CADAS Drug and Alcohol Awareness course

Volunteering accreditation

Thought for the Week

"People all over the world are good, people all over the world aren't bad, they just want affection." Jonathan Richman

FREE Bike Security Marking on Barrow Island

Come along to the FREE Bike Security Marking at Dundalk Street Centre on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February 2012, from 2.30-4.30pm each day.

Get your bike security marked by local police officers and pick up your FREE high visibility wrist bands or get some high visibility strips put on your bike or scooter.

This event is organised by Cumbria Constabulary and supported by Neighbourhood Management.

Children are batty over story bags

Children are getting bags of fun out of story sacks which bring them closer to wildlife in Barrow and Walney.

The sacks contain toys which are relevant to 12 stories involving Benjamin the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and his friend Glen the border collie and their encounters with local wildlife.

In the first story Benjamin visits the Green Heart Den, a community garden on meets Pip, the pipistrelle bat.

Pip says, “We pipistrelles are the most common British bat but we’re still very important as there are fewer places for us to hang out these days.  We are very small and weigh just a few grams but we eat up to 3000 insects a night.”

The story is an entertaining  way to get the wildlife message across and this particular story sack contains bat wings, flower headbands and replicas of Benjamin and Glen.

Distributed by Barrow’s Wildside project, the first sack was launched by project officers Sue Thurley and Gemma Blackburn at Barrow Library with 13 children getting involved.

Sue said, “Story sacks are a great way for parents and children to learn about local wildlife together. Each story in the sacks is based around real wildlife in real places on your doorstep so you can go out and have a wildlife adventure yourself.”

Story sacks have been distributed to the Action for Children Children’s centres, Toddler Time at Spring Mount, Walney, Furness Childcare and Tilly and Toms’ Day Nursery.

The sacks are loaned to these groups free of charge. There are still some left. If any nurseries or play groups are interested in borrowing the sacks contact Sue at susant@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk or on 01229 471066.                                                                                               

Police Pups in Training 2012 - Ava, Misty, & Merlin

Autism Focus Group - 28 March

The Dock Museum wants your help for a new exhibition

1950’s Barrow "We've never had it so good" - New exhibition at the Dock Museum this summer.

Can you help them with photos of 1950s Barrow?

This summer the Dock Museum are showcasing a taste of the 1950s in a new exhibition - come and see the fashion, the coronation celebrations, launches of vessels like British Sovereign and Oronsay, a 1950’s kitchen and much more.

Can you help them by lending your photos of the 1950’s? Or do you have any 1950s objects that they could display?

They will scan photos and return them to you. The Dock Museum, North Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2PW. You could also email them to: dockmuseum@barrowbc.gov.uk

The photos might appear on a panel or on our memories board.

Barrow Growing Spring Festival 31st March

‘Making it wild at Sandscale Haws’

Saturday 25 February 2012. From 10am-3pm.

They will be removing plants and pond weed as natterjack toads like clear and open pools to lay their spawn. Left alone these pools would soon become unsuitable for this rare and wonderful species. Bring a packed lunch and drink. Wear old clothes, stout boots or wellies and bring waterproofs if needed.

Call Neil Forbes on 01229 462855 for further information.

Where: The National Trust’s Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve. Meet at The National Trust car park, Hawthwaite Lane, Roanhead. Grid Ref: SD 200 756.

Thieves believed to be targeting gaming machines in South Cumbria's pubs

Police are issuing a warning to pubs across South Cumbria as they believe that a number of gaming and bandit machines are being targeted by offenders travelling from outside of the county.

The warning comes after officers stopped three men at around 3.45pm on Saturday 18 February in Ulverston town centre, and approximately £700 in coins and cash was seized from them. Two men from Blackpool aged 20 and 25, and a 44 year old man from Warrington were arrested and street bailed until 9 March 2012.

Detective Sergeant Helen Ellis said, “Enquires are ongoing to try and establish where this money may have come from but we are appealing to pubs and clubs that have bandit and gaming machines to be vigilant.

“We suspect that machines across South Cumbria are being targeted and we need licensees to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals to police immediately on 101.

“It is important to try to make note of any vehicle registration details of cars involved and report it to us immediately so we can take action.

“We are also urging companies who manage the lease of gaming machines in public houses to check their machines and report any discrepancies or concerns to us.”

International Market 1st to 3rd March 2012

Thought for the Week

“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” Jimi Hendrix (1942 -1970)

Barrow AFC and Barrow Raiders fixtures this weekend

Barrow Raiders - Northern Rail Cup Group B

Sunday 19th February v Workington Town 2pm

Sunday 26th February v Swinton Lions 2pm

Barrow AFC at home

Saturday 18th February v Kettering, 3pm

Tuesday 21st February v Luton Town 7.45pm

Saturday 25th February v Forest Green, 3pm

Gilbert & Sullivan's 'The Sorcerer' performed by Barrow Savoyards

Sunday 19 - Friday 24 February at the Forum, Duke Street

The show will start at 7pm on Sunday and 7.30pm on all other nights.

Tickets: Sunday/Monday £7, Tuesday/Wednesday £8, Thursday/Friday £9.

SPECIAL GROUP TICKET; 4 TICKETS FOR £30 (Available from Tuesday).

Don't miss this Magical experience!

Making it wild at Abbots Wood

‘Making it wild at Abbots Wood’
Monday 20 February 2012. From 10am-3pm.
Come and help us to clear some of the invasive rhododendron from this County Wildlife Site. This work will help the natural regeneration of native species. Please bring suitable outdoor clothes and footwear and a packed lunch. A great way to learn something new and meet new friends.
Call Sue Thurley on 01229 471066 to book or for further information. Booking not required but preferred.
Where: Abbots Wood, Barrow. Meet at the Mill Café car park, Furness Abbey. Grid Ref: SD 220 717.

FREE Lectures at the Forum, Duke Street

FREE Lectures at the Forum, Duke Street

‘Small Hydro Power Plants’
Wednesday 29 February 7.30pm

35th Celebrity Lecture
‘Manufacturing - a future for Britain’
Wednesday 14 March 7.30pm
Speaker: Dr. Julie Madigan Chief Executive of The Manufacturing Institute
Organised by CMI, PESC

‘Security at the Olympics’
Thursday 22 March 7.30pm
Speaker: Peter Bowe, CEO, Assure Ltd
Organised by BDAE

‘Mars Spirit & Opportunity Rovers’
Wednesday 11 April 7.30pm
Speaker: Stuart Atkinson, Eddington Astronomical Society, Kendal
Organised by PESC

‘Nuclear Institute Lecture’
Thursday 19 April 7.30pm
Speaker: TBA
Organised by BDAE

Admission free to all lectures.

Barrow Growing

View Barrow Growing in a larger map

The map shows some of the newly developed/developing community growing sites in the Barrow in Furness area. If you're interested in community gardening and growing get in touch with us at neighbourhoodmgt@barrowbc.gov.uk.

You can follow 'Barrow Growing' on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest gardening and growing events and workshops.

Cumbria Police Authority agrees council tax precept rise

Cumbria Police Authority has voted to increase its share of council tax by 3.6% in Cumbria this year.

Members approved the increase following a vote at the Police Authority meeting held today at Police Headquarters, Penrith to reject a one-off grant of £1million offered by the Government. This grant is offered to Police Authorities that choose to freeze the amount of council tax each household in Cumbria pays in the next financial year.   The Police Authority receives just over two thirds of its funding from central government and the further third from council tax.

Concerns centered around the grant being a one-off payment which would mean that the Police Authority would need to recoup the money in future years by raising council tax more than usual. However, a cap on the increase in annual council tax would mean that the shortfall of the £1million offered this year by the Government may not be recovered by the Constabulary in future years. This would result in the Constabulary needing to save an additional £1million on top of the £20m that needs to be saved by 2015/16.

The agreed council tax rise will equate to an estimated increase of 10p a week for residents in a band B property. The exact amount of the increase depends on the council tax band for residents’ properties.

The Constabulary is already making £20million savings as a result of the reduction in the government support grant.

Chair of the Police Authority Ray Cole said “This is the last budget that the Police Authority will set ahead of the Police and Crime Commissioners and it was important to get it right for the future of policing in Cumbria.

“We have listened to what the people of Cumbria told us and have increased the council tax in order to maintain our front-line policing in the county.

“One option was to take the grant from the Government but longer-term this would have had resulted in significant difficulties for the Constabulary in maintaining police officer numbers.”

Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, Stuart Hyde, said “It was a difficult decision for the Police Authority today and I am extremely grateful that they have taken the bold move to help us address the reduction in central grant.

“Currently, the Constabulary is in the process of reducing its budget by 20% and will continue to find further efficiencies.  It would have been difficult to sustain front-line policing at its current level had the Police Authority accepted the grant.”

Barrow Horticultural Society event 14th March

Neighbourhood Policing Week focuses on youngsters this half term

This half-term police officers are encouraging youngsters to join in organised activities in an aim to reduce antisocial behaviour.

School holidays can have the potential to see an increase in the number of antisocial behaviour incidents. In order to tackle this, police officers have been arranging different activities and events for children to become involved in and give them a focus to their half-term.

While the priority is to reduce reports of antisocial behaviour, the Neighbourhood Policing Teams will have the opportunity to speak to more youngsters, develop relationships, hear their views on policing and what their priorities are.

The activities have been arranged to coincide with the half term holidays, which starts today and runs until Sunday 19^th February. All of the activities are detailed at www.wotson4u.com.

Parents and guardians will be able to see what activities are available by visiting the website, most of which are free.

Cumbria Constabulary’s lead for Antisocial Behaviour, Chief Superintendent Don Spiller said: “Anti-social behaviour is a priority for policing in Cumbria. Many of the reports we receive are about young people loitering on local streets and behaving in a way that makes them intimidating to other people in the community.

“When we speak to young people, some complain that they have nothing to do. By offering a wide range of activities from drama clubs, music lessons to sports activities, we hope there will be something for everyone.”

“Reports of antisocial behaviour tend to rise during school holidays and I urge the local youngsters to think about the impact their actions can have and also local residents to be tolerant. We were all young once, and we should encourage children to enjoy being outside and being active. Intimidating or antisocial behaviour, however, will not be tolerated, and our officers will be responding to reports of this nature as a priority.

“We would urge young people to take part in the activities on offer as it will be a great opportunity to meet new people and talk to your neighbourhood police officers about any issues they may face as we are keen to support all members of the community, including young people.”

A full calendar of events is available online at www.wotson4u.com .

Beach Clean 18th Feb 2012

Amber weather warning in place for ice across much of Cumbria

Since approximately 5 am this morning (9 February 2012) there have been 97 reported traffic collisions. No one has been seriously injured but police are continuing to warn people to take extreme care when driving on the County's roads.

The following is a snapshot of the incidents which have occurred across the county:

At 04:56 am a lorry jack-knifed near to the Stainmore Cafe, Kirby Stephen, the driver was not injured and the road was cleared at 06:14 am.

At 06:48 am at Haile, Egremont a Seat Altea driven by a female from Egremont and a Ford Focus driven by a male from Whitehaven were involved in a collision due to the icy conditions, no one was injured.

At 07:05 am on the A684 Kendal, multiply cars skidded off the road.

At 08:05 am on the A66 Eastbound Penrith near to the Newbiggin Junction there have been multiple cars involved in a collision. No one has been seriously injured, but police officers have closed the road at Darce Road and at the start of the duel carriageway at Kirkby Thore while they deal with the incidents. No further details are available at this time.

All of the County's roads has been affected by icy and the police are warning people to take care on every road. If your journey is not essential, then please do not drive. If you do have to travel, please take extreme care when driving, slow down and keep a substantial breaking distance from the car in front.

The A66 from Stainmore remains closed, the M6 between junction 36 and 38 is only passable with care and a 20 MPH speed limit has been issued, the A590 is passable extreme care, but there have been wagon's which have jack-knifed at Lindale Hill, which is blocking traffic.

The Met Office have an Amber weather warning in place for ice across much of Cumbria. Throughout the course of today areas of rain and drizzle will edge further south to affect the whole region. Just about anywhere is at risk of icy conditions, especially in more rural areas.

Local residents are asked to take care when walking on pavements, as these are just as susceptible to freezing.

To keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts, visit the Met Office website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Tune in to your local BBC Radio station to keep up to date with road and school closures and other community issues: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/stations/cumbria

You can also contact the Cumbria Highways Hotline on 0845 609 6609.

For  latest traffic updates please visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map

Thought for the Week

“My enemy is the person whose story I have not heard.” Longfellow

Drivers urged to take care on icy roads

Drivers are being urged to take care this morning on the County’s roads with hazardous conditions being caused by ice.

Rain fall overnight and into this morning as caused thick ice on the County’s roads, with over 60 reported road traffic incidents so far across the county.

Police are urging drivers to slow down, drive with extreme care and, if possible, delay journeys.

The A66 from Stainmore is closed due to the conditions and the M6 and A684 is currently extremely hazardous and only passable with extreme care.

Local residents are asked to take care when walking on pavements, as these are just as susceptible to freezing.

To keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts, visit the Met Office website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Tune in to your local BBC Radio station to keep up to date with road and school closures and other community issues: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/cumbria

You can also contact the Cumbria Highways Hotline on 0845 609 6609.

For the latest traffic updates, please visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map

Safety advice for motorists

• Plan your journey in advance

• Check local and national weather forecasts and tune into local radio stations to check on road conditions and closures

• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive and ensure you have a charged mobile phone with you

• Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade

• Clear your windows and mirrors fully before you set off and carry a screen scraper and de-icer

If you have an accident, break-down or become stuck in bad weather conditions:

• Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call

• On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone because the emergency services and breakdown recovery services will be able to locate you easily. If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder

• If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you

Vehicle maintenance:

• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow – remember also to clear your vehicle roof of compacted snow in case it dislodges while you drive, as this could be dangerous to other road users

• Keep your battery fully charged

• Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer

• Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order

• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure. Consider changing to high performance winter tyres.

Drive according to weather conditions:

• Allow extra time and distance to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop in wet or icy conditions

• Adapt your driving behaviour. Keep in mind the decreased visibility and changing road conditions.

• Slow down and avoid sudden or jerky movements

• When driving on ice or snow use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin

• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently

• Be wary of satellite navigation systems as they tend to direct you over high rural roads that are likely to be closed or particularly hazardous in winter

• Do not assume that pedestrians have seen you. They may be elderly, young or not be able to hear you

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads if the water seems too deep

• Drive slowly through water in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling

• Test your brakes when you have driven through a flood before you drive again at normal speed

Advice on dealing with the thaw:

As temperatures begin to drop, the snow and ice that has built up will begin to thaw and melt. This will make driving conditions treacherous as water sits on top of ice, and again when melt-water refreezes overnight. Drive according to the conditions.

Pipes that have burst as the water inside them freezes and expands will begin to thaw out and may lead to flooding in properties and homes.

Check the Traffic Link section of Cumbria Constabulary’s website (www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic ) which is designed to provide information about the current state of Cumbria’s roads and the immediate surrounding areas in relation to road traffic collisions, weather, and delays as a result of incidents and congestion. The information provided is sourced from police and the Highways Agency and is updated every 10 minutes.

Dare Dance - Indian and Bollywood Dancing

Ever wanted to learn Indian and Bollywood Dancing?

DARE Dance have a dancer from India, Kali Chandrasegaram, teaching Bollywood dances during half term at DARE Dance Studio, 104 Abbey Road.

10-12noon Junior and 1-5pm Youth on Weds/Thurs/Fri.

Book a place with Amanda on 833228, look for Dare Dance on Facebook to keep up to date with latest news.

FREE Gardening for Wildlife workshop

FREE 'Gardening for Wildlife' workshop (run By Cumbria Wildlife Trust) - Saturday 17th March 2012, at the Neighbourhood Management office,

242/244 Dalton Rd.

 

Call Rebecca Allen on 01229 876546 or you can email neighbourhoodmgt@barrowbc.gov.uk to book a place.

 

Find out what to plant to support wildlife, learn about bird and bat boxes and much more.

Cumbria police pledge support to National Internet Safety Day - 7th Feb

How do you talk to your child about the difference between real and online friends, sexual experimentation and pornography on the internet, or what to do if something goes wrong?

Parents and across Cumbria can be given the answers to these and other difficult questions vital to bringing up children in the 21st Century during an online web chat being hosted by Cumbria Constabulary to mark Safer Internet Day tomorrow (7 February).

The dedicated day-long webchat window will be hosted on the Constabulary’s website, inviting local people to log on and ask any questions about how to stay safe online.

This chat will also be linked into the Constabulary’s Twitter account with officers inviting the tweeting community to direct questions about Internet safety to Cumbria police using #cumbriasafeonline. All questions and responses added on Twitter using this hashtag will automatically appear on the Constabulary’s webchat window.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Stuart Hyde, is renowned as one of the UK’s leading lights in cybercrime within his role as President of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB).

He said: “Your child being targeted by a criminal is every parent’s nightmare which is why it is so important to get up to speed with the risks that are out there and the simple steps that can be taken to protect children online.

“The internet opens up a world of opportunity along with a new world of risk. The online world is continually developing so it is important that parents feel comfortable enough to ask questions about technology so that they understand and are able to provide advice to help their children stay safe online.

“Cumbria Constabulary recognises the developing threats that the world of the Internet can pose to the people of Cumbria and we are dedicated to enhancing our own understanding so we can stay one step ahead of criminals.

“I hope that parents and youngsters use the opportunity to ask any questions they may have so that, together, we can try and prevent any young people falling foul of online criminals in Cumbria.”

Cumbria Constabulary will also be using its social networking accounts to promote national Safer Internet Day competitions, inviting young people to log onto the Safer Internet Day website to enter their posters and videos for a chance to win a host of prizes - including a trip to Romania!

The Constabulary will be encouraging people to log on and view a new TV-style show created by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, ‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’. This short video takes parents on a journey to the 1950’s and back, exploring the challenges of parenting in an online age.

While the risks to children may be different to those of the 1950s, parenting skills are still as relevant as they ever were. Talking to children about their online lives is one of the best things parents can do to protect them so they can enjoy the opportunities offered by the internet. The show sets out simple practical ideas for parents to make sure their children are protected from risks – which range from cyberbullying to grooming by those who wish them harm – as well as a few surprises about what children get up to online.

With 70% of parents of 12-15 year olds saying they know less about the internet than their children, the CEOP Centre are encouraging parents and carers to not be intimidated by how their children are using technology and to talk about any internet related concerns they have, in conjunction with teachers and schools across the country.

On 7 February, CEOP launches a new suite of resources to make it easier than ever for parents Cumbria to be as good parents online as they are offline. These include:

• ‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’, made with the support of CEOP’s partner Visa Europe and which takes an entertaining and light hearted look at what it’s like to bring up children in the online age – featuring practical tips and insights into what your child is up to online. Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents from 7 February to view the show.

• A restyled parents’ area at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents with updated advice and guidance for parents of children of any age. Thinkuknow is CEOP’s education and awareness raising programme. It’s a great place to start exploring online safety issues with your child.

Peter Davies, Chief Executive of the CEOP Centre, said: “Technology has transformed people’s lives, collectively and individually – in the way we work, communicate and socialise. It is an integral part of modern childhood.

“But the principles of good parenting, in terms of playing an active role in a child’s life and instilling good behaviour haven’t changed.  Children have always taken risks but their lives online offer new opportunities for this, and there are some people who will try to exploit the perceived anonymity offered by the internet.

“We appreciate that some parents may feel daunted by the pace at which technology is changing and how its use has become second nature to their children. Our new film guide and other resources will make it easier for parents to take that step towards discussing issues that are crucial to parenting today in a way that is age appropriate.”

CEOP works with a range of industry partners including Microsoft. A new, customised ‘ClickCEOP’ browser developed by Microsoft for Internet Explorer 9 will be available from 7 February. This provides users with the opportunity to customise their browser so they can get direct access to CEOP’s advice pages, as well as being able to report inappropriate contact with their child. There are also links organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation, Get Safe Online and Beatbullying. The browser is available to download at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/browser-parents.

Police investigate armed robbery in Barrow - updated 08/02/2012

Police are investigating after an armed robbery occurred in Barrow yesterday afternoon.

Just after 3.30pm on Sunday 5 February 2012, police were called to Marsh Street Stores, Barrow, after receiving reports that a robbery had taken place inside the premises.

A lone female shop assistant was threatened with a knife by a man who demanded money from her. He made off with approximately £200 in bank notes.

He is described as white, between 5’9” and 6’0” tall, in his early thirties and of medium build.

Detective Sergeant John Dilks said “A full investigation is underway to trace the man responsible for this particularly nasty robbery.

“Fortunately, nobody was injured during the incident but naturally, the woman who was threatened with a knife has been traumatised by her ordeal.

“We are very keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of Marsh Street Stores on Sunday afternoon. Did you see someone watching the shop prior to going inside? Or did you see someone running from the shop?

“We are particularly keen to speak to two teenage boys who entered the store around 3.15pm. We really need them to come forward as we believe they may be key witnesses in our enquiry.

“The local community is all feeling the effects of this robbery and I am appealing to them to please come forward if they have any information.

“I also would appeal to any local shopkeepers to think back. If you think you may have had a man in your store that matches the description of the person we are looking for and who may have bought something either yesterday or this morning using a large quantity of notes, please contact us.”

UPDATE

Detectives investigating an armed robbery at Marsh Street Stores in Barrow yesterday afternoon have arrested a 29 year old local man on suspicion of robbery. He is currently in police custody being questioned by officers.

UPDATE 08/02/2012

Police have today charged a local man in connection with the knife point robbery at Marsh Street Stores, Barrow.

Scott Stewart Paton, aged 29 of no fixed abode, will appear before Furness and District Magistrates Court on Wednesday 8th February 2012.

Detectives can confirm they are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, and would like to thank the public for their assistance.

'Think Jessica' with Cumbria Trading Standards

As well as the current 'Scamnesty' campaign (see post below) Cumbria Trading Standards also supports the ‘Think Jessica’ poster campaign. The campaign is named after a particularly tragic victim of scam mail. Jessica Looke was in her 70's when she was first scammed into believing that she had won large cash prizes. Her name was put on a 'suckers' list, by the scammer who sent the first scam letter. This meant that her details were sent to criminals all over the world. No one could convince Jessica that the 30 letters received every day were scams, and soon she was sending nearly all of her pension each week to keep up with their demands. It is believed that Jessica sent thousands of pounds to the scammers over five years. Jessica's daughter Marilyn Baldwin, was left horrified watching her mother suffer at the hands of criminals. Jessica sadly died aged 83 and needless to say never received the windfall she was conned into believing she would get.

Jessica's death certificate said the cause of death was pneumonia - but Marilyn blames the mental torment the scammers inflicted on her over the years for damaging her health.

Cumbria Trading Standards hope that the Scamnesty Bins and Think Jessica posters will raise awareness of postal scams and are advising people to think before sending money to claim fake prizes from bogus lotteries, competitions and catalogues. The poster is also designed to appeal to the families of victims and directly to the victims themselves so that they recognise that what they are doing is responding to a scam.

Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards Manager, said "Scam mail can leave people in debt and misery and many of the victims are particularly vulnerable, for example those with age-related declining mental health and dementia, the recently bereaved or people who are socially isolated or over trusting. The cost to the victim can be thousands of pounds, but the emotional effects can be even more devastating. People need to be aware that scam mail can be very convincing and scammers can be very smart – we want Cumbrian residents to prove they’re smarter and bin the scam mail."

Councillor Gary Strong, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said "I support this Scamnesty campaign and urge residents to help protect vulnerable neighbours or relatives from scam mail. If someone you know is receiving large volumes of scam letters or mail then report the matter to trading standards or the police and help disrupt these criminals who prey on our communities."

For general consumer advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or to report a fraud contact Action Fraud UK on 0300 123 2040.