News – Page 23 – Astley and Dunley Parish Council

Storm Christoph – WEATHER WARNING HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE UK .

Monday January 18th, 2021/in News/by Roger

FLOOD WARNING

Monday 18 January – Storm “Christoph” Heavy rain over next 12 hours centred around North Wales

Over next 24/48 hrs storm developing further into Wales & West Mercia region (Wednesday)

Predicted rainfall between 150/200mm together with high winds

Most of rainfall will hit our river catchments

Weather pattern will move away Wednesday evening however expect some short snow bursts

Thursday / Friday expected to be clear and dry

We expect flooding to low lying land & roads adjacent to the river from Highley to Tewkesbury, including Stourport, Holt Fleet, Worcester, Kempsey

Flood Barriers to be deployed in Bewdley.

Severnside North – Tuesday 19th January 2021

Severnside South and Beales Corner – Wednesday 20th January 2021

WEATHER WARNING HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE UK .

Yellow warning of rain

Starts: 00:00 GMT on Tue 19 January Ends: 12:00 GMT on Thu 21 January

Spells of prolonged and heavy rain may lead to flooding and disruption to travel in places.

– Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

– Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life

– Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible

– Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

– Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads

– Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

Yellow warning of rain

Areas affected: East Midlands | East of England | London & South East England | South West England | West Midlands

Starts: 00:00 GMT on Wed 20 January Ends: 12:00 GMT on Thu 21 January

Spells of heavy rain may lead to travel disruption and flooding in places.

Flood risk from the Dick Brook

Friday January 15th, 2021/in News/by Roger

The Environment Agency in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and the District Council have recently sent a newsletter to parish residents who may be at risk of flooding from the Dick Brook to raise awareness and provide information of action they can take. Attached a copy of the newsletter in PDF format.

In this newsletter we asked residents if they have any details of previous flooding (photos, videos or personal accounts) as this is so valuable in helping us improve our knowledge of flood events in the Parish and our response to them.

Dick Brook Flood Risk Newsletter

Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner

Wednesday January 13th, 2021/in News/by Roger

Hello and welcome to my first newsletter of 2021…

This edition includes: a chance to have YOUR say on my budget; more county lines arrests following cooperation with Merseyside Police; five new electric vehicles to add to the policing fleet; investing in my commitment to improve road safety across West Mercia and some New Year crime prevention tips.

Please click on the link below.

PCC Jan21

NOTICE OF VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF PARISH COUNCILLOR

Monday January 11th, 2021/in News/by Roger

Parish of Astley & Dunley

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a vacancy has occurred in the office of Councillor for the Parish of Astley & Dunley, as a result of the resignation of Councillor Jeremy Scholes

The vacancy will be filled by election if, within 14 days after the date of this notice,10 electors for the Parish of Astley & Dunley give notice in writing to the Electoral Returning Officer, Electoral Services, The Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3AF asking for an election to be held to fill the vacancy.

If an election is not requested, the vacancy will be filled by the Parish Council.

(Note: The period of 14 days referred to EXCLUDES Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays)

Dated: 11th January 2021

Signed Pam Perfect

Clerk of the Council

++++++++++++++++++++++++

About Being A Councillor

Are you passionate about your community? Do you want to help make a long-lasting change? Do you have innovative ideas for the council? Do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it? If this is you, then we need you. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put themselves forward for election. Make a change and become a councillor.

Here, you will find everything you need to know. We explain what local councils and councillors do, how you can become a councillor, details of the role and what to expect, and for local councils a range of resources to help recruit candidates.

WHAT DO LOCAL COUNCILS AND COUNCILLORS DO?

Local (parish and town) councils and councillors make a massive difference to the quality of life of local people. They are passionate about their communities and seek to make a change to help improve the lives of their residents.

Local councils run numerous services, depending on the size of the council. Many you will see day-to-day, but some are less known. These include introducing solar panels, setting up dementia-friendly groups, organising community buses, creating neighbourhood plans, implementing suitable housing, establishing youth projects, managing allotments and open spaces, maintaining footpaths, public seating and litter bins.

Councillors are elected to represent the local community, so you must either live or work in the council area. Becoming a councillor is a rewarding experience as you will be in a position to make a change in your community to help improve the lives of residents. A councillor’s role can include responsibilities such as developing strategies and plans for the area, helping with problems and ideas, representing the community, working with other local community groups, decision making and reviewing decisions and talking to the community about their needs and about what the council is doing.

A message from Dr.Kathryn Cobain, the Director for Public Health in Worcestershire.

Wednesday January 6th, 2021/in News/by Roger

Dear Residents,

I know that the news of a new lockdown for England, will be frustrating and upsetting for many people. Worcestershire has tried very hard to keep Covid-19 cases down, and many of you have made sacrifices to protect yourselves and others. We have all had to make changes to the way we live our lives in recent months, and that included over Christmas, when so many were not able to spend time with loved ones.

But some stark realities remain for us all. Worcestershire’s infection rates are at the highest we have ever seen. In the past 7 days alone, the county has 1,888 positive Covid-19 cases, which is more than all positive cases seen during May, June, July, August and September 2020 combined. I am concerned about this level of spread, and the risk it poses to our health and the lives of our vulnerable and elderly residents. We need to act now to protect one another, prevent the virus spreading further and reduce the demand on our hospitals.

The pandemic continues to dominate our daily lives, cases are rising nationally and we know the new variant of Covid-19 spreads very quickly. Our NHS is also facing considerable pressure on its services. All of these factors have led to the government’s announcement of a new lockdown across England. This means once again, we are facing tough restrictions on our way of life. I know this is hard, but by doing as we are asked, we are saving lives. The restrictions have been brought in to protect every one of us.

Please now stay at home, don’t go out unless you need to, for example to buy food or collect medicines. The Government has set out the clear limitations of the lockdown and I ask you to read the restrictions and follow the rules. You can read a full explanation of all the restrictions on the government’s website; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

Once again, Worcestershire County Council’s Here2Help service is available to anyone who needs support or is clinically extremely vulnerable (shielding). If you have no-one to turn to for help, our service can respond and provide help such as collecting medicines and getting shopping. You can reach the service online; https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

If you are on the Government’s shielding list, you will be receiving guidance about what to do now. It is key that you socially distance, and you reduce your physical contact with others. The governments webpages are updated regularly and you can read detailed guidance at; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

While we are all at home, please do remember to check on vulnerable or isolated residents. Just a phone call or a text message can provide a vital link to the outside world, and can ensure those who need comfort or help, have someone to turn to.

You will know that a programme of vaccination has begun nationally, and we are already seeing Worcestershire residents receiving the first doses. This process is being co-ordinated by central Government, and following a strict order for administering the doses. Worcestershire County Council is supporting NHS colleagues to ensure the roll-out is progressing. The vaccines are safe, and if you are called forward to receive one, I strongly urge you to do so. In the meantime, please keep following the rules, wear face coverings, wash your hands, keep your distance. These simple measures help reduce the spread of the virus.

We are all in this together. Throughout the pandemic, you have shown your resilience, kindness and compassion for others. We have seen many examples of people supporting one another, lending a hand or going the extra mile. The situation has demonstrated how working together, we are able to support one another and get through. I am asking you to do this once again. The single most important thing you can do for everyone, is to stay home. Please do this for yourself and for others. We all want to protect people who are precious to us, our family and friends. Let’s take care of each other, and work together.

Thank you for doing this. Our actions now will hopefully bring brighter days for us all in 2021.

Best wishes

Dr. Kathryn Cobain “

Government announces national lockdown (Monday 4 January 2021)

Monday January 4th, 2021/in News/by Roger

Everyone in England must stay at home except for specific reasons, including essential shopping, to work, if you cannot work from home, to exercise, to seek medical help, and to escape domestic abuse.

The full list of restrictions are available on the dedicated restrictions pages of the Government’s website (opens in a new window).

In response to the announcement Dr. Kathryn Cobain, the Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said:

“The Government has announced a national lockdown. This is a direct result of escalating Covid-19 cases. In the latest 7 days, here in Worcestershire we have seen 1,888 positive COVID-19 cases, which is more than all positive cases seen during May, June, July, August and September 2020 combined. Alongside these rising figures, we know our local NHS is seeing more people in hospital than at any other time during the pandemic. Together these factors are very concerning. Lockdown restrictions are of course, going to impact all our lives, and will limit what we are all able to do. Covid-19 spreads when we mix, so it is necessary to restrict and limit our freedoms as we now try to reduce the number of positive covid-19 cases in our county. Please make yourself aware of the new lockdown rules, please follow them and do what is being asked of you. Together we can reduce the spread of Covid-19, and reduce the impact it is having on our county. The vaccine programme is beginning to roll-out in the county, and will offer hope to us all for the future. But right now, we need to stay at home, reduce our contacts and stop mixing. This will save lives.”

Clearing your path or driveway – the snow code

Saturday January 2nd, 2021/in News/by Roger

Don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice from the Department for Transport below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively. And don’t believe the myths – it’s unlikely you’ll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries if you have cleared the path carefully.

Clear the snow and ice early in the day

It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.

Clear and prevent slips

Pay extra attention to clearing snow and ice from steps and steep pathways – you might need to use more salt on these areas
Use salt or sand – not water. If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery
You can melt snow or prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt – a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins – this will be needed to keep the roads clear unless your council advises otherwise. Please contact your local council for more advice.
Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may damage them
If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as effectively as salt, but will provide good grip underfoot

Take care where you move the snow

When you’re shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides.

Offer to clear your neighbour’s paths

If your neighbour will have difficulty getting in and out of their home, offer to clear snow and ice around their property as well. Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather. If you’re worried about them, try contacting their relatives or friends, or if necessary the local council.

Winter services from your local council

Your local council will provide many winter services such as clearing local roads and pavements in your area. For information about your council’s winter service, check its website.

This Snow Code advice comes from the Department for Transport.

Worcestershire to be placed under stricter tier three coronavirus restrictions

Wednesday December 30th, 2020/in News/by Roger

WORCESTERSHIRE will be placed under stricter tier 3 restrictions following an announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

The county has been under tier two restrictions since the national lockdown ended earlier this month but will move up a tier from midnight tonight following a rise in cases.

Tier three restrictions ban households from mixing indoors and outdoors but up to six people could meet in outdoor spaces such as parks or public gardens.

Pubs and restaurants will all have to close except for those offering a takeaway or delivery service.

Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys, soft play areas and bingo halls will all be forced to close.

The latest infection rate for Worcestershire was 214.3 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to December 24.

A total of 1,277 cases were recorded in the county in the week according to Public Health England.

New Year message from Astley & Dunley Parish Council

Wednesday December 30th, 2020/in News/by Roger

This year has been uniquely challenging and difficult. We have seen the worst public health emergency in a century as Covid-19 spread and the nation entered the first of several lockdowns on March 23.

2020 will shortly be coming to an end. I do not suppose that many people in Astley & Dunley will regret its passing.

The normal patterns of everyday living, working, shopping, seeing family and friends has not been possible.

The latter has been particularly upsetting over the Christmas period. Many people have lost their employment and businesses have sadly closed as the pandemic severely impacts our economy.

Despite these awful circumstances we have seen inspiring service from NHS and social care staff and in fact from everyone who works hard to keep our society functioning.

As we enter 2021 we hold on to hope for a better year to come for ourselves, families and communities.

2021 will be better!

Vaccines will be available to minimize the threat posed by Covid-19.

Although we shall never be able to ignore the virus which, like influenza will always be a feature of life in the future, we shall return to a safer normality.

2021 will be better!

To you all we wish a safe, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

STORM BELLA HAS BEEN NAMED. WEATHER WARNINGS Have Been ISSUED

Thursday December 24th, 2020/in News/by Roger

WEATHER WARNINGS Have Been ISSUED

Yellow warning of wind

Starts: 15:00 GMT on Sat 26 December

Ends: 12:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Very windy weather is expected for parts of England, Wales and the far south of Scotland, leading to disruption to transport and utilities.

Yellow warning of rain

Starts: 18:00 GMT on Sat 26 December

Ends: 09:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Heavy rain combined with strong winds may lead to some disruption and flooding in places.

– There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

– There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life

– Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services

– Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

– There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

– There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads

Issued at: 11:02 GMT on Thu 24 December

Amber warning of wind

Areas affected: London & South East England | South West England | Wales

Starts: 22:00 GMT on Sat 26 December

Ends: 09:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Storm Bella will bring disruption to travel and utilities over parts of south and southeast England and south Wales

– Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected

– Some roads and bridges likely to close

– Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs

– Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life

– Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties

– There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

Issued at: 10:49 GMT on Thu 24 December

Yellow warning of rain

Areas affected: London & South East England

Starts: 00:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Ends: 09:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Heavy rain combined with strong winds likely to lead to some travel disruption.

– Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer

– Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer

– Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely

Issued at: 11:02 GMT on Thu 24 December

– Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

– Some roads and bridges may close

– Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

– Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

– Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen

Issued at: 10:09 GMT on Wed 23 December

Yellow warning of rain

Starts: 18:00 GMT on Sat 26 December

Ends: 09:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Heavy rain combined with strong winds may lead to some disruption and flooding in places.

– There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

– There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life

– Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services

– Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

– There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

– There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads

Issued at: 11:02 GMT on Thu 24 December

Amber warning of wind

Areas affected: London & South East England | South West England | Wales

Starts: 22:00 GMT on Sat 26 December

Ends: 09:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Storm Bella will bring disruption to travel and utilities over parts of south and southeast England and south Wales

Yellow warning of rain

Areas affected: London & South East England

Starts: 00:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Ends: 09:00 GMT on Sun 27 December

Cookies on this website

Clear the snow and ice early in the day

Clear and prevent slips

Take care where you move the snow

Offer to clear your neighbour’s paths

Winter services from your local council