Merry Christmas

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Neighbourhood Management.

We look forward to hearing from you all in 2012. Our office in Dalton Rd is closed from 4pm today until Tuesday 3^rd January 2012.

Have fun and stay safe over the holidays.

Government advice 'The snow code' - tips on clearing snow and ice from pavements or public spaces

Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively. And don’t believe the myths - it's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries if you have cleared the path carefully.

Clear the snow and ice early in the day

It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.

Preventing slips

Pay extra attention to clearing snow and ice from steps and steep pathways - you might need to use more salt on these areas.

Use salt or sand - not water

Don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery.

You can melt snow or prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear.

Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may damage them.

If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as effectively as salt, but will provide good grip underfoot.

Take care where you move the snow

When you’re shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides.

Offer to clear your neighbours’ paths

If your neighbour will have difficulty getting in and out of their home, offer to clear snow and ice around their property as well. Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather. If you’re worried about them, try contacting their relatives or friends, or if necessary the local council.

For more info visit www.actionforhappiness.org

Environment Agency reveals the North West’s illegal waste sites

Derelict Mills filled with tyres and terraced houses stuffed with bin bags is the real picture of illegally dumped waste in the North West. Now a targeted campaign by the Environment Agency aims to catch and prosecute the criminals whose sites are putting communities at risk and legitimate traders out of business.

The push is part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the practice that is taking place on 594 sites across England and Wales. The North West is benefiting from a specialised team of officers who are using an intelligence-led approach to prevent and bring into regulation illegal waste sites.

In the North West 105 illegal sites are being investigated. By analysing trends in the type and location of the sites the Environment Agency can identify serial offenders and bring them to justice.

Old cotton mills filled with used tyres are a theme in East Lancashire, as well as empty houses being used for waste storage in Burnley.

This type of environmental crime affects legitimate waste disposal companies that are undercut by unregulated businesses with rock bottom prices. Householders and businesses have a duty of care to ensure that their waste is passed to registered waste carriers and ends up at licensed facilities.

The most common type of waste that is housed in illegal sites is construction and demolition waste, (29%) household and business waste, (25%) old cars and vehicle parts, (25%) and tyres (5%).  Un-regulated sites pose a risk to the public because of hazardous waste, pollution and the threat of fires.

The Environment Agency is using a range of approaches to stop waste crime including injunctions and prosecutions. The campaign is a message to illegal operators that penalties include up to five years in prison and unlimited fines.

Gordon Whitaker, Environment Manager for the Environment Agency said, “Illegal waste sites pose a threat to the health of the public, the environment and the economy. We have a committed team in the North West that is focused on identifying illegal waste sites and bringing about prosecutions where necessary to ensure the safe handling of waste in this region.“

Waste crime blights our communities putting people and the environment at risk ...

FACT: the Environment Agency are currently investigating reports of  74 Illegal Waste Sites in Lancashire and Cumbria, and 31 illegal waste sites in the areas of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside.

FACT: they work with the Serious Organised Crime Agency, HMRC and the Ports Authority to target serious, organised waste criminals.

FACT: penalties include up to five years in prison, unlimited fines and the confiscation of illicit profits. The Environment Agency has specialist teams who work with the Police and other enforcement agencies to tackle waste crime.

Photos of the Environment Agency tackling waste crime can be found at, http://www.flickr.com/photos/environment-agency/sets/72157628287623613/                                                 

24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline

The 24 hour National Domestic Violence

Freephone Helpline is 0808 2000 247

You can also report domestic violence online at http://www.notinmyhome.co.uk/.This can be about yourself, or someone you are concerned about and you do not have to give your details.

For further information visit www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk or www.womensaid.org.uk.

Passive drug dogs sniff out festive troublemakers in Barrow

Passive drugs dogs are helping officers to police the streets of Barrow in the lead up to Christmas as part of a policing operation to stamp out the use of illegal substances.

As well as using passive drugs dogs on the streets of Barrow, over the past two weekends the Barrow Community Policing team have conducted five search warrants after receiving information about the use of drugs during the local night time economy. So far, these have been carried out on Devon Street, Gloucester Street, Maple Street and Albert Street.

So far, six people have been arrested and are currently on bail as a result of these warrants.

Barrow Neighbourhood Policing team have also joined forces with dog handlers and their passive drug dogs who have helped to sniff out any illegal substances on revellers who are enjoying Barrow’s nightlife.

Passive drug detection dogs are specially trained to patrol crowded areas quietly indicating when they detect the scent of illegal drugs on a person. This indication then gives the police the ability to search individuals and take action if drugs are located.

Inspector David Bosson said: “So far, this operation has been well received and supported by the licensees in Barrow who are, like us, determined to eradicate drugs in their premises and help ensure Barrow remains a safe pace to enjoy a night out.

“In fact, we often get called by trained doorstaff who have been alerted to somebody who is suspected to be in possession of illegal substances. This demonstrates excellent partnership working and we then dispatch officers to attend, and arrest and prosecute anyone who is found to be in possession of drugs.

“Apart from being illegal, if you take drugs you seriously risk your health and you essentially gamble with your life. Taking drugs often leads people into a life of violent crime and people can find that they lose everything – their jobs, family and friends.

“Drugs can destroy communities so we will continue to carry out more proactive drug operations to positively tackle anyone who is found to be in possession of drugs.”

Thought for the Week

“If you would be a real seeker of truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.” Rene Descartes

Access Cumbria Police website and new traffic info service from your mobile phone

A new mobile version of the Cumbria Police website has been launched, meaning people can access latest crime news, traffic updates and policing information on the move.

The new version of the site is accessible from mobile devices, enables residents to find details about their local officers and upcoming community meetings on the move, and allows them to connect with their Neighbourhood Policing Teams through social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook direct from their mobile phones.

Over the past year, Cumbria Police has seen an increase in the number of people accessing their website using a mobile device, so now, when a person logs on to www.cumbria.police.uk, the site will automatically revert to a mobile version that is specifically designed to be viewed on a device with a small screen.

The launch of the mobile site coincides with the launch of a new online traffic service that is available from the Cumbria Police website homepage, and contains live updates about road closures and delays across the county.

The traffic updates service can be viewed through a mobile device or computer by visiting the homepage of the Constabulary’s website or by going to www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic 

Information from Police and the Highways Agency automatically feeds into the webpage, so it offers the most up-to-date traffic information available in Cumbria.

The webpage shows a map of Cumbria featuring small flag symbols that highlight the location of delays or road closures due to weather, collisions, major roadworks or police incidents. By clicking on the flags, you can get further details about the problem, and alter your route accordingly.

The service is updated as incidents happen and the information refreshes every ten minutes.

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: “The mobile website and traffic updates service demonstrate how police in Cumbria are embracing new technology to help us improve our service to the public.

“The mobile site provides yet another avenue to share important information, and offers a simple and cost effective way for the public to engage with local police in Cumbria.

“The police service, by its very nature, has access to a lot of information relating to road traffic collisions and other incidents, and the Traffic Link service lets us share that knowledge with the local community.

“Improving road safety is a top priority for Cumbria Police, and by keeping motorists informed about road closures and delays, we hope to encourage motorists to allow extra time if necessary, or plan a new route, which will help ease congestion around the county and improve road safety in Cumbria.”

Police warn small businesses of advertising scam

Cumbria Constabulary is urging small businesses in the county to be on their guard if they are contacted by publishing or advertising companies that attempt to invoice them for an advert that they have not asked for.

Police have been made aware of a scam where invoices and covering letters are sent to businesses that they have not had previous contact with, thanking them for placing an advert and enclosing an invoice for the advert placement.

Detective Inspector Amanda Spedding said: “This type of scam induces a business to pay for placing an advert in a publication which either does not exist or only produces a limited number of copies in order to appear legitimate.

“They use misleading words to sell advertising space in various types of publications and often claim the publication is produced on behalf of, or alongside some reputable and worthy-sounding cause or charity.

“We are urging companies to be vigilant and cautious if they receive invoices from publishing companies for advertising space. Check whether someone within their business has requested the advert first and check the credentials of any cold callers selling advertising space before parting with any money to avoid falling foul of any scams.”

If you believe you have been subject to a scam or to report suspicious activity to police, call Cumbria Constabulary on 101.

For more info contact Rebecca Rawlings on 01229 876475 or email at rrawlings@barrowbc.gov.uk

For more info contact Rebecca Rawlings on 01229 876475 or email rrawlings@barrowbc.gov.uk

Don't let fire be an unwelcome guest this Christmas

As statistics reveal that one in six fire deaths last year occurred in December, the Fire Kills campaign is reminding people that some of their favourite festive traditions such as cooking Christmas dinner, decorating the home and drinking alcohol could have the potential to leave Yuletide celebrations in ruin.

The distractions of a crowded house and celebrations can often result in festive cooking being left unattended. And the added influence of alcohol means that it's even more important to stay alert while preparing the turkey dinner. Nearly 1,400 house fires were started by cooking appliances last December, resulting in more than 300 injuries.

And while no Christmas party would be complete without a few decorations, the fact is that dry Christmas trees, flammable decorations and stray wrapping paper can all act as extra fuel for a fire sparked by overheated sockets, faulty fairy lights, unattended candles or carelessly discarded cigarettes.

A recent survey by fire-safe insulation manufacturer Rockwool revealed that a surprising number of people admit to leaving their Christmas tree lights plugged in when they're out of the house and leaving candles unattended in their home.

A Christmas video from the Fire Kills campaign shows in graphic detail just how fast a fire caused by faulty decorations can take hold and emphasises the vital importance of planning an escape route. Make sure your guests know how to get out, stay out and call 999.

The Government's Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Sir Ken Knight said "The hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations can often push fire safety out of our minds. But in reality, the start of festive celebrations bring a whole cocktail of fire risks into the home - from the distractions of a crowded house while cooking and the slower reaction times that result from alcohol consumption, to the potential dangers of overloaded plug sockets, flammable decorations and unattended candles.

"Christmas is a time for celebrating with family and friends, and we want to keep it that way. By being aware of the risks and making a few simple checks you can ensure that you and your loved ones can celebrate in safety."

The Fire Kills Campaign have some top tips to help people celebrate in safety this festive season:

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. A working alarm can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms weekly and never remove batteries to power presents!
• Check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas to ensure their safety as they are at greater risk from fire.
• Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Avoid cooking whilst drunk and always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
• Never leave candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.
• Put your cigarette out, right out. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when drunk or tired. It's very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.
• Don't overload sockets - ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. This safety device - which works in a similar way to a circuit breaker - can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire - in the event of fire: get out, stay out and call 999.

Visit the Fire Kills campaign's Facebook page www.facebook.com/firekills

You can watch and share the Fire Kills Christmas safety video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMtjGfr0tYs

To find out more visit www.actionforhappines.org

Who Pays The Price? "The One With The Violence"

For more info please contact Rebecca Rawlings on 01229 876475 or email rrawlings@barrowbc.gov.uk

Who Pays The Price? "The One With The Sex"

For more info contact Rebecca Rawlings on 01229 876475 or email rrawlings@barrowbc.gov.uk

'Get Ready for Spring' FREE 'Grow Your Own' workshop

Saturday 14 January 2012. Taking place at the Mawson Room, Barrow Park, Barrow  from 9.30-4pm (lunch provided).

 By the end the session you will have;

- some inspiration to get growing

- a garden plan for your growing space

- a planting plan for your garden

- helpful ideas and some local contacts to help and support you

- an information and resource list

- a FREE £10 B and Q voucher to get your growing started!

The session will be facilitated by Jennifer Lauruol of Carpe Diem Gardens (http://www.carpe-diem-gardens.co.uk/)

 

To book a place call  Rebecca Allen on 01229 876546 or Email neighbourhoodmgt@barrowbc.gov.uk

Art Gene - a Cabinet of Curiosities

Art Gene invite you to contribute to a

Cabinet of Curiosities

- wonders of the natural, industrial and cultural heritage of Barrow in Furness and the Islands of Barrow at the Ship Inn, Piel Island.

A portrait of a place.

Art Gene are creating a Cabinet of Curiosities within the Ship Inn on Piel Island, in partnership with Barrow Borough Council.

With your help, this will be no ordinary collection.

Throughout December, they will be compiling objects, images and stories from every era … together these will tell of the intertwining social, natural and industrial heritage of Barrow.

We’d love you to contribute an object, a memory … your experience of Barrow and the coast. All sources will be acknowledged – it’s your chance to be represented in the history of Barrow.

Ever find a mermaids purse?

Does your Nana pickle Sea Purslane?

Did you honeymoon on Piel?

What are the most intriguing tools of your trade?

Do you keep paper cuttings and photos of the past?

If you would like to learn more about the project, or to contribute something … please feel free to call or email ...

Jo Ray 07796367209

Art Gene 01229 825085

artgenejo@btconnect.com

Christmas Celebration at St John's Church, Barrow Island

  A Christmas Celebration will take place at St John’s Church,

Island Road, Barrow Island on Wednesday 21 December 2011.

The Barrow Steelworks Band will be appearing, with people being invited to bring along their lunch and enjoy some carols. The information gathering runs from noon, with mince pies, tea and coffee to be served.

Barrow & District Disability Association - Christmas Grotto

Sat 10th, 10am – 3pm

Sun 11th, 11am – 3pm

Sat 17^th, 10am – 3pm

Sun 18^th, 11am – 3pm

If you’re in need of a good dose of festive cheer, why not visit our annual Christmas Grotto, held at the Centre in

School Street

, Barrow. Often quoted as being the best grotto in town, it truly is a delight for all the family. Everyone is welcome to come and meet Santa in his toy workshop, where every child will    receive a present from him.

The Grotto has pushchair and wheelchair access and is also suitable for visually impaired youngsters as it is full of different textures and perfumed with frankincense and myrrh.

The entrance fee is £2.50 which includes a present and refreshments

Police urge festive revellers to have fun but know their limits

As the festive celebrations begin, police are urging party-goers to have fun but stay safe and in control this Christmas.

In a bid to make revellers more aware of their safety during nights out and as they make their way home, police across the county will be handing out a range of free safety products, along with top tips to encourage people to consider safety as a top priority.

As part of the initiative, Cumbria Constabulary has joined forces with Northumbria police to launch a personal safety campaign entitled ‘Keys. Money. Phone. Plans to get home?’ to prompt revellers to think ahead as the festive party season gets in full flow.

Northumbria police launched the campaign for the first time last year and after its success, have been using it at key times to remind young women, men, students and groups of revellers to think ahead and plan their safe journey home.

Police now aim to replicate its success across Cumbria and help ensure party-goers enjoy themselves safely throughout the Christmas period.

Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said: “We are coming up to the Christmas party season when local people get together with friends and enjoy themselves– but it’s easy to get carried away, have one drink too many and suddenly find yourself drunk, separated from friends, and feeling vulnerable.

“We want people to remember their festive celebrations for the right reasons and our campaign asks people to consider some simple things to help keep themselves safe.”

Police will be handing out information in credit card size that prompts people to consider how they will be getting home and provides a space to write an ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) contact number, should they lose their mobile phones. With support from Crime and Reduction Partnerships from around the county, officers will also be issuing free ‘spikeys’ - plastic stoppers that prevent bottled drinks from being spiked and personal attack alarms in some of the bigger areas such as Carlisle, Brampton, Penrith, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal and Barrow.

ACC Skeer continues: “Thinking ahead and pre-booking a taxi, discussing plans to get home with friends and making sure that you know your limits by enjoying yourself without becoming vulnerable, will make your night even more enjoyable.

“The consequences of drinking too much and becoming vulnerable or overstepping the mark can spoil your Christmas. As well as risking becoming a victim of crime, you could risk getting into trouble by a situation quickly escalating into violence or disorder.

“It’s not worth the risk. Enjoy drinks with friends but know your limits. Go too far and you can spoil your Christmas before it’s begun - you could see yourself banned from all Pubwatch bars and clubs or even under arrest.”

The campaign will encourage people planning a night out to follow this advice:

• Think: Keys, money, phone, plans to get home?
• Stick with your friends and look out for each other
• Stash some cash in case you lose your purse or wallet
• Pre-book a taxi home
• Don't make yourself vulnerable by getting too drunk
• Store an ICE (in case of emergency) number in your phone

Posters displaying this advice along with highlighting the consequences of people losing control of their senses will also be displayed in local shops and on short adverts played throughout December on CFM Radio.

Cumbria Mental Health Group

Have arranged an informal forum where you can drop in for a coffee and a chat. This will be held on Wednesday 14 December 2011, 1pm-3pm at St. Mark’s Halls, Rawlinson Street, Barrow-in-Furness.
If you would like additional information about the above meeting or you would like to discuss another issue with please contact Wendy Kolbe on 07879 990956 or email wendy.kolbe@cmhg.org.uk.

To find out more visit www.actionforhappiness.org

Thought for the Week

"The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession.” Mark Twain

Christmas Market in Barrow

Friday 9 December to Sunday 11 December 2011.

 

The Evening Mail has joined forces with Barrow Borough Council to organise a festive spectacular over a three-day period. It will start at noon on Friday December 9, when traditional log cabins lining Dalton Road, selling food and traditional gifts, will open for business. There will be a full festive programme of entertainment on a stage at the Spirit of Barrow statue, where Dalton Road and Portland Walk meet.

 

Christmas is a magical time, but not only for children. The Christmas Market will help everyone get into the festive spirit with Santa and his reindeers for the children and yummy festive food and mulled wine for mum and dad.

 

The town centre will be the focus of activity with charming wooden chalets in Dalton Road and festive entertainment not only in Dalton Road but also in the Town Square.

 

Many town centre stores will be open for late-night shopping on the Friday, and shops across the town and the indoor market will be open on Sunday December 11.

 

One of the highlights of the three-day event will be the Santa Parade, which will set off from Abbey Road and see Father Christmas and his reindeer snake through the town centre to the town hall.

 

In front of the town hall will be a traditional fairground, nativity play, Santa’s grotto and a food and licensed area. And at regular intervals, snowflakes will fill the air as a snow cannon is activated.

 

The market will close at 8pm on the Friday. It will open from 10am-5pm on Saturday December 10 and on Sunday December 11 it will open from 11am until 4pm.

 

For further information call Frank Stretton on 01229 840107.

Don’t let thieves steal your Christmas

Cumbria Constabulary has launched its annual campaign to ensure people keep their home and belongings safe this Christmas.

During the festive period many people will be concentrating on preparations for Christmas, by buying gifts, decorating the tree and stocking up on food and drink. Unfortunately there is a small minority who can cause misery at this time of year by breaking into people’s homes.

In order to help remind people to be security conscious, Cumbria Constabulary is dedicated to trying to prevent residents from becoming victims of a crime by stepping up their efforts to deter offenders and raise awareness of the precautions residents should be take to protect their homes and Christmas presents over the holiday period.

Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer: “Cumbria is one of the safest places to live. However we don’t want people to get complacent or lax with their home security.

“We are committed to ensuring that this doesn’t happen this year and in addition to strengthening police patrols in our neighbourhoods to reassure residents and deter thieves, there will be local initiatives ongoing to provide communities with all the tools, equipment and information they need to keep themselves and their property secure this Christmas.

“In the next few weeks people will be out and about shopping for their Christmas presents and then exchanging gifts. I urge people to think about were to keep your presents, thieves can target houses with Christmas presents on view so we would urge everyone to be vigilant – don’t let thieves steal your Christmas.”

Police offer the following top tips to keep your house safe:

-          Keep gifts, cash & valuables safe & well hidden so they can’t be seen or reached by thieves

-          Lock doors & windows before you go out, removing keys from locks & keep them out of reach

-          Leave a light on in a room & draw curtains when you go out at night

-          Postcode your valuables with a UV pen, considering registering them on http://www.immobilise.com/

-          Cancel newspapers, milk etc when you go on holiday

-          Look out for your neighbours property

-          Make sure callers to your home are genuine, always ask for ID

-           

Posters and leaflets with crime prevention messages will seen across Cumbria in the coming weeks and will be a reminder to people to make sure they take all of the necessary preventative steps to ensure their property and belongings are safe over the festival period.

For more information or advice on home security visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/campaigns/christmas-campaigns-and-safety-advice/dont-let-thieves-steal-your-christmas.