BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER

We are seeking the following volunteers

Volunteers work in teams, covering every edition of the “Biggleswade Chronicle". These roles would be great for people wanting experience in the broadcast media, or for journalists and broadcasters who can use their skills to help reach blind and partially- sighted residents. You don’t need previous experience, you just need to be willing to come along and learn. Training is available for all posts.

Are you interested in the local News?  Would you be interested in joining the group of people who compile the Talking Newspaper each Friday from The Biggleswade Chronicle?  We produce it for any sight impaired people who choose to take up our offer of recordings.

 

 We are organized into 5 teams, each requiring the input of 8 people.  There are 4 regular monthly productions and the 5th team covers the occasional 5th Friday in a month and offers cover for members of teams 1-4 when they are unavailable for their session. 

 

 If you would like to find out more please contact the Chairman, (Nick Gurney) on 01767 312 830

 

We are seeking a new editor

 

Free copies of The Chronicle are obtained from their office in Biggleswade and the editing done early on Friday in time for the production team members to receive their edited scripts by 7pm at Abbotsbury Day Centre. This vacancy is to join our week two team.

 

Other Roles

 

In an addition we also require a Technician, this involves working in a team of two to record the voices of our readers using mixer desk and our new digital equipment.  This would be once a month on a Friday evening 7pm-8.30pm and would be to join our week four team

 

We are also seeking two Despatch  Officer’s - involves liaising with our listener liaison officer and visiting the recording centre on a Friday for approx 20/30 minutes once a month, and this would be to join our week four and five teams.

For further details about all of these roles phone Nick Gurney 01767 312830

 

http://www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk/index.html

 

End of British Summer Time

It's that time of year again – the clocks go back on Sunday marking the end of British Summer Time for 2013.

 

The end of BST means that from 2.00am Sunday (27th October ), its time to set your clocks and watches BACK one hour.

 

The result will be that darkness arrives sooner in the evenings but we gain an extra hour of daylight in the mornings.

 

We’re ready for the forecast storm – are you?

Emergency response partners on the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum met this afternoon to ensure they are ready to activate their plans ahead of anticipated severe weather on Sunday evening/Monday morning.

Currently the Met Office has an amber alert in place for the county predicting winds of 60-80mph, resulting in possible dangerous driving conditions, widespread tree and minor structural damage, risk of injury from flying debris and the potential for localised interruption to power supplies.

There is also a yellow flood warning in place advising that persistent heavy rain could cause surface water flooding.

Bedfordshire Police Chief Supt Mike Colbourne, Chair of BLLRF, said: “While there is no need for any undue alarm, the forecast is currently for winds of a strength that we have not seen in this part of the country for more than 20 years. With the trees still in leaf and the ground soft after recent rain, there is certainly the potential for some tree and structural damage, and disruption to travel particularly on Monday morning.

“There are number of straightforward steps that residents and businesses can take now to make sure they are as prepared as possible and I would urge them to do so.

“Partners will continue to monitor the latest forecasts over the weekend and, if the situation develops, can activate a multi-agency response including organisations such as the Environment Agency, Highways Agency and the utility companies.

Before a storm, secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them.

Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages.

Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.

Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30 degrees.

If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them.

During a storm, stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.

Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences — if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side. Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.

If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you. Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you.

Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary. Delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible.

If your journey is essential, take particular care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads. Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high-sided vehicle.

After a storm, be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging, and do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened.

Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs.

Further advice for strong gales, heavy rain and flooding plus useful links including how to prepare an emergency home kit are available via the resilience forum’s website www.whatwouldyoudoif.co.uk.

The website also features advice for businesses on preparing a business continuity plan, including a ten-minute health check.

Stop Your Bike Going For A Ride Without You

Bedfordshire Police are urging cyclists to take extra precautions when locking up their bikes to ensure that they don’t become the victim of crime.

Since September there has been a slight surge in bike thefts which have occurred in Dunstable and Houghton Regis with 48 being stolen. The Local Policing Team is encouraging all cyclists to follow some simple advice:

• Park your bicycle safely and considerately, where it will not cause danger or obstruction to others - particularly the elderly, the very young and those who are disabled in some way.
• Don't leave your bike in isolated, poorly-lit areas.
• Always lock your bike when you leave it, even if it's only for a few minutes while you pop into a shop.
• Use proper cycle anchors or robust street furniture, e.g. trees, parking meters, lampposts or railings (but do observe requests not to use them) to secure your bicycle against. If provision is inadequate, bring this to the attention of your local authority or property owner.
• Lock your bike through the frame.
• Lock the wheels and other detachable parts.
• Remove any smaller parts which cannot be secured and take them with you when you can - especially lights and quick-release saddles.

There are many different products on the market and price is not necessarily a reliable indicator of quality and resistance against thieves. You should look for products that have been tested against attack - read the packaging carefully and ask the retailer for advice.

• To guard against the opportunist thief you need a product that has resisted attack for one minute.
• To guard against the determined thief you need a product that has resisted attack for three minutes.
• To guard against the dedicated thief you need a product that has resisted attack for five minutes.

Marking your bike can be a deterrent to theft and will also help the police return it to you if it is stolen and subsequently recovered. To be effective, security marking must be:

• Clearly visible - hidden marks do not deter theft;
• Securely fixed - if it comes off easily and leaves no trace, then it won't deter a thief;
• Placed in two separate locations on the bike and not on any part which is removable and replaceable;
• Give clear information as to where to find the rightful owner (e.g., house number and postcode).

There is a range of marking systems on the market, including:

• Engraving
• Etching
• Ceramic marking
• Punching
• Die stamping

You can buy most of these kits from a good DIY store. Alternatively, ask your cycle shop if they provide this service.

There are a number of companies which will offer to security mark your bike with a unique number and cross-reference this to your personal details on their database. If you choose to use this service, make sure that:

• The security mark applied meets all the criteria set out above in respect of visibility, permanence and safety;
• The mark is accompanied by the company's telephone number so the police know who to contact;
• The company you use is following the National Cycling Forum's "Code of Practice for Security Marking and Registration of Pedal Cycles" which has been endorsed by the police, the Home Office and the DETR.
• Finally, keep your own record of your bicycle - its make, model, frame number and colour. A photo can also be of assistance to the police.

If you have information relating to bicycle crime or have been offered either of the bikes then please contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

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

 

 

Did You See the Bromham Burglar?

Bedfordshire Police are appealing for information after a burglary happened in Northampton Road, Bromham.

 

The incident happened between 9pm on Monday (Oct 21) and 8am on Tuesday (Oct 22) when the 96 year old resident was asleep in her home.

 

A burglar forced entry into the property through the back kitchen window before searching the house and removing a Sony TV, a silver ink well, a silver bowl and two silver jugs, a ladies gold watch, a gold ring set with a large blue stone surrounded with diamonds, a gold ring set with diamonds around the band, a gold ring set with red and white stones and a gold bangle.

 

The offender also took a pillow case and waste bin which is believed to have been used to transport the stolen items.

 

The officer in charge of this investigation, Detective Constable Paula Ebdale, is keen to trace anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area recently or anyone who has been offered goods matching the description of the stolen articles.

 

DC Ebdale said: “The offender has clearly targeted this lady as she is extremely vulnerable and she has been left very upset by this incident. Most of the items taken have significant sentimental value and can never be replaced.

 

“It is possible that the offender has been loitering in the area prior to the burglary and I would urge anyone who has noticed someone acting suspiciously in the village to contact the police. The person who has taken these items will inevitably have to sell them and would urge anyone who is offered similar items for sale to contact the police immediately.”

 

Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact DC Ebdale, in confidence, on 01234 275141, or Bedfordshire Police, on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

 

Alternatively, contact the crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn About Internet Safety With Bedfordshire Police

As part of National Parents Week (October 21 to 27), Bedfordshire Police is running a special internet safety workshop aimed specifically at parents and guardians.

On Tuesday October 22, Bedfordshire Police’s Children & Young People Development Officer and school coordinator Richard Denton will be hosting the event at Sandye Place Academy in Park Road, Sandy from 7pm.

The workshop will feature useful hints about internet security as well as tips about keeping children safe online and how to identify signs of cyber-bullying.

Richard Denton 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 follow a few simple safety measures.

“This workshop aims to enhance parents’ and guardians’ understanding and awareness of the internet. Parents and guardians need to know who their children are talking to, what information they choose to share and how to maintain privacy. We hope that this event will enhance the work we do all year round to keep young people safe online.”

Any parent or guardian who is interested in attending the event can book a place by contacting the Sandye Place Academy directly on 01767 680420

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.

Follow Bedfordshire Police top 10 Internet safety tips:

• Visit http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ to find out more about keeping safe online.
• Look at installing security products that allow parents / carers to block certain websites, implement time limits and monitor activity.
• Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends they do not know offline.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• If your child receives spam or junk email and texts, remind them never to believe their contents, reply to them or use them.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 101 non-emergency number, or text information to 07786 200011.

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

Biggleswade - Iceland Thief Caught On Camera

Bedfordshire Police have released CCTV images of a man that they would like to speak with following the theft of numerous items from the Iceland Store in Biggleswade.

 

The incident took place at around 3pm on Saturday September 7 when the offender entered the store in the Market Square with a teenage boy. The pair then filled a shopping trolley with numerous meat items which they then covered with other grocery items. The pair then made their way to the checkouts but then fled the store without making any attempt to pay for the items.

 

If you recognise the individual in the images or have any information relating to this incident, contact the Crime Service Team, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number quoting crime reference JD/31831/2013.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Council takes on licensing powers for scrap metal

Central Bedfordshire Council is ready to take on licensing powers for scrap metal to help in the crackdown on metal theft.

The new Scrap Metal Act 2013 came into force on 1 October 2013 and requires every scrap metal dealer to have a licence - operating without one will be a criminal offence.

It replaces the previous registration system and under the new legislation the definition of scrap metal dealers is extended so it now includes motor salvage operators too.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities, Services, explained the changes. He said: "We’ve been saying for some time that a solution to crack down on metal theft couldn’t come soon enough. This new ability to regulate who is and who isn’t a scrap metal dealer will help to improve operating standards as well as cutting down those who deal in scrap illegally."

"Previously, scrap metal dealers were required to register with us and to keep records of purchases and disposals. Now however, we have been given enforcement powers to revoke a licence and inspect sites to really cut down on any illegal activity. Doing this means that we can protect responsible dealers and improve the reputation of the trade."

He added: "Trade in criminally obtained metal is costing the UK economy around £770 million a year in costs to business and damage to the nation's infrastructure, so this is a step in the right direction. "

Scrap metal dealers will now need to pay a licensing fee. There are two types of licence:

 

• Site licence: All the sites where a licensee carries on business as a scrap metal dealer have to be identified and a site manger has to be named for each site. This licence allows the licensee to transport scrap metal to and from those sites from any local authority area.
• Collectors licence: This allows the licensee to operate as a collector in the area of the issuing local authority. It does not allow the collector to operate in any other local authority area, so a separate licence has to be obtained from each council the collector wishes to operate in. The licence does not authorise the licensee to operate a site; to do so they will need a site licence from the relevant local authority.

Cllr Spurr continued: "It gives us and the police greater powers to take action against metal theft and protect our local businesses and assets. It also will help restore the reputation of the whole scrap metal industry - tarnished by illegal trade involving an unscrupulous minority - so that legitimate, law-abiding and socially responsible dealers can flourish."

 
For more information on the new licensing or to apply for a licence, visit our website.

Walking & Cycling Route Inprovements

Bedfordshire Highways (Amey),  supplied to Biggleswade Town Council  details & drawings of planned walking and cycling route improvements for Shortmead Street. Plans for sites 11,15 and 16 are not complete. 

For details of the scheme see below.

 

These details were considered at Biggleswade Town Council meeting of 24th September 2013

 

From the draft minutes.

 

Public Open Session:

 

Member of Public 1 - raised with Town Council that residents of Ivel Gardens had no knowledge of the proposed Walking Route Improvement  - Shortmead Street, Biggleswade; they felt that no consideration had been given to the measures that were proposed for Ivel Gardens, they would if  implemented restrict traffic flow.

 

Member of Public 2- asked if Town Council had been consulted on the proposals and had the proposals been adopted.

 

Coucillor Mrs M Russell informed members of the public that the Town Council had not been consulted and that the proposals had come to light at a meeting on the 18th September 2013 with Councillor Maurice Jones; Councillor Jones was trying to stop the proposed works to Ivel Gardens.

 

Members raised the following concerns:

 

Ivel Gardens; there is already a crossing with a dropped kerb and tactile paving at the end of the footpath along the Vicarage wall. With the wide vision splay each side, it is perfectly safe for pedestrians. There have been no incidents with pedestrians or vehicles at the entrance to Ivel Gardens for at least 30 years. Current width of road paramount in allowing vehicles of varying size to enter the road - narrowing the entrance will force vehicles onto oncoming traffic. There are over 100 cars belonging to Ivel Gardens residents. There are 30/40 cars arriving daily to park in Ivel Gardens (people who work in the town because there is a shortage of parking). The Kingdom Hall car park holds 60 cars. The Parish Church car park holds 40 cars. Minibuses regularly enter Ivel Gardens with elderly and disabled going to the Church. At busy times, it is very difficult to exit Ivel Gardens - with the wider mouth, it is at least possible for vehicles to turn left even when a vehicle is having difficulty turning right. Large vehicles, e.g. refuse vehicles will mount the pavement as they turn into Ivel Gardens. Other points; it would be ridiculous to do any work now with the KIngdom Hall being rebuilt - a major building site for the next year.

 

Walking cannot be encouraged at the expense of everything else.

 

Pedestrian safety would be better served by a further zebra crossing between Brunt's Lane and the Methodist Church.

 

The Biggleswade Masterplan has a policy of removing bollards - Town Council don't want bollards put in, as have been added to the crossing to the south of the Sun Street / Shortmead Street junction.

 

The whole project is a waste of Tax Payers money - the Town Council should have been consulted if there is money available to spend on encouraging walking and making walking safer. Town Council could have made several suggestions which would have been more useful to the town.

 

No studies have been carried out to identify the need for these proposals.

 

Biggleswade Central Bedfordshire Councillors have also raised concerns directly on this project and are also unhappy  with the proposals.

 

Members RESOLVED that this project is stopped immediately, the areas of work that have already taken place remain, works underway on specific site are finished and no further works are started. Councillor Albone abstained from this vote.

 

The Town Council would like a complete review of the scheme carried out in consultation with the Town Council in order that the Town Council can put forward alternative suggestions and possible routes.

 

 

 

 

Crime in Biggleswade reported to the Police in the last month

Committed	Committed	Offence	Street
Date	Times
16 April	00.00 to 00.00	Other Theft or Unauthorised taking	Hitchmead Road
10th August	15.30 to 13.00	Other theft or unauthorised taking	Market Square
11th August	22.25	Assault with injury	High Street
11th August	01.00 to 01.36	Assault with injury	High Street
11th August	01.03 to 02.00	Assault with injury	High Street
11th August	22.00	Burglary in a dwelling	Shortmead Street
14th August	15.45	Shoplifting	Kingsfield Road
15th August	20.55 to 21.15	Assault with injury	Lawnside
17th August	15.00 to 15.20	Shoplifting	Church Street
17th August	11.30 to 12.30	Interfering with a motor vehicle	Church Street
17th August	22.00 to 08.30	Criminal Damage - other	Dunton Lane
17th August	01.15 to 01.31	Assault without injury	High Street
17th August	01.00 to 01.20	Assault with injury	High Street
17th August	00.12	Assault without injury	Dells Lane
17th August	00.12	Assault with injury	Dells Lane
18th August	13.00	Other theft or unauthorised taking	Teal Road
18th August	22.30 to 06.15	Other theft or unauthorised taking	Planets Way
18th August	08.30 to 08.40	Criminal Damage - to vehicles	Banks Road
18th August	23.00 to 08.00	Theft or unauthorised taking of motor vehicle	Rowan Crescent
20th August	15.00	Shoplifting	Market Square
21st August	10.10. To 10.30	Theft from The Person of another	Bonds Lane
21st August	08.00 to 08.30	Other theft or unauthorised taking	Station Road
21st August	14.00 to 18.00	Criminal Damage - to Dwellings	Derwent Avenue
21st August	19.30 to 20.14	Assault with injury	Osprey Road
22nd August	19.45 to 19.59	Crininal Damage - to vehicles	Lime Tree Walk
23rd August	13.00 to 14.15	Theft from The Person of another	Church Street
23rd August	07.40 to 07.50	Shoplifting	Church Street
23rd August	13.30 to 17.00	Theft from vehicle	Hitchin Street
24th August	01.00	Criminal Damage - to Dwellings	Hitchin Street
24th August	00.45 to 00.47	Criminal Damage - to Dwellings	Hitchin Street
24th August	20.15 to 20.30	Assault with injury	London Road
24th August	18.00 to 19.04	Assault with injury	Stratton Way
24th August	10.05 to 13.30	Theft from vehicle	Bunyan Road
26th August	15.15 to 15.45	Shoplifting	Market Square
26th August	22.30	Assault with injury	Shortmead Street
26th August	12.00 to 12.00	Theft from vehicle	The Baulk
26th August	23.00 to 08.15	Burglary in a dwelling	Laburnham Road
27th August	05.00 to 05.00	Other theft or unauthorised taking	High Street
27th August	17.00 to 17.14	Shoplifting	London Road
28th August	17.16 to 19.30	Shoplifting	Church Street
28th August	14.50	Burglary in a building other than a dwelling	High Street
1st September	12.00 to 10.30	Criminal Damage - other	Shortmead Street
3rd September	17.00 to 17.10	Assault with injury	Lawnside
3rd September	23.00 to 08.13	Theft from vehicle	Edward Road
4th September	14.30	Shoplifting	Market Square
4th September	03.00 to 04.34	Crininal Damage - other	London Road
4th September	12.00 to 14.00	Theft from vehicle	High Street
5th September	13.57 to 16.06	Shoplifting	Potton Road
5th September	16.00 to 16.00	Burglary in a dwelling	Reynolds Close
7th September	10.10 to 10.10	Shoplifting	Market Square
7th September	15.00	Shoplifting	Market Square
7th September	19.30	Criminal Damage - to Dwellings	Hitchin Street
7th September	13.40 to 18.55	Theft from vehicle	St Andrews Street