Pavement to be repaired

After Claire Young took up complaints from local residents, the pavement near "The Wishing Well" pub (formerly the "Codrington Arms") is going to be repaired. The Council will also put up a couple of reflective bollards to stop lorries driving on to the pavement and causing further damage.

Post-16 education travel problems

Are you or someone you know unable to access education post-16 because of lack of transport?

Most young people over 16 have to fund their own transport to school or college. But for some in rural areas there is no bus available and it is too far to cycle or walk. At last night's Council meeting Pat Hockey asked the South Glos Cabinet Members responsible for transport and schools to look into this problem. Please get in touch with Pat if it affects you.

Scammers target businesses

Yesterday we posted a warning about scammers targetting local residents, but consumers are not the only ones to fall victim. Businesses too are targetted. One scam is the ‘advertising scam’.

Your business may receive a phone call about placing an advert in a publication such as a wall planner or directory in aid of drugs awareness in schools, the emergency services or another charitable purpose.You may be told that you have agreed to place an order or that someone else in your business has. This tactic is used to confuse you so you won't question the caller and will pay up. They may even claim to have a telephone recording of you agreeing to the contract.

The message is - don't take the caller’s word for it that you have entered into a contract. If you haven't agreed to advertising then you cannot be held liable for the payment being demanded. Never agree to anything over the phone - a genuine company will be happy to send you details through the post.

If you think you have fallen victim to such a scam, please contact Trading Standards for advice
on 01454 864419 (businesses only)
.

For consumer advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Progress on road safety improvements

Following the consultation earlier this year on plans to reduce speed limits on the B4465, Westerleigh Road and Nibley Lane, the Council is hoping to take the next step in the legal process early in August. As there were objections, the Council's Transport Exec will have to make the final decision, hopefully by the end of the year so the scheme can be implemented early in 2012.

 

Earlier in the year Sainsbury's agreed to get the lorries from their Emerson's Green depot to use the ring road instead. Claire Young has reported a number of Sainsbury's lorries spotted using the B4465 and Westerleigh Road to the depot manager.  He promised to follow them up. He said there has been a significant reduction in lorries from the depot using the route, the difficulties were generally with lorries from elsewhere. Murco have responded to Claire's letter saying that they want to work with the local community but have to consider their costs.

 

Claire recently met officers and a resident to discuss road safety and drainage issues on the approach to Kidney Hill. The Council's drainage engineer is going to investigate further.

The future of the Air Ambulance Service at Filton

If Filton Airfield closes, it's essential that the Great Western Air Ambulance stays based at Filton. It's different from the neighbouring air ambulance services, which concentrate on transporting patients. Ours is a true Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, and has a specialist trauma consultant on board - it's one of only four such specialist services in the UK.

The site at Filton is strategically located so that the helicopter can get to any serious incident within our area as quickly as possible. If it had to be moved to Staverton for example, response times would become longer and lives would be at risk.

Please let South Glos Council know what you feel about this by commenting on their Filton Airfield Position Statement (also available in libraries and at One Stop Shops)

Comments need to be made by July 29th to planningLDF@southglos.gov.uk or by post to South Gloucestershire Council, Spatial Planning Team, PO Box 2081, South Gloucestershire, BS35 9BP.

The Air Ambulance is run by a local charity - check out the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity website here

Police looking for cadets

If you are between 14 and 17, live or go to a school in South Glos and have an interest in policing, why not apply to become a Volunteer Police Cadet?


The Avon and Somerset Constabulary will shortly be starting a uniformed Volunteer Police Cadet Unit as a pilot project in South Gloucestershire area. This will involve weekly training sessions and the opportunity to get involved in actual Police operations.

You can find out more on the Avon and Somerset website. Don't delay, there are limited places available and the force will suspend applications when they hit 250.

Watch out for scams!

Trading Standards are once again warning local people to be on their guard against scams. 

• There are reports of rogue traders targeting residents in the Yate, Westerleigh and Filton areas offering block paving, landscaping and patio laying services. 
• A new tactic is cold calling residents and offering to clean and seal your path or driveway for a cash payment.

There are some concerns that these traders are not providing consumers with written notice of their right to cancel, which is a criminal offence, and that they are using aggressive tactics to convince residents to agree to the work.

There are a number of steps you can take to try and avoid becoming the victim of a rogue trader.

• Be wary of traders who cold call and the deals they offer you – it is unusual for genuine tradesmen to need to cold call to drum up work!
• Do not allow any unknown and unexpected visitor into your home.
• If they claim work needs doing, get a second or even third opinion from other professional tradesman.
• If you agree to work you are afforded cancellation rights by law, and these should be given to you in writing.
• Check any paperwork you are given to make sure it has not been backdated and includes everything you have agreed to.
• If you are unhappy or feel intimidated by the visitor – shut the door and call the police.

If you do have work you wish to be carried out, why not use a trader who is a member of the Trading Standards operated Buy With Confidence scheme?

For a list of approved traders, visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or contact South Gloucestershire Trading Standards on 01454 864419 or email trading.standards@southglos.gov.uk.

If you believe you have fallen victim to a rogue trader, or would like some further pre-shopping advice, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.