Help us recruit people to be the ‘Voice of Warwickshire’! 

We are forming a new residents’ panel called ‘Voice of Warwickshire’ to give people an opportunity to share their views – and we need your help, so that we can listen to the voices of as many people as possible.

As a Council we want our decisions and priorities to be informed by the views of a representative group of residents. This will help us to understand people’s needs and improve how we work with communities in tackling the huge challenges we face in a world that has been changed by COVID-19.

People who sign up will be helping us deliver the new Council Plan, focusing on big issues in Warwickshire, like health and wellbeing, climate change and sustainability, community safety, education, transport, economic growth, inequalities and inclusion, and more.

Our goal is to give people the chance to get more involved in big decisions that affect Warwickshire and the area where they live over the next few years.

We will be writing to 20,000 residents across the county to tell them about Voice of Warwickshire and to encourage them to sign up, and will be launching a social media and marketing campaign.

But your help is crucial in encouraging a broad and diverse range of residents to sign up through your interactions with potential Voice of Warwickshire members.

Why people should get involved: 

• Share their opinions and experiences of living in Warwickshire

• Provide views on key issues that impact them, their family, friends, and communities

• Help inform Warwickshire County Council’s policymaking, based on their own experiences

To be eligible to take part, people need to be 18 or over and live in Warwickshire. We are asking them to sign up initially for 12 months.

How people can take part  

Once they register as a Voice of Warwickshire member, around 4 times a year we will ask them to give us their opinions, mainly using online polls and short surveys.

If they are unable to participate online, we would still like to hear from them and will be able to arrange another way for them to share their views. The closing date for registering is 14th November 2021.

Please help us to recruit!  

Please ask people to sign up to be a Voice of Warwickshire member by either:

• visiting https://bit.ly/VoiceofWarwickshire or
• if you don’t have access to the internet, by calling 01926 410410 (Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm).

  We will then ask them to provide some basic information about themselves in the first instance.

  A digital flyer that you can share with people is attached, either digitally or as a printout.

  Please help us – and help shape the future of Warwickshire!

The Avon Dassett  Remembrance Day Service will be held at the War Memorial at 11 am on 14 November. The service will be led by Father Bill and all are welcome to attend.

Lest we forget.

We have received this report from Deb Watts who organised the coffee mornings this year. Well done Deb and thanks to all who attended:

As the Coronavirus has still impacted our fundraising for this year, we’ve had a couple of little events this time around.  We’ve also had a collection at the September village coffee morning in The Reading Room, where a draw of “The Lucky Square” was made for a Prosecco & Coffee Hamper.  The winner was Terry Gladwin.

The total raised for Macmillan Cancer Support was £194.55

Many thanks to everyone who supported this year’s fundraising, Deb Watts.

NHS COVID Pass Fraud

Criminals are using the NHS COVID Pass as a way to target the public by convincing them to hand over money, financial details and personal information.

They are sending imitation text messages, emails and making phone calls pretending to be from the NHS, and offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media.

If you are contacted about your NHS COVID Pass:

• Be alert to links and attachments in unexpected text messages or emails
• Do not respond to requests for money, passwords or financial details
• Challenge: Could it be fake?
• Use the official NHS COVID Pass website: www.nhs.uk/nhscovidpass

The NHS COVID Pass is available to demonstrate your COVID-19 status either in a digital or paper format via the NHS App, the NHS website or by calling 119.

For information on how to get your free NHS COVID Pass, visit www.nhs.uk/nhscovidpass

What to do if you suspect you have been a victim of an NHS COVID Pass scam

If you receive a call and suspect it to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you are suspicious about a text message, forward it to the number 7726, which is free-of-charge.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040.

If you have any information relating to NHS COVID Pass or vaccine certificate fraud you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers online at covidfraudhotline.org or phone on 0800 587 5030.

National Cyber-Security Centre report a suspicious website tool

Many scammers operate fake websites, which will download viruses onto your computer or try to steal your passwords or other personal information. This is sometimes called ‘phishing’. You can now report a suspicious website to the National Cyber-Security Centre. By reporting, you can help us stop cyber criminals and protect others online: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website

Bogus Amazon callers

Warwickshire residents have reported a spike in bogus Amazon phone calls. The fraudsters claim that orders have been placed using the residents accounts, sometimes for items valued at hundreds of pounds! These bogus phone calls are attempts to steal Amazon account user names and passwords and other personal and financial information with a view to stealing money.

Never provide any personal or financial information to cold callers. If you think there is a problem with one of your online accounts, type the address in to your web browser or use the app. Do not follow any links you may have been sent, they could take you to fake websites!

Beware offers to ‘buy’ your social media accounts

Young people are being targeted by fraudsters who offer thousands of pounds to buy their social media accounts. Unfortunately, those that agree to hand over their user names and passwords to the fraudsters never receive a penny, but their accounts are used to scam others.

Never divulge your user name or password.

Beware copycat driving licence websites

Young people are being scammed for hundreds of pounds after applying for their provisional driving licences via bogus copycat websites. To apply for or renew any Government documentation, always begin your search at GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/

More about copycat websites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCfOQC7ONSI

Gamers are scammed by bogus PS5 sellers

Warwickshire residents have reported being scammed out of hundreds of pounds after attempting to purchase hard-to-find PS5s. Supply problems have meant’ that there is currently a shortage of PS5s, leaving gamers to turn to private sellers on social media and Internet marketplaces. However, some have reported to Trading Standards paying for PS5s that are never delivered!

For advice in safe online shopping, visit Get Safe Online: https://www.getsafeonline.org/

We are very sorry to announce the death of Reg Watts (1926-2021) who passed away on the 11th September, peacefully in his sleep.

The funeral and wake will take place in the grounds of his home on 15th October from 12 noon.

Reg Watts at the launch of Avon Dassett Local History Group’s project on WW1 in 2018

We are sorry to announce the death of Edward (Ted) Cooper. He was the last Cooper living in Avon Dassett, who had also been born here, bringing to an end over 500 years of Cooper family history in the village.

Ted was born at 2, Lower End in 1937. He moved, with his parents, to Devonia, in the 1930s, where his family still live today.

Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is asking all road users to please #ShareTheSpace as part of a national NPCC campaign between 6 -19 September 2021 that aims to improve the safety of the increasing numbers of cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and motorcyclists using the county’s roads.

During the campaign Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership will be distributing hi vis tabards and other hi vis items carrying the ‘Let’s Share the Space’ branding and Community Speed Watch groups will also be active to monitor speeds in local communities as lower speeds help to reduce death and injury on our roads.

Since lockdown we have seen a huge increase in the number of walkers and cyclists and people generally using our roads for leisure and this looks set to continue. The Government has said that in 2020 the number of miles cycled on British roads increased by 45.7% to 5bn. 

Exercise is great for our mental and physical wellbeing and something we all want to encourage. However these road users need to feel safe and we are asking the public to be aware of these less protected road users and to give them more time and space in order to ensure their safety on our roads. 

When we look at national road casualty statistics, the number of pedestrians, cyclists, bikers and horse riders that are fatally injured is low.  However when we look at this per mile travelled more motorcyclists die on our roads each year than any other road user, followed by pedestrians and cyclists.   This really puts things into perspective.

Even during lockdown in 2020, when less people were using the roads, 2 (4 in 2019) cyclists, 3 (12 in 2019) bikers and 2 (8 in 2019) pedestrians lost their lives on Warwickshire’s roads.

Vehicle drivers looking out for vulnerable road users is only part of the picture however.  During the campaign we will also be offering advice to cyclists, walkers, horse riders and bikers on what they can do to help keep themselves safe on the roads.

This includes reporting and submitting digital footage showing potential moving traffic offences including dangerous driving around other road users, such as horse riders and cyclists to Warwickshire Police via Operation Snap https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/operationsnap

PS Shaun Bridle said “Pedestrians, cyclists, bikers and horse riders do not have a metal shell around them like a driver does sitting in a vehicle and even relatively minor contact can seriously injure them.  That’s why they need vehicles to ‘ShareTheSpace’ on the roads and pass pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders wide and slow.

“September is a peak month for motorcycle collisions and that’s why the campaign is happening now.  The campaign also coincides with children returning to school after the summer break.”

WRSP Chair and Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, Philip Seccombe said “We are encouraging cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and bikers and all road users to take part in the current public consultation on the proposed road safety ‘Strategy to 2030’ as we need feedback from all road users.   We all benefit from making it easier for people to cycle, walk and ride not only because of the huge benefits to people’s health by staying fit, but active travel also helps road congestion, improves air quality and the environment so please look after other road users and ‘ShareTheSpace’.”

The public consultation on Warwickshire’s road safety ‘Strategy to 2030’ can be found on the WRSP website www.warksroadsafety.org

WRSP also welcomes the publishing of the new version of The Highway Code in the autumn with a range of anticipated updates including a new hierarchy of road users that ensures road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to others and strengthened pedestrian priority on pavements and when crossing or waiting to cross the road.  WRSP is also anticipating new guidance on safe passing distances and speeds and around ensuring that cyclists have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead. 

Please follow and like us on Facebook @WarwickshireRoadSafety and on Twitter @WarksRoadSafety or search #SharetheSpace.   Please remember, we need your help to make our roads safer for everyone.

FREE mixed media arts workshop at the Graham Adams Centre, Southam, Thursday 26 August, 2-4 pm. Bring an object that reminds you of the pandemic.

For more information and to book email jenny@artsuplift.co.uk or phone 07946 585978

https://www.artsuplift.co.uk/warwickshire-pandemic-stories/

For all those who walk, cycle, ride and drive on the county roads.

Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership asks public for views on new road safety Strategy to 2030

Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership (WRSP) is asking the public for their views on how the county’s roads can be made safer by taking part in a public consultation on a new Warwickshire road safety ‘Strategy to 2030’.  The public consultation starts today 18 August and can be viewed here www.warksroadsafety.org

Key partners, including Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire and Highways England are developing the strategy together with external consultant Agilysis and now need the public’s input.

WRSP Chair and Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire Philip Seccombe said “This is an important document as it sets out the long term vision for Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, detailing the activities, structure and objectives up to 2030 and also includes how road safety activities will be evaluated.

“To continue to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Warwickshire’s roads, we need the public’s support and involvement. That’s why we are keen to encourage as many people as possible to take part in this public consultation to have their say.”

WCC Councillor Wallace Redford, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning said “The partnership is keen to harness the increase in cycling and walking rates during 2020 due to the global pandemic and UK lockdown. These active travel choices bring many health and wellbeing benefits as well as a positive impact on the environment. Promoting active travel forms part of the new Strategy to 2030 and we would like to hear the public’s views on this.

The proposed Partnership vision is: 

‘Using an evidence based Safe System approach, we will strive to eliminate fatal and serious casualties, thereby creating a safe road environment which will encourage active and sustainable travel.’

Warwickshire Police Chief Constable Debbie Tedds said “Whilst it is pleasing to see a downward trend in the number of people killed or seriously injured on Warwickshire’s roads and the impact and devastation this causes to individuals lives, as a partnership, we need to see this continue to reduce further.    This new Road Safety Strategy to 2030 adopts an ambitious target of a 50% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2030, working towards ‘Vision Zero’.

“Whilst protecting all road users from harm continues to be one of our priorities for our officers and staff, the number of road fatalities and severe injuries has plateaued in recent years which is why, as a partnership we are proposing a new approach to help protect people on our roads.”

The partnership is proposing a new ‘Safe System’ approach where the whole system is designed to help protect people on our roads.

This definition from ‘Towards Zero Foundation, 2020’ explains what a Safe System is.

To help build a safe road system that is forgiving of mistakes, investment needs to be made in the creation of Safe Roads, Safe Speeds, Safe Vehicles, Safe People and Post Collision Care to put layers of protection around people to keep them safe from death and serious injuries on the road. All parts of the road system must be strengthened in combination to multiply the protective effects and if one part of the system fails, the other parts will still protect people.

Highways England Assistant Regional Safety Coordinator, Marie Biddulph, said “Safety is always our number one priority and we believe no-one should come to harm when travelling or working on our roads.

“Highways England are responsible for maintaining the motorways and major A roads, including the A45 and A46, in Warwickshire and we are committed to meeting a target of zero injuries or deaths on our UK road network by 2040.  That’s why we fully support the ‘Safe Systems’ approach and would welcome people’s thoughts and input on it.”

Chief Fire Officer Ben Brook “We are really looking forward to working with local communities in Warwickshire to help create a safer road environment for everyone.   The partnership will be looking at how vehicles, roads and roadsides can be improved to protect people and we will also be looking at how we can encourage the public to play their part too by using the roads safely. 

It’s also important to remember that whilst the strategy paints the broad picture, due to the length of time it covers, the detail will need to be flexible to take into consideration factors such as shifts towards cycling and walking, and away from public transport as well as the financial environment.

To take part in the public consultation please click here www.warksroadsafety.org  The consultation closes on 15 September and the final WRSP ‘Strategy to 2030’ will be published in October 2021.

The popular village coffee mornings will resume on 8 September at 11 am and thereafter every first WEDNESDAY in the month from 11-1 in the Reading Room

The coffee mornings are sponsored by Avon Dassett Parish Council.