by volunteers, many of whom have mental health issues and learning disabilities. Hundreds of school children visit the Gardens to learn about science and environmental issues. Every year Birmingham people visit the gardens to explore its woodland, glass houses, formal garden, orchard, demonstration food growing areas, wildflower meadow, pond and wildlife area with SLINC status.

Gill Milburn, Director of Martineau Gardens said: “Martineau Gardens is a community-run garden which is open for the people of Birmingham to visit. This event will be a chance to find out a bit more about gardening and the growing year, plus have some fun and relax.”

On October 20, 2018, Malta, the crossroads of the Mediterranean, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Middle Sea Race- an iconic race, featuring some of the world’s premier mariners on the most high-tech vessels in the sea. From South Africa to the United States, from Chile to New Zealand, the appeal of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is unquestionably broad, with entries from over 30 countries expected again this year.

This year, Valletta was declared European Capital of Culture and the Valletta 2018 Foundation is supporting the 50th Anniversary Rolex Middle Sea Race because the race starts in Valletta’s Grand Harbor beneath Fort St. Angelo. Participants will embark on a 606 nautical mile trek. The race will then travel to the Eastern coast of Sicily, up towards the Strait of Messina, before heading North to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head South towards the island of Lampedusa, passing Pantelleria on the way back to Malta.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race offers a true test for skippers and crews who have to deal with unpredictable weather and often wild seas. Participants frequently describe it as a very tough yet special race. The conditions in October can change dramatically and almost instantly, with the wind rising from a feeble gust to a punishing zephyr.

Originally stemming from a rivalry between friends and Royal Malta Yacht Club members Paul and John Ripard, and British sailor residing in Malta, Jimmy White, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has grown tremendously since the first edition in 1968. To mark the 50th Anniversary, Royal Malta Yacht Club is gearing up for what promises to be a very special edition of this highly rated offshore race.

Four of West Midlands top young surveyors – across various sectors including construction and rural land - have reached the shortlist of the 2018 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year (YSOYA) Awards, where they will compete for the esteemed ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ title.

This year’s shortlist of over 60 nominees is made up of young female and male surveyors from all over the UK (including the Midlands, London, Scotland and Northern Ireland), with the four shortlisted candidates from the West Midlands up for the following category accolades, as well as the overall ‘Young Surveyor of the Year’ title:

• Apprentice of the Year – Adelle Rhule-Martin of GVA
• Mentor of the Year -  Gillian Green of GVA
• Quantity Surveying & Construction – Tracy Ayhow of Turner & Townsend
• Project Management – Ben Senior of Arcadis

The annual awards celebrate the diverse range of young talented surveyors, trainees and apprentices working in such areas – aged 35 and under –  who are role models in helping to shape and advance our communities. They also recognise the influential future leaders of the surveying profession who have made a significant contribution to the built environment.

There are eight category awards* in total with others including Building Surveying, Land (Urban & Land), Asset & Facilities Management and Valuation. The overall ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ title will be awarded to the category winner that has not only achieved a high level of success in their respective role and sector, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to inspire the next generation and improve the industry and profession.

Commenting on the shortlist, head of the judging panel, Anna Keys a quantity surveyor at calfordseaden LLP and Chair of the RICS UK Matrics Board - a networking and support group for young surveyors - said: “We are facing some of the biggest market changes our industry has ever seen, as well as rising skills shortages, but our shortlist is testament to the fact that our profession is rising to these challenges and continuing to maintain and deliver exemplary built projects that are having a lasting positive impact on our communities and wider economy.

“Many of the shortlisted individuals are actively involved in leading innovative initiatives and activities to encourage the next generation to consider a career in the industry, whilst others have achieved outstanding career success, or enjoyed fast career progression as they’ve demonstrated they have the skills and expertise to make them a valuable asset and ambassador to the profession.”

She adds: “I’m delighted that our shortlist includes a healthy mix of both men and women from all backgrounds and we look forward to celebrating the winners in RICS’ special 150^th anniversary year.”

The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on 30 November at Riverbank Park Plaza in London.

A deafblind man from Erdington, Birmingham, has been shortlisted for a national charity award, in recognition of the exceptional courage he has shown by hiking 52-miles across the historic national trail, the RidgeWay.

44-year-old John Churcher who has Usher Syndrome, three per cent vision and a hearing impairment, is shortlisted for ‘Person of the Year’ at the Sense Awards 2018. An accomplished climber, John took on the charity’s Ridgewalk event, showing bravery in the face of a tough challenge.

The annual Sense Awards, now in their 15th year will take place on Thursday 20th September at TouchBase Pears in Birmingham, and will be hosted by BBC presenter Nikki Fox. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers that support them.

John Churcher said: “As a trustee for Deafblind UK, it was great to be able to support another charity like Sense that also works to improve the lives of deafblind people, and have the chance to do another challenge at the same time.”

Sense Chief Executive, Richard Kramer, said: “John has been a member of Sense for the past 30 years and has achieved so much success. His list of accolades keeps on growing and we are so thankful he participated in the charity’s Ridgewalk event this year to help make a difference to the lives of the people we support. The Sense Awards exist to celebrate the achievements of people like John and I wish him all the best of luck for this year’s award ceremony.”

Festive fun is back at the Legoland Windsor Resort this Christmas season. On 1-2, 8-9 and 15-23 December 2018 families can meet Father Christmas and discover over 30 rides, attractions and Lego Christmas activities.

Guests can discover an enchanted Christmas land, where little ones will meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto and receive a Lego Christmas gift. In Miniland, Christmas will come to life with miniature Lego festive additions to London and Scotland, from a bustling Christmas market in Covent Garden to Father Christmas flying over Big Ben in his sleigh.

Father Christmas' elves will be on the lookout for little helpers to write letters to Father Christmas and build Lego candy canes and festive decorations. Families can take part in a Lego scavenger hunt and marvel at the stunning 8 metre high Lego Christmas Tree before heading to Mrs. Christmas' Toy Shop where they can build their very own Lego decoration to take home. Plus, costume characters Ollie the Dragon and Lego Santa will be on hand to spread the festive cheer.

A special Secret Shopping Service will be in action for guests stocking up on Lego goodies during their festive visit. On hearing the word “Rudolph” Legoland staff will jump into action and help mums and dads keep their purchases under wraps with a range of fun diversionary activities to keep the little ones occupied.

A search has launched for local social media fanatics to submit their most Instagram-worthy shots from the local area – with £1,000 up for grabs for the best snaps.

National Rail has announced the hunt for the nation’s most Instagrammable locations for 16-25 Railcard, after revealing that a third (29 per cent) of young people choose their travel destinations based on how good they will look on their social media feeds.

The research showed that young people in Birmingham are constantly on the lookout for the best selfie spots and will upload an average of 12 photos to Instagram every week, to show they have been visiting the coolest bars, restaurants, attractions and holiday destinations.

Tapping into local competitive spirit, 16-25 Railcard, which offers a third off rail travel, has created an Insta-Rail map of the UK, featuring a list of the most photographed locations throughout the country.

The brand is now calling for local social media fanatics to submit their best photos for the chance to win a £1,000 cash prize, as well as crowning Birmingham as the most Instagrammable destination in the UK.

The winning snap will also feature in a 16-25 Railcard campaign, as well as appearing on its website and social media channels this summer.

Jyoti Bird, marketing director at National Rail, said: “Our research shows just how competitive young people can be with social media – ultimately not wanting to miss out on exciting new experiences, getting out and about, and enjoying quality time with friends and family.

“We wanted to tap into that competitive spirit by launching a search for the most Instagrammable places that Birmingham has to offer. Whether it’s quirky bars, historical points of interest or local attractions, we’re looking for the best and most visually impressive photos from the area.

“We look forward to seeing some really beautiful and creative photography from local social media enthusiasts, and will hopefully be crowning Birmingham as the Instagram capital of the UK!”

For the chance to win £1,000 and the title of Birmingham’s best Instagrammer, locals should upload their image to Instagram, tagging @national.rail and using the hashtag #instarail, or on the National Rail Facebook page, using #instarail. T&Cs apply

Staff from commercial property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), will walk 26-miles along the Grand Union Canal, to raise money for national disability charity Sense.

Seven members of staff, based in the Birmingham office, will take on the fundraising challenge on Friday 07 September. The walk will begin at Brindleyplace and continue along the canal, before ending at the Cape of Good Hope Canalside pub in Warwick.

All proceeds will go towards the charity’s pioneering new ‘TouchBase Pears’ centre, which provides specialist services for people with complex disabilities, as well as facilities for the wider community in Selly Oak.

Joanne Whitaker, Portfolio Manager for LSH Birmingham, said:  “LSH have been supporting Sense since 2017 and this year, we wanted to take on a local challenge that would make a difference to the lives of people with complex disabilities at TouchBase Pears. We’re really looking forward to completing the canal walk for a great cause.”

LSH are hoping to raise £2,000 for Sense. To sponsor them, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lshsensecanalwalk

The Rainforest Alliance will be launching its annual, iconic 'Follow the Frog' campaign, which will run from September 10-24th. This year it has a new, innovative social media component that will be featured on the Rainforest Alliance's global Instagram platform.  This platform has now grown to nearly 100,000 followers with engagement by 'eco' celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio,  Cameron Russell and Phil Torres.  It has also garnered “Instagram takeovers” by more than 50 wildlife and conservation photographers including Ami Vitale, Mattius Klum, Cristina Mittermeier, Joel Sartore, and many others!  These global influencers have helped our followers create a personal connection to our mission and the communities we work with all over the world.

The campaign aims to educate consumers on what they can do to address the most critical environmental challenges facing the planet today including deforestation, climate change and the ever-growing need for all of us to make sustainable choices in our daily lives.

The social media campaign is a two-week “Instagram Challenge” with the goal of educating and inspiring consumers on how to live more mindfully.  Our followers will engage in targeted #FollowTheFrog posts and test their “sustainability IQ” with a chance to win a basket of Rainforest Alliance Certified products.

The Rainforest Alliance social media campaign will also be supported by collaborating companies who will promote the campaign via their own social media channels to raise awareness around their commitment to sustainability through responsibly sourced products that bear the iconic green frog seal.

During the month of September, awareness around sustainability will be high as the United Nations Global Assembly gathers in New York City to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Week is happening in various cities across the world.   Follow the Frog aims to not only inform our aspirational audience about the impacts of our mission but to educate and inspire them to live more mindfully.  This is furthered by our evergreen 30-Day Sustainability Email Challenge.

The housing ladder, as a descriptor of the property market, may have had its day. Lifestyle choices, together with social and demographic change are establishing a much more complex pattern of ownership and housing need.

Recent studies by the NHBC Foundation have provided new insight on the varying housing needs people have throughout their life time, giving pointers on who we should build for, and the types of homes we should build for them.

Housing design will increasingly need to focus on the over-55s.  On current projections, 2019 will be the first year when people in the 55 to 74 age group outnumber those aged 18 to 34.  With a two million increase expected in this age group in the next couple of decades, it will be important for homes to meet the varying requirements of this growing sector, many of whom are seeking lifestyle changes, but remain active and independent.

The most rapid population increase is expected among the over-75s.  This age group is anticipated to expand by 3.5 million over the next 20 years to reach 8.9 million by 2037.  More innovation will be needed when designing homes for these people, in particular to provide them with adaptable, comfortable living spaces and communal facilities. A futurology study carried out by the NHBC Foundation gives special consideration to the types of homes that might evolve to support the over-75s.

The remaining home-buyer age groups, those aged 18 to 34 looking to invest in property for the first time and the 35 to 54 year olds in family homes, are predicted to remain fairly static into the future.  Millennials looking for starter homes will increase by approximately 200,000 by 2037, and the 34 to 54 age group are set to decrease over the same period by 100,000. Homes suitable for first time buyers and families will still be needed, however these must meet the priorities that are most important to them. Buyers are becoming increasingly discriminating, seeking low maintenance and energy efficiency and not preoccupied solely with location.

At a glance – the changing home-buyer age groups over the next 20 years

·         3.5 million – expected population increase in the 75+ age group

·         2.1 million – expected population increase in the 55-74 age group

·         200,000 – expected population increase in the 18-34 age group

·         100,000 – expected population decrease in the 35-54 age group

Steve Wood, NHBC Chief Executive said: “The shifts in the UK’s population impacts on the homes we live in now, and the homes we need to build for the future.  Our population is aging at its fastest ever rate so housing design will increasingly have to focus on the needs of the over-55s.”

The facts about UK households come from the forthcoming NHBC Foundation publication, ‘40 facts: homes, housing and house building today’.  Steve Wood added: “We have gathered together some interesting facts about UK housing and house building to give you a picture of the homes we live in today.  As our population changes so does the need for a for a broader range of products and tenures.”

Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice is holding an open day to dispel the myths around hospice care.

Taking place on Friday October 12, the open day aims to encourage people to find out more about hospice care by meeting staff and volunteers.

The day at the hospice in Erdington will include a question and answer session with clinicians, a talk about well-being, an art activity, refreshments and the chance to find out more about volunteering and events.

Coinciding with national Hospice Care Week, 8-14 October, the event is open to all and is free of charge.

The open day will also introduce people to John Taylor’s Friday Social Group which aims to bring local elderly residents together for friendship and company.

Hospice Head of Brand and Media Diane Parkes said: “At our open day people can ask all the questions they want to know about hospice care. People can be afraid of hospices but when they come to John Taylor they realise it’s a lovely, warm and friendly place where we offer so many different services – it’s not what they expect.

“If you go back in time John Taylor was all about in-patient nursing care and, while that remains important today, our teams are also out in the community providing all kinds of services from acupuncture to art psychotherapy and social support to spiritual care.

“Visitors are welcome to just turn up on the open day but if they are able to let us know in advance it helps with catering – simply email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a name and number of people.”

The open day is at John Taylor Hospice, 76 Grange Road, Erdington B24 0DF on Friday October 12 between 11am-3pm with a programme of events scheduled. People are welcome to come for the full programme or drop in for an hour or more. Full programme details are on the hospice website www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk

John Taylor’s Social Group takes place every Friday between 10am-3pm and is open to local elderly residents who are not receiving hospice care and would like to come along to have a chat, enjoy lunch and meet new friends. For more information on joining the Social Day contact John Taylor Hospice Living Well Centre on 0121 465 2000.

Water and waste company Severn Trent has announced its plans for the five years from 2020 to 2025, including plans for lower bills, billions of pounds of investment, new commitments to cut sewer flooding and leakage, more help for customers, and for a new community dividend.

Every five years, the company builds its plans based on customer feedback before sharing with sector regulator Ofwat, which it has done today (SEPT 3). The regulator will now consider the plan over the course of the next few months before coming back with potential revisions.

The main theme of the plan is service – doing even better in areas where we’re strong, and addressing those areas where we know we need to do better.

That means the main points in the plan are:

·         Real reduction in bills of 5%, meaning bills remain the lowest average combined in England, as they have been since 2010;

·         £6.6bn in investment over five years;

·         Helping nearly 50% more customers who are struggling to pay their bills;

·         8% reduction in all sewer flooding;

·         15% reduction in leakage;

·         Every primary school in the region will have the opportunity to receive a visit from innovative educational roadshow about water;

·         Positive impact on the local environment, including improving up to 2,100km of the region’s rivers; and

·         Community dividend given to local communities through volunteering, donations to the Severn Trent Trust Fund, and a new commitment to use 1% of company profits for community schemes.

Liv Garfield, Severn Trent Chief Executive, said: “We haven’t created our plan in isolation – we’ve carried out the biggest ever consultation with our customers and stakeholders to find out what really matters to them and have then produced this plan which we absolutely believe will improve our service and our legacy for future generations.

“That means that, at a time when prices are going up, our customers’ bills will be coming down, we’ll help more vulnerable customers than ever before, and we’ll invest billions of pounds to make our service even better.

“By doing this, and by improving the day-to-day service we offer even in those areas where we’re already sector leaders, we firmly believe our customers will be served better, our environment protected, and future generations educated about the importance of water as a precious resource.”

Other initiatives highlighted in the plans include improved efficiency, more options for customers (such as payment breaks), commitments over responses to low pressure complaints, and the creation of a £10m Technical Academy for the region. In addition, Severn Trent will look to and will help hundreds of schools which may have trace amounts of lead in their pipework.