Blog

Somerset Health and Wellbeing Updates  Summer holidays are here and in this weeks edition of the newsletter we are sharing details on the summer immunisation catch up clinics available for children and young people, summer activity clubs and videos on healthy, cheap easy to source recipes for families.

Benefice Newsletter 22nd July 2022

Police Exmoor Newsletter

Police Minehead and W Somerset Newsletter

Timberscombe School Friday News 22.07.22

Somerset West and Taunton Council Updates:

1. SWT consulting on new taxi fare cap proposal

SWT is seeking the public’s views in response to new requests to increase the maximum fares charged by local taxis. Requests from the local taxi trade to reconsider the fare cap have been put to SWT on account of the rising cost in fuel.

The maximum fares were increased as recently as February, but according to the RAC, the price of petrol has since risen by 26.5% with diesel up by 28.1%, giving rise to concerns that operating a taxi could cease to be viable for many, which would negatively impact members of the public who rely on hackney carriage services.

The public is now being consulted on proposals to reduce the initial £2.40 distance charge from 425 yards to 390 yards and similarly, the subsequent 20p distance charge from 145 yards to 135 yards. Note, neither the existing fare cap nor proposed changes apply to private hire vehicles.

Any members of the public wishing to object can have their say via the Council’s Taxi Fare Increase Proposal consultation webpage, which will remain open until 3 August 2022.

Please click here to read the full press release.

2. £8.3m Toneway Project moves into home straight

Taunton’s Toneway Creech Castle junction improvement project is entering the final phase towards completion later this summer. The multi-million-pound project, designed to increase capacity at the junction and improve cycling and pedestrian connections, started in August 2021 and is progressing well. As part of the essential work to complete this scheme and allow the team full access to the road there will need to be night-time closures of Toneway for about six weeks from 25 July. Undertaking the work in the evening when the traffic levels are much lower will significantly reduce the impact of the finishing works.

The closures will be in place from 8pm until 6am weekday evenings only from 25 July to 31 August. The road will be open during the evening at weekends.

This will be a full closure from the Hankridge roundabout to the Asda junction inbound and from the Wickes roundabout to the Hankridge roundabout outbound.

You can read more on the Toneway project here, including plans, videos and FAQs www.travelsomerset.co.uk/Toneway/. Please click here to read the full press release.

3. Exmoor National Park Authority (ENP)

Proposed Diversion Order, Combeshead, Parish of Cutcombe Highways Act 1980 Public Footpath WL6/12 & WL6/25

Proposed Public Path Diversion Order 2022

Exmoor National Park Authority is proposing to divert part of public footpath WL6/12 and part of public footpath WL6/25 in the parish of Cutcombe. Prior to making a Diversion Order, ENP would like to hear your views on this proposal.  Please click here to see the proposal summary, schedule and plan.

Please return any comments on the proposal by 19 August 2022 to cerirapsey@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or to Ceri Rapsey, Rights of Way Support Officer, Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton, TA22 9HL.

If you would like to meet on site to discuss the proposal prior to making your comments, please do not hesitate to contact the Public Rights of Way and Access Officer, Sue Applegate on 01398 322292.

4. HM Coastguard Watchet – Respect the Water

Are you going surfing, kayaking, boating or paddle boarding this weekend?

There are many ways to enjoy your time in the sea, but the Coastguard want you to feel the fun not the fear as accidents can happen frighteningly fast Don’t take risks at the coast this weekend and follow the tips below:

• Check the tides
• Keep hydrated, seek shade and be #WeatherAware. Remember alcohol and the sea do not mix
• Have a means of calling for help
• Download the @RoyalYachtingAssociation SafeTrx app
• Ensure you have a lifejacket/PFD
• In more remote locations, carry a 406 Personal Locator Beacon
• Carry a VHF marine band radio (fitted with DSC if possible) and learn how to use it. In an emergency call the Coastguard on channel 16
• Scuba divers: familiarise yourself with new or different gear before planning deep dives and dive within your limits. Never dive alone

Trouble in the water? Lie back and #FloatToLive. If you or someone else is in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Please click here for further safety information.

5. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFRS) – Warning about high-risk wildfires

With the hot and dry weather continuing, the risk of wildfires is high. Please take care in the countryside with flames and cigarettes. Avoid BBQs and always take your litter home.

If you spot a fire, call 999 and use what3words to help the fire service locate the incident.

6. Community Support – What help is out there? 

Food vouchers return for Summer Holidays

Schools will once again provide food vouchers to families eligible for Free School Meals to combat holiday hunger over the summer holidays.
SCC is distributing approximately £1.2m from the Government’s Household Support Fund directly to schools to help fund food vouchers for children eligible for Free School Meals over the summer holidays.
The allocation for this summer provides vouchers worth £10 per pupil each week of the holidays.  Schools will automatically provide food vouchers to eligible students.

Eligible families who are in urgent need can also apply for extra short term financial help by searching Somerset Household Support Fund online. The quickest way to get help is online, but if access to the internet is difficult or support is needed to apply, families can call 0300 123 2224 and SCC will help find an organisation who will support families to make an application.

Please click here to read the full press release.

7. Somerset Jobs

Taunton Jobs Fair – Wednesday 28 September 10.30am – 4.00pm 

Somerset County Cricket Club In partnership with Somerset Jobs, SWT and JobCentre Plus:

There will be a wide range of employers and job opportunities, along with training and support offers for everyone to explore. All welcome.

8. Action Fraud

Over £1.5million lost to WhatsApp scam messages

A convincing WhatsApp scam where criminals pose as a friend or family member in need has cost victims over £1.5 million this year.

New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, reveals the continued threat posed by a scam that involves criminals contacting victims on WhatsApp and pretending to be their friend or a family member.

The scam has been reported to Action Fraud 1,235 times between 3 February and 21 June this year and has cost users a total of £1.5m.

Criminals will typically claim to be a family member and will usually begin the conversation with “Hello Mum” or “Hello Dad”.

They will say that they are texting from a new mobile number as their phone was lost or damaged and will go on to ask for money to purchase a new phone, or claim that they need money urgently to pay a bill.

The criminal will supply their bank details for payment, with some coming back on multiple occasions until the victim realises, they’ve been scammed.

Please click here to read the full press release.

Stop Scams UK Ltd / Global Cyber Alliance – The 159-telephone service

Consumers wanting to avoid financial fraud now have a secure and easy-to-remember phone number to contact their banks on to avoid painful scams. It could prove to be the safest way for many to contact their provider if they have suspicions and concerns about their accounts, or even if they’re struggling to find a customer services number.

Stop Scams UK and Global Cyber Alliance have launched, the UK-wide 159 call service, which is designed to guarantee consumers a safe route to contacting their banks.

The scheme is urging people to “stop, hang up and call 159” to check calls are for real. The idea is to help those who believe they have been contacted by scammers claiming to be their bank, or by fraudsters who encourage them to transfer money.

159 works in the same way as 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS. It’s the number you can trust to get you through to your bank, every time

Please click here to find out more about “159”.

Message from Oliver re sheep field:

Just been down to check the sheep in Heber Vale, I have come across the 10′ gate left open and the “keep dogs on leads” sign ripped off the hunting gate.

MAY I REMIND THE VILLAGE THAT THIS IS AGRICULTURAL LAND AND THAT NEEDS TO BE RESPECTED.

I know it’s hot and your struggling to get about but if the gate was closed, shut it behind you. If the sheep get out they’ll stress even more in this heat which could be fatal. Also these signs are fitted to remind you that dogs no matter how well trained cause a threat to livestock and again in this weather any livestock worrying will be fatal even if the dog doesn’t get hold of a sheep. If so, I will find out the perpetrator and you will end up with a hefty fine.

Also if people are going to use the pool please be quite and try not to disturb the sheep, they need the water and shade more than yourselves.  If there is anymore major trouble we shall fence the footpath off. Please note that Heber Vale Lane is also private and a padlock could be fitted to the top gate.

Oliver Hill

If anybody sees the selfish person who is doing this please inform the Police immediately on 101, or contact the local PCSO, Linda Brooks on:  Linda.Brooks@avonandsomerset.police.uk.

One stupid person will ruin this amenity for all of us.

Lesley

All are welcome – as are any further offers of raffle prizes and cakes and small items to sell. We look forward to seeing you there.

Somerset Health and Wellbeing Updates including advice on keeping cool in the heatwave and vaccination centres in the region.

Rural Affairs Newsletter from Avon and Somerset Police highlighting theft prevention measures

Dunster Benefice Newsletter 15th July 2022

Somerset Waste Partnership Services (SWP)

Put your waste out the night before due to heatwave!

Residents are asked to put their rubbish and recycling out the night before collection as waste crews across Somerset gear up for next week’s extreme heat. Crews could be starting collections as early as 5.30am to avoid the worst of the sweltering heat forecast for Monday and Tuesday (18 and 19 July). Having boxes, bags and bins out the night before is the best way to make sure they are ready to go when the crews arrive.

SWP and SUEZ are also urging people to be extra patient and take extra care to sort recycling into the right containers to help hard-pressed crews. Temperatures are forecast to hit more than 30 degrees Celsius at the start of the week, and crews will be ready with hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles. With more than 70,000 collections to make each day, they are also being encouraged to take short breaks in the shade if needed.

On average, a recycling loader can walk up to ten miles on a round, collecting from hundreds of homes picking up nearly 1,000 boxes and bags. Extreme heat makes that tough job even harder and that could mean some delayed collections. SWP and its collections contractor SUEZ are asking for the public’s patience and a little bit of help in the extreme conditions.

Please click here to read the full press release.

Teams on standby to protect road surfaces in extreme heat

SCC’s gritters will be mobilised to treat ‘melting’ road surfaces as the county prepares for extreme temperatures in the next few days. With an Amber Weather Warning in place and temperatures set to hit 29C this weekend and climbing to 35C early next week, road temperatures could become high enough for the asphalt to soften and melt. This makes the road surface unstable and potentially hazardous. SCC will be monitoring the situation carefully but if you spot a problem please call the contact centre immediately, or if it’s at the weekend call 101 for Avon and Somerset Police and they will relay the location to the Highways teams.

You can reach the contact centre on 0300 1232224.

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Exmoor National Park Authority (ENP) 

Barlynch Priory – Open Afternoon Wednesday 20 July 2pm-4pm

Explore the ruins and discover the history of Barlynch Priory, in a beautiful, wooded valley setting beside the River Exe near Dulverton. Founded 1174-89 and dissolved 1536, the remains of one building are still clearly visible, surrounded by a network of earthworks and historic buildings that help reveal the story of Barlynch Priory. There are self-guided and guided walks options available with leaflets and interpretation panels. Access by kind permission of the owners. No booking required.

Directions: Beside the A396, one mile north of Helebridge near Dulverton TA22 9NG. SS92922890. What three words ///minimums.cheered.screening

Parking is available in the field adjacent to the Priory. The grounds are rough pasture, with mainly level walking. No dogs. Donations to Caremoor for Exmoor.

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Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFRS) – Warning about high-risk wildfires

With the hot and dry weather continuing, the risk of wildfires is high. Please take care in the countryside with flames and cigarettes. Avoid BBQs and always take your litter home. If you spot a fire, call 999 and, if you can, use what3words to help the fire service locate the incident.

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Climate e-Newsletter Issue 3 is now available

The Climate Change Team has published its latest ‘Climate News’ which gets sent to SWT residents and businesses who sign up to receive a copy. The newsletter aims to showcase all the great work that is happening across SWT to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030.

The July issue of the Climate e-Newsletter is available to view online here.

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Crime / Safeguarding – How to spot a text message scam

Messaging scams can be very convincing, so it’s important to know what to watch out for to stay ahead of the fraudsters. Scammers are increasingly taking advantage of smartphones and are getting very clever with how they try to take your hard-earned money.

They can even make it look like a legitimate organisation is contacting you via text or a messaging app by using identity masking technology to change the name displayed as the sender. This is known as ‘number spoofing’.

If you get sent a scam message, it’s important you report it so others don’t fall victim. Reporting a scam message is free and it will help stop the spread of these messages

Fraudsters can use many different types of messaging systems and apps, like SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Google Hangouts, Snapchat and many other platforms to try scam you out of your money.

Please click here to find out how to report scams and warn others.

 Spot a scam bank message

If you get a message purporting to be from your bank, always treat this with caution. And know the eight things your bank will never ask you. Your bank should never:

• Ask for your Pin or internet banking password
• Send someone to your home to collect cards or banking information
• Ask you to email or text personal or banking information
• Email a link where you have to then input your internet banking details
• Ask you to authorise a funds transfer which you haven’t requested
• Tell you to invest in diamonds, land or other commodities
• Ask you to carry out a test transaction
• Send you to a mobile app other than their own official app

How to avoid message scams

Here are a few tips to help you avoid message scams.

• Don’t follow any links

This is the most effective way to avoid text scams. Links can take you to cloned websites designed to steal your money or personal data. Because links are often shortened to help them fit into the message, it’s not always easy to tell the real ones from the fakes. Clicking on links could also lead you to download malware – malicious software that can take over your phone and access your data.

• Don’t share personal information

Treat all messages requesting sensitive information – or that link you to websites asking for personal details – with suspicion. Legitimate organisations will never text you to ask for your personal or banking details upfront.

• Contact the organisation directly if you’re unsure

If you’re not sure if a text is real, contact the company that claims to have sent it to check. Use the official contact details listed on the company’s website or documents you might have been sent, if it’s your bank then you can usually find its official number on the back of your credit or debit card.

• Don’t reply

Replying to a fake text, calling the number it’s been sent from or clicking through on suspicious links only lets the scammers know your number is being used. You might be bombarded with even more scam messages and calls. The number has likely been spoofed anyway, which means you’ll probably only be messaging an innocent member of the public who has had their number stolen.

• Report it

You report the fake text by forwarding it to 7726 – a free reporting service provided by phone operators. This information is then shared with the police and intelligence agencies working to stop text scams. If you’ve fallen victim to a text scam, you can report it to Action Fraud.

 Avon and Somerset Police (ASP) – How to avoid getting hooked by phishing scams

ASP are urging people to remain vigilant when it comes to suspicious messages to protect themselves from scammers.

Known as phishing, text messages and emails impersonating well-known organisations remains a common tactic used by criminals. Whether it’s a fake email asking for an individual to ‘verify’ bank details or a text message claiming they have been in contact with someone that has Covid-19, the goal is usually the same – to trick an individual into revealing personal and financial information.

Nationally, the most impersonated organisations in phishing emails reported last year were the NHS, HMRC and Gov.uk.

As of 31 May 2022, the public has made more than 12 million reports to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS), with the removal of approximately 83,000 scams and 153,000 malicious websites.

Please click here to read the full press release.