Thursday 30 August 2012

Biggleswade Town Plan Web Site

There are a number of updates available on The Biggleswade Town Plan steering group web site:

Biggleswade Town Council New Web Site

Drove Road Cemetery Chapel

Biggleswade Christmas Lights

Biggleswade Town Council and Quality Status

Biggleswade Fairtrade

Biggleswade Crime Statistics

Biggleswade Community Safety Group

Biggleswade Good Neighbours Scheme

Be Scam Aware - Malaysian Prize Draw scam



The Trading Standards team is warning consumers to be wary of any text message, email or letter they receive saying they have won a Malaysian prize draw or competition.

We have received information from a consumer who responded to such a text message informing of a big money prize waiting to be claimed.

After responding to the message the consumer was sent an email (see below) which is disguised as a “
Validation Form” requesting that personal details are submitted, so that the prize can be claimed.

This type of text message and email has all the hallmarks of a scam and we would advise anyone who receives one, or anything similar, to act with caution before responding.

Our advice would be that you can only win a prize if you have entered the competition. If you don't remember entering the competition, ask yourself how the sender got your details! These types of messages are designed to get you to make contact with the sender, so that they can either obtain personal or bank details. In reality, there is no prize waiting to be collected.

We would advise never to provide your personal or bank account details to anybody unless you are absolutely certain of their intentions. Never be tempted to make a quick decision that you may regret at a later date. If you are unsure whether a message you receive is genuine or not, ask a family member, friend or neighbour for their own opinion. If, at any point, you have any doubts, do not be afraid to press ‘delete’.


Malaysia Apple Promotion ® 2012
Your Unique ID:
00034001AB28A687
Batch:
MC12/934/5PDH /UK
Prize Validation Security Code:
BLSC-75562012-LV-MY
VALIDATION FORM
____________________________________
_____
Dear SelectedWinner,
Date: 15
th August 2012.
Good to hear from you regarding the
Malaysia Apple Promotion ® 2012. This promotion is
sponsored and approved by Apple, The European Gaming Board and also licensed by the
International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). This promo is the 1st of its kind and
we intend to sensitize the public.
To begin the verification procedure of your prize award, you are required to fully complete
the details listed below for validation of your prize money:
SECTION A
**PERSONAL INFORMATION.
*Title:(Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.):
*Sex:
*First name:
*Middle name:
*Last name:
*Age:
*Contact Address:
*City/County:
*Post Code:
*Country:
United Kingdom
SECTION B
**MOBILE INFORMATION.
*Winning Mobile No:
*Approved AmountWon:
£550,000.00GBP
*Contact E-mail:
*Alternative contact Number:
We wish to congratulate you on behalf of all members and staff of
Malaysia Apple Promotion
® 2012
, on your winning prize and wish you the best of luck as you spend your good fortune.
Thank you for being part of our Commemorative Publicity Draws.
Yours in Service,
Jaclyn Yusof
Mrs. Jaclyn Yusof
Promotion Claims Manager
Telephone: 0060320349556
Copyright © 2005-2012 Malaysia Apple Promotion. All rights reserved
.
____________________________________
_____
Take Note: You are obliged to keep your winning CONFIDENTIAL, and NOT to be revealed to anyone or
group of people till you finally receive your prize to avoid double claim, which will automatically VOID
your claim. T&C

Bedfordshire Police Messaging - Biggleswade

Incident Type:
Vehicles.
Location:
Biggleswade, Holme Ward.
Date and Time:
Between the 25th and the 28th of August.
Incident Details:
Two vehicle crimes have been reported in the area in this time period.
The first took place in Ripon Court. The second in Mead End.
In both cases the offender has gained access to the underside of a parked vehicle, removing the catalytic convertor from the exhaust system.
Crime Reference:
J D / 3 0 1 7 7 / 2012.
Crime Reduction Advice:
Park in well lit and public areas, if you have a garage please use it.
Be aware of any suspicious activity around parked vehicles.
Always check that it is correctly locked, and all valuables are removed, before leaving the vehicle.

Going on Holiday? Take Care of Security before You Go http://bit.ly/MGEzjW

If you have information about any crime or suspicious activity please call the Control Room on 1 0 1
Text your message to 07786 200011
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.


Saturday 25 August 2012

Better Driving Course Available for All

Bedfordshire Police is encouraging motorists of all ages to brush up on their driving standards; skills and knowledge as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in Bedford hosts a Better Driving Course in the town.

The RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders (Bedford Branch) will be holding the courses at Barkers Lane Fire Station in Bedford over a six week period beginning 4 October and are inviting motorists of all ages to attend.

Teaming up to support the initiative the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service will be providing the facilities and together with Bedfordshire Police will be encouraging motorists to attend the worthwhile course to keep the roads of Bedfordshire safe.

Chairman of RoSPA (Bedford Branch), William Brady, said: “The course will cover many topics such as observation, hazard identification, coping with adverse conditions, motorway and night driving, personal safety for women and safe overtaking techniques and will be led by an examiner who is qualified to Police Class 1 standards. It is aimed at all drivers and those attending will have the opportunity to brush up on their skills and learn new techniques which will make them a safer driver and less likely to be involved in road accidents.”

Supporting the initiative, Police Inspector Jane Aspin, of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit, said: “Often the police and other 999 services see the consequences of bad driving habits resulting in road collisions and in extreme cases deaths. As a traffic officer I have direct experience of having to break the news to loved ones when their nearest and dearest has either suffered serious injury or died in a collision. This is heartbreaking and anything that can help reduce these incidents, such as this course, is worthwhile and deserves our support. I would encourage any motorist, no matter how long they have been driving, to take up this opportunity and help us keep the roads in our county safe.”

If you would like to participate please contact Stan Jones of RoSPA on 01234 266070, places cost just £25 and are limited so please hurry.


Wednesday 22 August 2012

Bedfordshire Walking Festival



The most popular part of the Bedfordshire Walking Festival has just been announced - the RU4 The Challenge Walk which covers just over 40 miles in two days.


The walk follows the ridge of greensand rising from the shallow river valleys and stretches 40 miles from Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire to Gamlingay in Cambridgeshire.

Gentle slopes and improvements such as the replacement of stiles with wasy-access 'kissing' gates, upgraded bridges, and new signposts, waymarkers and interpretation boards, make the route suitable for all ages.

The route goes through land once reputedly part of Henry VIII’s hunting grounds and provides an ideal introduction to the history, landscape and wildlife of the county. A number of points of interest along its route include major landmarks, such as Woburn Abbey and the church tower and Mausoleum at Maulden. It links many local circular walks and nature trails.

The event, which attracts walkers from all over the country, covers the Greensand Ridge Path which runs throughout Bedfordshire and covers approximately 18 miles on the Saturday and 22 miles on the Sunday.

On Saturday, September 15, walkers taking part in the challenge will be asked to gather at 8.45am at the Ampthill Park Car Park for part one. This will go from Leighton Buzzard to Ampthill. Transport will be provided to Leighton Buzzard for the walkers to then return to their cars parked in Ampthill.

On Sunday, September 16, walkers will again meet at the Ampthill Park Car park at 8.45am for part two of the challenge which will go from Gamlingay back to Ampthill. Again transport will be provided to Gamlingay.

Please note this is not a race. Walkers will need to be of moderate fitness to complete this challenge, but there is the option to complete just one day or two as desired. Suitable clothing as well as refreshments will need to be brought by those taking part.

Everyone taking part in the challenge will be asked to pay £10 - this covers the cost of the community transport which is provided to get walkers to the start of the challenge on both Saturday and Sunday. The £10 will be payable if you decide to do just one day or two.

Please note that this is a registration service for the challenge. There are 100 places which are available for the two days. Walkers will be expected to print out their registration confirmation and bring this with them on the day of the walk so that attendees can be assured of a space on the transport. The fee for taking part will be collected before the walker will be allowed to board the transport.

If you have not registered in advance, you will not be allowed to participate.

If you prefer to pay by cheque in advance these need to be made payable to RA Bedfordshire Area and sent to: The Organiser, Bedfordshire Walking Festival, 67 Avon Drive, Bedford, MK41 7UR. Please supply an e mail address with your correspondence and confirmation of receipt will be sent.

Have your say on changes to Council Tax Benefits

  • New consultation launched on changes to Council Tax Benefit
  • Consultation will be open until 14 November
  • Have your say today!




Police Hunt Aluminium Thieves

Bedfordshire Police are appealing for information after a large amount of specialist aluminium was stolen from a distribution centre in Biggleswade over the weekend.

The incident happened sometime between 11am on Saturday 18 August and 7.20am on Monday 20 August at Stratton Business Park, Normandy Lane, Biggleswade. At some point between these times the offenders have made a hole in a perimeter fence, driven through bushes, forced open a container and stolen 140 aluminium extrusions that are valued at £20,000.

The pieces of metal – which are custom made and used in a unique hinge system - were all 3.5 metres in length with a total weight of 1.72 tonnes. Officers believe that the offenders loaded the metal by hand into their vehicle and would have been at the location for some time.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in Stratton Business Park or from anyone who may have seen the offenders leaving the area after the raid.

PC Dominic Tembey of the Biggleswade Local Policing Team said: “Due to the proximity of Stratton Business Park to the A1 and I’d like to hear from anyone who was in the area and may have seen anything out of the ordinary over the weekend. Likewise, I’d like to hear from any scrap metal dealers who may have been offered these products which are of very high quality and value.

“I’d urge any potential witnesses not to dismiss your information as unimportant – even tiny details which don’t seem relevant now might become useful later on in the investigation.”

If you have information relating to this incident, contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Below are two pictures of what the stolen goods look like, however these have been coated and cut to size whereas the stolen products were silver in colour and in their original length.





Thursday 16 August 2012

Were You Groped in Shopping Centre?

Detectives in Bedford are appealing for potential victims to come forward who may have been inappropriately touched while shopping in Bedford on August 14.

A number of offences were identified after a 17-year-old youth was arrested on suspicion of another offence. Analysis of CCTV revealed that he was attempting to grope female shoppers as he went about his business. No formal complaints have yet been received from victims but DC Darren Murphy believes women may have thought they were touched by accident and not realising it was deliberate and therefore inappropriate.

He said: “It is quite obvious from the CCTV that the offender has inappropriately touched a number of women while shopping in the Harpur Centre on Tuesday 14th August. It is possible they chose not to report what happened or thought that this was accidental. However, this young man has clearly committed offences and we would very much like to speak to those women who came into contact with him.”

The incidents under investigation took place in a number of shops in the Harpur Centre between 2.10pm and 3.10pm on Tuesday but it is possible further similar offences have taken place on different times and days.

Anyone wishing to speak to DC Murphy about what has happened should contact him in confidence on 01234 275308, dial 101, or text information to 07786 200011.










Wednesday 15 August 2012

Have your say on health and well being in Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire Council and the NHS Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group are consulting on a draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Central Bedfordshire. This strategy outlines the proposed top priorities for improving the health and wellbeing of people in the Central Bedfordshire.

We would like to hear your views on the draft strategy, and the priorities contained within it. Please read the *Draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy (PDF 2.6MB) and then give us your views by completing this online questionnaire.

The closing date for responses is 29 October 2012.

Responses will be considered by members of the Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board at the end of the consultation period. The strategy will then be approved by the Board for implementation in November 2012.

For more information about this consultation or to request paper copies of the documents, please contact Celia Shohet by email to Celia.Shohet@bedfordshire.nhs.uk or telephone 01525 636975.


Tuesday 14 August 2012

Man Charged with Stotfold Rape

On the direction of the Crown Prosecution Service a man has been charged with the rape of a woman in Stotfold in October 1992.

Daniel Borgers, 41, of Napier Crescent, Scarborough, was last night charged with the offence under the Sexual Offences Act 1956, which was the applicable legislation at the time. Borgers will appear at Luton Magistrates Court this morning. (August 14)










Monday 13 August 2012

A Chance to Meet the Heroes



A boy who recently made a full recovery from serious head injuries sustained in a road traffic collision had a great surprise on Saturday (4 August) at Bedfordshire Police HQ, when he met the team who played a part in saving his life.

On 26th February 2012, two vehicles were involved in a serious crash at collision hotspot the A428/Box End junction at Bromham.

Ten-year-old Fayez Rahman, from Northampton, was travelling in the car with his mother and two other family members when they collided with another vehicle, and he was knocked unconscious with serious head injuries. Within minutes of arriving at the scene a police officer noticed Fayez had a bloodshot pupil, a possible indicator of a bleed in the brain.

The police helicopter, call sign XA99, landed near to the scene of the collision and airlifted the boy to Addenbrooks Hospital in Cambridge. Because of his quick delivery and prompt treatment, Fayez made a full recovery.

On Saturday, Rahena Miah brought her son for a surprise visit at Bedfordshire Police Headquarters, where he was met the crews from the police, ambulance and XA99 who were involved in saving him.

Fayez and Mrs Miah brought a home made thank you cake and card for the officers involved, and Fayez especially enjoyed the chance to see the helicopter.

Sergeant Carl Klein, from the Roads Policing Unit who organised the day, said: “It was such a rewarding event for all; the visit was a real hit with Fayez. It was fantastic for the officers too to have this opportunity to meet the boy whose life they helped save.”

“I hadn’t realised until Saturday that the paramedic who had to accompany Fayez to hospital in XA99 had never even flown in any sort of aircraft before, let alone had to look after a seriously ill child in a helicopter dash for emergency treatment. I’ve got nothing but praise for everybody involved – it speaks volumes about the professionalism of all the emergency services that we were able to welcome a fully-recovered Fayez and his family to police headquarters on Saturday.”










Man Arrested Over Stotfold Rape

A man is currently under arrest and being questioned at Greyfriars police station about a rape which happened in Stotfold in 1992.

Officers from the Beds, Herts and Cambs Major Crime Unit are dealing with the case, as it has been subject to work over a number of years by the Cold Case Team. In the incident, a local woman on her way home from church in October 1992 was subject to a violent attack.

The man was arrested in Scarborough yesterday (Sunday August 12) by North Yorkshire Police on behalf of the BHCMCU.













Dunton Rave

Bedfordshire Police closed down an illegal rave at a farm barn off Sutton Road, Dunton during the early hours of Sunday 12th August 2012.

It is estimated over 300 people attended the rave which began at around 12.30 am. Many local residents alerted police to the disturbance, and officers moved in to instigate road blocks around the area.

As the main ravers began to clear the scene at around 10am, they were arrested for causing a public nuisance and their equipment and vehicles were seized under section 63 of the 1993 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. Positive and effective police action was taken as early as possible during daylight hours to ensure the safety of both officers and revellers.

Inspector Russell Glenister has sent out a warning to other potential organisers that illegal raves will not be tolerated by Bedfordshire Police as they cause a nuisance to residents and raise serious public health and safety concerns. If they organise events in the Bedford area they will be prosecuted and their equipment seized.

He said: “It is vital that the public inform us as soon as possible so we can intervene with raves before they get underway, as they are easier to disrupt. Probable signs include web site and notice board postings, or multiple car convoys driving in circles waiting for last minute information on the location. Parents should always try to make themselves aware of their teenager’s whereabouts, and ask questions if they ask to be dropped in an unusual area.”

Anyone with information about a rave can contact police, in confidence, on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or text 07786200011.
















Thursday 9 August 2012

Biggleswade Town Council web site,now showing 2008 ?




I know that the Biggleswade Town Council web site is totally out of date but they are now showing on the noticeboard page 2008 dates, for  events / notices / services

I am not going to even bother telling them because all I get are sarcastic comments.


February 2008
Wed.20th February 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
March 2008
Wed.19th March 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
April 2008
Wed.16th April 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
May 2008
Wed.21st May 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
June 2008
Wed.18th June 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
Fri. 20th June 2008
Your local community radio station BigglesFM will be back on-air on 87.9FM and on-line at www.bigglesfm.com tune in for a great music selection plus local guest interviews, chat and news.
Sat. 28th June 2008
CARNIVAL PROCESSION
July 2008
Wed.16th July 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
August 2008
Wed.20th August 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
September 2008
Wed.17th September 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
October 2008
Wed.15th October 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
November 2008
Wed.19th November 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.
December 2008
Wed.17th December 2008 – Biggleswade Farmers’ Market – 9am to 2pm.
This lively Market is held in the Market Square selling locally produced products and crafts made within a 30 mile radius of Biggleswade. If you require any further information please contact Juliet/Christine on 01767 313134.

COMMUNITY GRANTS
The Town Council acknowledges the important contribution that Community Clubs and Organisations make to enrich and improve the quality of life for so many residents in Biggleswade.
In order to support the operation and development of these valuable services, the Town Council has limited funds available to support those Clubs and Organisations in their work.
In this respect, the Town Council would be pleased to receive applications for financial assistance from Community Clubs and Organisations in Biggleswade.
Requests for an application form should be addressed to:-
· Biggleswade Town Council, 4 Saffron Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8DL.
· By telephone on 01767 313134.
Your completed application form should be returned to the Council Offices no later than Friday 22nd February 2008
Please note that it will not be possible to consider your application after this date.


Allotments
The Town Council currently has a 152 plot allotment site at Kennel Farm Road, Biggleswade. The plots are 20 meters by 5 meters and cost £15 for the year 1st September 2007 to 31st August 2008. There are currently no vacancies and a waiting list is in operation. If you would like to be added to this list please contact Christine on 01767 313134.

Sandy Fire Station 200 mile challenge


Over the 29th and 30th of September 2012, eight Firefighters from Sandy station are cycling around Bedfordshire, passing all 14 Fire stations, covering 200 miles over two days. They are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Firefighter's Charity please support them the best you can.

Link to just giving page:

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Potton Awarded Fairtrade Status

Potton has been recognised as a Fairtrade town.

After a campaign lasting three-years, the town’s bid for the status was finally approved by the Fairtrade Foundation.

Becoming a Fairtrade Town has been a target since 2009, when it was included as one of the goals in the Potton Town Plan.

In order for this to happen, five goals need to be achieved:

(i) the Town Council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade;
(ii) Fairtrade products are readily available in shops/cafés;
(iii) Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places and community organisations;
(iv) the Fairtrade Town campaign attracts local media coverage;
(v) a Fairtrade Town steering group exists.

Town councillor Andy Hopkins , who has been involved in the project for the past year, described the news that the town had been granted fairtrade status as “absolutely fantastic”.

He said: “We’ve worked hard on it over the past year and we’re really pleased to have got it.

"We need to reapply next year, and then every two years, so the work doesn’t stop here.

"Our next step is to try and get the schools to become Fairtrade schools and get more businesses to have Fairtrade tea and coffee in their canteens.

“Things like that can make a difference and this is all about making sure that we’re supporting people in developing countries so people are getting a decent wage.”

A campaign group of Tim Sidaway, Jo Gibb and Jenny Ream had championed the cause, which has been picked up by businesses in the town.

Quarterly Fairtrade stalls have been held at the Four Seasons market in the Market Square.

________________________________________________________________________

NOTE : Biggleswade Town Council have twice rejected a motion to support Fairtrade. Fairtrade Association Biggleswade (FAB) welcomes the response given by the people of Biggleswade to the possibility of Biggleswade becoming a Fairtrade Town in the Town Plan Questionnaire.In the Action Plan produced by the Town Plan Steering Group, FAB is encouraged to let the people of Biggleswade know more about Fairtrade.

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Latest scam alert from the Trading Standards team

  • Pension collection telephone scam


The Trading Standards team would like to warn pensioners of a potential telephone scam that claims you can have your pension collected for you.

We have received a report from a relative of a vulnerable elderly person who has received a number of unsolicited telephone calls in recent days. The caller uses a with-held telephone number and when the call is answered there appears to be a pre-recorded message that states, or words to the effect of “
As an old age pensioner who may find it difficult to get out of your house. Did you know you are entitled to have your pension collected for you? If you are interested and would like more information, please press 2.

Although we have very little information, we believe these calls have all the hallmarks of a telephone scam which is aiming to obtain your personal and financial details.

Our advice to elderly residents is to always act with caution when receiving unsolicited telephone calls, especially if the caller’s number is “with-held”. Never provide your personal or bank account details to anybody over the telephone unless you are absolutely sure of their intentions. Never be intimidated into making a quick decision and always take a moment to ask yourself whether the offer or claim is genuine. If you do have any doubts, please discuss with a family member, friend or neighbour before agreeing to anything.

And remember, do not be afraid to end the call by hanging up!