Disabled bus passes get more flexible in Warwickshire
It’s great news for holders of Warwickshire’s disabled person’s bus passes as they are set to become more flexible.
From 1 August 2023, holders of Warwickshire disabled person’s bus passes will be able to travel at any time using their passes for journeys that start within Warwickshire.
This will enable passholders to get to work, school and college using their bus pass, which has previously not been possible as they were only valid from 9 am.
This follows a decision by WCC Cabinet in April to introduce all-day travel for holders of disabled person’s passes below state retirement age, for a trial period of 12 months.
The disabled person’s bus pass is available to anyone who has a qualifying disability, is under state retirement age, and lives within Warwickshire.
For more information about the eligibility and how to apply please see https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/dpp
Cllr Jan Matecki, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning said: “"The national concessionary travel scheme is a vital service for many of our disabled residents in Warwickshire, and we are committed to ensuring that it provides additional benefits such as increased flexibility and improved access to essential services for our own residents. We are confident that these changes to the scheme will achieve these goals for a larger number of residents than ever before."
The disabled person’s bus pass is distinguished by the orange stripe down the side. Holders of the older person’s bus pass (with a blue stripe down the side, and available to Warwickshire residents over state pension age) will still be able to use their passes from 9 am to midnight on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.
Warwickshire passholders can also use their passes anywhere else in England, between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.
Find out more about Cabinet’s recent approval for a companion bus pass pilot here: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/4347/wcc-cabinet-gives-its-approval-for-companion-bus-passes
More information about concessionary bus travel in Warwickshire can be found online: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/concessionarytravel
It’s great news for holders of Warwickshire’s disabled person’s bus passes as they are set to become more flexible.
From 1 August 2023, holders of Warwickshire disabled person’s bus passes will be able to travel at any time using their passes for journeys that start within Warwickshire.
This will enable passholders to get to work, school and college using their bus pass, which has previously not been possible as they were only valid from 9 am.
This follows a decision by WCC Cabinet in April to introduce all-day travel for holders of disabled person’s passes below state retirement age, for a trial period of 12 months.
The disabled person’s bus pass is available to anyone who has a qualifying disability, is under state retirement age, and lives within Warwickshire.
For more information about the eligibility and how to apply please see https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/dpp
Cllr Jan Matecki, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning said: “"The national concessionary travel scheme is a vital service for many of our disabled residents in Warwickshire, and we are committed to ensuring that it provides additional benefits such as increased flexibility and improved access to essential services for our own residents. We are confident that these changes to the scheme will achieve these goals for a larger number of residents than ever before."
The disabled person’s bus pass is distinguished by the orange stripe down the side. Holders of the older person’s bus pass (with a blue stripe down the side, and available to Warwickshire residents over state pension age) will still be able to use their passes from 9 am to midnight on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.
Warwickshire passholders can also use their passes anywhere else in England, between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.
Find out more about Cabinet’s recent approval for a companion bus pass pilot here: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/4347/wcc-cabinet-gives-its-approval-for-companion-bus-passes
More information about concessionary bus travel in Warwickshire can be found online: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/concessionarytravel
Public Consultation Tamworth Solar Ltd - 25th April 2-6pm at Shuttington & Alvecote Parish Hall
Tamworth Solar Ltd will be undertaking a public consultation event for a solar farm proposal on parcels of land to the north of Shuttington Road, Alvecote, Tamworth, B79 0BX. The public consultation event will be held on 25 April 2023 between 2 pm and 6 pm at Shuttington and Alvecote Parish Hall, Main Road, Shuttington, B79 0DP. A leaflet informing the residents of the public consultation event was sent out, however, I have attached this for your reference.
A number of members from our team will be attending, to give you the opportunity to have a discussion and provide your feedback.
Alongside this, we have a website at www.tamworthsolarfarm.co.uk, which will also provide the opportunity to respond to the proposal via a survey monkey. We would appreciate your attendance at this event however, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to share a copy of the consultation boards upon request.
Tamworth Solar Ltd will be undertaking a public consultation event for a solar farm proposal on parcels of land to the north of Shuttington Road, Alvecote, Tamworth, B79 0BX. The public consultation event will be held on 25 April 2023 between 2 pm and 6 pm at Shuttington and Alvecote Parish Hall, Main Road, Shuttington, B79 0DP. A leaflet informing the residents of the public consultation event was sent out, however, I have attached this for your reference.
A number of members from our team will be attending, to give you the opportunity to have a discussion and provide your feedback.
Alongside this, we have a website at www.tamworthsolarfarm.co.uk, which will also provide the opportunity to respond to the proposal via a survey monkey. We would appreciate your attendance at this event however, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to share a copy of the consultation boards upon request.
Act on Energy
Act on Energy have been helping people with FREE energy advice for more than 20 years. Whether it’s helping to navigate energy efficiency advice or helping those in fuel poverty, they are here to support you. If you’re worried about your energy bill don’t worry alone. Contact them to see how they can help. They have extensive knowledge of funding streams and grants which may be able to help. Call 0800 988 2881 or visit: www.actonenergy.org.uk
Act on Energy have been helping people with FREE energy advice for more than 20 years. Whether it’s helping to navigate energy efficiency advice or helping those in fuel poverty, they are here to support you. If you’re worried about your energy bill don’t worry alone. Contact them to see how they can help. They have extensive knowledge of funding streams and grants which may be able to help. Call 0800 988 2881 or visit: www.actonenergy.org.uk
CSW Broadband News
| csw_project_gigabit.pdf |
Earlier bin collections possible due to hot weather
Please be aware as from Monday 18th July we will give our staff the opportunity to start earlier than normal due to the forecast that temperatures are set to rise above 30 degrees.
From a staff welfare point of view it is only fair and just to offer an earlier start time, whatever the temperature is it will always be a few degrees higher working the rear of the truck.
Once this spell of hot weather subsides we will revert back to our normal start times.
Can you please convey this message via your channels and ask residents to ensure the bin is presented in time for a 06:30am collection.
Please be aware as from Monday 18th July we will give our staff the opportunity to start earlier than normal due to the forecast that temperatures are set to rise above 30 degrees.
From a staff welfare point of view it is only fair and just to offer an earlier start time, whatever the temperature is it will always be a few degrees higher working the rear of the truck.
Once this spell of hot weather subsides we will revert back to our normal start times.
Can you please convey this message via your channels and ask residents to ensure the bin is presented in time for a 06:30am collection.
WLWS Household Support Fund – Welfare Grants June 2022
OFFICIAL
As you will be aware, Central Government recently extended the Household Support Fund grant to support those most in need to help with significantly rising living costs specifically food, energy and linked essentials. Warwickshire’s allocation is £3.47million to cover the period up to 30 September 2022. The Department for Work and Pensions have specific conditions to the grant that at least one third of the total funding is ring fenced to support households with children, at least one third to support pensioners, with up to one third of the total funding to other households genuinely in need of support. This includes households not currently in receipt of DWP welfare benefits.
What is happening in Warwickshire?
Warwickshire County Council is continuing to distribute its Household Support Fund grant allocation via the Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme. This includes an extended welfare offer, fuel voucher promotions, continued school holiday food support for children eligible for benefits related free school meals, and welfare grants for community projects that meet the funding criteria.
Welfare Grants
We are emailing you either as a previous recipient of a welfare grant, or because in your role you are able to identify and engage with local communities and organisations who would benefit from this project funding.
Once again, the projects will need to meet immediate needs, and help those who are struggling to afford food, energy and water bills, and other related essentials over the summer. Funding will be for one-off payments only and must be committed by 30 September 2022. Unfortunately, the funding conditions mean that it cannot be used for advisory support or to support sustainability of ongoing projects/initiatives.
Every application will be considered on its own merits, however funding is limited and awarding of the grant will depend on the number of applications received and the impact of the project on vulnerable people e.g. number of vulnerable people helped or supporting a particularly hard to reach vulnerable group. For information, the average amount awarded earlier this year as part of the previous round was £2,800.
Some examples of successful past projects include:
As with all the other funding streams we will need to provide the justification, audit trail etc. to DWP to receive the funding. Please find attached a grant application form that needs to be returned to [email protected] for consideration by Friday 22nd July.
Please ensure that you demonstrate the following:
The panel will review and award all successful applications by Friday 29th July. We appreciate that some projects will specifically cover the summer holiday period – please indicate this when returning the application form and the panel will try to respond to you sooner.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Local Welfare Scheme
Resources Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
Tel: 0800 408 1448 or 01926 359 182
OFFICIAL
As you will be aware, Central Government recently extended the Household Support Fund grant to support those most in need to help with significantly rising living costs specifically food, energy and linked essentials. Warwickshire’s allocation is £3.47million to cover the period up to 30 September 2022. The Department for Work and Pensions have specific conditions to the grant that at least one third of the total funding is ring fenced to support households with children, at least one third to support pensioners, with up to one third of the total funding to other households genuinely in need of support. This includes households not currently in receipt of DWP welfare benefits.
What is happening in Warwickshire?
Warwickshire County Council is continuing to distribute its Household Support Fund grant allocation via the Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme. This includes an extended welfare offer, fuel voucher promotions, continued school holiday food support for children eligible for benefits related free school meals, and welfare grants for community projects that meet the funding criteria.
Welfare Grants
We are emailing you either as a previous recipient of a welfare grant, or because in your role you are able to identify and engage with local communities and organisations who would benefit from this project funding.
Once again, the projects will need to meet immediate needs, and help those who are struggling to afford food, energy and water bills, and other related essentials over the summer. Funding will be for one-off payments only and must be committed by 30 September 2022. Unfortunately, the funding conditions mean that it cannot be used for advisory support or to support sustainability of ongoing projects/initiatives.
Every application will be considered on its own merits, however funding is limited and awarding of the grant will depend on the number of applications received and the impact of the project on vulnerable people e.g. number of vulnerable people helped or supporting a particularly hard to reach vulnerable group. For information, the average amount awarded earlier this year as part of the previous round was £2,800.
Some examples of successful past projects include:
- Slowcookers – these were distributed alongside community led healthy eating and cooking campaigns.
- Energy efficient lightbulbs
- Food and personal hygiene products to make up emergency parcels for young people estranged from family networks
- Food bags to children and families struggling for basic meals.
- Starter packs for people moving from sleeping rough into temporary accommodation
As with all the other funding streams we will need to provide the justification, audit trail etc. to DWP to receive the funding. Please find attached a grant application form that needs to be returned to [email protected] for consideration by Friday 22nd July.
Please ensure that you demonstrate the following:
- Applications must be to support residents of Warwickshire
- Applications must demonstrate how projects will support the most vulnerable in our community and respond to a specific immediate need. Immediate need for these grants is defined as a problem, issue, or situation where something needs to change quickly to make things better for a vulnerable person or group of vulnerable people.
The panel will review and award all successful applications by Friday 29th July. We appreciate that some projects will specifically cover the summer holiday period – please indicate this when returning the application form and the panel will try to respond to you sooner.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Local Welfare Scheme
Resources Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
Tel: 0800 408 1448 or 01926 359 182
Upgrading landlines to digital technology – what you need to know
The technology that we use to make landline phone calls is due to be upgraded over the next few
years but what does this mean for you as a landline customer?
Traditionally, landline phone calls have been delivered over the old ‘copper’ telephone network
known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). However, the equipment used in the PSTN
was developed and installed in the 1980’s and is becoming harder and increasingly more expensive
to maintain. BT has therefore taken the decision to retire the PSTN by the end of December 2025.
Telecoms providers have been investing heavily in new systems and infrastructure networks such as
full fibre, which means that in the future, landline calls can be delivered via digital technology called
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses a broadband connection.
Your landline provider will contact you well in advance of when the process to start migrating your
old landline to your new telephone service will apply to you and your property.
Once a home service is moved from PSTN to VoIP, the phone will generally work in the same way as
it always has, but it will need to be plugged into a broadband router instead of into the phone socket
on your wall. If you need any new equipment – e.g. a new router, your provider should sort this out
for you.
This change from PSTN to VoIP will affect other devices that rely on a phone line – such as some fire
and burglar alarm systems and telecare devices. It is therefore important that you mention those
devices to your provider and check if they need to be replaced or reconfigured in order to continue
working when they notify you that your service is to be migrated.
Once the PSTN is switched off, if you wish to continue having a landline phone, but don’t already
have broadband or don’t use a broadband service, you will generally still need to have a suitable
connection. Ofcom expects that providers will have a range of options for people in this situation.
However, as VoIP services will operate successfully on broadband connections of less than 1Mbps,
customers should not be forced to take out a high-speed broadband package if they do not want to.
One issue with VoIP that has raised concerns with residents is what happens during a power cut at
your property? A phone connected to a broadband router wouldn’t work as it gets its power from
the property’s mains electricity supply. So what if you needed to call the emergency services?
If you rely on your landline – for example, you don’t have a mobile phone, are unable to use a
mobile phone or you don’t have a mobile signal inside your home – your ISP must make sure that
you are able to contact the emergency services in the event of a power cut. This could be in the form
of battery back-up so that your landline will continue to work for the minimum of at least 1 hour.
However, since the end of 2018, Ofcom’s published guidance states an expectation to ‘recommend
only providing battery back-up or other protection facilities to vulnerable consumers.’ If you would
still quite like the option of a back-up solution but aren’t in a vulnerable group, ISP Review’s
Solutions for Battery Back-up of Fibre Broadband and VoIP article provides you with some options.
If you have any further queries or concerns about the migration to VoIP technology, we suggest you
contact your landline or broadband provider in the first instance. More information is also available
at the Future of Voice website.
The technology that we use to make landline phone calls is due to be upgraded over the next few
years but what does this mean for you as a landline customer?
Traditionally, landline phone calls have been delivered over the old ‘copper’ telephone network
known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). However, the equipment used in the PSTN
was developed and installed in the 1980’s and is becoming harder and increasingly more expensive
to maintain. BT has therefore taken the decision to retire the PSTN by the end of December 2025.
Telecoms providers have been investing heavily in new systems and infrastructure networks such as
full fibre, which means that in the future, landline calls can be delivered via digital technology called
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses a broadband connection.
Your landline provider will contact you well in advance of when the process to start migrating your
old landline to your new telephone service will apply to you and your property.
Once a home service is moved from PSTN to VoIP, the phone will generally work in the same way as
it always has, but it will need to be plugged into a broadband router instead of into the phone socket
on your wall. If you need any new equipment – e.g. a new router, your provider should sort this out
for you.
This change from PSTN to VoIP will affect other devices that rely on a phone line – such as some fire
and burglar alarm systems and telecare devices. It is therefore important that you mention those
devices to your provider and check if they need to be replaced or reconfigured in order to continue
working when they notify you that your service is to be migrated.
Once the PSTN is switched off, if you wish to continue having a landline phone, but don’t already
have broadband or don’t use a broadband service, you will generally still need to have a suitable
connection. Ofcom expects that providers will have a range of options for people in this situation.
However, as VoIP services will operate successfully on broadband connections of less than 1Mbps,
customers should not be forced to take out a high-speed broadband package if they do not want to.
One issue with VoIP that has raised concerns with residents is what happens during a power cut at
your property? A phone connected to a broadband router wouldn’t work as it gets its power from
the property’s mains electricity supply. So what if you needed to call the emergency services?
If you rely on your landline – for example, you don’t have a mobile phone, are unable to use a
mobile phone or you don’t have a mobile signal inside your home – your ISP must make sure that
you are able to contact the emergency services in the event of a power cut. This could be in the form
of battery back-up so that your landline will continue to work for the minimum of at least 1 hour.
However, since the end of 2018, Ofcom’s published guidance states an expectation to ‘recommend
only providing battery back-up or other protection facilities to vulnerable consumers.’ If you would
still quite like the option of a back-up solution but aren’t in a vulnerable group, ISP Review’s
Solutions for Battery Back-up of Fibre Broadband and VoIP article provides you with some options.
If you have any further queries or concerns about the migration to VoIP technology, we suggest you
contact your landline or broadband provider in the first instance. More information is also available
at the Future of Voice website.
Free 'Startup School for Seniors' Course
Advantages of Age is a pro-ageing social enterprise with the aim of improving the wellbeing of over 50s. Starting 6 th May, we are offering 20 free places to help Coventry & Warwickshire residents to start a business; building confidence, resilience, and ways to create an income in these challenging times. Startup School for Seniors Information for your website and newsletters: Free course for 20 Coventry & Warwickshire residents to start their own business Startup School for Seniors is a free eLearning course for Coventry & Warwickshire residents over 50 who are looking to start their own business. This course is for you if: • You have a passion or idea you’d like to turn into a business • Have been made redundant or are currently unemployed and considering your next step • You want to gain the skills necessary to get a new business off the ground • You would benefit from the support of others Run by social enterprise, Advantages of Age, the course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott who create a fun, interactive, learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully funded, the course is free for 20 residents of Coventry and Warwickshire, unemployed or economically inactive. Our next eight-week course commences 6th May 2022. Social media posts: Ever thought about becoming your own boss? @AdvantagesofAge are running a FREE Startup School for Seniors. If you live in Coventry & Warwickshire, are currently unemployed, have been recently made redundant, or looking to branch out on your own, find out more at startupschoolforseniors.com At a crossroads after #Coronavirus? Needing to take a different job path? @AdvantagesofAge are running a free Startup School for Seniors who’d like to explore running their own business. Free if you live in Coventry & Warwickshire and are looking for your next steps startupschoolforseniors.com Feeling ready for a new start this Spring? @AdvantagesofAge have free programmes for over 50s in Coventry and Warwickshire to help you build your confidence and wellbeing. Find out more at startupschoolforseniors.com #over50s #freecourse #smallbusiness Short Explanatory Video https://youtu.be/gN02Zp_wfsA What our participants say https://youtu.be/Ump5m9wG1Xw
For more information about Startup School for Seniors, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
Advantages of Age is a pro-ageing social enterprise with the aim of improving the wellbeing of over 50s. Starting 6 th May, we are offering 20 free places to help Coventry & Warwickshire residents to start a business; building confidence, resilience, and ways to create an income in these challenging times. Startup School for Seniors Information for your website and newsletters: Free course for 20 Coventry & Warwickshire residents to start their own business Startup School for Seniors is a free eLearning course for Coventry & Warwickshire residents over 50 who are looking to start their own business. This course is for you if: • You have a passion or idea you’d like to turn into a business • Have been made redundant or are currently unemployed and considering your next step • You want to gain the skills necessary to get a new business off the ground • You would benefit from the support of others Run by social enterprise, Advantages of Age, the course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott who create a fun, interactive, learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully funded, the course is free for 20 residents of Coventry and Warwickshire, unemployed or economically inactive. Our next eight-week course commences 6th May 2022. Social media posts: Ever thought about becoming your own boss? @AdvantagesofAge are running a FREE Startup School for Seniors. If you live in Coventry & Warwickshire, are currently unemployed, have been recently made redundant, or looking to branch out on your own, find out more at startupschoolforseniors.com At a crossroads after #Coronavirus? Needing to take a different job path? @AdvantagesofAge are running a free Startup School for Seniors who’d like to explore running their own business. Free if you live in Coventry & Warwickshire and are looking for your next steps startupschoolforseniors.com Feeling ready for a new start this Spring? @AdvantagesofAge have free programmes for over 50s in Coventry and Warwickshire to help you build your confidence and wellbeing. Find out more at startupschoolforseniors.com #over50s #freecourse #smallbusiness Short Explanatory Video https://youtu.be/gN02Zp_wfsA What our participants say https://youtu.be/Ump5m9wG1Xw
For more information about Startup School for Seniors, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
Community Flood Resilience
According to the Environment Agency, over five million people in England live and work in properties at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea, whilst more face flood threats from groundwater, surface water, sewers, and reservoirs.
At Gocompare, we have put together a guide to preparing for a flood and protecting your property - https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/limiting-flood-risk-and-damage/
According to the Environment Agency, over five million people in England live and work in properties at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea, whilst more face flood threats from groundwater, surface water, sewers, and reservoirs.
At Gocompare, we have put together a guide to preparing for a flood and protecting your property - https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/limiting-flood-risk-and-damage/
Milner Drive Wild Flower Meadow Update
We are delighted to share the news with you that the Shuttington Community Wildflower Garden at Milner drive is now underway, albeit a little behind schedule. The native hedging plants have been planted bordering two edges of the site, to give some screening from traffic and to provide shelter, as well as habitat for birds, and insects as a wildlife corridor. The hedging species planted, will in time, give year-round colour, and be rich in blossom, berries and cover for wildlife.
The wildlife pond and wildflower meadow seed will be going in very soon, so the site may look a little bare until the spring growth takes over. The bench and accessible path to it, will also be added.
We ask that ,whilst the site is beginning to develop and remains muddy, we tread carefully; keeping to the surrounding pavements and allowing the hedging to grow undisturbed.
Our thanks goes out to all the community groups who volunteered along with Shuttington residents, to plant the hedging on a very wet day ! Alvecote wood , Tamworth climate Action , and the Shuttington playground group. Many hands made light ( if slightly muddy) work!
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership asks the public not to buy e-scooters this Christmas
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is urging the public not to buy e-scooters this Christmas because it’s currently against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK. There are also concerns for the safety of e-scooter riders and other road users.
Inspector Jem Mountford said “Before you consider buying an e-scooter this Christmas it’s important to know that although you can buy one, it is illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter in any public space including roads, pavements, parks, town centres or canal towpaths for example. This means most people will be breaking the law if they use an e-scooter.”
E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements such as MOT, licensing, tax and insurance.
As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and don’t always have visible rear lights, they can’t be used legally on the roads.
Warwickshire Police have legal powers to seize e-scooters and prosecute riders and between March 2020 and November 2021 31 e-scooters were seized in Warwickshire.
Whilst penalties for illegal use include a Fixed Penalty Notice for no insurance, with a £300 fine and six penalty points, officers will also be using Section 59 of the Police Reform Act to issue a warning to riders of e-scooters and educate them as to the legal requirements. If a rider is under 16 years old then this advice will also be given to the parents.
Inspector Mountford continued “As well as being illegal, we have real concerns about the safety of e-scooters. In the first ten months of 2021, nationally there have been nine deaths and other casualties involving both e-scooter riders and other road users.” (Source: PACTS)
Whilst some parts of the country are taking part in Government trials for e-scooter hire with a view to making them legal to use on the roads, Warwickshire is not currently part of the trials so e-scooters cannot be hired at this time.
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership Chair, Philip Seccombe, said: “We know it can be tempting to buy an e-scooter as a gift, however there simply is no public place where they can be ridden legally and you risk a fine or having the scooter seized if you do so. As a Partnership we want to make our roads as safe as possible for everyone so we want people to think again and not buy e-scooters in the mistaken belief that they can be used in public spaces. We know they can be a hazard to pedestrians and other road users and put the rider at danger of death and serious injury when used in the wrong environment, such as on public roads, so please do consider purchasing more appropriate alternatives.”
Councillor Wallace Redford, Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety at Warwickshire County Council said “It is our priority to make sure the roads are safe for everyone and that’s why we are asking the public not to buy an e-scooter at the moment but to await the results of the UK trial. There are other environmentally friendly options available that we are keen to promote and support and as part of this commitment we are looking at how we can make our town centres safer for cyclists and pedestrians.”
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is urging the public not to buy e-scooters this Christmas because it’s currently against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK. There are also concerns for the safety of e-scooter riders and other road users.
Inspector Jem Mountford said “Before you consider buying an e-scooter this Christmas it’s important to know that although you can buy one, it is illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter in any public space including roads, pavements, parks, town centres or canal towpaths for example. This means most people will be breaking the law if they use an e-scooter.”
E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements such as MOT, licensing, tax and insurance.
As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and don’t always have visible rear lights, they can’t be used legally on the roads.
Warwickshire Police have legal powers to seize e-scooters and prosecute riders and between March 2020 and November 2021 31 e-scooters were seized in Warwickshire.
Whilst penalties for illegal use include a Fixed Penalty Notice for no insurance, with a £300 fine and six penalty points, officers will also be using Section 59 of the Police Reform Act to issue a warning to riders of e-scooters and educate them as to the legal requirements. If a rider is under 16 years old then this advice will also be given to the parents.
Inspector Mountford continued “As well as being illegal, we have real concerns about the safety of e-scooters. In the first ten months of 2021, nationally there have been nine deaths and other casualties involving both e-scooter riders and other road users.” (Source: PACTS)
Whilst some parts of the country are taking part in Government trials for e-scooter hire with a view to making them legal to use on the roads, Warwickshire is not currently part of the trials so e-scooters cannot be hired at this time.
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership Chair, Philip Seccombe, said: “We know it can be tempting to buy an e-scooter as a gift, however there simply is no public place where they can be ridden legally and you risk a fine or having the scooter seized if you do so. As a Partnership we want to make our roads as safe as possible for everyone so we want people to think again and not buy e-scooters in the mistaken belief that they can be used in public spaces. We know they can be a hazard to pedestrians and other road users and put the rider at danger of death and serious injury when used in the wrong environment, such as on public roads, so please do consider purchasing more appropriate alternatives.”
Councillor Wallace Redford, Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety at Warwickshire County Council said “It is our priority to make sure the roads are safe for everyone and that’s why we are asking the public not to buy an e-scooter at the moment but to await the results of the UK trial. There are other environmentally friendly options available that we are keen to promote and support and as part of this commitment we are looking at how we can make our town centres safer for cyclists and pedestrians.”
Be the ‘Voice of Warwickshire’ and share your views!
Warwickshire County Council is forming a new residents’ panel called ‘Voice of Warwickshire’ to give people an opportunity to share their views, so they can listen to the voices of as many people as possible.
The County Council wants their decisions and priorities to be informed by the views of a representative group of residents, to help them to understand people’s needs and improve how they work with communities in tackling the huge challenges that Warwickshire faces in a world that has been changed by COVID-19.
People who sign up will be helping the County Council deliver the new Council Plan, focusing on big issues in Warwickshire, like health and wellbeing, climate change and sustainability, community safety, education, transport, economic growth, inequalities and inclusion, and more.
To be eligible to take part, people need to be 18 or over and live in Warwickshire. The County Council is asking people to sign up initially for 12 months.
Once you register as a Voice of Warwickshire member, around 4 times a year Warwickshire County Council will ask you to give them your opinions, mainly using online polls and short surveys.
If you are unable to participate online, the County Council would still like to hear from you and will be able to arrange another way for you to share your views. The closing date for registering is 14th November 2021.
You can sign up to be a Voice of Warwickshire member by either:
The County Council will then ask you to provide some basic information about yourself in the first instance.
Warwickshire County Council is forming a new residents’ panel called ‘Voice of Warwickshire’ to give people an opportunity to share their views, so they can listen to the voices of as many people as possible.
The County Council wants their decisions and priorities to be informed by the views of a representative group of residents, to help them to understand people’s needs and improve how they work with communities in tackling the huge challenges that Warwickshire faces in a world that has been changed by COVID-19.
People who sign up will be helping the County Council deliver the new Council Plan, focusing on big issues in Warwickshire, like health and wellbeing, climate change and sustainability, community safety, education, transport, economic growth, inequalities and inclusion, and more.
To be eligible to take part, people need to be 18 or over and live in Warwickshire. The County Council is asking people to sign up initially for 12 months.
Once you register as a Voice of Warwickshire member, around 4 times a year Warwickshire County Council will ask you to give them your opinions, mainly using online polls and short surveys.
If you are unable to participate online, the County Council would still like to hear from you and will be able to arrange another way for you to share your views. The closing date for registering is 14th November 2021.
You can sign up to be a Voice of Warwickshire member by either:
- visiting https://bit.ly/VoiceofWarwickshire or
- if you don’t have access to the internet, by calling 01926 410410 (Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm).
The County Council will then ask you to provide some basic information about yourself in the first instance.
The Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme continues to support children and families who rely on free school meals.
WCC Council Leader Izzi Seccombe has announced that the Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme which has already provided over £450,000 of support to families through the Covid period, will continue to support our most vulnerable residents. The Local Welfare Scheme has been in place in Warwickshire for many years and it is through this Scheme that children who rely on free school meals will continue to receive financial support through the school holidays.
The Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme helps the most vulnerable residents at times of unavoidable crisis by providing basic and essential help. It is recognised within the Scheme that some families who are struggling financially, and are eligible for free school meals, have difficulty covering the period when their children are at home during the school holidays. This Scheme is therefore an opportunity to reach and help those most in need by supporting eligible families with the cost of food for their children over the school holiday periods.
The Scheme will benefit those children eligible for free school meals as well as their younger non-school age siblings aged 2 or above. This support will be available not just over this October half-term, but over all other school holidays.
Council Leader Seccombe said:
"We do not want people in Warwickshire feeling anxious and we do not want children going hungry over school holidays. Our Local Welfare Scheme is there to support families and children, so this is what we will do. Our Warwickshire communities are really important to us and we are committed to supporting them.”
The only eligibility criterion for this offer is that parents are registered for free school meals.
Families wanting to apply for support through the Scheme should call 0800
4081448 or 01926 359182.
WCC Council Leader Izzi Seccombe has announced that the Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme which has already provided over £450,000 of support to families through the Covid period, will continue to support our most vulnerable residents. The Local Welfare Scheme has been in place in Warwickshire for many years and it is through this Scheme that children who rely on free school meals will continue to receive financial support through the school holidays.
The Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme helps the most vulnerable residents at times of unavoidable crisis by providing basic and essential help. It is recognised within the Scheme that some families who are struggling financially, and are eligible for free school meals, have difficulty covering the period when their children are at home during the school holidays. This Scheme is therefore an opportunity to reach and help those most in need by supporting eligible families with the cost of food for their children over the school holiday periods.
The Scheme will benefit those children eligible for free school meals as well as their younger non-school age siblings aged 2 or above. This support will be available not just over this October half-term, but over all other school holidays.
Council Leader Seccombe said:
"We do not want people in Warwickshire feeling anxious and we do not want children going hungry over school holidays. Our Local Welfare Scheme is there to support families and children, so this is what we will do. Our Warwickshire communities are really important to us and we are committed to supporting them.”
The only eligibility criterion for this offer is that parents are registered for free school meals.
Families wanting to apply for support through the Scheme should call 0800
4081448 or 01926 359182.
SHUTTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
"The Parish Council would like all parishioners to be made aware of the support currently in place for all those that need it. On the front line, local villagers have pooled resources to offer any transport/shopping/medical collections that are needed. All villagers should have received a note through their door with the contact number of Penny Scambler by now who has very kindly organised a team of volunteers throughout the village to assist with these needs. That contact information is on the village notice board and at the bus shelter also. I am sure all would like to extend their gratitude for all those involved in this local support initiative.
Should anyone wish to have those details again, please email [email protected]
May we also remind/advise you that our local village shop has many supplies which we may need and also the Four Shires Farm Shop in Seckington has an abundance of food, for which they are offering a pre-order facility and free local delivery to those that may need it. Their contact number is 01827 839171.
In addition, we are in very close and continuous contact with the Borough Council and County Council, being alerted to any developments, guidance and assistance which can be utilised as and when necessary.
It is clear that the current challenges are going to be with us for a while and will change regularly. Please be assured that the Parish Council will be constantly monitoring any developments and where possible, shall act accordingly to safeguard our local residents."
"The Parish Council would like all parishioners to be made aware of the support currently in place for all those that need it. On the front line, local villagers have pooled resources to offer any transport/shopping/medical collections that are needed. All villagers should have received a note through their door with the contact number of Penny Scambler by now who has very kindly organised a team of volunteers throughout the village to assist with these needs. That contact information is on the village notice board and at the bus shelter also. I am sure all would like to extend their gratitude for all those involved in this local support initiative.
Should anyone wish to have those details again, please email [email protected]
May we also remind/advise you that our local village shop has many supplies which we may need and also the Four Shires Farm Shop in Seckington has an abundance of food, for which they are offering a pre-order facility and free local delivery to those that may need it. Their contact number is 01827 839171.
In addition, we are in very close and continuous contact with the Borough Council and County Council, being alerted to any developments, guidance and assistance which can be utilised as and when necessary.
It is clear that the current challenges are going to be with us for a while and will change regularly. Please be assured that the Parish Council will be constantly monitoring any developments and where possible, shall act accordingly to safeguard our local residents."
Changes to Flexi-bus service and new operator from 6.1.2020.
IndieGo is a new minibus Dial-a-Ride scheme that operates to and from Atherstone from the surrounding villages.
Users will be required to book their journeys by phoning 0345 263 8139
Service A2 starts from Shuttington at about 10.10am and travels via Seckington, Newton Regis, Austrey and Warton arriving at Atherstone at 10.45am and the return journey leaves Atherstone at 1.20pm
IndieGo is a new minibus Dial-a-Ride scheme that operates to and from Atherstone from the surrounding villages.
Users will be required to book their journeys by phoning 0345 263 8139
Service A2 starts from Shuttington at about 10.10am and travels via Seckington, Newton Regis, Austrey and Warton arriving at Atherstone at 10.45am and the return journey leaves Atherstone at 1.20pm
AskSARA
The AskSARA website has been launched in the county by Warwickshire County Council as part of our commitment, through the Warwickshire Cares Better Together programme, to give people better access to Assistive Technology.
From cooking and bathing to taking medication, or doing hobbies and daily tasks, AskSARA provides information, advice and guidance on smart gadgets and solutions that can enable people to help themselves.
The website signposts people to a whole range of gadgets and solutions based on their own personal needs and produces an individual report with suggested ideas, based on the answers to some simple, multiple-choice questions.
Visit the AskSARA Warwickshire website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/asksara.
The AskSARA website has been launched in the county by Warwickshire County Council as part of our commitment, through the Warwickshire Cares Better Together programme, to give people better access to Assistive Technology.
From cooking and bathing to taking medication, or doing hobbies and daily tasks, AskSARA provides information, advice and guidance on smart gadgets and solutions that can enable people to help themselves.
The website signposts people to a whole range of gadgets and solutions based on their own personal needs and produces an individual report with suggested ideas, based on the answers to some simple, multiple-choice questions.
Visit the AskSARA Warwickshire website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/asksara.
Neighbourhood Watch - Holiday Box
Shuttington and Alvecote have been given a Holiday Box by Neighbourhood Watch, which is available to borrow.. It contains timers alarmed padlocks and other items which will help secure your property while you are away from home. To reserve this box please ring Kurt Kovach, PC Chairman on 01827 898963. We are keeping a diary of availability and some bookings have already been made.
Shuttington and Alvecote have been given a Holiday Box by Neighbourhood Watch, which is available to borrow.. It contains timers alarmed padlocks and other items which will help secure your property while you are away from home. To reserve this box please ring Kurt Kovach, PC Chairman on 01827 898963. We are keeping a diary of availability and some bookings have already been made.
Neighbourhood Watch - Home Security Packs
In January this year every household in the parish received a Home Security Pack, containing a property marking pen and other useful information about home security. At the parish council meeting in July, the police reminded people that stolen property that is marked with the postcode can be easily returned to its rightful owners if retrieved by the police. Marking your property doesn't take long. The police also requested that householders display the "My property is security marked" stickers to discourage theft.
In January this year every household in the parish received a Home Security Pack, containing a property marking pen and other useful information about home security. At the parish council meeting in July, the police reminded people that stolen property that is marked with the postcode can be easily returned to its rightful owners if retrieved by the police. Marking your property doesn't take long. The police also requested that householders display the "My property is security marked" stickers to discourage theft.
Opening of Alvecote Play Area
The play area was formally opened by Craig Tracey M.P. on Saturday 29th June 2019. The Parish Council are delighted with the new play area and would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this possible. We would particularly like to thank former Councillor Jayne Cooper and clerk Anita Allsop and the many residents of Alvecote who gave up their time as volunteers on the site. The opening ceremony on Saturday 29 June was well attended by both residents of Alvecote and the travellers site and our special thanks go to Craig Tracey MP who opened the site and the many people who attended and set out the stalls etc. It will be a great benefit to the Alvecote community and surrounding area
The play area was formally opened by Craig Tracey M.P. on Saturday 29th June 2019. The Parish Council are delighted with the new play area and would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this possible. We would particularly like to thank former Councillor Jayne Cooper and clerk Anita Allsop and the many residents of Alvecote who gave up their time as volunteers on the site. The opening ceremony on Saturday 29 June was well attended by both residents of Alvecote and the travellers site and our special thanks go to Craig Tracey MP who opened the site and the many people who attended and set out the stalls etc. It will be a great benefit to the Alvecote community and surrounding area
"It's a long process" - The story of the application
It has taken a lot of effort and the support of many organizations to get this far. A refurbished Play Area has been the desire of the Parish Council for many years, even before we were permitted to purchase the land from the Coal Board in 2011.
We were generously supported by the then Borough Councillor Tilly May and North Warwickshire Borough Council. When the company they were using unexpectedly went into liquidation, it seemed like we would never get the Play Area refurbished.
County Councillor Dave Parsons then came to our aid and the layout was agreed upon. Now we had to find funding, and after several failed attempts we enlisted the help of Lisa Turner and formed Friends of Alvecote to take the project forward. Over several years the Friends of Alvecote raised over £2,500 towards the project.
We successfully procured a bid made to Awards for All from National Lottery funding to purchase the kickwall and some fencing, and with further funding from County Councillor Dave Parsons we were able to purchase a baby swing. At about the same time we acquired a donation from Western Power to purchase benches.
At last we seemed to be getting somewhere, but a lot more money was still required. With Lisa’s help and the support of NWBC, we applied for LEADER funding of almost £40,000, which we were awarded, and which has enabled us to reclaim a large part of the play area from scrub and acquire a zip wire, which the children were telling us they wanted, even as the kickwall was being installed several years ago. In addition we have been able to remove all of the old equipment, replace it with a range of play equipment to suit all ages, and make the Play Area an inviting place for families to enjoy.
We hope you will use it and enjoy it.
Shuttington & Alvecote Parish Council
It has taken a lot of effort and the support of many organizations to get this far. A refurbished Play Area has been the desire of the Parish Council for many years, even before we were permitted to purchase the land from the Coal Board in 2011.
We were generously supported by the then Borough Councillor Tilly May and North Warwickshire Borough Council. When the company they were using unexpectedly went into liquidation, it seemed like we would never get the Play Area refurbished.
County Councillor Dave Parsons then came to our aid and the layout was agreed upon. Now we had to find funding, and after several failed attempts we enlisted the help of Lisa Turner and formed Friends of Alvecote to take the project forward. Over several years the Friends of Alvecote raised over £2,500 towards the project.
We successfully procured a bid made to Awards for All from National Lottery funding to purchase the kickwall and some fencing, and with further funding from County Councillor Dave Parsons we were able to purchase a baby swing. At about the same time we acquired a donation from Western Power to purchase benches.
At last we seemed to be getting somewhere, but a lot more money was still required. With Lisa’s help and the support of NWBC, we applied for LEADER funding of almost £40,000, which we were awarded, and which has enabled us to reclaim a large part of the play area from scrub and acquire a zip wire, which the children were telling us they wanted, even as the kickwall was being installed several years ago. In addition we have been able to remove all of the old equipment, replace it with a range of play equipment to suit all ages, and make the Play Area an inviting place for families to enjoy.
We hope you will use it and enjoy it.
Shuttington & Alvecote Parish Council
Community Speedwatch - July Update
We have 7 trained and insured volunteers who have already started regular Speedwatch monitoring in Shuttington. We have reported several vehicles travelling through the village at excessive speeds and the drivers will be receiving a letter from the police about this infringement. Repeated offenders will be visited by the police. We are very pleased with the support we are receiving from the village and from the vast majority of motorists who use this route. Despite this many vehicles still travel at excessive speed when we are not monitoring.
We are hoping to partially address this by installing pinch points and village gateways at all entrances to Shuttington and Alvecote.which we hope will further slow traffic down.
We hope to run another training session in the future (3 hours in the Village Hall). If interested, please contact a local councillor.
We have 7 trained and insured volunteers who have already started regular Speedwatch monitoring in Shuttington. We have reported several vehicles travelling through the village at excessive speeds and the drivers will be receiving a letter from the police about this infringement. Repeated offenders will be visited by the police. We are very pleased with the support we are receiving from the village and from the vast majority of motorists who use this route. Despite this many vehicles still travel at excessive speed when we are not monitoring.
We are hoping to partially address this by installing pinch points and village gateways at all entrances to Shuttington and Alvecote.which we hope will further slow traffic down.
We hope to run another training session in the future (3 hours in the Village Hall). If interested, please contact a local councillor.
HS2 - June 2019 Update
The Department for Transport launched a consultation on design refinements for HS2 Phase 2b. There are two proposals affecting our area:
- realignment of the route at Junction 10 of the M42 to include a 2km twin-bored deep tunnel. From Freasley to the B5000. This means they no longer need to divert the M42/A5, demolish the service station.
- permanent 24/7 train maintenance facility at Austrey (formerly planned to be at Toton).
These changes raise a lot of questions. The changes are being consulted on and it's really important to send in letters making your views known before September 6.
HS2 can also be contacted directly - Helpdesk on 08081 434 434 or email[email protected] at any time.
You can read the documents here and there's also a link for online comments :
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hs2-phase-2b-design-refinement-consultation
There are changes to the Safeguarded areas see:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/safeguarding-information-and-maps-for-hs2
Letters can be sent by email or post as well as online:
The Department for Transport launched a consultation on design refinements for HS2 Phase 2b. There are two proposals affecting our area:
- realignment of the route at Junction 10 of the M42 to include a 2km twin-bored deep tunnel. From Freasley to the B5000. This means they no longer need to divert the M42/A5, demolish the service station.
- permanent 24/7 train maintenance facility at Austrey (formerly planned to be at Toton).
These changes raise a lot of questions. The changes are being consulted on and it's really important to send in letters making your views known before September 6.
HS2 can also be contacted directly - Helpdesk on 08081 434 434 or email[email protected] at any time.
You can read the documents here and there's also a link for online comments :
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hs2-phase-2b-design-refinement-consultation
There are changes to the Safeguarded areas see:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/safeguarding-information-and-maps-for-hs2
Letters can be sent by email or post as well as online:
- By email [email protected]
- By post FREEPOST HS2 PHASE 2B DESIGN REFINEMENT
Problem Dogs
We are sorry to report that the Borough no longer employs a dog warden. Below is the text of the email sent to the parish council by the Borough:
"We no longer have a dog warden post here at NWBC. If a member of the public phones in with a ‘secured stray’ and it is between the hours of 9 am and 15:30pm during the week then our pest officer James will collect it and take it to the Birmingham dogs home (who now look after NWBC stray dogs). It has to be before 15:30 because the dogs home do not accept strays after 16:00 in the week. Any member of the public can take a stray to the Birmingham Dogs Home but are advised to phone (0121 643 5211) first to check they are open."
We are sorry to report that the Borough no longer employs a dog warden. Below is the text of the email sent to the parish council by the Borough:
"We no longer have a dog warden post here at NWBC. If a member of the public phones in with a ‘secured stray’ and it is between the hours of 9 am and 15:30pm during the week then our pest officer James will collect it and take it to the Birmingham dogs home (who now look after NWBC stray dogs). It has to be before 15:30 because the dogs home do not accept strays after 16:00 in the week. Any member of the public can take a stray to the Birmingham Dogs Home but are advised to phone (0121 643 5211) first to check they are open."
Superfast Broadband
Did you know that superfast broadband might already be available to you?
The CSW Broadband Project has already completed the following upgrades to these communities within your parish:
Cabinet / Structure Area served by upgrade
Polesworth 23 Alvecote - Robeys Lane / Alvecote Lane areas
Polesworth 6 Parts of Shuttington
To find out if you can get superfast broadband:
1. Check whether fibre broadband is available to you by entering your landline number or address into the BT Broadband Availability Checker.
If fibre is available, either 'VDSL Range A & B' or 'WBC FTTP' will be listed in the 'Featured Products' column on the left hand side of the results table along with the maximum and minimum speeds you are likely to achieve.
Our How to use the BT Broadband Availability Checker web page includes clear and concise information on how to make sense of the Availability Checker results.
2. Remember, that if fibre is available, you will need to order a fibre broadband package. You will not receive the upgraded service automatically. To find an Internet Service Provider and a fibre broadband package that suits your needs, you can use a broadband comparison site such as:
MoneySavingExpert.com
Broadbandchoices
Broadband Genie
Cable.co.uk
What are the benefits?
Having access to faster broadband allows individuals, families, businesses and communities to:
· Browse the web faster
· Stream HD films, TV shows, games and videos without buffering slowing you down
· Talk face-to-face with friends and family using Skype, FaceTime or similar software
· Compete with other businesses in the increasingly competitive global marketplace
· Reduce workplace costs through remote working / working from home
· Make use of a whole host of other online opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible
Please Note: Even though your FTTC cabinet may have been upgraded, not every property connected to it is guaranteed to benefit due to some properties’ distances from the cabinet and/or quality of copper connections. For more information see our FAQs
Superfast broadband not available yet?
Register here to receive updates about future developments that may affect you.
Did you know that superfast broadband might already be available to you?
The CSW Broadband Project has already completed the following upgrades to these communities within your parish:
Cabinet / Structure Area served by upgrade
Polesworth 23 Alvecote - Robeys Lane / Alvecote Lane areas
Polesworth 6 Parts of Shuttington
To find out if you can get superfast broadband:
1. Check whether fibre broadband is available to you by entering your landline number or address into the BT Broadband Availability Checker.
If fibre is available, either 'VDSL Range A & B' or 'WBC FTTP' will be listed in the 'Featured Products' column on the left hand side of the results table along with the maximum and minimum speeds you are likely to achieve.
Our How to use the BT Broadband Availability Checker web page includes clear and concise information on how to make sense of the Availability Checker results.
2. Remember, that if fibre is available, you will need to order a fibre broadband package. You will not receive the upgraded service automatically. To find an Internet Service Provider and a fibre broadband package that suits your needs, you can use a broadband comparison site such as:
MoneySavingExpert.com
Broadbandchoices
Broadband Genie
Cable.co.uk
What are the benefits?
Having access to faster broadband allows individuals, families, businesses and communities to:
· Browse the web faster
· Stream HD films, TV shows, games and videos without buffering slowing you down
· Talk face-to-face with friends and family using Skype, FaceTime or similar software
· Compete with other businesses in the increasingly competitive global marketplace
· Reduce workplace costs through remote working / working from home
· Make use of a whole host of other online opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible
Please Note: Even though your FTTC cabinet may have been upgraded, not every property connected to it is guaranteed to benefit due to some properties’ distances from the cabinet and/or quality of copper connections. For more information see our FAQs
Superfast broadband not available yet?
Register here to receive updates about future developments that may affect you.
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Hospital to Home Settling Service
Attached some presentation slides covering a new service provided by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue. The service is for anyone in Warwickshire but it is limited to those being treated at the George Elliott Hospital and Warwick Hospital. |
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AccessAble
North Warwickshire Borough Council are supporting and encouraging residents of North Warwickshire to use a new website/app.
The app/website is called AccessAble, and allows users to research the accessibility of various locations, shops and attractions prior to attending/visiting them. As a borough we have over 70 businesses/locations signed up to the website, and we are looking to promote the website to our residents. The businesses on the website were required to complete a walk around and checklist, and the website is constantly updating, so if there is a discrepancy between the website and the actual location, these changes can be made.
The information on the app/website is beneficial for anyone who has accessibility issues, is not confident going to new places, or who is concerned about what they may be faced with once they are there. The app can be downloaded onto any smart device (e.g. phones, iPad’s, tablets etc) or residents can visit the website www.AccessAble.co.uk to find all the information that need.
Emma Bracey, Community Development Officer (Health Improvement) is happy to answer any questions about accessibility in North Warwickshire on 01827 719232 Int: 2232 or by emailing [email protected].
North Warwickshire Borough Council are supporting and encouraging residents of North Warwickshire to use a new website/app.
The app/website is called AccessAble, and allows users to research the accessibility of various locations, shops and attractions prior to attending/visiting them. As a borough we have over 70 businesses/locations signed up to the website, and we are looking to promote the website to our residents. The businesses on the website were required to complete a walk around and checklist, and the website is constantly updating, so if there is a discrepancy between the website and the actual location, these changes can be made.
The information on the app/website is beneficial for anyone who has accessibility issues, is not confident going to new places, or who is concerned about what they may be faced with once they are there. The app can be downloaded onto any smart device (e.g. phones, iPad’s, tablets etc) or residents can visit the website www.AccessAble.co.uk to find all the information that need.
Emma Bracey, Community Development Officer (Health Improvement) is happy to answer any questions about accessibility in North Warwickshire on 01827 719232 Int: 2232 or by emailing [email protected].
Alvecote Broadband
We are delighted to advise you that all the hard work has paid off and that superfast broadband is now available in parts of Alvecote. Cabinet Polesworth 23 has been upgraded, meaning that properties connected to the upgraded cabinet may now be able to order the improved service.
For residents to check which cabinet they are connected to and what speeds they might achieve, they should visit the BT Broadband Availability Checker. For the best results, they will need to be able to enter a BT landline number for the property. If they do not have this then they can use their address, but it may be less accurate. It should be noted that customers are not restricted to buying a service from BT and that can go to any Internet Service Provider (ISP).
There are a number of different Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and it is best to check carefully as there are a wide range of packages available, with some including telephone calls and even TV options. Websites like MoneySavingExpert.com and Broadband Genie can give free, impartial advice on cheap broadband deals and provide information on which packages might be best for specific needs.
The ‘About Broadband’ section on the CSW Broadband website has lots of information about Internet Service Providers, a very useful jargon buster to help people to get through the sometimes baffling terms surrounding broadband, and lots of self-help guides so that users can get the most from the new, improved service.
We are delighted to advise you that all the hard work has paid off and that superfast broadband is now available in parts of Alvecote. Cabinet Polesworth 23 has been upgraded, meaning that properties connected to the upgraded cabinet may now be able to order the improved service.
For residents to check which cabinet they are connected to and what speeds they might achieve, they should visit the BT Broadband Availability Checker. For the best results, they will need to be able to enter a BT landline number for the property. If they do not have this then they can use their address, but it may be less accurate. It should be noted that customers are not restricted to buying a service from BT and that can go to any Internet Service Provider (ISP).
There are a number of different Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and it is best to check carefully as there are a wide range of packages available, with some including telephone calls and even TV options. Websites like MoneySavingExpert.com and Broadband Genie can give free, impartial advice on cheap broadband deals and provide information on which packages might be best for specific needs.
The ‘About Broadband’ section on the CSW Broadband website has lots of information about Internet Service Providers, a very useful jargon buster to help people to get through the sometimes baffling terms surrounding broadband, and lots of self-help guides so that users can get the most from the new, improved service.
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Meals on Wheels
A commercial service available in Warwickshire at £4.25 a day for a hot 2 course meal. This is the only meals on wheels service that is commissioned by Warwickshire County Council. See attached leaflet. |
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Shuttington & Alvecote Parish Hall wins £42,000 grant from Biffa Award. Refurbishment has now finished
The memorial bench is now in place on top of the mound by the Parish Hall. It's a restful spot to sit and contemplate the lovely view over the playing field towards Seckington and Newton.
More details and photos can be found by clicking on the link above.
More details and photos can be found by clicking on the link above.
