Protect yourself from distraction burglaries

Trading Standards are advising residents of another way to help protect themselves from distraction burglaries. Recently men falsely claiming to be from the waterboard
have been linked to distraction burglaries.

To protect vulnerable residents from these types of crime, the Priority Service Register has been set up by the Home Heat Helpline. Vulnerable residents can set up a security password for all dealings they have with representatives of utility companies.

To contact the Priority Service Register and arrange a password, contact 0800 33 66 99 or visit the website. If you have fallen victim to such a crime, contact the Police.

Doorstep callers warning

South Glos Trading Standards are warning people to watch out for doorstep callers.

Rogue traders are visiting homes offering to paint roof tiles with a micro porous roof coating which is suspected to be totally unnecessary, and it is believed that standard paint is being used at grossly inflated prices. Cold callers are also offering to repave driveways, paint roof tiles and repair fascias and then using a range of rogue trader tactics.

Bear the following in mind to help protect you from falling victim to these rogue trading practices:

• Be wary of traders who cold call - genuine traders rarely need to drum up business;
• Beware, rogue traders use high pressure, aggressive and intimidating selling tactics to get you to agree to a contract or pay a higher price than that quoted;
• Remember that if you enter into a contract in your home, you should be given written notice of your right to cancel that contract. Failure by the trader to give you those details may constitute a criminal offence!

For consumer advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

If you are interested in setting up a No Cold Calling Zone in your street, contact Trading Standards on 01454 864419 or at trading.standards@southglos.gov.uk.

Involved in a local voluntary group?

If you're involved in a local voluntary group or social enterprise, you might be interested in the following.

The RDPE Community and Social Enterprise Funding is a possible source of funding. They warn that they expect to run out of money before the scheme ends.

If you'd like to find out about other funding possibilities and network with people from other voluntary groups, why not attend the Funders Forum from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Wednesday 15th September at Turnberries in Thornbury. You must book in advance as places are limited - ring 01454 865205 or email projectdev@cvs-sg.org.uk .

Have your say on housing strategy

South Gloucestershire Council are updating their housing strategy and would like to know what your thoughts are on the "Next steps in delivering More Housing, More Choice-Affordable, Sustainable and Better Quality". You can find out more on their website. The deadline for comments is 30th August 2010.

Flashing blue light and siren behind you - what do you do?

Strangely there's not much in the Highway Code about this, but a new activity on the Avon Fire and Rescue website will get you really thinking about it.

This isn't your usual boring survey - it's really thought-provoking, and the results will help design a public education and awareness campaign about what you should do to help emergency vehicles get through. Please give it a go!

Bus fare increases from today

From today (Sunday 8th August), First Bus are increasing all single and return fares in the Bristol Area by 10p for adults and 5p for children, except for longer distance peak returns (those costing over £4 for adults or £3 for children). The First Day ticket in Bristol remains unchanged at £4 for adults.

Joint Waste Core Strategy - the next stage

The four authorities that used to be Avon have been developing a Joint Waste Core Strategy (JWCS) setting out where new waste processing sites should go. On 30th July 2010 they submitted the JWCS Submission Document to the Secretary of State for independent examination. The Secretary of State will appoint a Planning Inspector to examine the ‘soundness’ of the Core Strategy, considering the representations received.

As part of the examination, the Inspector is likely to hold a public hearing. This is currently expected to take place in November 2010, but will be subject to confirmation from the Planning Inspectorate.

The Joint Waste Core Strategy and other supporting documents are available to view on the West of England Partnership’s website.

Are you 14-18 years old and a bus user?

Have you got your Youth Unltd discounted bus pass?

If you are a young person in full-time education living in South Gloucestsrshire, the Youth Unltd card gives you half price adult fares on single and return journeys. It is not valid for day/weekly/monthly/annual tickets. You can find out more on the South Glos website.

Yate International Academy building project to go ahead

Education Secretary Michael Gove has announced that Yate International Academy is among the building projects that will go ahead after all, despite a delay while government cuts were being decided.

Steve Webb MP said "I am delighted that the building project at Yate International Academy has been given the go-ahead today"

Meanwhile the Winterbourne International Academy building scheme will have to wait a while for a decision - the government list describes the situation as "capital allocation for notification after spending review", presumably the the Comprehensive Spending Review in October.

Click here for full official list of projects.

Speed checks on Church Road

Speeding on Church Road has been an ongoing concern for local people. The Camera Safety Partnership have now found a suitable site to park their mobile speed camera and the speed data shows that enforcement is justified, so this month they will be starting to operate this as a "Community Concern" site.

Only 3 more days to have your say on planning blueprint

Don't forget you only have until this Friday (9th August) to have your say on South Gloucestershire Council's Draft Core Strategy. This planning blueprint is important to anybody interested in how and where development will take place between now and 2026 and how all the infrastructure will be provided to support it.

You can view the document on the South Glos website and hard copies are in libraries and One Stop Shops.


Steve Webb explains the issues at a recent public meeting in Yate