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Author: FVCA

Mark the New Year with a Cheer NOT with a Bang

Fireworks near the countryside can be a concern for farmers and pet owners.


Loud noises can scare animals and the waste from fireworks can harm wildlife. Last months fireworks killed one cow in Fairfield and traumatised others.


When bringing in the New Year, remember to Respect, Protect & Enjoy nature.

Planning Application – New Barn Farm, Swan Lane

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
http://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.


• Click on the link above
• Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
Access.
• When at the summary page
• To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
the .
• To make a comment click on the tab,
• Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
• If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.

APPLICATION REFERENCE :21/01807/AGR
APPLICATION TYPE:Agricultural Notification
DATE ACCEPTED:09.12.2021
LOCATION:New Barn Farm, Swan Lane Fairfield Bromsgrove Worcestershire B61 0BU
PROPOSAL:A general purpose fodder and machinery store
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:Belbroughton Parish
WARD:Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:David Kelly
TELEPHONE:01527 881666
EMAILdavid.kelly@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Do you know where to report scam messages?

Fake emails and text messages are a common tactic used by cyber criminals, their goal is often to convince you to click a link. Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords and personal information.

In order to try and convince you that their messages are legitimate, criminals will pretend to be someone you trust, or from some organisation you trust. This could be your Internet Service Provider (ISP), local council, even a friend in need. And they may contact you by phone call, email or text message.

Reporting suspicious emails:

If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, you can report it by forwarding the email to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service at: report@phishing.gov.uk

As of 31st October 2021, the number of suspicious email reports stands at more than 8,100,000, with the removal of more than 67,000 scams and 124,000 URLs.

Thank you for your continued support.

*In a small number of cases, an email may not reach our service due to it already being widely recognised by spam detection services. The vast majority of reports do reach our system so please keep reporting any suspicious emails you receive.

Reporting suspicious text messages:

You can report suspicious text messages to your mobile network provider, for free, by forwarding the text to 7726.

If you forward a text, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious. If 7726 doesn’t work, you can find out how to report a text message by contacting your provider.

(On many Android devices and iPhones, pressing and holding on the message bubble should present the option to forward the message)

For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware

Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends.

Lunch Cancelled – January 2022

Due to the increased Covid transmission rates and as a precautionary measure, January’s Dining Group lunch has been cancelled. All being well, the next lunch will be on 21st February at The Gate at Bournheath

318 Bus Service Rumour Not True

Mr. Kevin Nind, proprietor of Kev’s Coaches, has contacted the Community Association say that one of his drivers, Justin, has told been told by some passengers that they have been informed that the 318 bus service is ceasing after Christmas. Mr. Nind says that there is no truth in this rumour.

Tools Theft

Recently, some tools have been stolen from an outbuilding on Dordale.

Please review your shed and outbuilding security, for advice visit https://www.westmercia.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/secure-shed-garage/

Mark all your tools – SmartWater property marking kits can be obtained Free Of Charge from FVCA for residents and businesses in Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge, for a kit email admin@fvca.org.uk Should items be recovered, SmartWater provides traceability of items back to the rightful owner and a 100% conviction rate.

Getting extra help with the Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. Energy & Water suppliers and network operators offer it. Each keeps their own register. You need to contact your energy supplier or network operator to get on it, i.e. for our area Western Power by filling in their online form ( https://www.westernpower.co.uk/customers-and-community/priority-services/priority-services-register) or by telephoning 0800 9177953, or for Water contacting Severn Trent Water Priority Services register here.

What is the Priority Service Register?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) provides extra help and additional support during a power cut for elderly, very ill or disabled people, or those who rely on power for medical equipment.

Energy Companies

All energy companies, including gas and electricity companies, and network suppliers who deliver the power, work together to care for customers who need some extra help and support.

Help you can get:

  • Advance notice of planned power cuts. If you rely on your energy supply for medical reasons your network operator can tell you about planned power cuts. For example, when they plan engineering work.
  • Priority support in an emergency. Network operators could provide heating and cooking facilities if you are cut off supply.
  • Identification and password scheme. This could include arranging a password or agreed on picture cards if callers need to visit or contact you. This way you can feel confident they are genuine.
  • Nominee scheme. You can nominate someone to receive communications and bills from your supplier. For example, a family member, carer or someone you trust.
  • Help with prepayment meter access. For example, moving a meter if you can’t safely get to it to top up.
  • Regular meter reading services. For example, if nobody can read your meter.
  • Accessible information. For example, account info and bills in large print or braille.

Suppliers can offer free gas safety checks every 12 months. You can request a safety check if you get a means-tested benefit and either:

  • live with a child under five years old
  • live alone or with others and have reached state pension age
  • live alone or with others and are disabled or chronically ill
  • live with others who have reached state pension age or are disabled, chronically ill or under 18 years old.

You are eligible if you:

  • have reached your state pension age
  • are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
  • are recovering from an injury
  • have a hearing or sight condition
  • have a mental health condition
  • are pregnant or have children under 5
  • have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well).

You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn’t listed. For example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital.

Water companies

Water companies also offer similar support services for vulnerable people.

You can join the Severn Trent Water Priority Services register here.