| Reports of online shopping fraud have surged by 30% over the pandemic as many of us continue to shop online in light of current restrictions.
Figures from Action Fraud show that criminals conned 17,407 shoppers out of almost £13.5 million over the Christmas period last year, an increase of over 20% when compared to the same period in 2018. Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when shopping online, ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as shoppers search for bargains and gifts for loved ones in the run up to Christmas. Top tips to shop online securely this festive season: Where to shop: Your information: Payments: Phishing: |
I am very humbled by the number of people who ‘pass by’ my web blog.
My statistics have for some time measured one visit per day, so I know many re-visit during the day, so these are counted as only one – visit. (IP address is counted as 1)
Somewhat surprised that 13 individuals from Argentina and 8 from Japan are looking…..!
Below are the stats for Tuesday 24th November 2020 over a 24 hour period.
The government has announced details of the new three-tier system that will come into effect in when the four-week national lockdown across England ends on 02 December
Our area will be designated a Tier 2 (High Alert) COVID level.
Under the new system, although hospitality venues will be allowed to stay open until 11pm – with last orders at 10pm – only those that serve substantial meals can operate. It means pubs and bars that do not will have to close.
As before, social mixing outside of households or support bubbles will not be allowed indoors. The rule of six will apply outdoors.
Spectators will be allowed to watch sport in tier 2, with a maximum crowd capacity outdoors of 50% of the capacity of the stadium or 2,000 people, whichever is smaller. Indoors, the maximum capacity is 1,000.
Indoor entertainment venues, such as cinemas, casinos and bowling alleys, must also close.
I am attending Citizens Advice Rural Cambs – AGM.
Whittlesey & our villages are in their area.
I have been a member for 9 years and have attended every AGM.
This year on the video streaming platform Zoom.
Some of the highlights during a very difficult year.
CARC (excluding East Cambs).
10,000 individuals clients supported during the past year.
19,000 operational contacts during the year.
45,000 issues dealt with.
As many organisations, at present there are no – face-to-face meetings, however there are still many other ways of contacting and engaging with our CAB.
More details can be found on their website –
https://www.citizensadviceruralcambs.org.uk/
The very hard work put in by Councillors at WTC, The Must Farm Working Group, The Growing Fenland Whittlesey Working Group and FDC Officers.
The ‘Team’ was very much lead by Cllr Dee Laws – who has ‘plugged away’ to get Whittlesey this fantanstic facility.
The Whittlesey Heritage Visitor Centre and Whittlesey Heritage Walk funding was approved by The Combined Authority Board Meeting yesterday.
The Whittlesey Heritage Visitor Centre will be located near the Forterra Offices off the A605/Peterborough Road.
Much more information will follow :-
The illustration is purely an indicative view –
What’s happening with the Census?
The Census is taking place in March 2021 as planned, the ONS has reviewed the Census plans in light of COVID19 and they are confident that everyone will be able to provide their information safely and securely. This was confirmed by ONS to Local Authorities in October, here’s a link to the communication.
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted us all in different ways, and it has further emphasised the need for up-to-date data about the population to help organisations shape services for society for the years to come.
For the first time this will be a digital-first Census, but paper copies will be available for those who need it. Help will be available for people who need support to take part online or need translations, through a public contact centre. Accessible options are also available.
ONS have listened to users and to broaden understanding of our modern society there are new and voluntary questions in this Census about armed forces leavers, gender identity and sexual orientation.
There is more information about Census 2021 here and downloadable handbooks and leaflets here.
Yesterday our neighbourhood teams executed a warrant in Whittlesey following information received relating to stolen vehicles.
During the warrant no stolen vehicles were located however we did find cannabis grows!
One person was arrested and our investigation is ongoing.
After the (2) residents meetings, the vast majority of issues/complaints were about..
(1) Speeding.
(2) Parking.
I have attended a number of meetings, including recently (on zoom) getting updates from our County Councillors, as Highways comes under their remit.
Working with Cllrs Julie Windle and David Mason, the MVAS’s were seen as the first step into ‘educating’ motorists (especially as there is a school crossing) and collecting data.
We (WTC) have applied for a Local Highways Improvement project and funding to have a ‘Blanket’ 20mph speed limit for the entire road – yes we appreciate enforcement is always going to be a challenge.
It is all part of trying to make the road(s) safe.
This LHI will not come for discussion until March 2021 and even then there is no guarantee of being sucessful – We hope it will be.
Parking is a nationwide issue – and I have lost count how many meeting I’ve attended about parking issues/concerns.
I have on several occasions explained ‘how’ parking enforecment works in Fenland and am not going to explain again….do a search and you will find the articles.
Another LHI has been submitted for more ‘double yellow’ lines around junctions on Ramsey Road & Church Street.
Although in most of England it is not ‘illegal’ to park on the pavement – it is if you cause an obstruction…
According to the Highway Code, motorists should not park “opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space”. While the Highway Code isn’t the law, it can be used to support decisions made by the police or other officials responsible for parking enforcement.
