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Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council

Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council

Informational Notices

HEATING AND DIESEL OIL THEFT

Theft of heating and diesel oil has been a problem for many years and the Police have always noticed an increase in this type of crime whenever the price of crude oil rises.

The leaflet below offers advice on siting oil tanks, security locks and lighting, defensive planting and other security measures.

PUT A STOP TO RURAL CRIME

Your rural business has become a target for thieves, Now is the time to act... Rural businesses will be targeted as long as thieves see them as soft targets. The short guide below provides a series of key points to reduce the likelihood of you becoming the next victim.

The advice and information provided is designed to make it harder for the thief and safer for you and your employees, who you have a legal obligation to protect under health and safety legislation.

POTHOLES, PAVEMENT REPAIRS, HIGHWAY AND STREET LIGHTING PROBLEMS?

Report it to:

  • Telephone: County Highways on 01926 412515
  • Website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/roads
  • Email: countyhighways@warwickshire.gov.uk
  • Text: Lighting (followed by location and defect details) on 07950 081082

FLOOD WARNING SERVICE INFORMATION

The Environment Agency provides a flood warning service throughout England and Wales in areas at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. Using the latest available technology, other staff monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions 24 hours a day and use this information to forecast the possibility of flooding.

RECYCLING UPDATE

Please put the following materials in your blue-lidded recycling bin:

  • Mixed glass bottles and jars
  • Mixed paper and card
  • Household plastic packaging
  • Cartons
  • Food tins and drinks cans
  • Foil
  • Aerosols

IMPORTANT: No plastic bags or sacks.

BIG MEADOW - OPENING AND CAR PARKING

The Big Meadow will be opening for the 2011 season on Friday 1 April.

Please note that all cars must pay the £2.50 parking fee unless they hold a free residents pass.

People living within Bidford-on-Avon Parish can apply for a free car pass from the Parish Council Office in Bramley Way, or by post, or you can download an application form below.

WARWICKSHIRE VOLUNTARY SNOW WARDEN SCHEME 2010/11

From Warwickshire County Highways Policy Group:

As I'm sure you will remember, last winter we had a lot of snow and ice across the UK and this led to most local authorities having to concentrate on main roads, and not clearing quieter roads and pavements. We've already had our first spell of snow and ice, with more likely over the coming weeks, so how do we make sure we can still get around on foot safely?

As snow wardens you will endeavour to enlist help from your neighbours, and clear, pavements, drives and cul de sacs and in so doing greatly assist the local community and vulnerable people.

This will let the council focus on its priority routes used by 90 per cent of county's traffic. We will still grit the main routes, that's obviously our responsibility – but this is a practical way of getting resources to areas that are more isolated and will be based on your local knowledge as a priority to your community.

We thank you for volunteering to be a Snow Warden, your local input will be most appreciated during any severe weather spells.

TIPS AND ADVICE ON CLEARNING SNOW AND ICE

There is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your property, pathways to your property or public space.

If an accident did happen, it's highly unlikely that you would be sued as long as you are careful and use common sense to make sure that you don't make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before. People using area affected by snow and ice also have responsibility to be careful themselves.

TRAFFIC SPEED SURVEY OF SALFORD ROAD

The 85th percentile does not meet the threshold for enforcement (it needs to be 46+ in a 40mph) so mobile camera enforcement is not an option in this case as the average speeds are coming out at 38.4mph which shows an overall compliance with the speed limit.

SpeedAware will continue its visits and they will arrange for some anti-speeding posters to be deployed along the Salford Road.

The Parish Council would also urge residents concerned about possible speeding to apply for the wheelie bin stickers: the Salford Road is straight and a line of bins on the kerb once a week reminding drivers of the speed limit would have an effect!

NEW PROJECT LAUNCHED BY VASA: THE MAGNIFICENT MENTORS

We have recruited six (at present - more to come) very highly qualified volunteers to mentor new business projects. They are people with extensive experience of starting new businesses and then developing their success for the long term.

Skills and experience include raising finance, marketing, entrepreneurship (including for manufacturing) and all aspects of business start up for the smallest to very large companies.

Our initial use of them will be for an Open Day to be held probably mid-late November 2010 when, just like many of you will have done when taking valuables to be assessed by experts, individuals, community groups and those considering a significant business investment will be able to come along and meet with them and privately discuss and have evaluated the opportunity they are considering.

This is support for any of the following:

Any individual who wants to start up their own business in probably any sector, 'employing' just their own talents

Any individual who wants to develop a business which will offer several employment opportunities, and is likely to include their investing significantly in the proposed business

Any Community Group - which may include close partners to you as a Parish Council - who are considering a Community (Social) Enterprise opportunity for your village or town, a Community Enterprise being provision of a service for public purpose - a business which invests surpluses back into its activities for the benefit of its community.

THis is an invaluable opportunity for any of the above to have access to this sort of mentoring.

NADMIN ZAHAWI, MP

Nadhim Zahawi is always available to help constituents with individual problems and to support local campaigns.

He holds regular surgeries where you can make an appointment to see him. Alternatively you can contact him by telephone, letter or email.

Constituency Office: 3 Trinity Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6BL
Telephone: 01789 292723
Fax: 01789 415886
Email: nadhim.zahawi.mp@parliament.uk
Web: www.zahawi.com

BIDFORD FOR A DISABLED PERSON: A REPORT ON TRAVELLING AROUND BIDFORD

The report below was carried out by one of the Parish Councillors, together with a disabled resident. It reports on some of the problems encountered whilst trying to travel around the village.

We would welcome input from other disabled persons, and request that you contact the Parish Council Office with your comments:

  • Do your agree/disagree?
  • Are there other areas that need looking at? This particular resident lives in Icknield Street.
  • Other issues that disabled residents encounter that they would like to bring to the attention of the Parish Council.

INFORMATION ON WALKING DOGS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Dogs can harm farm animals. Keep your dog on a lead near farm animals, but let go if chased. Dogs worrying farm animals can be shot.

For information on walking your dog in the countryside visit:
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/paths

THREE COMPUTERS WITH INTERNET ACCESS FOR RESIDENTS' USE

The Parish Council can now offer three computers for use by the local community. They are situated in the lobby outside the Parish Council office.

Read more on our Parish Council Office page.

STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNTIL HOUSING STRATEGY 2009 TO 2014

A draft consultation Housing Strategy for 2009 to 2014, setting out how the Council and its partners will work together to ensure that more people in the District get the housing and housing related support that they need and choose. This Strategy covers all tenures including owner occupation, private rented accommodation and affordable housing.

MORE THAN 90 WARWICKSHIRE WALKS TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT FOR FREE!

There's no doubt about it, walking is good for you. It's good for your heart, it's good for your lungs, it's good for the muscle and bone growth of your children and it's good for your feeling of well being!

Strong scientific evidence now supports the many benefits to health of regular walking - it is recommended that we take at least 10,000 steps a day.

Studies show that walking can:

  • Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduce high cholesterol
  • Reduce body fat
  • Enhance mental well being

Walking offers a great way to help kids get the active habit. If parents express excitement about the prospect of a walk in the countryside, they are more likely to transmit this feeling to their children. It's important to treat the walk as an exploration or adventure and to go at the child's pace, no matter how often they want to stop and look at things; take treats to eat and plenty to drink; and head for some landmark that will appeal to them such as a castle, a playground, an ice cream van or a boating pond. If children experience walking as part of a fun activity they are more likely to want to go again.

So, how do you find out what is on offer? John Harris, a keen walker, got fed up with the lack of information on walks that were going on in the County. So, he decided that if he couldn't find what he was looking for - he had better create it! So www.walkinginwarwickshire.co.uk came into being.

www.walkinginwarwickshire.co.uk gives you all the information you need for the best walking in the County: Details of more than 90 walks to download and print free, details of all the Warwickshire walking groups, maps and walk books - plus loads more information.

So check out the website and get walking!

HOW RECYCLING WORKS

A presentation on the process and benefits of recycling, by Pure Recycling, can be read below:

POLICY FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS (AND APPLICATION FORM)

The document below explains the Parish Council's policy for grant applications (for financial assistance by voluntary organisations and groups), and includes an application form.

STILL REMEMBERED GRAVE TENDING SERVICES

A quite unique service to the community has been recently started for the West Midlands and Warwickshire areas of the UK specifically designed to help those who are unable to look after the graves of their friends or loved ones themselves.

See www.stillremembered.co.uk or contact Mike by telephone on: 0247 6590924 or 07970 159085.

HOME CHOICE PLUS

Working in partnership to offer choice from a range of housing options for people in housing need.

Home Choice Plus has been designed to improve access to social housing. The advantage is that you only register once and the scheme allows you to view and bid on available properties for which you are eligible for across all of the districts.

Home Choice Plus has been developed by a number of Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords, working in partnership.

Home Choice Plus is a new way of allocating Social Housing across the participating Local Authority areas.

For more information read the following:

WHAT IS SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE CARERS' SUPPORT SERVICE?

South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service consists of an Adult Carers Team and a Young Carers Team which exist to provide emotional support, information, advice, advocacy and assistance to those providing unpaid care for a relative, friend or other person who is disabled, frail, or has a long-term illness. Our service is open to all Carers, young and old, through a central telephone base and Support Advisers who reach out to all parts of the community.

We work towards increasing awareness of the role played by Carers in maintaining the care of others within local communities and towards increasing recognition of the real expertise they have to offer and the contribution they make to society. We enable Carers' views and experiences to be made known to the policy makers and planners of service.

South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service is a charitable organisation, assisted by funding from Warwickshire County Council, Adult Health and Community Services and Warwickshire PCT.

South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service
8b Holly Court
Holly Farm Business Park
Honiley
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 1NP

Tel: 01926 485486
www.swcss.org.uk
info@swcss.org.uk

THE CHAUCER EXPERIENCE

A proposal to present Chaucer's masterpiece The Canterbury Tales in the manner of medieval story-telling.

This will follow the way that Chaucer himself would have read them to small groups of friends or guests as after-dinner entertainment. A group of 3-4 persons will present the Tales jointly as narrators/story-tellers, and will present the various characters as they occur in each Tale. This reflects the entertainment style of the 15th century medieval troubadours and their 'Interludes'.

Ten of the Canterbury Tales have been arranged for this style of presentation. These texts follow original Chaucer but they will be presented in modern English; some Tales have been shortened. The Tales can be presented singly or in groups of 2-3 Tales in a particular evening.

This style of presenting 'authentic' Chaucer in the manner of medieval story-telling would draw on the presenters' own intuitive skills and experience of narrative story-telling within a family or small group of friends. These basic skills can be developed using appropriate acting techniques.

It is envisaged that these presentations will take place in a drawing room where a local Host invites friends and neighbours for a social occasion as in Chaucer's day. The audience size would be kept small and probably not exceed thirty people in order to maintain the intimate and authentic style of the period. Appropriate music might be added. The events may be used as opportunities for fund-raising for the Host's particular charity or good cause.

Other venues might include schools, libraries and museums. Medieval chambers and 'heritage' buildings would also be appropriate where performances might then take the form of 'living history'.

There is also significant potential for the development of these opportunities and events beyond The Chaucer Experience.

Initially, an absolute minimum of two ladies will be needed to initiate the project but a larger company would enable further development. It would be particularly useful to find a production assistant/PR person to assist with the foundation work in establishing the group and making contacts with potential Hosts.

For more information please contact Roy Tabor on 01789 772181.

QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL

The Quality Parish Status (QPS) is a Charter Mark awarded to a Parish or Town Council that is well run and working effectively on behalf of its community. Councils attaining Quality Parish Status may take on extra functions for the benefit of their communities, if they wish, by negotiating with County and District Councils for the devolution of functions and services down to grassroots level.

Bidford Parish Council is delighted to have achieved this status.

INFORMATION ON DREDGING RIVERS

This information from the Environment Agency is about dredging rivers, particularly in regard to flooding

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT NETWORKS EXPLAINED

This leaflet from the Department of Health explains the concept of Local Involvement Networks (LINk) - a network of local people, organisations and groups that want to make care services better.

NATIONAL FLOOD FORUM'S 'BLUE PAGES'

This is a directory of flood protection products and services put together to advise and inform you of the range of products available to help you protect your home or business against flooding.

Whilst the National Flood Forum cannot endorse any of these products they are happy to provide a platform to enable the public to make informed decisions.

LIFE WELL LINK: NEW INFORMATION CENTRE

Have you or anyone you know received a diagnosis of a serious illness? Do you have lots of questions and no answers?

...if so, then we can help with information and support.

Call us on 01789 416959 or pop in for a coffee (10.00am to 4.00pm). No appointment necessary. Leaflets are also available in the Parish Council office.

Life Well Link, Stratford Healthcare Building One (first floor above the coffee shop), Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Life Well Link is a service developed and provided by The Shakespeare Hospice Registered Charity No 1064091.

DVD OF THE FLOODS

The DVD of the floods is now available at many of the local shops. Price £8.99. It is entitled 'Bidford-IN-Avon: The record flood of July 21st 2007 at Bidford-on-Avon'.

Great Britain Online have filmed before and after the floods, and done some research into previous (historical) floods.

DVD is also for sale at www.greatbritainonline.co.uk

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS

Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council adopted the Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 No. 1159 for Parish and Town Councils, including Paragraph 12(2) on 20th August 2007.

Copies of the adopted Code of Conduct are available at the Parish Council Office, situated in Bramley Way, Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 12.30pm and on our Procedures page.

BIDFORD-ON-AVON: ICT AWARD WINNER (CALOR VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION) 2006/07

Bidford-on-Avon is a village with a vibrant community and groups and associations catering for all ages and interests.

The village has an extensive range of local businesses employing many local people and by increasing tourism with natural attractions such as the river, the economy is benefiting. Businesses are also evident in helping support the community with significant sponsorships highlighting strong relationships.

Accessibility to Bidford couldn't be easier. Their website is easy to use and navigate and very up to date. Due to the large number of companies in the village, broadband access has facilitated an innovative approach to use of ICT within the village. The library offers five free computers and free lessons, the youth club members have three complementary computers, and silver surfers meet every Friday. Bidford's wide scale use of free IT involves all local residents who navigate cyberspace with ease.

Young and old are kept active with groups, outings, events and even a Young Firefighters initiative that is enthusiastically embraced. The 'Jolly Teapot', aptly named, is used as a venue where members of the Bidford Community Group can meet to express their views over a cup of tea. These meetings are also regularly attended by the Parish Council which takes this opportunity to hear the views of residents and improve village life.

Bidford is blessed with natural beauty and its history dating back to Roman and Anglo Saxon times makes it ripe for conservation. Preservation is the villages focus with the three P's - Parish, Paths and Partnership, driving this by encouraging walkers with way marking, path improvements and guidebooks and maps.

The village also has extensive allotments which encourage green fingers to produce beautiful vegetables and fruit, so much so that there is a waiting list. Recycling and energy schemes are also prevalent with the Parish being lit by 'green energy'.

Bidford has a lot to shout about and has just appointed a Village Crier to help pass on information about all the events and activities going on in Bidford for all the 4,950 local residents and visitors.

Calor Village of the Year Awards

ARE YOU STUCK FOR TRANSPORT?

If so the Community Links social transport scheme maybe just what you are looking for.

Community Links operates a small fleet of vehicles, each with full disability access, to offer a 'door-to-door' service for people stuck for transport to get to and from their nearest town or village; or to visit friends locally; or to travel to and from Stratford.

The service is aimed for people who have a genuine need for local transport and cannot access public transport because of mobility problems or live in a rural isolated location with no other form of transport available.

The Community Links service operates between about 9.30am and 2.30 on set days in each part of the District three days a week as follows:

  • West of Stratford on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; the area covered by Bidford, Alcester, Studley, Henley, Tanworth and Stratford and their surrounding villages.
  • East of Stratford on Monday Thursday and Friday; the area covered by Southam, Kineton, Harbury, Wellesbourne and Stratford and their surrounding villages; as well as on Tuesday specifically for travel to and from Southam Market.
  • South of Stratford on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; the area covered by Tysoe, Shipston, Quinton and Stratford and their surrounding villages.

If you need this service, or know someone who does, phone Community Links on 01789 264491 for more information.

The Community Links social transport scheme works in close co-operation with two existing transport schemes in the district. Both of these will continue to operate as before and are:

  • The Volunteer Centre Medical Journey Scheme for doctor, dentist and hospital and medical related appointments. Contact Clarissa Roberts on 01789 296344. This service typically costs the client 31p per mile; but do ask about costs when making your booking.
  • Back & 4th Transport hire out minibuses with drivers to social and community groups. Contact Judith Hill on 01789 471595. A Back & 4th minibus typically costs £6 per hour plus 42p per mile to hire, but do ask for a quote when making your booking Community Links is a partnership project between Warwickshire County Council, Stratford on Avon District Council and Stratford on Avon Volunteer Centre.

FIVE GOOD REASONS TO COMPOST AT HOME

1. Reduce the amount of rubbish you put out for collection and send to landfill.

2. Produce a fantastic free fertiliser for your garden, vegetable plots, patio planters and hanging baskets.

3. Save money by reducing the amount of compost you have to buy for your garden.

4. Help to reduce the production of methane - when organic waste is sent to landfill, it rots without oxygen producing methane - a powerful greenhouse gas which contributes to global warming.

5. Save time and petrol on taking garden waste to the tip.

The most important tips for making good compost are:

  • Ensure that you get a good mix of wet (eg. food scraps, grass clippings) and dry (eg. paper, card, straw, leaves) materials. The dry materials will trap air spaces in the compost, which it needs to work properly.
  • Do not include meat, fish, dairy or cooked food scraps. These are the things that might attract unwanted visitors to the bin!

Compost bins can be purchased at subsidised prices. The Recycle Now Home Compost programme is a partnership between Warwickshire County Council and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme). Three designs of bin are available, starting at £8 including delivery.

For more information or to order a compost bin visit the website: www.recyclenow.com/compost or call: 0845 077 0757

Don't forget that you also have a local composting advisor - Penny Holmes - who attends events, gives talks and works with schools to promote successful home composting. If you have an event that you would like the advisor to attend please email: penny.holmes@wrap.org.uk

WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL: SAVING ELECTRICITY AT HOME

Read the leaflet below from Warwickshire County Council, to see five ideas that will cost you nothing, yet could save you £100 per year in energy savings.

VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLD SCHEME: DO YOU HAVE A WATER METER?

The vulnerable household scheme is a capped charge, which is intended to help metered customers who are experiencing difficulties as a result of high water usage or low income.

If a member of your household is on receipt of benefits and has a medical condition that makes you use more water, or you are in receipt of benefit and have three children under the age of 19, then you may be able to apply for this scheme.

For further information to see if you qualify for the scheme, please telephone 0845 7500 500

Application forms are now available at the Parish Council Office. Help to complete the form can be obtained from the Bidford Benefits Advice Group - please contact Mike Gerrard on 01789 778493.

COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE LEARNING CONSORTIUM

Want to develop your skills? Be a better worker? Short of skills? Want a job?

Get yourself a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

Coventry and Warwickshire Learning Consortium are offering NVQ courses at heavily discounted prices - many of them absolutely free. To apply you must:

a) Work in a voluntary community organization; b) Be working in, or moving into, an administrative or management role; c) Be aged 19 or over.

You can qualify in Business Administration, Team Leadership, Retail skills, Health & Social Care, Child Care & Development, and other valuable capabilities with NO CHARGE at the lower levels and at only a fraction of the normal cost for the higher level qualifications.

CALOR VILLAGE OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2006

County's Top Villages Revealed

Warwickshire's top villages are celebrating as the county results of the 2006 Calor Warwickshire Best Kept Village and Village of the Year competitions have been revealed.

Over 80 communities took part this year in one or both competitions, which are run by Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) and sponsored by Calor - the UK's leading supplier of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

The Warwickshire Best Kept Village competition, which also incorporated the Best Kept Churchyard competition this year, encourages communities to work together to keep their surroundings tidy and well maintained. The results of this competition are as follows:

  • Best Kept Small Village Winner - Sambourne
  • Best Kept Large Village Winner - Leek Wootton
  • Best Kept Churchyard Winner - Church of St Peter and St Paul, Butlers Marston

The Warwickshire Village of the Year competition judged villages of up to 5,000 residents on six key aspects of village life with categories covering Building Community Life, Business, Young People, Older People, the Environment and Information Communication Technology (ICT). Thanks to continued competition support from Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) at both county and national level, the winning village in the Building Community Life category will benefit from £500 prize money. The results of this competition are as follows:

  • 2006 Calor Warwickshire Village of the Year - BIDFORD-ON-AVON
  • Information Communication Technology Winner - Barton-on-the-Heath
  • Building Community Life Winner - Middleton

As the 2006 Calor Warwickshire Village of the Year, Bidford-on-Avon has the added honour of being nominated to go forward and represent the county in the prestigious national Calor Village of the Year® for England competition. More than 40 villages across the country will be competing in the competition, which has a total prize fund of over £39,000 and a top prize of £7,000. Bidford-on-Avon will initially be representing Warwickshire in the Central England region of the competition against villages from Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland and Staffordshire.

The Warwickshire Village of the Year winners will be presented with their prizes at the Annual General Meeting of the WRCC on Saturday 14 October at Bidford-on-Avon Village Hall.

Competition organiser, Ariadne Uslu, commented: "This year's competitions have once again highlighted some excellent communities here in Warwickshire. Standards have been very high throughout and our judges had a difficult task selecting the final winners. We very much look forward to celebrating with representatives of the winning villages."

For further information on the competitions please contact Ariadne Uslu at WRCC on 02476 303232, or email her at ariadneu@wrccrural.org.uk.

STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL: ACCOMPANIED WALKS IN THE DISTRICT

Walking for Health

Many people throughout the country have joined the national initiative called 'Walking for Health'. They regularly meet in small groups to enjoy short walks in their local areas. These can vary in pace so there is a group that suits everyone. They have found that regular walking for exercise can make considerable improvements to their health and well-being.

Evidence suggests that some of the benefits can include:

  • Lowers the risk of heart disease and strokes
  • Lowers high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Improve the flexibility in joints
  • Reduces the risk of osteoporosis by strengthening the bones
  • Reduces weight
  • Improve the immune system

Of course you can get to meet new friends as well as renew old friendships. You will enjoy the social atmosphere as well as the opportunity for good conversation and don't forget that it's FREE.

There are some established walks in a number of areas throughout the District. You may wish to join one of these. If there is not a walk advertised where you live then please contact us. You may find that a walk programme is being planned in your area.

If you are interested and you want to find out more about Healthy Walks then please contact the Leisure Services at Stratford-on-Avon District Council 01789 267575.

STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL: HOUSING RENEWAL TEAM

For information on Discretionary Grants or Disabled Facility Grants, please call 01789 260848, or visit the Council's web page at www.stratford.gov.uk, or email renewal@stratford-dc.gov.uk

RURAL OUTREACH FUND CRITERIA

General

  • The fund will only be accepted with the support of a VLO;
  • The fund can only be used to support projects which will provide additional resources, or enhance existing resources, not subsidise existing services or resources, other than in exceptional circumstances;
  • Projects should demonstrate that they address rural isolation and/or improve access to services or facilities;
  • The fund will only support projects which are to the benefit of communities or organisations where a VLO is present.

Only bids which fall/come under the following headings will be supported by the funds:

  • Improving access to services & facilities;
  • Improving access to information;
  • Provision of training;
  • Building the capacity of community groups;
  • Support to Voluntary Organisations;
  • Community safety initiatives.

Questionnaires are available at the Parish Council Office, Telephone 01789 778653

STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL: HOUSING ADVICE TEAM

We offer a professional advice and information service about housing issues in the Stratford District. Let us help you!

For further information, please contact the Housing Advice Team on 01789 260861/2, or email housing@stratford-dc.gov.uk

For emergency assistance if you are homeless outside normal working hours, please call 01789 414066.

SILVER SURFERS WARWICKSHIRE: A VILLAGE LIAISON PROJECT

Come and learn to use the Internet with Silver Surfers. It's free of charge and no need to book - just pop along!

Every Friday from 10.00 am to 11.00 am at Bidford Library

This service is offered to you by Silver Surfers Volunteers who are available to offer support. Why not pod down to the library next Friday and see what it's all about?

BIRD FLU

If you see a dead river bird, eg. a swan, a goose or a duck, DO NOT TOUCH IT

Please telephone 08459 335577 as soon as possible and report exactly where you saw it.

STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL: VOLUNTEER CENTRE

Hundreds of people of all ages enjoy themselves whilst helping others. Why volunteer?

Both you and the people you assist will benefit from the time and effort you provide. Those being helped will have their lives enhanced. You, the volunteer, could:

  • get to meet new people
  • gain confidence and experience
  • feel more fulfilled
  • do new things
  • learn new skills
  • enjoy yourself

It is for you to decide how much time you can offer and which activity and organization you support.

Take a look at our website at www.stratfordvbx.org.uk and/or ring us on 01789 262886.

NOTICE RE: PLANNING APPLICATIONS

It has come to the notice of the Parish Council that not all neighbours receive advice of planning applications. Full details of planning applications are available at the Parish Council Office (next to the library), which is open daily from 10.00am to 12.30pm. If you believe an application has been sent in and you have not been notified, please contact the Clerk.

All applications received by the Parish Council are discussed at its monthly Planning Meeting or its monthly Parish Council Meeting. Dates of the meetings are on this website and the Parish Council's Notice Boards and Agendas, giving details of the applications that will be discussed, are also published on the website and the notice boards.

Please feel free to contact the Clerk on 01789 778653 if you would like any further information.

WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL: ADULT AND COMMUNITY LEARNING SERVICE

We are your local Adult and Community Learning Service and we can help you to:

  • Help your children learn
  • Improve your chances with jobs
  • Improve your community
  • Find some learning that will benefit you

Almost all of our learning is FREE. Read more, and request further information, in our leaflet:

FREE FIRE HOME SAFETY CHECK

Bidford Fire Station is offering a Free Home Fire Safety Check, which includes free smoke alarm fitting.

To arrange a visit, please contact Stratford-upon-Avon Fire Station on 01789 293271, ask for Area Risk Team and give your details - these will be passed on to members of Bidford Fire Station who will contact you to arrange a suitable time.

Alternatively, you can contact Bidford Fire Station direct on 01789 772223 Wednesday or Thursday between 7.00 and 9.00pm.

AGE CONCERN SERVICES

The following documents detail the services provided by Age Concern in these districts:

ARE YOU OVER 60? OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS?

The Citizens Advice Bureau would like to offer help to people in this age group.

  • We would like to give you information about pension credits and other financial help available.
  • If poor health is an issue we can discuss this too.
  • We can complete the forms with you and post them for you.

Everything can be done in the privacy of your own home.

For more information, please phone Patricia on 01789 295399 (this number is often covered by an answering machine, but please leave your name and number and I will call you back).

BOGUS CALLER INITIATIVE

The Warwickshire Police aim to make our county 'The Safest Place to Be'. They have launched an initiative to educate the public on what to do if somebody calls at your door who you do not recognise.

Read our information sheet, below, which also includes a notice that you can show to callers. This information is also available at the Parish Office and the Library.

FLOOD WATCH

Flooding is a serious issue. Around 6,000 properties are at risk of flooding in the Warwickshire area. While the Environmental Agency aims to provide advance warning of flooding, and local authorities may provide assistance, the person who can do most to help is you! Below is some useful information and guidance.

  • Information Sheet (pdf) - This sheet from the Environmental Agency explains your local flood warning service and lists important contact numbers.
  • Leaflet (pdf) - This leaflet, aimed at older residents, helps you plan ahead and reduce the risk to you and your belongings.

WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL: EMERGENCY PLAN

Leaflets and Booklets with detailed information on how to cope in an emergency, including contact telephone numbers, local radio stations etc. are available at the Parish Office and the Library.

This information is also available on the Warwickshire County Council Emergency Plan website.

Warnings and Scams

See our separate Scams and Warnings page for information about scams, rogue traders and other alerts in our area.

Copies of Notices

Notices are also posted on the Parish Council's Notice Boards.