“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Soren Kierkegaard
Working together for a safer, cleaner and stronger neighbourhood.
Thursday 31 May 2012
Man arrested in Barrow in connection with cold calling
A man aged 25 from the Preston area was arrested yesterday by officers from Cumbria Police following an investigation into cold callers by Barrow CID and Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards.
The man was arrested on suspicion of aggressive selling practices under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. He has been interviewed and bailed until the 11th June for further enquiries.
DC Kerry Harris said “This investigation was as a result of a number of reports from concerned residents in Barrow about cold callers. We have arrested a man on suspicion of this offence but we ask the public not to be complacent and remain vigilant when a stranger calls trying to sell you something.”
Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council Trading Standards said: "We receive an increase in complaints about doorstep selling in the summer months. We urge householders to be cautious and take time to think about people who call at the door. Rogue doorstep traders will often offer services at attractive rates and use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions."
Cold callers or bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. Make sure in your own mind that they are whom they claim to be by following these simple steps:
•Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them. Keep your front and back doors locked.
•Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on.
•Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.
•The Utilities now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.
•If in doubt, keep them out!
•Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.
•If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
•Also be extremely wary of callers who offer to sell you products, make repairs to the house or do other work for you. Always discuss it with relatives or friends and consider contacting your local Trading Standards Office for advice.
•Think carefully about any telephone calls or emails you receive and do not give out any personal information or bank or credit card details.
•Trading Standards and Police advise that if you are considering home security, take time to research the providers in your area, get recommendations from friends or family or look on your local Trading Standards web site for approved traders.
If you feel you have been a victim of cold callers, or have any information in respect of the two incidents, please contact Barrow CID on 101.
For general consumer advice contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
Wednesday 30 May 2012
The Firefighters Charity Car Boot Sale
The Firefighters Charity Car Boot Sale
10th June 2012 at 10am
Tummer Hill Football Pitch, Ocean Road, Walney Island
£5 per car
No need to book a place - just turn up on the day
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Monday 28 May 2012
Barrow man receives National Police Public Bravery Award
Local Barrow man receives National Police Public Bravery Award after apprehending a criminal in a selfless act.
Every year the Police Public Bravery Awards recognise extraordinary acts performed by seemingly ordinary people who have selflessly come to the aid of those in danger or intervened to foil criminals.
On 2nd April 2011, Scott Beattie, from Barrow-in-Furness witnessed a crime taking place when he intervened and then restrained the criminal until the police arrived.
Mr Beattie was driving along Bridgegate Avenue, Barrow-in-Furness with his family when he saw a woman being attacked and having her handbag stolen.
He got out of his car and heard the victim shouting for help. Mr Beattie went over and asked the attacker, Helen May, what she was doing. At this point he noticed, what he thought was a small knife protruding from her right hand.
May then swung her left arm and lunged towards Mr Beattie, narrowly missing his throat. She then ran off and he followed, managing to catch up to her and dragging her to the floor. He removed the object from her right hand, which was a pen and restrained her until the police arrived.
Helen May, aged 29 from Lesh Lane, Barrow was convicted of robbery and received a sentence of over 4 years for the offence.
Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said “This is an extraordinary act of bravery in which Mr Beattie came to the aid of someone who was being attack. He disregarded his own personal safety to help the victim and even apprehended the offender, even when he believed she held a knife.
“I am very proud that we have people like Mr Beattie who live in our local community. He put himself in potential danger to help and stranger. Thankfully these incidents are rare in Cumbria
To find out more about what is happening in the local community, visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/cumbriacommunitymessaging
Thursday 24 May 2012
South Cumbria police urge local people to lock up as they enjoy good weather
As communities enjoy the good weather and open up their windows and doors in the fresh air and sunshine, police are urging local people to remain security conscious or risk falling victim to crime.
Traditionally, burglaries tend to rise in summer with opportunist unscrupulous thieves cashing-in on the opportunity to sneak in to a property via an insecure window or door, so officers are appealing to their communities to lock up and help them beat the criminals.
Crime Prevention Officer Terry Belshaw said “While we are enjoying this good weather, residents are opening up their homes to the sunshine, spending time in the gardens, BBQ-ing and visiting neighbours.
“Everyone’s spirits are lifted in good weather and we don’t want this to be spoiled by opportunist thieves who take advantage of an open window or an unlocked door.
“We are asking local people to remember to lock it or lose it - always secure your doors and windows when you are not at home or when you are out in the garden or even taking a shower - and remember to secure your home properly before going to bed.”
Cumbria has one of the lowest burglary rates in the country yet figures show that a significant amount of burglary at homes in this county could be prevented if people took basic steps to secure their property.
To date, 36 per cent of burglaries that have been reported in homes in South Cumbria this year (since January 2012) have occurred at insecure premises.
Terry Belshaw continues “We are asking people to use common sense and not to leave valuable items on display– so keep your laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and computers safe and out of view from windows or doors. This may sound like common sense, but a third of South Cumbria’s reported burglaries are via committed via insecure doors and windows. This advice is also important for those travelling in hot cars – remember to close your windows when you leave the vehicle and remove valuables from view.
“Tackling burglary is a priority for the Constabulary, particularly burglaries that are committed at people’s homes. Having a stranger enter your home and steal personal belongings is an invasion of privacy and can have a real impact on victims.
“If everyone takes a moment to consider their home security and look out for vulnerable friends and neighbours, we can help to stop burglars and enjoy a crime-free summer.”
For more information and useful crime prevention advice visit the Cumbria Constabulary website at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/ or contact you local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.
Warning as doorstep callers target Barrow residents
Detectives in Barrow are warning elderly residents to be vigilant after two separate incidents of cold calling were reported to police on Monday 21st May.
Police were called after two men, believed to be in their 30s, approached different properties and power washed driveways without permission of the elderly owners, before demanding a large amount of cash for the work.
The first incident reported to police happened during at a property in the Oxford Street area and the second in the Westbourne Avenue area. The men are believed to be using a white transit type van and one the males is described as around 5’5” tall, with a foreign accent and wearing combat style shorts.
During the first incident, the elderly occupant paid the two men however during the second incident, a neighbour interrupted the work so cash was not handed over.
Detective Constable Kerry Harris is investigating. She said “We are investigating these two incidents and wish to remind local people to be vigilant and look out for neighbours, friends and family.
“Be extremely wary of callers who arrive unannounced on your doorstep and offer to sell you products, make repairs to the house or do other work for you. Don’t feel pressured to make instant decisions - discuss it with relatives or friends and consider contacting your local Trading Standards Office for advice if you need it.
“Treat every stranger who calls on your door with caution. If you are worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police. If it is not an emergency but you want to speak to an officer or report something suspicious, you can contact Cumbria Police on 101.”
Cold callers or bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. Make sure in your own mind that they are whom they claim to be by following these simple steps:
•Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them. Keep your front and back doors locked.
•Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on.
•Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent.
•The Utilities now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.
•If in doubt, keep them out!
•Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.
•If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
•Also be extremely wary of callers who offer to sell you products, make repairs to the house or do other work for you. Always discuss it with relatives or friends and consider contacting your local Trading Standards Office for advice.
•Think carefully about any telephone calls or emails you receive and do not give out any personal information or bank or credit card details.
•Trading Standards and Police advise that if you are considering home security, take time to research the providers in your area, get recommendations from friends or family or look on your local Trading Standards web site for approved traders.
If you feel you have been a victim of cold callers, or have any information in respect of the two incidents, please contact Barrow CID on 101.
The Citizens Advice Consumer Service provides free, confirdential and impartial advice on consumer issues.
Visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506
Thought for the Week
"Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness." Leo Tolstoy
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Beach Clean - Sat 2 June 2012
Saturday 2 June 2012.
A beach clean event and walk to Piel Island
Barrow’s Wildside – Springwatch events throughout June
Animal Olympics – Ormsgill Primary school, Mill Bank
Wed 6 June 12-3pm
Can you jump as far as a grasshopper? Run as fast as a rabbit?
Come and have a go at the Animal Olympic Games!
All activities are FREE, no need to book just come along.
Bats of Barrow Island – meet outside Barrow Island
Trinity Street
Trinity Street
Thurs 7 June 9.30-10.30pm
Bats live in our towns and cities too! Come along and learn a bit about different types of bats living on Barrow Island
Call 01229 471066 for more information.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Friday 18 May 2012
Neighbourhood Wardens clean-up rear Church Street playground
Neighbourhood Wardens today cleaned-up the rear of the Church Street playground where some people had chosen to dump assorted items such as a small TV, wood, shrub/tree cuttings etc.
The photo below shows Neighbourhood Wardens Andy and Paul next to the pile of rubbish collected after spending an hour around the site.
The Wardens also littered picked around the play park and basketball court area.
Please help us to keep this and other areas clean by reporting problems with fly-tipping to Barrow Borough Council. If they dump on you...dump on them. If illegal fly-tipping happens on your door step, tip us off ring 01229 876319 or Report fly tipping now on-line.
Visit http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=694 to find out more.
Thursday 17 May 2012
Thought for the Week
“Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” John Donne
Your Health, Your NHS, Your Say in Barrow or Kendal!
Let us know what you think of your local health service. Come along and talk to us at the following venues …
South Lakes
Furness – Wed 30 May 12noon-7pm, ASDA, Walney Rd, Barrow
Also FREE Health Checks – Check your health and have your say!
http://www.yourhealthcumbria.co.uk/
Furness – Wed 30 May 12noon-7pm, ASDA, Walney Rd, Barrow
Also FREE Health Checks – Check your health and have your say!
http://www.yourhealthcumbria.co.uk/
It's Mental Health Awareness Week next week (21 - 28 May 2012)
During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation are working with people and organisations across the country to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues.
The week forms the centre piece of a year-long campaign based around one particular theme that's relevant to everyone's mental health and wellbeing. Find our more at www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Monday 14 May 2012
Love Learning Event at the Forum - 16 May
Wednesday 16 May 2012. This event is taking place at The Forum, Duke Street, Barrow in Furness , Cumbria
This fun occasion aims to celebrate learning and tempt people in Barrow to experience the quality and variety of learning on offer in the town.
The event will help visitors to gain greater confidence in engaging with learning activities and become part of a growing ‘learning community’.
Learning Providers will have an opportunity to showcase what they can offer and provide taster sessions for new learners.
There will be no charge to the general public on the day.
For more info contact Jeff Morgan – Community Learning Action Forum (CLAF) Email: ajeff.morgan@btinternet.com Mobile
The Islands of Barrow and Peninsulas Walking Festival
Voted one of the top 8 Best Walking Festivals in British Isles - Times Online 2009, each summer in July a Walking Festival is held against the stunning backdrop of the Furness Peninsula Lake District .
The Festival for 2012 is still being planned. The Draft Walk Programme is as follows;
1st July South Walney Nature reserve guided walk 10.30-12.30
5th July Walney Sunset Walk 6.45 pm Earnse Bay
8th July Heritage of Furness Walk 1 pm Amphitheatre car park
10th July North Walney Natterjack Walk. 10.00 - 14.00
11th July Get on Track Walk from Roose Station to Cavendish Dock
12th July Walney Sunset Walk 6.45 pm Earnse Bay
14th July 11 am start arriving at Widows Crossing at 1.30 pm
19th July Kids stomp around Walney 6.45 pm Earnse Bay
20th July Evening Walk to Piel 5 pm from Snab Point
21st July Wildside Bonanza in Barrow Park
22nd July South Walney Nature reserve guided walk 1.30-3.30
26th July Beachcombing Family Event
26th July Walney Sunset Walk 6.45 pm Earnse Bay
28th July Sandscale Beach Clean 10 am – 12 noon
28th July Wildlife Walk with Rangers from National Trust Sandscale Nature Reserve 2 pm – 4 pm
29th July Piel Walk at 12 noon from Snab Point
Festival partners include Barrow Borough Council, Feet First in Furness, National Trust, Natural England, Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
For more information about walks in and around Barrow visit http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1324
It’s Adult Learners` Week
Cumbria County Council's libraries will are hosting a series of events to help celebrate the 21st anniversary of Adult Learners' Week, which started on12 May and runs until 18 May.
From brushing up on computer skills to getting tips on tracing your family tree, Adult Learners' Week helps recognise and celebrate the vital role libraries play in ongoing education and training for adults. Hopefully it also inspires people to try a new challenge and learn new skills.
Activities at Barrow Library include free help with computers and the internet. This is a free drop-in session for adults needing help with computers and the internet on 16 May, 10am to 2pm.
Cumbria Constabulary asks for communities’ views as part of review into front counter services
Cumbria Constabulary currently invests £1million per year on keeping front counters open throughout the county. These are ‘reception’ areas in police premises that members of the public visit for various reasons such as to arrange to speak to a police officer, to provide driving documents or report lost and stolen property.
As it strives to meet the 20 per cent reduction in its budget as a result of Government cuts, Cumbria Constabulary is undertaking a review to establish whether its current front counter services could be provided differently in order to reduce costs while still delivering a high quality service to local people.
As part of the review, Cumbria Constabulary has produced a questionnaire for members of the public which will be published on its website this week (www.cumbria.police.uk), available at front counters and will be issued to community voice which is a group of more than 2000 people across Cumbria
The review takes into consideration a number of factors including the make-up of local communities, the cost of providing the service in comparison to other forces and how many people actually use the front counter services. It also considers how legal requirements have changed as technology has developed. For example, thanks to new police computer systems, there are far fewer occasions where people are required by law to present their vehicle documents in police stations nowadays.
Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said, “The priority for Cumbria Cumbria
“During our last annual consultation we asked the public about contacting the police. We were informed that 58 per cent of the public preferred to contact us via the telephone in non-emergencies and 29 per cent think that we should make greater use of electronic ways of contacting people.
“We are using this information to explore the different ways in which the public can contact police and access the services they need at a reduced cost - so getting local communities’ input is vital. We are consulting with them to find out how they currently use police services and what their opinions are of our various proposals for the future.”
A series of options are being considered as part of the review:
· The first option would see police front counter services reduce from 17 that are currently available across the county, to five main premises only - Barrow, Kendal, Workington, Whitehaven and Durranhill in Carlisle - with reduced hours of opening to reflect the public’s demand for service.
· The second option would see police front counter services at five main premises (as detailed in option one) and part time opening times at a further five locations -Ulverston, Windermere, Cockermouth, Brampton
· The third option involves using other agencies (such as local councils or fire stations) to provide access to police services to support either option one or two.
· Option four suggests making better use of existing resources like mobile police stations and vandal proof phones at police premises to enable members of the public to get in quick contact with police.
Chief Constable Hyde continued “As part of our organisational reviews, we have reduced the number of police premises that officers are deployed from. This, along with today’s technology which makes contacting police so much easier, has significantly reduced the number of visitors we have to police stations and offices.
“We currently spend around £1million a year on maintaining our front counter services – which equates to the amount we would need to employ around thirty police officers.
“With data showing that front counter visitor numbers are reducing considerably, it is only right that we look at how we can be more efficient. We are working with partners to explore any collaboration opportunities that could allow us to continue providing an excellent service at reduced costs. For example, a pilot is currently underway in Carlisle where Carlisle City
“We hope that the public will use this opportunity to share their views so that we can take these into account when the final decisions are made by Chief Officers and members of Cumbria
“The public consultation will end on 31 May 2012 and the findings will inform the recommendations that are made to the Chief Officer Group. We will also remain in close contact with our staff to ask for their opinions as the review progresses. Those who may be affected by the proposed changes are being asked for their views and we are supporting them as best we can.”
Members of the public can complete the questionnaire and return it to a local police station or by post to Chief Inspector Mairi Stamper, Cumbria Constabulary Police Headquarters, Penrith , Cumbria
Friday 11 May 2012
Thought for the Week
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of a continent, a part of the main …” John Donne
Thursday 10 May 2012
Cumbria Constabulary supports the new initiative to tackle metal theft
As part of ongoing work to tackle metal theft in the North West
Operation Tornado was launched across Cumbria in March 2012 under the code name Operation Amber, when officers across Cumbria North West
Operation Tornado spokesman Chief Inspector Robin Edwards said “As of 9 May, those selling scrap metal to participating dealers in the region will be required to provide proof of their identity – either a photo card driving license including an address, or a passport or national ID card supported by a utility bill, which must be under three months old and show their address.
“Operation Tornado is one of a number of measures currently being explored to restrict the sale and movement of stolen metal. It has been designed not to inhibit those dealers that operate legitimate businesses, but to remove unscrupulous dealers who operate outside the law.
“We are hoping all registered scrap metal dealers in the region will sign up to be involved to help fight the stolen metal trade and make it more difficult for thieves to make money by targeting our communities for metal.”
Ian Hetherington, director general at the British Metals Recycling Association, said “Metals theft is a real problem for the metals industry and BMRA continues to advise government on the issue.
“It’s important to note that many of the problems encountered by legitimate metal recyclers lie with the ineffective enforcement of existing regulations and the proliferation of the illegal, unregulated trade, and not with the majority who operate highly regulated, licensed and permitted sites.
“BMRA also fully supports a nationally coordinated approach from the police and the Environment Agency with stronger sentencing and appropriate penalties for those stealing metal and those setting out to dispose of it.”
Metal thieves have caused misery for countless thousands of people across the country and the railway has experienced significant issues for some time, but throughout 2011 criminals have been diversifying and targeting metal from other areas, including power cables, utilities pipe work, telecommunications cabling, residential properties, businesses and catalytic converters from vehicles. All affected industries are working together to tackle the problem, which is now a significant threat to the UK
Ten people have also died in the past year as a result of metal theft. Whatever the crime, the net result is the same – disruption to everyday life and severe cost to the local and national economy.
Operation Tornado ran in all five North West police force areas, Cumbria , Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire
This day saw a co-ordinated day of action across all forces as police and partners seek to drive home the message that metal theft in any form will not be tolerated.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Qazi, the lead on metal theft for Cumbria
“This now being launched across the North West
“The impact this can have on communities can be devastating and it is important that we make is as difficult as possible for criminals to cash in.”
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Police and partners support grieving parents’ campaign to tackle mindless violence
Police and partner agencies in South Cumbria have pledged their support for a campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of mindless violence.
The South Lakeland and Barrow Community Safety Partnerships Alcohol Strategy Group, which comprise of representatives from Police, Health, Probation, District Councils and the Drug and Alcohol Team (DAAT), have agreed to purchase educational packs from the ‘Every Action Has Consequences’ charity so that all schools and colleges across South Cumbria have the opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of violence and alcohol misuse among young people.
‘Every Action Has Consequences’ is a charity that has been set up by Pat and David Rogers, parents of 24 year old Adam Rogers who tragically died after suffering a single punch in Blackburn, in 2009. It is designed to challenge young peoples’ perceptions of violence, and make people think about the consequences of their actions.
24 year old Adam had lived in the Ulverston area and worked at the Whitewater Hotel, Backbarrow for a period before moving back to Blackburn at the time of his death. On 4 July 2009, he was on a night out with some friends in Blackburn when a group of youths approached him and his friends and ‘banter’ quickly escalated into confrontation. Acting as a peacemaker, Adam attempted to shepherd one 16 year old youth away, but was hit by an aggressive punch that knocked him unconscious before he hit the ground. His brain injuries were so severe that he never regained consciousness.
Since his death, Mr and Mrs Rogers have been telling Adam’s story in schools, colleges and prisons to highlight the heartbreaking consequences of mindless violence. They have now prepared an educational pack to capture the true impact of a single punch - not only on Adam, his family and friends; but also on the teenager who drunkenly hit out and subsequently threw away his future after he was convicted of manslaughter and sent to prison for four years.
The educational packs contain videos that tell the story of Adam’s life and capture CCTV of the night he died. They also include drama workshops and discussion points for participants to debate alternative outcomes of that fateful evening.
South Cumbria’s Alcohol Strategy group has pledged their support to the campaign and aim to spread Adam’s story across Cumbria
She said “It is impossible to imagine what they have been going through, but Pat and David have worked tirelessly to do something positive after this awful tragedy. They are determined to make a difference and try to ensure that no-one else has to experience what they went through when they lost their son.
“Adam’s death carries a very important message. It could so easily have been avoided and yet, worryingly, could happen again tomorrow. Adam’s last night alive demonstrates just how a night out with friends can quickly escalate into a tragedy - all it took was one drunken punch. Sadly I look at violent crime reports every week that could have turned out the same way, and I desperately want to avoid this happening to another family.
“The Community Safety Partnerships in South Cumbria work together in a bid to tackle the issues that most affect our communities and one of our three key priorities is tackling alcohol related harm.
”We are committed to ridding our streets of violence. We will work alongside local schools, colleges and any other interested groups to raise awareness of Adam’s story, and try to prevent a similar tragedy happening in Cumbria
Pat Rogers, Adam’s mum and founder of ‘Every Action Has Consequences’ said "The completion of the Education Pack was a big milestone for us. Getting it out to as wide an audience as possible is our next task. We are absolutely delighted that the Community Safety Partnership Group is willing to fund the pack to go out to the young people of South Cumbria. We know from the work we have done so far that the message has a real impact – and we sincerely hope that Adam will continue to make the world a better place even after his death."
To support the campaign, Cumbria Constabulary will be posting a trailer video for the educational packs on its website and social networking sites.
For further information about Every Action Has Consequences, visit: www.eahconsequences.com
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