The Pickenham's Newsletter, April Edition
Your Community Snapshot from the Police
ROADWORKS
Upcoming Road Works on the A47
Upcoming Sewage Work on Houghton Lane
Upcoming Road Closures on North Pickenham Road
GRANTS
Supported by Norfolk Community Foundation through North Pickenham Windfarm Community Fund. They kindly donated £5,000 towards adult gym equipment for the playing field. The work has been completed.
Thank you to the National Lottery for granting North Pickenham Parish Council with £6,330. This will be going towards completely renovating the inside of the Pavillion to update the toilets and make it wheelchair accessible. We hope to begin this work within the next couple months and complete it before the end of the year. Please read the Press Release linked here.
Here is the press release LINK.
Norfolk Assistance Scheme
Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS) helps people in financial hardship to pay for their living costs. The scheme can provide emergency financial help, supply essential household goods and furniture and give support, guidance and advice. People can apply themselves. They will need to complete an application with evidence of their financial situation to show they are eligible for support. For more information and to apply go to:
Police Survey - Details can be found on this link
Anglian Water - Need extra help to pay bills - Full Details
Flexibus
The new fully accessible bus service for Swaffham and the surrounding area is now due to launch on Monday 28 March .
Details of the service have not changed from the previous email.
It will be called flexibus+ and will run from 7am – 7pm Monday to Saturday. Passengers will need to book their journey in advance which can be done quickly and easily using the flexibus+ app, online or via telephone.
Fares start from as little as £2 and through ticketing options will be available for travelling on to Kings Lynn, Dereham and Norwich.
The current service 12 (North Pickenham to Swaffham - Monday to Friday) and the service 31 (Beachamwell, Oxborough, Gooderstone, Cockley Cley South and North Pickenham to Swaffham), will stop running from Monday 4 April and will be covered by the new service giving wider travel options. Information regarding this and the service in general is due to be available soon.
The flexibus+ is a Norfolk County Council service delivered in partnership with Vectare Ltd. and Via. Further information will be available in due course, including on the NCC website and with Vectare, the service operator.
Breckland
Bulky waste collection service
Request larger bins
If your application for larger bins is successful, the provision of the larger green household waste bin will be subject to a delivery and administration charge of £62. If successful a larger recycling bin can be provided (free of charge) to ensure you have capacity to recycle as much of your household waste as possible.
Recycling
They will collect extra recycling if left out next to your black bin in a clear plastic bag.
Assisted bin collection
They provide an assisted collection service for elderly, infirm or disabled residents who can’t manage to put their bins out for collection.
An assisted collection is when the bin crew collects your bin from its normal storage space, takes it to the bin lorry for emptying, and then returns it back to its storage space.
Residents who qualify for this service may be:
Elderly or infirm.
Suffering from a short or long term illness.
There must be no other able bodied person living at the property.
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RELATIONSHIPS
"Tricky Friends" is a short animation developed by NSAB to help people to understand what good friendships are, when they might be harmful, and what they can do. Full information is contained within this link.
Norfolk Citizens Advice Grants for individuals Database
Norfolk Citizens Advice have launched their Grants for Individuals in need database. The database is funded as part of the Coordinated Community Support Programme and is open access on the Norfolk Citizens Advice website. The database contains largely small local grant giving organisations that operate in Norfolk.
The webpage contains:
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Brief information on how to use the database
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A short video demonstration
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A tips document on maximising successful applications with hints and tips from grant organisation trustees
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A feedback link to report out of date information, suggest organisations to include, or just give feedback on your experience of using the database
Norfolk Citizens Advice has been running webinars on using the database, and if you weren’t able to attend they can provide you with recording of one of the webinars, or the resources used so you can run your own in-house.
Contact Isobel Abbott at i.abbott@ncab.org.uk for further information.
Are you or your loved ones being targeted by scams? Help to manage finances and avoid scams for people at risk and those who support them.
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Reporting flooding/works affecting protected species
Drainage - reporting concerns
Overflows/statutory nuisances caused by drains/cesspools/septic tanks: Please notify Breckland Council at https://www.breckland.gov.uk/reportehissue
Please provide as much information as possible; there is also the facility to upload any supporting documents/photos. Alternatively, contact the council on 01362 656870
Issues relating to publicly owned drainage sewers: Please notify https://www.anglianwater.co.uk
Issues relating to ditches/non-emergency flooding issues: Please contact Norfolk County Council Floods at
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-and-planning/flood-and-water-management
Flooding - reporting incidences
***If the flooding is life-threatening, contact the emergency services and report the issue to Norfolk County Council
at a later date***
Report a flood at: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/safety/floods/report-a-flood
It is important that evidence is provided, such as photos or an insurance claim, to confirm that the property has been flooded internally. You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire and supply information about the incident, for example when it occurred, how the water entered the property, where the water came from (green space, road, toilet etc.). If you do not have access to the internet, a paper copy can be posted to you - in this instance please call 0344 800 8020
Wildlife - reporting sights of protected species
Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS)
Website: http://www.nbis.org.uk
Includes information on species, habitats, protected sites, and geodiversity for Norfolk. Wildlife records can be submitted via this site. For more information on what constitutes a useable wildlife record, see http://www.nbis.org.uk/records
Contact: nbis@norfolk.gov.uk
Please note: the presence of any wildlife does not preclude development. If you believe a protected species might be adversely affected by proposed works, please inform your Local Planning Authority. Guidance on protected species and the planning process can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/protected-species-how-to-review-planning-applications
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Exercise at Home packs. If you would like to exercise at home, please find some great ideas to help you.
Active at home exercise booklet
Telephone call back service for digitally isolated adults
Tips to include activity in your daily routine
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A new campaign has been launched aimed at Norfolk's young carers. Led by Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership and supported by carers organisations Carers Matter Norfolk and Caring Together, Heroes at Home recognises the vital role young carers play in supporting their loved ones at home and highlights the range of support available to help them.
For support and advice or a live chat online visit www.youngcarersmatternorfolk.org or call the Carers Matter Norfolk Advice Line on 0800 083 1148.
In addition we offer a range of courses, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, and access to online social events to help us feel connected. Our service provides support to anyone age 16 or over. For more information please visit our website www.wellbeingnands.co.uk or call 0300 123 1503.
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Fly Tipping
Fly tipping can include the disposal of large household items or bags of waste, which is generally deposited on public land or road sides. Common items include mattresses, white goods, furniture, tyres or black bin bags containing mixed household waste. It can also be larger quantities of waste generated through trade, including hazardous waste such as oil or asbestos.
Fly tipping most commonly occurs on areas such as country roads, private land, derelict land and on the outskirts of urban areas. This is a criminal activity that is not only unsightly but also harmful to the environment and wildlife.
Local Authorities are responsible for investigation, clearing and taking appropriate action in regards to small scale fly tipping on public land. The Environmental Agency is responsible for dealing with incidences in which there is more than a lorry load of waste, if the waste is hazardous, or if the incidence is linked to organised gangs.
You can find out more details about on this website.
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Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Board (DASVB) Chair Dr Gavin Thompson, Director of Policy and Commissioning, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk and Deputy Chair T/D/Superintendent Andrew Coller, Safeguarding and Investigations Command, Norfolk Constabulary
We would like to draw your attention to two new free live chat facilities which are now available to those seeking assistance and support from online resources.
Domestic Abuse
The Pandora Project, which offers advice, support and information to adults and children affected by domestic abuse, working across West and North Norfolk, have launched a new on line live chat service to support victims of domestic abuse.
The service is currently available Monday to Friday, 1-3pm with 3 operators working simultaneously to offer advice and support around domestic abuse issues.
All Victims of Crime
Victim Support launched its new Live Chat service on the 24th April 20. This 24/7 online support service will be available to all victims of crime in England and Wales. This will meet the support needs for all victims of crime such as those impacted by Hate Crime, Scams & Fraud and Domestic Abuse. Visit www.victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat for more information.
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The Princes’ Countryside Fund Press Release
Farming Help providing support for farmers affected by Covid-19
The Farming Help Charities – Addington Fund, Farming Community Network (FCN), Forage Aid, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I), and RSABI, supported by The Prince's Countryside Fund - are working together to support the Farming Community during the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
We recognise that this could be an anxious time for many farmers and farming families and periods of poor health or self-isolation may result in temporary practical difficulties on farm.
This initiative is in conjunction with The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, The National Farmers’ Union, and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.
Utilising our Farming Help helpline (operated by FCN) and respective organisations/volunteer networks, we can offer the following local support. Get in touch on 03000 111 999 if you:
· Feel concerned or anxious and would like to talk to someone who understands farming, will listen to you and help you think through your options
· Would like help to draft a contingency plan to ensure you and your farm are prepared, should you be unable to work for a time.
· If you or people you rely on become ill or are self-isolating and you need to find help locally- we will endeavour to find support for you in your local area. We will source contact details of local organisations and groups who may be able to assist you in finding help to feed livestock, collect shopping or collect prescriptions if you are unable to do so. This directory will be revised and updated in the coming weeks and months.
Call 03000 111 999 or visit www.farminghelp.co.uk
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Please find public transport information attached. This is to assist with finding the latest information about what public transport services are operating in your area. This document offers links to the most up to date source of information, as operators have been changing services at relatively short notice as they react to government guidance and the latest situation. In addition, if a member of the public in Norfolk is having trouble accessing essential services or supplies please call 0344 800 8020.
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North Pickenham Parish Council have been awarded £1,000 to help with PPE and travel costs for our volunteers and urgent food parcels for the vulnerable.
Jenny Bevan, Head of Programmes, said: ‘Norfolk Community Foundation is delighted to support this much needed project that will make a real difference in the community. We wish them every success with their work. For further information on applying for funding go to Norfolk Community Foundation’s website www.norfolkfoundation.com.
Supported by Norfolk Community Foundation through Covid-19 Community Response Fund.
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Attached is a PDF of an important and comprehensive list of funding sources compiled by the team at Norfolk County Council.
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Sunflowers
Working together with the East of England Ambulance Service, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and other public services, Norfolk Police are encouraging communities to display sunflowers in their windows. These can be drawn, painted, knitted, or created in any other way. Homes which are seen displaying their sunflower display by officers, or members of the other blue light services, whilst on shift/patrol will receive sunflower seeds through the door which can be planted. Homeowners can then watch it grow over the coming weeks and months – with a beautiful sunflower to look forward to at the end.
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Safer Schools Partnerships Leaflets
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Are you interested in volunteering?
The Norfolk & Norwich Hospital are looking for volunteers who could assist patients on the day they are discharged . Tasks could include food shopping, preparing a light meal, unpacking bags, checking the heating is on and lights are working.
No regular commitment is required.
If you would like to know more call 01603 647837 or email volunteers@nnuh.nhs.uk
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A Notice from the Parish Council
The Parish Council respectfully ask that posters for events etc are not attached to lamp posts, telegraph poles or street furniture. If you would like to put a notice in either of the notice boards in the village please contact
Dave on 441168 and Melanie on 440456 for the notice board on Johnsons Playing Field.
THANK YOU
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Do you want to know how to make your garden hedgehog friendly??
Please click here HEDGEHOG
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Click on the link below to see how to contact the Swaffham Safer Neighbourhood Team
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Do you want to be a Foster Carer - more details can be found on this link
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Click here for information on saving costs on oil - http://www.oil-club.co.uk/
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Reporting those who do not clear up after their dog and other things!
If you see dog mess that has not been picked up or bags that may have been tossed to the side of the path or verge please can you go to http://www.breckland.gov.uk/litter-and-dog-fouling it is important that Breckland and the dog warden are kept up to date with dog fouling in the area.
Thank you
Click on the link below which will take you to the Breckland Council Report It page.
http://www.breckland.gov.uk/reportit
