Hello, my name is Jessica Bedford, and I am the new Parish Clerk for Fairburn Parish Council. 

I will be at the community cafe next Wednesday morning (24th) from 10am to 12pm. 

If anyone can’t make the parish assembly meeting on the evening of the 24th, then feel free to pass me any questions or things that you would like to mention, and I will take them for you. 

I will be attending the cafe at least once a month and hopefully more often so if you ever want to discuss anything then please come and have a chat with me. 

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The Parish Assembly will be held on Wednesday 24th May at 6.30pm followed by the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7pm, please go to the agenda page of the website for further details of this and future Parish Council meetings.

 

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

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