Help available with heating bills

More support is now available to vulnerable adults below pension-age　in Cumbria who may be struggling with heating bills.
Cumbria County Council has set aside £47,000 (forty-seven thousand pounds) this winter to help low income families wi...th children aged under-5 years, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions that are made worse by cold.
One-off grants of £125 will be available to vulnerable households which meet the criteria, from　December 2013 until end the end of February 2014.
The funding comes from the council’s Ways to Welfare programme which provides support and advice to working-age people throughout the year who are experiencing severe hardship.
The winter help will compliment support already available for pensioners in Cumbria through Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund and other government schemes.
Families with children under-5 years can apply for Cumbria County Council’s new cold weather grants through the following organisations:
• For Barrow, Millom Keswick, Workington Cockermouth and surrounding areas, contact Action for Children on: 01900 325251
• For Maryport, Aspatria, Wigton, Silloth, Carlisle, Brampton, Penrith, South Lakes, Kendal and surrounding areas, contact Barnados on: 01900 898040 or email debbie.young@barnardos.org.uk
• For Whitehaven Cleator Moor, Egremont, Seascale and surrounding areas, contact the Howgill Children’s Centre on 01946 62681 or email Diane.kenmare@howgill-centre.co.uk
Adults below pension-age with disabilities, or a long-term health condition made worse by cold, can apply for support by contacting Thelma Waite at　DACE on 01228 674882.
For all other enquiries, people should contact Cumbria County Council’s Ways to Welfare programme on 01228 221100 or email communitysupport@cumbria.gov.uk
Councillor Beth Furneaux, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for Adult and Local Services, said: "This is one-off funding of £47,000 which the county council is making available to help vulnerable people stay warm this winter.
"The latest figures show that that there are around 190 more deaths in Cumbria in winter compared to non-winter months.
"Keeping warm is a basic human need and this one-off help is there to help vulnerable working-age adults to stay safe and well this winter.
"Although times are tough for local government, we are determined to make sure that the vulnerable receive the help they need."
Information on other forms of support and advice available to Cumbrians this winter, can be viewed online at: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/brrr/

Police warn public not to let their night-out end up with them behind bars

With ‘Festive Friday’ fast approaching, Cumbria Police are reminding members of the public to stay safe when out partying over the festive period.

Pubs and clubs in the town centres become busier over the Christmas period and with only a few days to go, officers will be out on patrol focusing on defusing incidents before they escalate into violence.

Extra officers will be out on patrol on key dates, including ‘Festive Friday’- the last Friday before Christmas, which has traditionally been a popular night out in towns across Cumbria, and can experience a corresponding rise in alcohol fuelled violence and disorder.

This year we are promoting our ‘One punch can change two lives’ campaign which reminds party-goers of the consequences of losing control through alcohol consumption. This is part of our on-going ‘Think before you drink’ force-wide campaign.

Officers will be working with licensed premises to try and prevent people who are already drunk being served further alcohol. Pubwatch will also continue to inform local licensees about those who have been banned, especially for violent disorder.

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson said: “Our personal safety campaign was launched at the end of November to encourage everyone to enjoy themselves safely. This is even more important as the Christmas holidays approach, with more people being off work and spending more time socialising with friends and family.

“Our aim is to provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy themselves over the Christmas period. It is only a minority who become involved in violence or disorder and by providing extra officers, we are able to monitor situations and intervene before they escalate.

“We will not tolerate people who put others at risk of harm by engaging in violent behaviour. Everyone in Cumbria has a right to socialise with friends and family without fear of intimidation or violence.

“At this time of year police officers do come into contact with people who normally don’t get into trouble. They may have over indulged and in a situation which has escalated quickly, before they know it are in trouble with the police.

“We want everyone to enjoy the festive season in a safe and responsible manner. Don’t end up with a Christmas of regret.

Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “It is important to enjoy Christmas responsibly whether it is the amount you drink to your own personal safety.  This is a busy time of year for police officers, PCSOs and police staff and I am looking forward to going out on patrol on Friday.”

With the party season in full-flow Police are issuing this advice:

• Know your limits and always stay in control
• Avoid drinking in rounds, it’s easy to have too much when trying to keep up with others
• Recognise the signs that it’s time to slow down, consider alternating between alcoholic and soft drinks
• Stick with your friends and look out for each other
• Walk away from arguments and confrontation, a drunken argument or fight could end up someone getting seriously hurt and / or arrested. This could possibly cost you your career, your relationship and your freedom.
• If confrontation arises, be responsible seek out security staff or a Police Officer and make them aware of the issue
• Have fun and enjoy your night out

Posters displaying this advice are displayed in local shops and bars to prompt Christmas shoppers and revellers. Short adverts are being played throughout December on CFM.

In South Cumbria, all the Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) will be deploying officers to known hotspots throughout the South Cumbria area so if situations arise, Police are nearby to deal with it.

Inspector Mike O’Hagan, Barrow NPT, said: “We want people to act in a responsible manner and enjoy the festivities.

“We will be working to prevent and detect all offences that are committed.  I would like to think that the public will help us by encouraging their friends to behave sensibly and refrain from consuming too much alcoholic drink. Please do not spoil your own and other people’s Christmas.”

All three NPTs (Barrow, Kendal & Ulverston and Lakes) have been working with licensees in their areas throughout the year in a bid to decrease the amount of alcohol-related incidents that officers have to deal with and Christmas is no exception.

Police in South Cumbria will also be issuing out Section 27 banning orders to those who Police feel need to be taken away from the town centres. 

Inspector O’Hagan added: “Early intervention remains the key, if we can prevent an incident from happening than less trouble and we feel we have to use Section 27 banning orders then that is what officers will do.”

Kendal NPT as a member of the Barwatch scheme will be issuing out Christmas card reminders to the worst offenders who are on Barwatch.

Inspector Paul Latham, Kendal NPT said: “The cards are there to remind those that are on Barwatch that they will be recognised by officers and security staff and will be refused entry. An attempt to gain entry to licensed premises on the Barwatch scheme can see their ban being extended.”

Anyone who is a victim of a crime or sees suspicious activity is asked to report this to Cumbria Police on 101.

People can also follow Cumbria Police on Facebook and Twitter (@CumbriaPolice) where up-to-date safety advice and information will be shared.

Thought for the Week

"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you." H Jackson Brown, Jr.

Cumbria police warn of domestic violence rise at Christmas

Cumbria Police are working with partner agencies to help support domestic violence victims at this time of year.

Statistics show that during the Christmas and New Year period, domestic violence dramatically rises, with 1^st January 2013 seeing the average number of incidents rising to 48.

Cumbria Police strive to increase reporting of domestic abuse so that the appropriate support can be given to victims and their families. For the last three years there has been an increase in the number of incidents reported, which can be a good indication that victims want help and are prepared to contact the police.

This warning follows the Police and Crime Commissioner’s conference on Friday (6^th November) which launched his further commitment to tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Work continues throughout the year to ensure that any victim is given the help and support they need to break the cycle of violence. Essential partners such as Let GO provide services which can help people build their confidence to get out of an abusive relationship or situation.

The Probation Service works closely with offenders to provide them with counselling and support to enable them to control their anger and prevent them from hitting out at someone, especially a loved one.

Detective Superintendent Mike Forrester said:

“Our aim is to help those people who are subject of domestic violence. It is so important that when victims find the strength to report their abuse to us that we have the right people to provide the necessary support and advice.

“Some people struggle to understand domestic abuse and have the perception that the victim should just leave on the first occasion when they are abused. However, it is not that easy for some. Victims are often emotionally abused to the extent that they believe that their abuser is the only person there for them, they can be manipulated to cut themselves off from friends and family and left feeling that they are on their own.

“Our focus this week is to bring to everyone’s attention that there are groups out there who can help and support any victim.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said:

“Domestic abuse cannot and will not be tolerated.  It is important that everyone from family, friends and partner agencies work together to give the victims the support that they need to come forward.”

Mark Barrow, Divisional Manager Cumbria & Lancashire for Victim Support, said:

“Never forget that it is a crime for someone you know to attack you in your own home or elsewhere – whether they are your partner, a family member or someone you share your home with. Whatever the abuser might say, violence like this is never your fault. Nobody has the right to abuse you in this way.

“You do not have to suffer in silence. You can contact us in confidence and we can help you by talking with you, giving you emotional support and helping you to see and understand the choices that you can make to help stop the abuse.  Whatever you chose to do, we know that your safety is the most important thing.  The decision to take action against your abuser may be difficult. But if you do decide, at any time, that you want to report the abuse to the police, we can provide information and support. We can also support you if you choose to go to court.”

Alcohol does have a major impact on domestic violence. At this time of year more people are out socialising and consuming alcohol, which impacts on their mood and behaviour.

As part of the continued Alcohol Harm Awareness campaign, launched earlier this year, Cumbria Police are appealing for everyone to drink within their limits and not to lose control.

Chief Inspector Terry Bathgate said:

“Police officers are often the first on the scene at a domestic violent incident, with a number of incidents being as a result of too much alcohol.

“It can be a difficult situation to control, with emotions running high and, on occasion, children can be present – witnessing the harm and destruction that domestic violence causes.

“We all aim for a happy and peaceful Christmas. If you are a victim of domestic violence, seek help. Do not spend another Christmas in fear.

“If you are going out drinking, keep within you limits, do not lose control and do not spoil Christmas for your family.”

Anyone with any concerns should call Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Victim Support can be reached on 0845 3030900.

Barrow Police warn public to lock it or lose it this Christmas

Police in Barrow are warning everyone to lock it or lose it this Christmas in a bid to ensure that Santa Claus is the only unannounced visitor this festive season.

Crime does not stop for Christmas and Police are hoping that everyone follows some simple precautionary measures to help avoid a Christmas of despair.

Police are asking members of the public to lock windows and doors to their homes and vehicles as well as make sure all sheds and garages are secure. Criminals are often opportunistic and Police do not want members of the public to inadvertently encourage this behaviour by carelessness.

Inspector Mike O’Hagan, Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Criminals do not need an invitation and that is why we would ask that everyone makes sure that doors and windows of your home and vehicles are locked as well as making sure outhouses and sheds are secure.

“If you are purchasing or receive electrical or high-value gifts, contact Police for advice on how and where they can security mark them. I’d also ask those that have a home that is fitted with an alarm to ensure it works and to use it.

“For those who are away over the festive period ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your home. For those who are at home please look after your neighbours this Christmas and if you see any suspicious activity please call Cumbria Police on 101.”

Another message Police want people to be wary of is that anyone who uses social media needs  to be mindful of what they post. People often update Facebook and Twitter with their activities, keeping their friends and family informed of what they have been up to. However, not all keep up-to-date with their security settings on their social media pages and can unknowingly have open pages for everyone to see.

Inspector O’Hagan added: “Telling people what you are doing is not a bad thing but we are encouraging people to make sure they know who they are telling.

“Simple steps by checking security settings on social media site such as Facebook or Twitter to ensure that only friends and family can see your posts, but not share them to a wider audience, can be one way to prevent your posts being seen by everyone.

“If you want an open page, then be careful about what you post, don’t advertise the fact that you have been Christmas shopping and bought all your presents and then will be out with the family that night. You are basically just telling everyone that your house is empty and full of presents.”

Further information about staying safe online is available on our website at www.cumbria.police.uk/onlinesafety.

Thought for the Week

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

Public consultation on Barrow Island - have your say about planned landscaping changes

Get Connected at Women's Community Matters - 11 Dec

Police launch child sexual exploitation campaign

Today (9^th December) Cumbria Constabulary, along with partner agencies, have launched a campaign around child sexual exploitation (CSE).

For the next three days key information will be circulated on the Cumbria Police website and social media accounts, giving advice on how to prevent CSE and how to spot when it may be happening.

Today is focused on how everyone in Cumbria has a role to play in spotting and reporting CSE, regardless of their profession or knowledge of children.

The campaign follows the Police and Crime Commissioner’s conference on Friday (6^th November) which launched his further commitment to tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence.

A webchat will be taking place tomorrow (10^th December), which will allow anyone to ask any questions they may have around CSE. A number of different agencies will be taking part in the webchat, and will be offering advice and signposting to the best places to get support.

The webchat will take place between 6:30pm to 8pm here: www.cumbria.police.uk/csechat

DCI Nick Coughlan, from the Public Protection Unit for Cumbria Constabulary, said:

“We work very hard to bring CSE offenders to justice, as Operation Chiefton showed last week. However, it is crucial that we uncover any exploitation as quickly as possible and protect children in Cumbria.

“CSE is a crime that can affect any child, anytime, anywhere. That is why I am urging everyone in Cumbria to be vigilant against exploitation and report any suspicions to the police. This includes people who work in people-orientated professions, such as taxi drivers and hairdressers, who may see things signs that are hidden from close friends and family.

“CSE can take many forms – whether it is through a seemingly ‘consensual’ relationship with an older boyfriend, or a young person having sex in return for attention, gifts, alcohol or cigarettes.

“Child exploitation is thankfully rare but if you have any concerns please call Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said:

“I welcome the Child Sexual Exploitation campaign by the Constabulary supported by operational policing activity which is a key priority from the Police and Crime Plan.  I hosted last week a good conference looking at the next steps to try and ensure that what is presently a rare crime in Cumbria doesn’t become accepted or established.”

Iain McKay, Service Manager for the NSPCC in Cumbria said:

“I commend Cumbria Police for the campaign they are running on Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) as this issue is sometimes seen as an issue only for inner cities but the real situation is that children and young people in every city, town and village, no matter how small, can be at risk of sexual exploitation.  CSE is an issue that everybody needs to take seriously and we have a responsibility as parents, carers, professionals and members of the wider community to be vigilant about children and young people who maybe or at risk of being sexually exploited.”        

Cllr Anne Burns, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

“When we discover abuse we do everything we can to protect children from further harm and help them recover. But it's vital to prevent abuse from happening to children in the first place.

“We have to solve this problem together, so we’ll be working hard with the Police to help raise awareness on how to protect against child sexual exploitation. Parents and professionals coming into contact with children must be able to spot possible signs of sexual abuse or exploitation, and be confident of what they need to do to protect that child.”

Caroline Ledward, Contract Lead at Inspira, said:

“Online and face to face relationships can sometimes be exploitative so it is important that young people are aware of the danger signs.

“Our advice to young people is that if you or your friends have concerns about staying safe at home, on the street or online speak to someone you can trust. We have advisers who are trained to help based at our Advice Services centres – these are located in Barrow, Carlisle, Workington and Whitehaven.

“The child sexual exploitation campaign is really important as it highlights how online and face to face relationships can end up being exploitative. Inspira will often conduct the ‘Return to Home’ interview for a young person once the Police have completed a ‘Safe and Well Check’.

“We encourage young people and parents/carers who are concerned to talk to someone they trust. Inspira advisers can be contacted in one of our four Advice Services centres around the county or by calling 0800 435 709.”

Heather McFarlane, Children’s Service’s Lead for Safeguarding and Protection for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Keeping children safe is the responsibility of everyone which is why it is so important for organisations to work together to raise awareness. Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is proud to be part of this campaign and hope that by highlighting some of these children’s stories more parents, relatives and friends will know the signs of this kind of abuse and contact the police. We also hope it will give children the confidence to speak up if they think they are being abused and to know that help is available.”

What are the signs you need to know?

• Repeatedly going missing-particularly overnight
• Coming home with unaccounted gifts, i.e. clothes, money, food, jewellery, drugs or mobile phone
• Having a relationship with an older partner with whom there may or may not be concerns
• Mood swings and changes in behaviour
• Excessive and secret use of internet and /or mobile phone (potential grooming)
• Spending more time in their room and was accessing their computer late at night
• Having several SIM cards, frequent mobile phone top ups
• Being unusually secretive
• Losing contact with family and friends of their own age and associating with an older age group
• Unrecognised cars arriving at the home, especially at strange times
• Alcohol/Substance misuse
• Unexplained injuries
• Lacking self-esteem, leading to a change in personal appearance
• Excessive Washing or bathing particularly when returning from missing episodes

And what makes a child more at risk?

• If they come from a chaotic or dysfunctional household
• A lack of friends in the same age group
• Confused about their sexuality
• History of domestic abuse or neglect
• Learning disabilities
• Have come into contact with other exploited youngsters, e.g. at school
• Have suffered a recent bereavement or loss
• Are homeless or living in residential care, a hostel or bed and breakfast
• Have low self-esteem or confidence
• Young carer

 Advice on child sexual exploitation can be found here: www.cumbria.police.uk/cse

Visit Missing People website here: www.missingpeople.org

Don’t send an advertisement to thieves this Christmas

Cumbria Police are advising everyone who uses social media to be mindful of what they post.

People often update Facebook and Twitter with their activities, keeping their friends and family informed of what they have been up to. However, not all keep up-to-date with their security settings on their social media pages and can unknowingly have open pages for everyone to see.

Also, people do accept friend requests to give their following numbers a boost, without really knowing who the person is.

By putting all of your activities onto an open page, you are advertising when you have been Christmas shopping, when you are going out and when your house is empty. This is an open invitation to thieves who could be following you.

David Thompson, a Crime Prevention Officer in Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Telling people what you are doing is not a bad thing but we are encouraging people to make sure they know who they are telling.

“Simple steps by checking security settings on social media site such as Facebook or Twitter to ensure that only friends and family can see your posts, but not share them to a wider audience, can be one way to prevent your posts being seen by everyone.

“If you want an open page, then be careful about what you post, don’t advertise the fact that you have been Christmas shopping and bought all your presents and then will be out with the family that night. You are basically just telling everyone that your house is empty and full of presents.

“Have a think about who could see what you are saying and make a few simple adjustments to ensure that you are safe and secure this Christmas.”

Further information about staying safe online is available on our website at www.cumbria.police.uk/onlinesafety

Thought for the Week

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller

One punch can ruin two lives ...

'Friday Cakes' at Women's Community Matters, Barrow

Santa's Grotto at Barrow Disability Association

British Legion 'Advice Day at Barrow Library

'Beautiful Women' at Women's Community Matters, Barrow

Police warn public – “don’t let thieves steal your Christmas”

Cumbria Police launch their annual campaign today to help people keep their property safe and reduce burglary and theft in the lead up to Christmas.

The “Don’t Let Thieves Steal Your Christmas” campaign urges people to be vigilant against burglary as the nights grow darker and expensive gifts are being bought for Christmas.

The warning comes as the national Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) launch their ‘In Focus – Burglary and Handling Stolen Goods Week’. This week focuses on action against burglary and stolen goods as, historically, November is a peak month for burglaries.

In the last three years there has been an increase in the number of burglaries in Cumbria during the months November and December (5^th November – 31^st December):

Year	Number of burglaries
2010	310
2011	331
2012	385

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson explains:

“Although Cumbria has a very low crime rate compared to other areas of the country, we do still experience burglaries – particularly around this time of year.

“We hope that this campaign will encourage people to take easy steps to ensure they have a wonderful festive time, that isn’t ruined by thieves.

“As well as warning people against burglary we are also keen that people report any suspicious products being sold that may have been stolen. Cut-price goods can be tempting but if that item is stolen it is a criminal offence to buy it.

“We want to lower the numbers of burglaries in November and December, but we need everyone’s help to do this. By following some simple crime prevention advice people can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.

“If anyone has any concerns around burglary, or has any suspicions around stolen property, I would encourage them to call Cumbria Police on 101.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said:

“It is pleasing that thankfully burglary is low in Cumbria but that is not a reason to be complacent.  The Constabulary have some key safety messages for us all to follow.”

There are precautions that you can take to ensure that your Christmas isn’t blighted by criminals:

·         Never leave your new presents in sight of a doorway or window - this is an open advertisement to potential burglars

·         Lock your doors and windows of your home and vehicles

·         Don’t put empty boxes or packaging outside your home to advertise what new gadgets or gifts you’ve received

·         Use timer switches for lights and radios when you leave your home to celebrate over Christmas and New Year

·         Contact police to help security mark all your new electrical and valuable gifts

·         Take advantage of the free bike marking events to prevent thieves taking your bicycles

·         If you have a house alarm, ensure it works and use it

·         Secure outhouses and sheds

·         If you are going away over Christmas or New Year, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your home

·         Look after your neighbours and report ANY suspicious activity, people or vehicles to police immediately on 101.

For more information about protecting your property and belongings, visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/campaigns/dont-let-thieves-steal-your-christmas

International Children's Festival - Sat 23rd November

Roller Derby - Birthday Bash!

Barrow Council Xmas Opening Hours

Barrow Market gets £250,000 refurbishment

BARROW INDOOR MARKET TO GET £1/4 MILLION REFURBISHMENT

Barrow Borough Council, the owners of the Indoor Market has embarked upon a major refurbishment scheme of the building.  The works will include a new ceiling, re-decoration, refurbishment of the floor, re-wiring and new lighting, new toilets for market traders and fire and security measures.  There is currently a waiting list and considerable interest in renting space in the Market, so 12 new stalls will also be constructed as part of the scheme to support entrepreneurship and small business ventures.  The Market will remain open during these refurbishment works so that the businesses can continue to trade. 

Councillor Dave Pidduck, Leader of Barrow Borough Council commented

"We are delighted to be able to announce these improvements to our Market.  This clearly shows our commitment in these extremely difficult times for Councils to supporting small businesses and at the same time encouraging new entrepreneurs.  It is fantastic news."

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of the National Market Traders Federation commented  “It is extremely encouraging to learn of the support both on a political and financial front that Barrow council have committed to their market. This is obviously a positive action that recognises the importance of the market not only as an alternative retail concept but also as a community hub within the town centre.
The National Market Traders Federation would like to thank Barrow Council for their support to their market and we hope that it also encourages other authorities to do likewise.”

Cumbria Fire Service information about smoke alarms

Message from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and Cumbria Trading Standards
 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CF&RS) have been providing homeowners with free smoke alarms as part of their prevention work for over a decade. The alarms provided have about a 10 year battery life. Once the battery that is within the alarm has come to the end of its working duration the alarm will beep intermittently to alert you to change the battery.
CF&RS have been issuing ‘Fire Angel’ smoke alarms since 2007. These Fire Angel alarms have a battery encased within the alarm that cannot be accessed or changed by the homeowner. Once this type of alarm starts to beep the whole alarm will need to be replaced.

A small percentage of these alarms may show signs that the battery life has come to an end and the alarm starts to beep before the 10 year battery life has ended. If this fault occurs please contact the manufacturer directly on 0800 141 2561 to receive a replacement alarm free of charge within 48 hours. If you experience any problems in gaining a new alarm please contact CF&RS on our Freephone number 0800 358 4777.
For advice and information on our new Home Safety Visit Assessments please visit www.cumbriafire.gov.uk and follow the link at Home Safety Visit Assessment
For advice on product safety please contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

Police bid to raise awareness of the dangers that motorists face on the county's roads

Cumbria Police Officers will be out in force this week talking to people about the dangers we all face on the roads, lending their support to Road Safety Week which starts today (Monday, 18 Nov).

Promoted by road safety charity Brake, Road Safety Week is about what we can all do to become more aware and help put a stop to the fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads.

Inspector Chris O’Hare, South Cumbria Roads Policing Unit said:

"Road safety is everyone's concern and each one of us can do something to save lives on roads and prevent further tragedies. This year we are focussing on relaying the message that as dark nights have drawn in, there is less visibility and we want motorists to react accordingly in a bid to prevent road traffic collisions.

“Motorists need to reduce speed when visibility becomes an issue as they may see cyclists and pedestrians later than when conditions are clearer and this seriously impacts the reaction time a motorist has to stop safely. 

“One issue we would like to highlight is that new cars use daylight running lights, so when visibility decreases they automatically activate. However, what motorists must be aware of is that the lights only project out of the front of the vehicle and not to the rear. Once visibility is low please turn on lights so you, as a driver, can see the road clearly and other motorists can also see your vehicle.”

Cumbria’s Road Policing Unit officers will be carrying out a range of activities across the county, throughout the week, to create awareness amongst all road users. This will include work with car drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Police activity will focus on creating awareness, prevention and keeping people safe but enforcement will be carried out where necessary.

As well as the Road Policing Unit, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Partner Agencies will be assisting with the force’s efforts during the week.

In North Cumbria, Police will be supporting Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service who are conducting Road Awareness Training in Brampton, Carlisle and Longtown throughout the week. The training is given to Year 11 students, who will soon be of the age where they can learn to drive. This will raise awareness of the dangers on the roads and what the effects of road traffic collisions and of the consequences to themselves and to others if they cause or are involved in a collision.

Throughout the week the North Cumbria Roads Policing Unit will be focussing on the importance of cyclists wearing the correct protective headwear and also discussing a wide variety of road safety issues that they come across with members of the public.

In South Cumbria, Officers from the Roads Policing Unit will be supporting Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service with Road Awareness Training in Kendal as well as facilitating Multi-Agency events at Furness College and Ulverston Victoria High School.

At Furness College, Police and Partner Agencies with the help of students will, produce a Mock Crash event on Wednesday 20^th November 2013. The event will show students what procedures Officers go through at the scene of a road collision.

Police and partner agencies such as Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Young Cumbria will be talking to students at Ulverston Victoria High School over a period of two weeks about their own experiences and perspectives following a serious road traffic collision.

Inspector Chris O’Hare, who will be speaking to students at the event, said: “Road safety is everyone's concern and each one of us can do something to save lives on roads and prevent further tragedies. If we can make an impact on the students who will go on to become future motorists, then all of this activity will be more than worth it.”

As well as these two events, safety advice will be issued to cyclists surrounding protective equipment and cycling in decreased visibility and Operation Spectrum, which focuses on anti-social and illegal parking in school drop off and collection points, will continue.

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “This issue of road safety is raised often when I meet with members of the public. I welcome the proactive approach from the police as part of the National Road Safety Week.  It is important that we all use our roads responsibly with the required care and attention especially as we now have winter weather conditions.”

NEW Home Fire Safety online self-assessment

A new online self-assessment has been launched enabling residents in Cumbria to gauge their risk of falling victim to fire in the home.
Cumbria County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has created a new web-based home fire safety tool asking a range of questions aimed at identifying the individual’s level and type of risk.
The assessment, which takes around five minutes to complete, is then used by CFRS to determine whether a personal home safety visit is required or if relevant precautions are already being taken which can be supplemented by advice available on-line.
Questions include whether there are any smokers in the house, if electrical items are safe, if a chip pan is in use and if anybody with a disability or over the age of 65 resides in the house – all issues that can help determine fire risk in the home.
Up until the launch of this online assessment anybody requesting a home fire safety visit from CFRS was visited, regardless of their risk or individual circumstances.
By targeting resources at fire prevention activity CFRS has enabled a major reduction in the number of fire incidents across Cumbria in the past six years and this new online tool is part of the ongoing drive in putting prevention before cure when it comes to dealing with fires.
Reductions in government funding mean Cumbria County Council has to find savings of £80million over the next three years.
By better targeting home safety visits at those that will benefit most and providing online advice to others, CFRS will be delivering a more focussed, and relevant service to the people of Cumbria while making better use of resources by maximising the benefit of home safety visits to the most vulnerable in our communities.
Cumbria’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Adrian Buckle said: "Our community safety initiatives and messages have had a tremendous impact on reducing the number of fires in Cumbria – we’ve seen a 34 per cent reduction in incidents over the past six years – and this online assessment is an important new development in our ongoing fire prevention journey.
Councillor Barry Doughty, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "The assessment is quick and easy to fill in and will help people to become aware of fire risks in the home, go about reducing that risk and have an idea of what to do if a fire does break out."
Importantly the assessment can also be carried out over the phone for those without internet access. The free phone number is 0800 358 4777.
The home safety assessment can be found at the following link: https://secure3.cumbria.gov.uk/surveys/cumbria/firehomesafetyv5.htm
or visit www.cumbriafire.gov.uk
To have a say on the Fire Service budget proposals, and others within the council’s public consultation, visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/ourfuture or pick up a copy of the consultation document available in local libraries and other public buildings.