News

Data from the vehicle activated speed sign near Waterside flats

Garden waste licences now available

Residents can now pay for their licence for the 2025 garden waste season.

A licence costs £49 for collections between March and early December. This provides a cost-effective way for residents to dispose of garden waste.

The licence covers one 240-litre wheelie bin to be emptied fortnightly. Anyone who wishes to have more than one bin emptied will need to pay for a licence for each additional bin. Residents can also pay for a licence at any time throughout the season but are encouraged to do so before the start of the service in March as the cost will remain the same.

Once paid, a licence pack should arrive within 14 days.

For more information about the garden waste service, including terms and conditions, and collection dates, please visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/garden-waste.

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Please note changes to bin collection days over the holiday period, normal service will resume on 8th January 2025

MESSAGE FROM NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE 

I am writing to you this morning to highlight a spate of fraudulent phone calls which lots of people in our region have received. I have seen quite a few comments on social media about this. 

I am one of the people receiving this call too. 

The call comes from different numbers, claiming to be calling from “Your mobile phone provider” and the caller is very quick to tell you that you have been assessed for a 25% discount on all of your calls, messages and mobile data. 

The caller then asks if this is something which you would like to be credited today to allow you to receive the discount instantly. 

The caller will then ask you for your email address which is associated with your account. 

The caller then asks you to confirm your full name, address and postcode. 

Some people have then had their call disconnected, whilst others have experienced requests to provide bank details as part of a new contract. 

When I received the call last week, I may have upset my caller, as I kept repeating his requests back to him and giving him a carrot on a stick! After about 4 minutes, he shouted at me and told me that I was very annoying. At this point, I asked him if he wanted to buy windows and he hung up on me. However, throughout the call, he was very controlling and aggressive with me, telling me that he may disconnect my phoneline if I didn’t comply with his requirements. I can see how manipulative these callers can be to vulnerable people. 

If you receive a call such as this, please do not give the callers any information. If they claim to be your network, don’t tell them who you are with.  

Your network providers (if like mine) will send you lots of emails and letters. 

If there is an offer available, they will send you a genuine communication. 

Please be on your guard and send this information to anyone who you think will benefit from it. 

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Reporting local problems

If you need to report local problems such as fly tipping, graffiti, street lighting etc then you can use http://www.fixmystreet.com

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Grass Cutting

Dear Residents,

We would like to address recent concerns that has come to our attention regarding the maintenance of grass areas on Silver Street, Rawfield Lane and other areas within the village. There has been some confusion about who is responsible for cutting these areas, and we feel it is important to provide clarity on this matter.

The grass cutting on Silver Street and Rawfield Lane (along with others) is the responsibility of North Yorkshire Council, not the Parish Council. This means that the funding for this maintenance is already allocated through your council taxes, which you pay directly to North Yorkshire Council. 

If the Parish Council were to take on the responsibility of cutting these areas, it may require additional funds. This could potentially lead to an increase in the parish precept, which is the portion of your council tax that goes to fund the Parish Council’s activities. In effect, residents would be paying twice for the same service: once through their council tax to North Yorkshire Council, and again through an increased precept to the Parish Council.

If you are dissatisfied with the current state of the grass cutting which is not part of the Parish Councils maintenance contract or have noticed that this work is not being carried out adequately, we encourage you to contact North Yorkshire Council directly. They are responsible for ensuring that this service is performed to the expected standard. You can reach North Yorkshire Council’s customer service department to file a complaint or express your concerns via the following methods:

  • Phone: 01609 780780
  • Email: customer.services@northyorks.gov.uk
  • Online Form: Available on the North Yorkshire Council website

Parish Council’s Role and Next Steps
While the Parish Council is not responsible for cutting the grass in these areas, we are committed to the keeping our village looking tidy. We have contacted North Yorkshire Council directly to express our concerns. We have scheduled a “Help Out Day” for the 21st September, in which volunteers from the community can assist in tidying various areas, including those that North Yorkshire Council is responsible for. This will be an opportunity for us to come together as a community and enhance the appearance of our village. 

The Parish Council will discuss the matter in more detail at our next meeting. We are considering conducting a resident survey to gauge your opinions on whether the Parish Council should take over the grass cutting of NYC areas, despite the potential increase in the precept. This survey will help us understand your priorities and make an informed decision that reflects the wishes of the community.

Your input is invaluable to us. We encourage all residents to participate in the upcoming Parish Council meeting and voice your opinions on this matter. Details of the meeting will be published on the Parish Council website and noticeboards. Alternatively, please contact the Parish Clerk at fairburnparishcouncil@outlook.com.

By working together, we can ensure that our community remains a pleasant and well-maintained place to live.

Road Closure – Rawfield Lane

Tell Commissioner Zoë how much you think should be invested in policing and fire and rescue services in North Yorkshire and York

North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Zoë Metcalfe, is asking how much you think should be invested in local policing and fire and rescue services from your council tax bills from April next year.

One of Zoë’s roles, required by law, is to set the police and fire precepts – the amounts dedicated to policing and fire and rescue services in North Yorkshire and York from every household.

As part of her commitment to ensure everyone has the chance to have their say before the amounts are decided, she wants to know your views as part of a consultation. She will then make her proposals to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel in February.

The survey opens today, Monday 4 December, and runs until midnight Monday 21 January at www.tellCommissionerZoe.co.uk.

Commissioner Zoë said:

“One of my roles is to set the precepts for North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, something every Commissioner has to do each year.

“It is never easy to ask residents for more money, and I know that many individuals and families are facing financial pressures once again this coming year, but our emergency services are also dealing with rising costs as they continue their vital work to keep us all safe.

“And again, this year the decision will be challenging, as I have to balance the burden on taxpayers and the growing demands for services from our police and fire and rescue services, so it’s vital that I hear your views.

“Please go online, take just a few minutes to have your say and I will ensure your views are reflected when decisions are made.”

Details on the consultation and the proposals to be commented on can be found at www.tellCommissionerZoe.co.uk.

Scan the QR code to #HaveYourSay.

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Fairburn Parish Council will be leading a service of remembrance at the cenotaph on Sunday 12th November at 11am. All welcome.

 

PLEASE BE AWARE – Posting on Social Media whilst on holiday

It’s coming around to that time of year when many of us will be going on holiday.

Posting your holiday photos on social media whilst on holiday not only tells your friends and family you’re having a good time it also advertises to criminals that you’re away and your house is empty.

Many insurers now have an exclusion stating that if you post photos advertising the fact that you are on holiday, you may not be covered if your house gets burgled.

If your insurer does not have a specific Social Media Exclusion, they will have a general condition often called a ‘Duty of Care’ this will state that you must take reasonable precautions to try and prevent a claim.  Advertising that you are on holiday is like placing a sign on your front door stating your house is empty.

There are some steps you can take to keep safe –

Wait Until you get Back. – Post your photo’s when you get home and don’t check in on Facebook as soon as you get to the Airport or Hotel.

Lock Down your Social Media  – Keep your social media settings private so only your friends and family can see them. 

Turn off Location Services – If this is on and linked to your social media accounts then it will post you’re your location.

Check your Friends List – Have a clear out of anyone who shouldn’t be there.  Is there anyone on the list you don’t know? A friend request from a stranger may not be what it seems.

Remove personal details you don’t need – Check online to see just what you can find out about yourself; you may be surprised by what information is there.

Make sure you’re not tagged – Ask friends/family not to tag you and warn them only to post when you’re all home.  Adjust the setting so you can review anything you are tagged in.

Check your insurance policy – Read the small print or contact your insurer to check for any clauses relating to posting on social media.

Your local Policing Team is here for you, for more information click here 

On 1 April, the county council and seven district and borough councils will become one – North Yorkshire Council.

The council will become the geographically largest council in England but is being built with local at its heart and aims to be the most local, large council in the country.

It is committed to working closely with town and parish councils, as well as wider partners and communities to ensure that local priorities drive locally led decision-making and local action via community networks.

Staff who currently serve residents will continue to provide the services that they deliver now. A main office will be retained in each former district area and will be supported by a further 30 local customer access points in places people go in the future. There will be one phone number and one website, making sure access to support and services will be easier whilst ending the current confusion that exists over which council does what.

By making this change now, it gives North Yorkshire Council the best possible chance to protect our valued services at a time of exceptional financial pressures and high demand. Joining up services will allow the council to maximise spending power, meaning there is potential savings of between £30 million and £70 million which will then become annual savings. This money can be used to protect some of the most important local services at a critical time when everyone and every organisation is feeling the pressure.

The Council will have a strong voice and will work with the county’s six MPs to ensure that Government understands and acts on the issues that affect residents and businesses. It will advocate for the best possible opportunities. A clear economic strategy that plays to the county’s strengths and supports environmentally friendly business growth means it will be business friendly. By having one council, we can strengthen the county’s cultural offer, lobby for a greater share of funding for arts and culture, and support a year-round visitor economy.  

To find out more, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/newcouncil

Lorry Watch –  this is an issue that seems to be on the increase in the village, to report a vehicle not complying with the 7.5 ton limit through the village, please click here for a printable version or here for a version you can complete online of the form and further information to help you complete.

Energy Rebate Scam – please be aware

North Yorkshire Police have received a number of reports over from residents who have received a text message to apply for the £400 energy rebate.

This is a scam. The rebate is applied directly by the energy companies and you do not have to apply for it.

The text message encourages the user to click on a link and is then asked to input banking details. I suspect the format will then follow similar scams (Royal Mail Delivery/Covid contact) where the victim will subsequently receive a call claiming to be from their bank telling them they are monitoring suspicious activity on their account and they need to move their money to protect it.

Remember, the police or bank will NEVER ask you to move money to a safe account.

You can report scam text messages by forwarding them to 7726 which is a free service

Neighbourhood Alert for the attention of Motorhome and Campervan Owners

Police are warning motorhome and campervan owners in North Yorkshire to take extra precautions, after numerous reports of suspicious activity.

Inspector Clive Turner, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force, said: “Please remember, you aren’t obliged to buy anything from or sell anything to doorstep callers. Rogue traders often try to take advantage of householders by using high-pressure sales techniques, or may even be looking for opportunities to steal vehicles or property.
“It’s clear that a group of people are deliberately visiting homes in North Yorkshire with campervans parked outside, so it’s extremely important that if you own one, you double-check your security measures.
“In many cases, we have been able to respond to reports of suspicious activity by increasing patrols and visiting homes to gather evidence and provide crime prevention advice – so those responsible will find it increasingly difficult to target vehicles in our area.
“I’d urge everyone to remain vigilant, and follow our security advice. And if you are aware of suspicious activity, such as people appearing to take an interest in parked campervans or other high-value vehicles, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.”

  • Write your vehicle identification number (VIN) in several hidden places within the camper van. Use a permanent marker to write the VIN on the underside of drawers, in cupboards, and on wooden surfaces. Etch the VIN onto the windows using a diamond tipped engraver. This makes the vehicle easy to identify if it’s stolen.
  • Always lock all doors and windows every time you leave your campervan. Check and lock your roof light and gas compartment as well.
  • Do not leave personal or valuable items on display inside the vehicle. Consider forensic and security marking your personal items. In particular, never leave vehicle registration documents inside the campervan – they can help a thief to sell it on.
  • Fix lock nuts or wheel clamps to the wheels.
  • Block in the campervan behind a locked gate, or with another vehicle parked in front of it.
  • Fit a tracking device and an alarm, and switch this on every time you leave your campervan – even if it’s just for a short time. Keep your keys with you at all times.

Call police on 101 to report suspicious people and vehicles appearing to take an interest in campervans or other high-value vehicles. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

Looking for a career in the Care Sector and want to make a difference, Click here for more information on opportunities within North Yorkshire

Anti-idling social media Selby generic

Selby Treasures Exhibition, This exhibition is now virtual and available to view online. Visit the website for the Selby Treasures Online Exhibition.

How to report non emergency offences to the Police.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service offer a Safe and Well Service, for more information click here

Etiquette-for_War_Memorials_and_Wreaths

There are lots of ways to get involved in Selby Big Local to find out more click here.

Western Disability Action Group Information