Author: Lesley Webb

Parents are often the first to notice their child is being exploited. Would you know how to spot the signs? Join our free online session with Prevention Officer Andri Nicolaou on Monday 18 March 6pm – 7pm to: • Learn about different types of exploitation. • Understand the signs that a child may be at risk or being groomed. • Discover how offenders groom and exploit children, both on and offline. • Know how to keep your child safe and what to do if you have concerns. Please note the webinar will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. Join here: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzBkOTZkOTctMzk2NS00ZmRjLTg1ZWItOTBiYzIwOGExMGQ4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%222d72816c-7e1f-41c0-a948-47a8870ff33a%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2247ca402f-0b2a-494f-b3ba-1c0c4b43564d%22%7d

Following our earlier letters to you regarding Wessex Water’s plans to replace the deteriorating water main network throughout the village of Timberscombe in 2024, I am writing to update you on the progress of the project and confirm the details of the next stage of the work. 

As you may recall, we are installing new water mains throughout the village, an investment of nearly £850,000 to replace existing pipes that have suffered a significant number of bursts and causing inconvenience and disruption to customers in the area. 

The eight-month scheme to install new plastic pipes will ensure you have improved water quality and a more reliable source for years to come. 

Starting in mid-January, the opening two phases of the project have proceeded well, with work taking place on the A396 Timberscombe bypass, Vicarage Court and Bemberry Bank. 

The next phase 

There will be a road closure to through traffic at The Glebe and Forge Cottages between Monday 18 March and Friday 22 April 2024.

Access will be maintained for residents and businesses. Please speak to our on-site team with any specific access requirements. 

There may be some noise disruption while this work is carried, but every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum. 

You can continue to use your water supply services as normal unless we tell you otherwise. 

Anything else you need to know?  

We have attached the scheme map with this letter. 

We will continue to write to homes and businesses most immediately affected by future individual stages to remind them of the closures and measures in place, as well as any other information. We are also updating the parish council throughout the course of the project. 

What should you do? 

You don’t need to do anything. If you have any further questions about our work, please call 0345 600 4 600 or visit wessexwater.co.uk/contact-us      

If you are a business or other non-household property you will need to contact your water retailer with any enquiries. You can find their contact details on your most recent water bill.    

Need some extra support?   

We know that some customers need extra help due to age, ill health, a disability, mental illness or additional needs. This may include easy access to water during a leak or outage, help reading your meter, or setting up a password for when we visit. You can register for Priority Services on our website at wessexwater.co.uk/priorityservices or call us on 0345 600 4 600.  

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

Yours faithfully    

Egidijus Mockevicius  

Wessex Water 

Grabbist Hill Benefice Newsletter 08.03.24

There have been recent reports of “Nottingham Knockers” operating in the Watchet & Old Cleeve areas. These are cold callers who usually tell residents that they are ex-offenders trying to go straight, then try and sell poor quality and over-priced cleaning products, they may also offer services such as roof or driveway repairs and cleaning. The police want to remind residents they are under no obligation to answer the door to anyone they don’t know or aren’t expecting. If you do talk to them, they are supposed to be able to provide a valid Pedlar’s Certificate and should leave your property when asked. Police always recommend using a door chain and asking to see the identification of unexpected callers. If you are suspicious of a caller ring 101 straight away or 999 in an emergency • keep your cash in the bank, not at home • keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room Remember, genuine callers: Expect you to check their identification before opening the door • would never try to rush you by claiming there’s an emergency • will happily make an appointment to come back when you can have a relative or friend with you. Take time to consider your options and research costs from other providers, if in doubt contact your local trading standards. There are many types of doorstep crime, including: • Bogus callers exploit vulnerable people within their own homes to steal cash/valuables or carry out fraudulent schemes. • Rogue traders cold call at homes and overcharge for unnecessary work, damage property deliberately and use intimidating behaviour to extort money. • Distraction burglary is when a person tries to gain access to your home by trying to trick you into believing they need help or are officials in the area. Very often they will operate in pairs, so one attempts the distraction whilst the other one takes the opportunity to steal things in your home. If you feel pressured by any cold caller, have the confidence to be firm and say no. If you know someone who may have been a victim of doorstep crime and you don’t want to talk to the police, contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the below link: Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) Attachments: doorstep-crime.pdf