Biggleswade Health Centre - after the failed appeal.

Following the Appeal decision on 31st October 2011, the Councils Agent wrote to them.

Apparently "The Town Councils case was disadvantaged by the lack of support from the healthcare providers." What a surprise. There was no support from them for the original application, which was refused in January 2011. There was no support for it when Dr Hollington & Christina Ward (Executive Director, Ivel Medical Centre) attended the Council meeting of 22nd February 2011. Despite this, the Council pushed on and appealed in June 2011.

"The issue of biodiversity can be addressed by the necessary surveys and mitigation measures being put in place". One of the reasons that the original application failed was that these surveys had not been completed. The Council were looking to be made a special case, as the surveys were costed at circa £60,000, and they did not think that they should be wasting public money on this !!

"The Inspector can be criticised for accepting the contention of the Councils Planning Officer at the Hearing that the Council are actively involved in looking at another site in Biggleswade without any substantive evidence in support" What about all of the statements and contentions made by the Council and their Agents that they did not produce evidence for, he accepted them as well.

____________________________________________________________

On the Agenda of the Council Meeting of 24th January 2012 there was a recommendation that the Town Council write again to CBC to purchase the land East of Biggleswade.

___________________________________________________________

Consider this:

At the moment there is a planning application being considered by Central Bedfordshire Council for the redevelopment of the London Road Retail Park, Biggleswade. This includes the construction of two units (1 & 2) over the other side of London Road, off Pegasus Drive, which will be used for turnaround for the redevelopment.

I understand the Fire & Ambulance Service have both expressed a desire to move from their present sites at Chestnut Avenue, to an out of town centre location. The introduction of traffic lights in Crab Lane over the railway bridge has not helped their operations.

Central Bedfordshire Council own the Acorn Centre in Lawrence Road, Biggleswade, which adjoins the Ambulance Station / Fire Station sites.

The doctors two surgeries have expressed an interest in retaining the two practices with the possibility of some shared facilities / services.

Possible scenario:

1. Fire & Ambulance Service move to Units 1 & 2, Pegasus Drive

2. Acorn Centre used as a temporary home for Saffron Road Health Centre (Dr Kirkham & Partners).

3. Saffron Road Health Centre, refurbished / extended.

4. Saffron Road Health Centre, reoccupied by Dr Kirkham & Partners.

5. Acorn Centre occupied by Ivel Medical Centre from The Baulk, Biggleswade, with some facilities / services shared with Dr Kirkham & Partners.

‘Surf Safely’ – Police Support Staying Safe Online

Bedfordshire Police is supporting the international Safer Internet Day (SID) on Tuesday 7 February, 2012 and inviting local parents to learn more about keeping their children safe online at an event hosted by Bedford Girls School.

The theme of ‘Connecting generations and educating each other’ will be delivered by officers from the Local Policing Team from 7pm at the school in Cardington Road, Bedford. Parents, guardians or anyone who works with or cares for young people is welcome to the FREE event. To book a place, please https://jhodgkin.wufoo.com/forms/bedfordshire-police-presentation-on-e-safety/. Spaces are limited and will be issued on a first come first serve basis.

Throughout the day the force’s ten top tips for staying safe online will be sent through our twitter feed.

Richard Denton the Children and Young People Development Officer for Bedfordshire Police said: “The Internet is a fantastic tool and the majority of the time it is a beneficial, fun and educational resource. We are just asking everyone to apply common sense and a few simple safety measures. Think about who you are talking to, the information you share and how you can maintain your privacy. We hope that this event will enhance the work we do all year round to keep young people safe online.”

Pippa Milton, Head of PSHE at Bedford Girls’ School, added: “We strive to equip all of our girls with the means to make informed decisions about their wellbeing and personal safety in every environment, including online.

“This event aims to enhance parents’ and guardians’ understanding and awareness through the expert insight of Bedfordshire Police and we’re delighted to open our doors to the wider community and share knowledge in such an important field.”

To get up to date advice about staying safe online visit http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ If you are concerned about any content or activity on your child's internet and social networking sites then please contact Bedfordshire Police by calling 101

For more information on the event go to http://www.saferinternet.org/web/guest/safer-internet-day-2012

Follow Bedfordshire Police top 10 Internet safety tips:

1. Visit http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ to find out more about keeping safe online.
2. Look at installing security products that allow parents / carers to block certain websites, implement time limits and monitor activity.
3. Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends they do not know offline.
4. Explain to your children what information about them is personal: i.e. email address, mobile number, school name, sports club. Small pieces of information can easily be pieced together to form a comprehensive insight in to their lives and daily activities.
5. Make your children aware that they need to think carefully about the information and pictures they post on their profiles. Inform them that once published online, anyone can change or share these images of them.
6. It can be easy to forget that the internet is not a private space, and as a result young people sometimes engage in risky behaviour online. Advise your children not to post any pictures, videos or information on their profiles, or in chat rooms, that they would not want a parent or carer to see.
7. If your child receives spam or junk email and texts, remind them never to believe their contents, reply to them or use them.
8. It's not a good idea for your child to open files that are from people they don't know. They won't know what they contain—it could be a virus, or worse – an inappropriate image or film.
9. Help your child to understand that some people lie online and that therefore it's better to keep online mates online. They should never meet up with any strangers.
10. Always keep communication open for a child to know that it's never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable.

If you have information relating to online crime call 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

 

 

 

 

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Scrap Metal Operation – Biggleswade

27 January 2012

Biggleswade police joined forces with council enforcement teams yesterday (Wednesday 25 January, 2012) to combat the trade in stolen scrap metal.

The record price of recyclable metals across the world has prompted an ever-increasing trade in metal stolen for its scrap value.

While some items stolen from yards or building sites are scrap, many more items in current use such as gas and water pipes, electricity cables, gates, lead roofing and even statues and lightning conductors are being stolen to be traded for cash.

People trading in scrap need a licence issued by the Environment Agency, so Central Bedfordshire Council’s Environmental Protection Team and local officers spent most of yesterday afternoon stop-checking vehicles around the Biggleswade area, making sure their loads of scrap were properly documented.

“We divided our team between general mobile patrol around the area, and also stop checking vehicles approaching scrap yards so see if there were any criminal or civil offences,” said Sgt Neil Camfield. “I’m pleased to say there was no evidence of any of the vehicles we stopped carrying stolen goods, although the council team issued six notices to traders who were not complying with licensing regulations.”


The joint patrols will be continuing in coming months. Metal thefts can cause huge damage to local buildings and the environment. Anyone who has information about this issue should can contact police on 101, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name but you could still receive a cash reward. If you see anyone stealing or moving metal items which you suspect are stolen, contact police immediately on 999.

 

 

 

 

 

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London Road Retail Park, London Road, Biggleswade - an update

CB/11/03734/FULL

Demolition of existing retail and commercial units. Construction of new retail units (Use Class A1) and (Use Class A3); alterations to Homebase; associated access works, servicing and landscaping; improvements to London Road.

My last post on this was dated 26th October 2011, the day after the Consultation period started.

http://biggleswadeonline.blogspot.com/2011/10/london-road-retail-park-biggleswade.html

According to the Central Bedfordshire web site the target date for a decision is set at 24th January 2012. But we now have "Earliest Decision Date" of 24th February 2012.

There have been 3 responses against; 2 in favour and 4 comments, I am not sure how that adds up to 17 responses received shown on the web site.

Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency

In October 2011, The Mayor told me that this document would be put forward to Council when it was appropriate. The Council were awaiting clarification on some points from the National Association of Local Councils and once they have that it will be brought to Council for consideration.

Since that time there were full Council meetings on 22nd November 2011 and 24th January 2012 which did not include this on the Agenda.


I have today asked the Mayor again, Can you tell me when it will be put before Council?

_______________________________________________________

PREVIOUSLY

On the 7th February 2011 a consultation document was issued on the above, with comments to be in by 17th March 2011..

This was discussed at the Biggleswade Town Council Planning Committee on 8th March 2011 and this is recorded in the minutes:

"that a letter be written to ask if this code of practice applies to Town Councils, as they are not mentioned in the list of definitions of "local authority", and also to say that the code of recommended practice is a repetition of Town Councils own working practices."

This is the parish of Biggleswade, and without a mayor we would have a parish council with a chairman, since we have a mayor we are called a town council, That's the only difference. The code applies to Biggleswade Town Council.

It has been brought to my attention that the final document was published on 29th September 2011 with a press release from Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, which included:

Ministers believe that data transparency should extend beyond local spending and that full disclosure should be every council's default position. Councils will now be expected to have regard to the Code in all their data publications. Subject to consultation, ministers are minded to make the Code a legally binding requirement to ensure authorities can be held fully accountable to the local people they serve.

The Code asks local authorities to follow the three principles of transparency when publishing data - Demand-led, Open and Timely. The Code also proposes the minimum datasets that should be released for reuse.

They are:

• expenditure over £500, (including costs, supplier and transaction information)
• senior employee salaries, names, budgets and responsibilities of staff paid over £58,200 - equivalent to the lowest Senior Civil Service pay band
• an organisational chart
• the 'pay multiple' - the ratio between the highest paid salary and the median average salary of the whole of the authority's workforce
• councillor allowances and expenses
• copies of contracts and tenders to businesses and to the voluntary community and social enterprise sector
• grants to the voluntary community and social enterprise sector should be clearly itemised and listed
• policies, performance, external audits and key inspections and key indicators on the authorities' fiscal and financial position
• the location of public land and building assets and key attribute information that is normally recorded on asset registers
• data of democratic running of the local authority including the constitution, election results, committee minutes, decision - making processes and records of decisions

I have asked Biggleswade Town Council if they will be complying with the Code.

link to the code:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/1997468.pdf

_______________________________________________________________________

On the 4th October 2011, I asked Biggleswade Town Clerk (copy to Mayor):

The above code was published on 29th September 2011 by the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles .

Can you confirm that Biggleswade Town Council will be complying with the code?

The only response I had was on the 5th October 2011, from the Mayor. He said that they would be put before Council when appropriate, although there was no guarantee the Council would vote in favour of them. He went on to say that if the guidelines become law then the Council would implement them.

The next Council meeting is this evening (25th October 2011) and this is not included on the Agenda, so I asked the Mayor:

Can you tell me when it will be “appropriate” to be put before Council?

The response was that the Council are awaiting clarification on some points from the National Association of Local Councils and once they have that it will be brought to Council for consideration.

Proposed Temporary Road Closure - Dunton Lane & Biggleswade Road, Biggleswade - For surfacing works.

Closure is expected to take place during one week from 6th to 10th February 2012, between 0800 and 1800 hrs. Access may be allowed from time to time according to local signing.

Alternative route - approaching from Dunton, at roundabout Sutton Lane / Biggleswade Road / road to Edworth, take Sutton Lane / Sutton Road. Proceed to Sutton crossroads and turn left onto High Street, Sutton. Continue through Sutton to junction with B1040. Turn left and continue on B1040 into Biggleswade to junction with A6001 London Road. Turn left and continue on A6001 to roundabout with Dunton Lane. Take 1st exit and continue on Dunton Lane to roundabout with Saxon Drive and vice versa.

I calculate that as a detour of about 6.5miles.

Were You the Victim of Wallet Theft?

Police in Bedford are appealing for a potential victim to come forward after the theft of a wallet was reported to them by CCTV operators on Thursday, January 26.

The incident happened in Harpur Square, Bedford at 7.30pm after an elderly man with a walking stick had his wallet taken from him by a woman.

Officers attended the scene, recovered a wallet close by, and arrested a 25 year old woman on suspicion of theft. She has now been released on bail pending further investigation.

PS James Panter, investigating, is keen to trace the elderly man who had left the scene prior to police arriving.

PS Panter said: “It is important that we trace the man involved in this incident as we would like to return his property to him and also find out exactly what happened on Thursday evening.”

If you are the man or if you help identify him you can contact PS Panter, at Greyfriars Police Station, in confidence, on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

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

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Batman battles burglars – The Bill’s Graham Cole stamps out crime

25 January 2012

Batman will be joined by actor Graham Cole, better known as PC Tony Stamp from The Bill, in Luton next week to help in a crack down on burglars across the county of Bedfordshire.

The caped crusader is part of a campaign by the independent charity Crimestoppers to encourage Bedfordshire residents to tell them what they know about burglary and who’s handling stolen goods in their communities.

And, like Batman, callers won’t be identified – the message being publicised by the masked hero is ‘It’s what you know, not who you are’.

Calls to the Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or information given through the website www.crimestoppers-uk.orgare 100% anonymous.

The event will launch Crimestoppers’ new burglary campaign which will see 120,000 postcards being sent out to homes in the county appealing for information on burglary and handling stolen goods. It also includes billboards, radio adverts and a short film on the human impact of burglary.

Tony Lloyd, Chair of Bedfordshire Crimestoppers, explained why the campaign was important: “Being burgled is not just about losing possessions, it also robs you of feeling safe in your own home. People should be able to feel secure and confident in their homes.

“No one has anything to fear by contacting Crimestoppers. No personal information is taken and calls are not traced or recorded. Those who give information do not have to give a statement to police or go to court. In the 24 years that we have been running, Crimestoppers has never broken its promise of anonymity”.

Graham Cole added: “After 27 years of playing a police officer I am proud to put my name to the “Stamp out Crime” campaign with Crimestoppers and their new Property Protector. Its powerful technology will deter crime and provide reassurance that you are buying an official Police security solution. Help defeat the burglars.”

Crimestoppers plays a major part in the fight against burglary and handling stolen goods. Last year Crimestoppers received 5442 pieces of actionable information about burglaries and theft, leading to 608 arrests and charges across the UK. More information about this burglary campaign by the charity, funded and supported by Bedfordshire Police, can be found at http://www.bedscrimestoppers.org/

Up to £1,000 can be claimed for any information which leads to the arrest and charge of those responsible for burglaries or handling stolen goods.

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Quarterly Crime Update

24 January 2012

Quarterly crime figures published show overall levels in Bedfordshire for the 12 months to September 2011 are below the England and Wales average at 70 crimes per 1000 people compared to 74 crimes per 1000 people in England and Wales.

Results of the British Crime Survey, which have also been made available, show Bedfordshire’s victim satisfaction rates are currently showing an improving trend. The latest local data shows an improvement from 79% satisfaction in the 12 months to October 2010 to 82% in the 12 months to October 2011.

Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock said: “We note the recent report comparing figures to September 2011 and these represent an historic snapshot of where the Force was in 2010 and part of 2011 policing years. The Force is working hard to drive down those crimes that most harm communities including burglary, robbery and MSV (Most Serious Violence) as well as bringing to justice those responsible. The figure to the end of December shows our continuing success in reversing previous trends and we remain committed to fighting crime and protecting the public.”

The figures show crime levels in Bedfordshire have fallen in a number of crime categories – there has been a 25% reduction in “Sexual Offences”, a 9% reduction in “Offences against Vehicles”, a 6% reduction in “Criminal Damage” and a 24% reduction in “Other Offences”. Bedfordshire currently has the lowest rate of “Sexual Offences” in England and Wales.

There has been a 12% increase in “Violence against the person – without Injury” in Bedfordshire. However, Bedfordshire is still below the England and Wales average for this offence category at 7.3 crimes per 1000 people compared to the England and Wales rate of 7.7 crimes per 1000 people. Bedfordshire is also similar to the England and Wales crime rate for overall “Violence against the person” and for “Violence against the person – with Injury”.

Bedfordshire’s Domestic Burglary rate was 14.6 crimes per 1000 households compared to an England and Wales average of 11 crimes per 1000 households. This remains a priority for the force and rates for the period April to December 2011 are 19% lower than the period in April to December 2010 and the detection rate for Domestic Burglary has improved from 16% to 21%.

While the quarterly figures published show Bedfordshire had one of the highest Robbery levels in England and Wales in the 12 month period to September 2011 this equates to a Robbery rate of 1.3 crimes per 1000 people. Bedfordshire’s robbery level has remained unchanged in comparison to the previous 12 month period compared to a 4% increase in England and Wales. Robbery rates for the period April to December 2011 are 6% lower than the period in April to December 2010 and the detection rate for Robbery has improved from 19% to 23%.

Bedfordshire has a below average rate of recorded drug offences at 2.7 crimes per 1000 population compared to 4.2 crimes per 1000 people in England and Wales.

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REMINDER - 28th January 2012 - Steven Watkins - Biggleswade Library

Steven Watkins, Biggleswade Town Councillor, Stratton Ward will be holding a Councillor Surgery at Biggleswade Library on Saturday the 28th January from 10am to Noon. He hopes to bring another councillor along.

 He has made the effort to organise this, so do not miss this opportunity.

Witnesses Sought to Biggleswade Assault

January 25, 2012

BEDFORDSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after an elderly man was assaulted in Biggleswade on Sunday January 22.

The incident happened at around 5.50pm in Stratton Way, Biggleswade when two offenders beat the man to the floor, set their dog on him and then punched him as he lay on the ground.

The victim was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage for treatment to a cut to the head which required four stitches. The man was also left with severe swelling to his face.

The first offender is described as being white, in his late teens and was wearing a red top with its hood pulled up and dark bottoms, he was in control of the dog, described as being chocolate or light brown with some black patches. The second offender was younger and wearing a black jacket with the hood up, dark trousers and a black and white scarf across his face.

Detective Constable Guy Steel-Jessop, who is investigating the incident, would like to hear from anyone who may know the offenders or may have seen them either before or after the assault.

He said: “This was a vicious attack on an elderly man who was going about his daily business. Thankfully he has not sustained any serious injury, but he has been left very shaken by the whole incident.

“The two offenders certainly weren’t afraid to use violence and I hope that anyone who may have seen them will come forward to help stop them from committing similar offences in the future.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone else who may have information – however small or insignificant they think it is – that could help us. Don’t 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 DC Steel-Jessop, 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.

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Clampdown on illegal parking

Whilst the great majority of motorists are considerate when parking, there are still a number of individuals that endanger the safety of others by parking at inappropriate and dangerous locations. Parking restrictions are put in place on safety grounds or to assist the free flow of traffic for the benefit of the residents and the general public.

In November 2011, in response to concerns about dangerous and disruptive parking near schools, Central Bedfordshire Council brought into use three mobile enforcement vehicles equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) equipment which will allow a Penalty Charge Notice to be issued by post.

Up to the end of December 2011, only warning letters were issued to raise awareness of the action being taken by the Council. One hundred warning letters were issued in December 2011.  In just two working weeks since the start of the year 326 parking tickets / Penalty Charge Notices were issued, averaging 30 a day per vehicle.

Initially the cars targeted parking hot spots around schools and near pedestrian crossings. However in response to requests from Councillors and others, the vehicles have also targeted towns and villages where parking enforcement has been relatively low key. This now includes Biggleswade.

Cycling signage - a completely new scheme to include walking routes?

Further to the post of 4th May 2011:

http://biggleswadeonline.blogspot.com/2011/05/cycling-signage-another-update.html

Further to the email of 27th April from the Senior Engineer (Road Safety)  Bedfordshire Highways:

Thank you for the further details. I will discuss these issues with ******** to ensure the intended cycle routes are clearly signed from origin to destination. Clearly from your photographs there are a few issues to resolve. Hopefully you will see these changes on the ground soon. Again, thank you for bringing this to our attention.

I asked on 25th May 2011 for an update as none of the signage appeared to have changed. I was told on the 26th May 2011 that the scheme was with an engineer and in the process of review for amendments.

I asked for an update on 19th June 2011 as some of the signs had been corrected and again on 9th November 2011, but no response.

I asked again on 8th January 2012 and received a response on 11th January from  the Senior Engineer (Road Safety) Bedfordshire Highways, that he was under the impression the corrections to the signage had been completed. On the 12th January he sent me another email,

The Engineer has conformed all the signs but one has been corrected as required. The remaining works will be completed this financial year. After which a completion meeting will be held between the design engineer and client to review the works carried out.

I have today gone back to him:

It was in April 2011 that in Biggleswade a proliferation of cycling signage first appeared, some pointing in strange directions, which I brought to your attention at that time.

I contacted you again in June and November 2011 and again in January 2012 asking for confirmation that the signage had been amended.

Your response on 11th January 2012 was that you were under the impression the corrections had been completed and on the 12th that all but one has been corrected. I have not looked at all of the signage again very recently but neither the sign outside Southlands School, or the one at the top of Holme Court Avenue have been changed. I attach photographs I have previously sent you in April 2011.

Attached to your latest email was a pdf of drawing 501070-001-001 for Cycling & Walking Route Improvements. This appears to be almost a complete replacement of the directional signage which was put up less than a year ago. Is this the latest scheme ??

This is a small  extract of the drawing I was sent:

19th January 2012 Central Beds News Release

The following press release is issued by Central Bedfordshire.

Driving home the message to young people in Central Bedfordshire

Teenagers can have a bad reputation when it comes to cars - some drive too fast and they haven't got the experience of more mature motorists.

But two new courses aimed at giving young drivers the skills they need before they venture onto the area's roads could change all that.

Supported by Central Bedfordshire Council in partnership with their Highways Contractor Amey, the courses will be running in January and March.

Having already proved popular in the past, the MORE 16 and MORE Drive programmes target young people in Central Bedfordshire , aged between 16 and 24 and offer three workshops on driving skills, maintenance and safety before they start learning to drive.

The workshops are run by vehicle inspectors and collision investigators from Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, Three Shires Driving School and Bedford's Millbrook proving ground and offer real-life experience from professionals at the top of their field.

The MORE 16 programme, which will be running on Saturday 28 January and Saturday 3 March, is aimed at 16 year-olds and offers them their first taste of driving on a Millbrook track. The course also offers guidance to parents on choosing a driving instructor and how to help their teens when practising. As an incentive for parents to attend, they receive a high-speed passenger ride around a track with a Millbrook pro-driver with competition history in motorsport such as Rallying or Racing.

The MORE Drive programme, which will run on Sunday 29 January and Sunday 4 March, offers 17 to 24 year-olds, who have passed their driving test, the chance to drive on a skid pan and experience ABS braking systems as well as practising emergency stops at speed to demonstrate the distance it takes to stop at varying speeds.

Elliott Viola, who has already taken part in a course, said: "What will stay with me is what not to do while driving - like speeding, drinking alcohol, or being on a mobile phone - and making sure that you are in charge, not someone else trying to influence you."

Councillor Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services, said: "These programmes offer a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn new skills and improve their driving ability.

"I'm delighted that we can offer these opportunities across Central Bedfordshire. Having attended MORE Drive, I have seen how much everyone took away with them and hope we have even more young people attend the future events."

For more information on either the MORE 16 or MORE Drive programmes, or to attend events next year, email roadsafety@amey.co.uk.

 For further detals please use the following links.
LINK [County_More_Drive_16.pdf]
LINK [County_More_Drive_16_24.pdf]

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Tennyson Avenue Biggleswade - Shed Burglary

This is a Ringmaster Message from Bedfordshire Police. Please pass the details of this message onto friends, and neighbours.


Residents are asked to be vigilant, and to review the security of all outbuildings, after a shed burglary took place in Tenyson Avenue, in Biggleswade.

The offence took place on Wednesday the 18th of January, between 9:45 a.m. and 3:10 p.m.

The offender has removed a metal bar from the gate to gain access to the rear garden.

A perspex window to the shed has been pushed inwards.

Property has been moved but it appears that nothing has been taken.

Outbuildings, sheds and garages can be especially, vulnerable to criminals, and are often not the best place, to store high value items.

Always lock shed and garages, and help keep sheds secure with a good quality padlock, and hasp.

If possible anchor down items, like bikes and lawn mowers.

Consider an alarm and make sure your security lighting is covering your shed and garage.

For more information on securing your shed visit
http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Shed.html

For securing your garage visit

http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Garage.html

If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 2 1 9 8 / 2012.

Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011

Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Thank you for your support.

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Car Defrosting Warning

January 16 2012

Give Car Thieves a Frosty Reception

Bedfordshire Police are warning again about car owners leaving engines running in the drive while they retreat to a warm house and wait for the windscreens on their cars to defrost.

With freezing temperatures hitting the county in the last few days, the perennial problem of opportunist thieves taking advantage has returned.

On Friday (Jan 13), a car was stolen from Miles Avenue in Leighton Buzzard after the owner tried to do a favour for his wife and start the defrosting process. But he left the engine running while he went back to the house and the vehicle was stolen – although it was found an hour later not far away.

“Unfortunately, many motorists across the country fall victim to this kind of theft every year,” said Insp Matt Thompson, of the Roads Policing Unit. “It is a temptation to leave cars unattended, especially during the winter months. But if you do this you are not only increasing the chances of having your car stolen, you are also unlikely to receive any money from your insurance company.”

“Please don't make it easy for criminals - there are plenty of products on the market to prevent frost or remove it quickly but the best way, by far, is to stay with your vehicle while it is being defrosted,” he said.

“And not leaving keys in the car – even on your drive and even for a minute or two – is something that police would like people to remember all year round.”

For more advice about how to secure your vehicles and property, please contact your local crime reduction office via Bedfordshire Police on 101 or log on to www.bedfordshire.police.uk

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Bunyan Road, Biggleswade - Garden theft

Bedfordshire Police ask local residents to be vigilant, and to report anything suspicious, after a garden theft took place in Bunyan Road, off Dells Lane, in Biggleswade.

The offence took place on Tuesday the 17th of January.

The offender has entered the garden at the front of the house, removing plants from pots and throwning them around the garden.

The owner has had a number of hanging baskets and flower pots taken from the garden during the last 2 months.

For more information on reducing crime visit

http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Introduction.html

If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 2 1 1 5 / 2012.

Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011

Email your message to : chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at : http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Thank you for your support.

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Blue Badge Consultation

Central Bedfordshire would like to hear the views of current Blue Badge holders on the proposal to charge £10 for the issue of a badge.

Please read this letter (PDF 74KB) which provides details of the new Blue Badge and proposed charge and then give us your views by completing this short online questionnaire.

The deadline for responses to this consultation is 12 noon on 27 January 2012.

For more information please contact the Blue Badge Service by telephone on 0300 300 8035 or email to blue.badges@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

London Road, Biggleswade - Attempted Burglary

13 January 2012

Police Seek Witnesses To Attempted Burglary

Detectives investigating an attempted burglary in Biggleswade which happened on Tuesday January 10 are asking the public for help in identifying the offender.

The incident happened at around 7pm when the offender tried to force open the back door of a property in London Road, Biggleswade but it appears that he was disturbed by a neighbour and fled the scene.

The offender is described as white, in his early 20s with short, dark hair. He was wearing a white hooded top and escaped on a bicycle.

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Jason Wheeler, in confidence, on 01234 275328, 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.

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This appears to be a follow up from:

http://biggleswadeonline.blogspot.com/2012/01/london-road-biggleswade-burglary.html

Biggleswade Town Council - Community Grants

Just to bring this notice to your attention that is published on the Town Council web site.

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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 this respect, the Town Council would be pleased to receive applications for financial assistance from these Clubs/Organisations.

Requests for an application form should be addressed to:-

Biggleswade Town Council,

4 Saffron Road

Biggleswade

SG18 8DL

Telephone: 01767 313134

Email: enquires@biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk

Your completed application form should be returned to the Council Offices no later than Friday 24th February 2012

Please note that it will not be possible to consider your application after this date.

London Road, Biggleswade - Burglary attempt

Residents are asked to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity in back gardens, after a burglary took place in London Road, near to the junction with Dells Lane, in Biggleswade.

The offence took place on Tuesday the 10th of January, at 7:00 p.m.

The offender gained access to the rear garden through a side gate that had been left unlocked.

The back door has been damaged but no entry has been gained.

A vigilant local resident has heard the noise and disturbed the offender, who has run off.

The offender was a White Male, 5 foot 8 with a medium build and dark hair.

Bedfordshire Police ask resident to review the security of all fences, gates and outbuildings.

Your boundaries are your first line of defence against criminals.

Always secure garden gates, keep fences and wall in good repair and consider defensive planting, or trellis.

Avoid leaving garden tools out, where they can be used by an offender to force open a door or window.

Keep property like bikes locked away in a shed or garage.

Keep garden furniture, ladders, and Wheelie bins in a secure garage or shed, or locked up away from the house, where they might be used to climb onto a roof, access a first floor window or access neighbours garden.

Report any suspicious activity, or vehicles, in the area.

For more information on reducing burglary related crime visit

http://www.safer-beds.org/rmwebportal/rm_desktop/files/Crime%20Reduction%20-%20Buglaries.html

If you have any information about this crime or other suspicious incidents, please call the Force Control Room on 1 0 1, and quote crime reference, J D / 1 3 6 8 / 2012.

Alternatively text your message to (07786) 200011

Email your message to chc@Bedfordshire.pnn.Police.uk

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0 8 0 0 5 5 5 1 1 1, or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

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Biggleswade Town Councillor(s) Surgery - 28th January 2012

Steven Watkins, Biggleswade Town Councillor, Stratton Ward will be holding a Councillor Surgery at Biggleswade Library on Saturday the 28th January from 10am to Noon. He hopes to bring another councillor along.

He has asked me to advertise it via this blog. He looks forward to seeing you there.

He has made the effort to organise this, so do not miss this opportunity.

Be Scam Aware - HM Revenue & Customs - suspicious emails

Central

Bedfordshire

Scam Aware

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team is warning consumers to be aware of emails that claim you are entitled to a tax rebate.

We have received information from a concerned colleague who has recently received two suspicious emails in the space of a few days. The emails appear to be sent by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and at first glance appear to be genuine. The email claims that you are entitled to receive a tax refund of £xxx and in order for the refund to be claimed the recipient must open and complete an attached form, provide the personal and financial information requested, and then submit the form within six days.

However, upon further examination the email address of the sender is given as hmrct@taxes.co.uk when in fact email addresses for HMRC end with @hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.

Based on the information provided we believe that this email is a "phishing" scam, designed to obtain your personal and financial details. In most cases these types of emails will have a web-link for you to follow or an attached document to open.

Our advice to consumers is, if you receive one of these emails, please act with extreme caution. The HMRC never sends notifications of tax rebates, or requests personal information, by email. Never open any attached documents or click on web-links, as these may contain viruses that may harm your computer.

If you have any doubts as to whether an email is actually from HMRC or not, report it by forwarding it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then delete the email from your computer. For further advice on "phishing" emails, please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/security

If you have any information about suspect rogue traders or would like to report a possible scam please initially contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, in order so that all relevant regulatory authorities can be notified.

In the meantime, please visit our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/bescamaware for advice and guidance on how to spot a scam and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Kind regards

Trading Standards

(Community Safety and Public Protection)

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Central Bedfordshire Council Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ

Telephone: 0300 300 8136 Email: trading.standards@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

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Burglaries - Kingfisher Close, Biggleswade

January 9, 2012

Did You Witness Garage Burglaries?

BEDFORDSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses after a number of residential garages in Biggleswade were broken in to over the weekend.

Detectives received four reports of burglary and three reports of attempted burglary at addresses in Kingfisher Close, Biggleswade. Power tools, fishing equipment, a vacuum cleaner and alcohol were taken from the garages sometime between 6pm on Friday January 6 and 4.40am on Saturday January 7.

In most of the incidents, it appears that offenders have used a bladed item to force the garage lock and gain entry to the premises.

Detective Sergeant Jim Mallen, who is investigating the series of raids, said: “It is quite unusual for a number of properties in the same address to be targeted in such a short space of time.

“We would really like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, or anyone else who may have information – however small or insignificant they think it is – that could help us. Don’t dismiss your information as unimportant – even tiny details which don’t seem relevant now might become useful later on in the investigation.”

Bedfordshire Police are reminding residents that taking some simple measures can help reduce the chance of their house, garage or sheds being broken in to:

• Sheds and garages – buy and USE a good quality lock, padbolt or hasp and staple with padlocks
• Check gates and fences – are there any weak spots – a high back wall and a thorny hedge are two great deterrents.
• Side passage - fit a strong gate. .
• Consider an inexpensive alarm system.
• Do you really need a window in the shed or could it be boarded up?
• Mark your property with postcode. You can buy cheap kits from most DIY stores, which enable you to etch the number on – or simply paint it on. This is more effective than “invisible” marking which can fade. You could share the cost of the kit with neighbours and friends.

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Reduction Officers continue to actively target the problem at the moment but anything that can be done to prevent the problem in the first place is invaluable. For more information on crime reduction please contact the team via email on crimereduction@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk.

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DS Jim Mallen, in confidence, on 01234 274151, 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.

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