Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner
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The Christmas period is now upon us, and this year it looks and feels vastly different to any Christmas we might ever have experienced. In November, we moved as a country into a new lock down. Having rediscovered some degree of the freedoms we had once unthinkingly enjoyed over summer, We understand when some of us might be feeling we are slowly being dragged back towards the deeply worrying days of March and April. Sadly, Covid-19 remains with us.
Christmas is always a special time of year, where we see family, crowd round dinner tables, and enjoy time with friends. This year, while we are social distancing and unable to meet others outside of our own households yet again, we can still retain that special closeness. Many of us might look forward to special phone calls with loved ones or having our first ‘zoom’ family Christmas. We can still take a moment out of our days to see our neighbours, especially those living alone or shielding, and spread that cheer that is more important to us now than ever.
This message of festive cheer is even more important for the current circumstances. With Covid-19 resurgent in communities right across the country, we must also restate the commitments so many of us made early on in this pandemic to watch over and support the most vulnerable members of our community. This means checking on neighbours, offering to do some shopping, collecting a prescription, or simply being friendly – these days a smile, even behind a mask, goes a long way.
Thankfully due to the incredible work carried out by all those who have been involved in the development of the Covid-19 vaccine, we can now look forward with renewed hope.
Please continue to look after one another, enjoy the company you can keep in the settings you can keep it in, and continue to follow the guidance set out by the Government. We very much hope for a 2021 that is brighter than 2020.
All that remains for us to say is stay safe, stay well and spread happiness wherever you can. Have a wonderful, fulfilling, and happy Christmas, followed by a happy and prosperous New Year.
Forming a Christmas bubble
| Between 23 and 27 December you may choose to form a Christmas bubble of up to three households.
Read more about forming a Christmas bubble. We know how important it is to meet up with family at this time of year but please consider the rules carefully and what you do as a result of them. It is still advisable to avoid a large family gathering indoors as the virus spreads more easily. Consider using virtual games and technology to connect with each other or meet up outside and go for a Christmas walk. Here is a list of virtual Christmas activity ideas for you to consider. There are also many festive themed outdoor attractions for you to enjoy. Try searching online. You can start by taking on our Christmas Shop Window Trails. Download your trail map and find out more about Christmas activities in the district. Whatever you do, be safe and have a great Christmas. |
Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner
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Tier Two Restrictions for Worcestershire
Today, the Government announced Worcestershire will go into Tier Two category of restrictions, once the current lockdown finishes on December 2nd.
Worcestershire has worked very hard during the lockdown to reduce the number of cases of Covid-19 in the county.
We have seen some good progress, which has resulted in the county avoiding tier 3 restrictions. We now need to continue the good work and bring the number of
Covid-19 cases down further.
From Wednesday 2nd December, everyone in Worcestershire will need to observe Tier Two restrictions.
Tier Two restrictions include:
• you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
• you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.
• businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs.
• pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.
The full list of restrictions are available on the dedicated restrictions pages of the Government’s website.
These restrictions are considered necessary because the infection rate remains too high. The virus doesn’t stay in a single area but spreads where people are mixing. It is very important that we all now follow these new rules, to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases and stop the virus spreading further.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said:
“I would like to thank you all for your continued hard work in helping to stop the spread of Covid-19. During these recent restrictions, we have seen some positive signs that Covid-19 cases are starting to stabilise in the county.
The tier we will be in from December 2nd, will be reviewed every two weeks so it is important that we keep these figures heading in the right direction. Therefore, we need to continue to follow the measures in place to protect us all. We need to keep following the rules and keep building on the hard work we have done so far.
This is a real opportunity, to take control of the virus, get our figures down and reduce the risk of transmission, especially with Christmas around the corner.
It is up to us all now to keep going with the good work, by social distancing, by wearing a face covering, by washing our hands regularly and limiting our contacts.”
Councillor John Smith, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board added: “These new measures represent a renewed opportunity to get our numbers down even more. If we keep working together to follow the rules, we will keep the people of Worcestershire safe and reduce the transmission of the virus.”
Free festive parking offer to support local traders – Malvern Hills District Council car parks
Free parking will be on offer in Malvern Hills District Council car parks in the run up to Christmas Day.
From 1 to 24 December, visitors will be able to park for free after 3pm in any of the council’s pay and display car parks. The offer is open to all vehicles except HGVs and motor homes.
In previous years the council has provided free parking at weekends during December but has expanded the offer this time to offer extra support to traders affected by coronavirus restrictions.
Cllr Sarah Rouse, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We have been talking to traders and other stakeholders and decided to revise our free festive parking offer this year to provide additional support to traders during this challenging time, while balancing the financial pressure we are under as a result of the pandemic.
“Providing free parking after 3pm in the pre-Christmas December period is just one way we are supporting our traders during this challenging time.
“We’ll shortly be launching our Reassuringly Local campaign which will highlight why people should shop on their local high street with confidence. Even during the current lockdown, you can still support local traders by shopping with them online or taking advantage of their delivery or click and collect services. You can find more information on our website at www.malvernhills.gov.uk/town-centres.”
Cllr Neil Morton, Mayor of Malvern, added: “I am delighted the Town Council has been able to work with MHDC to secure free festive parking in Malvern. This has been an extraordinary and challenging year, with the Covid-19 pandemic affecting many businesses. Providing free parking after 3pm is a response to the request from local traders to help support them during these difficult times and I encourage residents to take advantage of this free parking scheme and to support traders by shopping locally.”
Ultrafast Broadband for Astley Burf
WE HAVE DONE IT.
More than 130% has been pledged, meaning that 85 premises will receive full fibre network in approximately 12 months.
Due to the fact that 130% has been pledged, Openreach requires no contract to be signed (they use the extra 30% as their risk mitigation).
The only requirement now will be to upgrade to a full fibre package when the network goes live – in approx.. 12 months.
I only have 6 contacts in your community, but 39 people pledged vouchers – so please could you share the good news with the rest of the community.
What happens next:
Your project will move into delivery and it will take Openreach approx.. 6 months to design and survey the infrastructure, and the build will likely start shortly after, with completion before Christmas 21.
Thank you for all your help!
Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner
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Important changes to your bin collections
Important changes to your bin collections
 We are making some changes to the way we collect your waste and recycling.
To make sure we continue to operate a Covid-19 Secure workplace, and to keep our collection crews safe, we will be starting collections at staggered times from next week. This may mean your bin or sacks get collected slightly earlier or later than usual. This will affect both black bin/sack and green bin/cherry sack collections. It is also possible your bin/sacks may be collected slightly before 7am. If you can, please leave your bin/sacks out the night before your day of collection to make sure we do not miss you. Next week we will be collecting green bins/cherry sacks. View our 2020 collection calendar If you have any questions please email depotadmin@malvernhills.gov.uk |
Parish Council Meeting dates 2021
Parish Council Meeting dates 2021
February 10th 2021
March 24th 2021
April 21st 2021 (Annual Parish)
May 12th 2021 (Council meeting and AGM)
June 23rd 2021
August 11th 2021
September 22nd 2021
November 10th 2021
All meetings begin at 7:15PM
In order to comply with the Coronavirus Act 2020 meetings are being held remotely. Please contact Pam Perfect for joining details. Hopefully in the new year things start to return to normality.
