Wiggenhall St. Germans Parish Council

  • HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL DAYS

    Household Hazardous Waste Days, September and October 2020

    the County Council will again be running a series of free, weekend-long events at seven of the larger recycling centres where householders can dispose of their leftover household chemicals and paint.

    Wood preservatives, insect and weed killers, paint, thinners, varnishes and special cleaning products are among the wide range of household chemicals that will be accepted. These are products that can be too dangerous to be tipped down drains or sent for disposal with ordinary household waste without causing environmental damage. In addition we will be  operating collections of reusable paint at all of the sites which will be passed onto a third party.

    The Household Hazardous Waste Days will be taking place at the following recycling centres: Saddlebow

    Friday 11th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September

    9am-5pm

    FINAL 2020 Hazard_Waste Advert flyer

  • Protect Norfolk Campaign – TRACK AND TRACE

    Norfolk’s TRACK AND TRACE Campaigns, Posters and Information

     From the Editor’s Desk

    Norfolk County Council have asked us to give further, wider publicity to some key messages about the Track and Trace System : these are detailed below.

    We are all horribly aware that we are by no means out of the Covid‑19 woods yet and the situation is changing almost daily.

    The Protect Norfolk Campaign realises there are four key measures which everyone should adopt to help prevent a resurgence which are:

    a.   Frequent and Regular Hand Washing with soap.  The ‘regular’ bit of this means: washing hands when it is possible or likely you have had contact with surfaces that may be contaminated such as goods in shops or surfaces used by people outside your bubble.  Use water above 77o Fahrenheit or 25 o Centigrade.

    b.   Social Distancing. Keep at least two metres apart wherever possible

    c.    Use a Face Mask when in public places

    d.   Stay at home as much as possible.

    Additionally: everyone should observe any special rules for particular events or circumstances which are continually being updated.   For the latest information these are definitive and reliable sources.

    ·         https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

    ·         https://wwwnorfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/coronavirus

    ·         the BBC News App

    Remember: these measures are to protect not only yourself but everyone else you come in contact with.

    To learn how Soap KILLS the virus listen to this programme from the BBC world Service : https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cszv5y if you can’t listen to it all, start 24 and a half minutes in.

    Key Messages From Norfolk County Council

    Keeping Yourselves and Others Safe

    Coronavirus is still with us. Cases in Norfolk are low and we want to keep them that way. The best thing to do to protect ourselves and others is to continue to wash our hands regularly, keep our distance from others and wear a face covering in shops and on public transport.

    To protect others, you and everyone living in your house should isolate straight away if you show symptoms. The symptoms are: a new continuous cough; fever; or a loss or change in your taste and smell.

    As soon as you isolate, visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to book a test. Everyone is eligible to get a test if they have symptoms. You can choose either a drive-through test or a home test kit. Stay in isolation until you receive your results, which will include instructions on what to do next.

    NHS Test and Trace will contact people who test positive for Covid-19. They will ask you about who you have been in contact with from two days before onset of symptoms to seven days after. This will identify people at risk who could pass on the virus before (or without) showing symptoms themselves.

    For more information about how to stay safe and how to get support if you need it whilst isolating visit: norfolk.gov.uk/coronavirus

    ____________

     

    Protect Ourselves, Protect Others, Protect Norfolk 

    A Norfolk Local Outbreak Control Plan has been launched under the strapline Protect Ourselves, Protect Others, Protect Norfolk to set out how the county will support the national NHS Test and Trace programme to prevent and contain the spread of coronavirus.

    The plan sets out how Norfolk’s Public Health will work with a range of County Council departments and community partners to prevent local outbreaks in the first place. However, if outbreaks do occur, the plan sets out how they will be tracked in specific work places, settings, and communities and managed to limit further transmission. Also detailed is how Norfolk residents can find further guidance and support.

    Norfolk’s Director of Public Health has led on the development of our Local Outbreak Control Plan in partnership with district councils, NHS Chief Executives, and the Norfolk Resilience Forum.

    It was developed after the Government announced that every area of England should produce a plan to prevent and manage local outbreaks of coronavirus as lockdown measures are eased.

    Prevention is key, and with further restrictions having been lifted, measures such as hand washing, social distancing in public places, and encouraging people to access testing immediately if they are unwell, are more important than ever.

    _______________

     

    New Business Toolkit and our FREE Information Pack for Tourism.

    Our new toolkit for accommodation providers is aimed at helping Norfolk visitors keep themselves and others safe. It contains a step-by-step guide on what you need to do if a guest has suspected coronavirus, as well as a guest poster and guest information leaflet.

    Our free information pack for businesses, provides further information and resources on keeping staff and customers as safe as possible from coronavirus and can be accessed using the following link:

    Coronavirus Toolkit for Businesses and Tourism

    The tourism pack contains:

    The business toolkit contains:

    Our new toolkit gives updates on topics from the first issue, and also gives businesses information, resources and ideas on how to engage with NHS Test and Trace.

    Thank you for keeping away from me (poster 2)

    Please note: Norfolk County Council are also planning to send a letter and information leaflet to all households in Norfolk in late August/early September to encourage people to get tested should they have symptoms.

     

    Hope this is both interesting and useful

  • Emergency Notice Road Closure

    NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL

    (wiggenhall st GERMANS) (EMERGENCY NOTICE)

    TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTION 2020

    Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984 – Section 14(2)

     In accordance with the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, the Norfolk County Council HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that owing to NCC recycling the carriageway the use by vehicles of the Thiefgate Lane from its junction with Mill Road to its junction with High Road in the PARISH OF WIGGENHALL ST GERMANS will be temporarily prohibited from 17th July 2020 to 22nd July 2020 for the duration of the works, expected to be about 6 days within the period. If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 21 days.

    Alternative route is via: Low Road, High Road Roundabout, High Road, Lynn Road, Mill Road.

    (If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 18 months from the date of the Order)

    Penalty: £1000 maximum fine on conviction and/or endorsement for contravention.

    The person dealing with enquiries at Norfolk County Council is Adrian Stout (Community and Environmental Services Department) Telephone 0344 800 8020.

    Dated this 17th day of July 2020

    Helen Edwards

    Chief Legal Officer

    County Hall

    Martineau Lane

    Norwich

    NR1 2DH

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Opening of the Play Park during COVID19

    On the 4th July the Government restrictions are being eased and the play park can be opened.  To do so an inspection has taken place and a risk assessment carried out with mitigation put in place to reduce the risk.

    The risk is not eliminated and your safety is reliant on following the guidance and taking a responsible approach to using it. If everyone follows the guidance the children can enjoy the park again.

    Please take a couple of minutes to read the guidance

  • River bank damage flood risk

    Residents have noted several instances of motorbikes being ridden along the river banks, this can cause unseen damage to the river bank’s integrity and increase the risk of a breach with the untold devastation that would entail.

    Please refrain from riding motorbikes on the riverbanks for the safety of everyone.

  • Balfour Beatty – Islington Pumping Station Project – Tidal Working

    I am just writing to inform you that we will be carrying out tidal working at the Islington Pumping Station site for the next month on the outfall structure piling and excavation.

    This will necessitate us beginning work later in the day and will result in our working day finishing early evening. We shall of course endeavour to finish as early as possible in the evenings. This should hopefully have minimal impact on the local residents.

    All impact hammer works will be limited as much as possible and we have employed a ‘silent piler’ to carry out the work (as pictured) – this uses a hydraulic press to install the piles and therefore noise and vibration should be virtually undetectable.

    Again, we will do everything within our power to ensure that these works cause minimum disruption to the local community.  I have sent a post out on the Next Door site advising everyone of the works and thanking them all for their continued support, as well as apologising for any inconvenience caused.

    Work on site is continuing to progress well

  • Extended Road Closure – Saddlebow 6-14th July to 7th August

    NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL has made a Temporary Traffic Order affecting Thiefgate Lane/Low Road from its junction with Mill Road to its junction with High Road at the roundabout in the PARISH OF SADDLEBOW because of Norfolk County Council recycling works to the carriageway.

    The road will be temporarily closed (except for access) from 6th July 2020 to 14th July 2020 for the duration of the works, expected to be 9 days within the period. This Period has been extended to 7th August

    Alternative route is via: Watlington Road, Mill Road, Lynn Road, High Road, High Road Roundabout, Willow Road, Low Road (Saddlebow, Wiggenhall St Germans).

    (If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 18 months from the date of the Order).

    Penalty: £1000 maximum fine on conviction and/or endorsement for contravention.

    In the event of the start date being delayed the new start date will be displayed on site in advance.

    The person dealing with enquiries at Norfolk County Council is Adrian Stout (Community and Environmental Services) Telephone 0344 800 8020.

  • Scam Alerts

     
    Please find below the latest Consumer & scam alerts from Norfolk Trading Standards.
    Kind regards
    PC Pete Davison
    North Norfolk Community Engagement Officer

    Scam Alert – Social Media messages claiming to be from ‘Dominos’ offering ‘2 Large Pizza for Free’ – 26 May 2020

    Be aware of social media messages claiming to be from Dominos offering ‘2 Large Pizza for Free’. It’s a scam.

    Scammers are continuing to use the coronavirus pandemic to spam people with claims that these offers are ‘supporting the Nation’ during this time.

    If you get a message like this, do not interact with it in any way and do not like or share on your social media profile.

    Scam Alert – Facebook Messenger asking to borrow money – 22 May 2020

    We are warning Facebook users to be aware of messages from existing Facebook friends sent via the Messenger service which asks to borrow money.

    The message will give a reason why the money is needed ‘urgently’ and will be followed by further messages pressuring the recipient into sending the money.

    These messages come from a Facebook friend’s account but are actually sent by fraudsters who have hacked the friend’s Facebook account and taken control of it.

    If you receive this or a similar message via Messenger, do not interact with the message and contact the friend via another route if possible. Advise them their Facebook profile may have been compromised.

    Find out more about keeping your Facebook account secure, including activating login alerts and two-factor authorisation.

    Scam Alert – Further examples of scam text messages claiming to be from PayPal – 28 May 2020

    With more people ordering items online, we are warning residents about scam text messages claiming to be from PayPal.

    A recent example says that ‘you have (1) important unread message’. The message then provides a link to ‘view & resolve the current issue with your account’.

    These text messages are not genuine and are not connected with PayPal.

    If you receive this or a similar text message, delete it without clicking on any links.

    If you are concerned about the security of an online account, contact the provider directly via their genuine website or app.

    Never use links or details provided in a text message.

    You can report suspected text message scams to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

    News Alert – Norfolk Against Scams Partnership launch anti-scamming campaign during Covid-19 – 21 May 2020

    Agencies from across Norfolk have come together to warn residents to be extra vigilant of new and existing scams during the Covid-19 pandemic. A three-week campaign is being headed up by the Norfolk Against Scams Partnership, with a membership comprising Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards, Norfolk Constabulary, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCCN), voluntary agencies, businesses and residents.

    There will be a different focus on partners’ social media platforms each week, using the hashtag #NorfolkScamAware:

    • Trusted information – to guide the public to useful information and support agencies.
    • Protect – to give advice on how people can better equip themselves to identify the signs of scamming.
    • Watch Out – to make victims aware of the Norfolk Scam Prevention Service and the new scams that have emerged due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    If you’re on Facebook or Twitter search for the hashtag #NorfolkScamAware and share some of the information with your family, friends, neighbours and in the community where you live.

    Scam Alert – Emails claiming to be from ‘TV Licensing’ – 20 May 2020

    There continues to be a range of emails circulating claiming to be from TV Licencing.

    Recent examples have included emails claiming to be a ‘COVID19 Personalized Offer’ stating you are eligible for ‘1 x 6 months of free TVLicence’.

    These emails are not from TV Licencing and any links contained within the message are likely to go to a genuine-looking fake version of the TV Licencing website which will attempt to gather personal and financial details.

    Our advice is always be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way.

    TV Licensing offer the following advice to help spot scam TV Licence emails:

    • Check the sender’s email address – TV Licensing will only send emails from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk (or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk)
    • Check how scammers address you – genuine TV Licensing emails will always use your title and last name. Scammers may simply use your email address, say ‘Dear Customer’ or nothing at all
    • Check links in the email – do not click on links or attachments. If you’re unsure, you can inspect links first. On a computer, hover over the link with your mouse (but don’t click it). On a mobile or tablet, press down and hold (don’t release while on the link)
    • Check addresses of any websites it takes you to – scammers can’t use ‘www.tvlicensing.co.uk’ for copy-cat sites. They’ll try to disguise this so carefully inspect the full address in the browser bar

    You can report suspicious emails received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

    Information Alert – EasyJet Cyber Incident – 19 May 2020

    EasyJet has confirmed that it had suffered a cyber-attack and is in the process of contacting affected customers following the incident.

    The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued the following advice for EasyJet customers:

    • Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of online crime can report a cyber incident using Action Fraud’s online fraud reporting tool anytime of the day or night or call 0300 123 2040. For further information visit www.actionfraud.police.uk
    • If you’re an EasyJet customer, we recommend changing your password on your EasyJet account – and if you know you’ve used that password anywhere else, change it there too. The best way to make your password long and strong is by using a sequence of three random words you’ll remember

    There is more information on the NCSC website:

    • Now would also be a good time to check if your account has appeared in any other public data breaches. Visit haveibeenpwned.com, enter your email address and go from there
    • Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a free security feature that gives you an extra layer of protection online and can stop cyber criminals getting into your accounts – even if they have your password. If it is available, then we suggest using it on all your important accounts
    • If your account has been compromised, your personal details may be used to help craft more convincing scam emails. If you believe you have received a suspicious email then you can report it to the NCSC using the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) but the NCSC has produced advice which will help you spot the most obvious signs of scam emails
    • EasyJet confirmed that 2,208 credit card details were accessed in this incident. If you were one of them, you should be notified of this by EasyJet. We advise that you monitor your accounts for any unusual activity and if you’re worried, get in touch with your bank’s fraud department. There is more information on the NCSC website

    Scam Alert – Further reports of telephone cold callers claiming to be police officers – 19 May 2020

    We have received a further report of a Norfolk resident receiving a telephone cold call claiming to be from a police officer.

    In this incident, the male cold caller claimed to be a police officer from the ‘Met Police’ and stated he was calling about the resident’s bank card which ‘had been breached’.

    During the call the male also mentioned ‘the Serious Fraud Office’ and ‘the Flying Squad’ as being involved. He then said the resident should ‘call 999 immediately’ to ‘verify his information’.

    Courier fraud happens when a fraudster contacts a victim by telephone claiming to be a police officer, bank or from a government department, among other agencies. Several techniques will then be adopted in order to convince the victim to hand over their bank details or cash, which may then be passed on to a courier.

    Residents are reminded that neither your bank nor the police will never ask you to withdraw money or purchase items.

    If you receive this or a similar call do not follow the instructions given. Instead:

    • Hang Up
    • Either wait five minutes for your phone line to clear, use a mobile phone or a different phone line; and
    • Call and report to Norfolk Police via 101

    In an emergency always call 999.

    Please continue to share these warnings and advice with family, friends and anyone within your community who could be vulnerable to this type of approach.

    Scam Alert – Text messages regarding ‘Cervical Screening’ – 18 May 2020

    We are again highlighting a warning after some women reported being contacted by text message, with the sender claiming to be from the ‘call and recall service’ to advise that ‘they are overdue for screening’.

    The message then states you need to call a mobile number and provide personal details.

    These messages are not from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme. If you receive this message do not respond or call the number.

    Contact when it is time to book your cervical screening appointment will be sent by post. This letter will tell you where you can go for cervical screening and how to book.

    Speak to your GP surgery if you have questions about cervical screening invitations, results or any symptoms you have.

    You can report suspicious text messages to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer service on freephone 0808 223 1133.

    Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Amazon’ – 18 May 2020

    We are again warning residents to be on their guard for telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Amazon’.

    This follows a report from a Norfolk resident who received a call which delivered a recorded message stating, ‘this is Amazon’. The message then went on to say that ‘your Amazon Prime is about to be renewed and a payment of £79.99 will be taken from your bank account’. The call then claimed that you could ‘Press 1 to speak to an Amazon Service Manager to discontinue this’.

    These calls are a scam and are not connected with Amazon in any way. If you receive this or a similar call our advice is do not interact with the call and hang up.

    If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

  • Eau Brink Road Closure – 25 May to 9 Sept 20

    Anglian Water require the road to be closed from Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May.  The road will be re-opened on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May but will then regrettably need to be closed again by Balfour Beatty from Monday 1st June until Wednesday 9th September.

    These road closures have obviously been agreed with Norfolk County Council but we would like to express our sincere regret for any inconvenience this course of action will cause.

  • Temp Road Closure – Eau Brink Rd 25-29th May

    NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL has made a Temporary Traffic Order affecting the Eau Brink Road from a point 800 metres north of its junction with the Sluice Road for a distance of 20 metres northwards in the PARISH OF WIGGENHALL ST GERMANS because of Anglian Water works for a new connection.

    The road will be temporarily closed (except for access) from 25th May 2020 to 29th May 2020 for the duration of the works, expected to be 5 days within the period.

    Alternative route is via: Eau Brink Road, Sluice Road, The Avenue, High Road, Islington Road, Lynn Road, Pullover Road, A47 From J A17 To Roundabout At Tilney All Saints (Tilney St. Lawrence/ Tilney All Saints/ Wiggenhall St. Germans).

    (If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 18 months from the date of the Order).

    Penalty: £1000 maximum fine on conviction and/or endorsement for contravention.

    In the event of the start date being delayed the new start date will be displayed on site in advance.

    The person dealing with enquiries at Norfolk County Council is Adrian Stout (Community and Environmental Services) Telephone 0344 800 8020.