East Riding Council News

For Immediate Release
PR 8775
02 July 2007

CLAIRVOYANT SCAMS

Residents are being asked to be on the alert for letters arriving in the post offering to predict their future for a fee.

Consumer advice officers at East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s trading standards service have received complaints about scam letters.

Letters from so-called psychics or clairvoyants are one of the most common direct mail scams and typically they focus on issues such as health and money worries.

Sometimes the tone of the letters can be aggressive and there may be a suggestion that something bad will happen if residents do not request a prediction and send the fee.

Alternatively, the scam may encourage people to pay for a prediction on the grounds that it will change their life forever.

Unfortunately, if residents send money, they are likely to be sent more scam letters as their name will be added to a “sucker” list.

For more information on scams, you can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or look at their website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Councillor Jane Evision, portfolio holder for public protection, said: “We are anxious to do what we can to protect people from these scams and want to alert the public and encourage them to use the information provided to reduce the amount of junk mail they receive.”

Anyone wanting to reduce the amount of junk mail they receive can register with the mailing preference service.

To register ring 08457 034599 or log on to www.mpsonline.org.uk.

For further information please contact:
Charlotte Richardson,
Tel: 01482 391443
Fax: 01482 391407
Email: charlotte.richardson@eastriding.gov.uk
Press officer.
Tel: (01482) 391442.
Fax: (01482) 391407.
Email: matthew.croshaw@eastriding.gov.uk

06/12/2007

For Immediate Release
PR 9545

WATCH OUT FOR COLD-CALLING SCAMS

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's trading standards services have joined forces with Humberside Police to warn the public about the latest cold-calling scams that are operating in the region. The trading standards service, along with Humberside Police and other agencies, has become aware that rogue sales representatives from energy firms are misleading people into signing contracts they don't want. One salesman targeted residents by asking to check their electricity supply and sign a form confirming the check had been done. When the unsuspecting householders read the form, after the salesman had left, they discovered that they had signed to change their electricity supply to a different company. Colin Briggs, trading standards services manager for the council, said: "One rogue salesperson may visit several households in a day. "Even if the salesman is representing a reputable firm and has all the relevant ID, consumers can still protect themselves by reading and checking all documents they are given before deciding whether to sign them. "Unfortunately disreputable salespeople are not limited to one area of trade so consumers are advised to be alert to these tactics when dealing with any business. "Reputable representatives will be happy for customers to check documents before deciding whether to sign." Councillor Jane Evison, the council's portfolio holder for public protection, said: "Unfortunately disreputable cold-callers are always looking for a way to make money. "Residents should be alert to this and treat all uninvited callers with caution." Humberside Police has issued the following advice: · If you are asked to sign anything make sure you understand what you are signing. · Never give out personal details or give money to people you are not sure of. If they are who they say they are it won't be a problem for you to call the company.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously contact the police on 0845 60 60 222.
For advice on cold-calling or any other consumer matter, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

13/11/2007
For Immediate Release
PR 9399

ADHD/ASD SUPPORT

Parents and carers of children in the Beverley area with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are invited to attend a meeting about the local support available. The Beverley Parenting Group working in partnership with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council parent partnership service, NCH Services for disabled children and NCH inclusion project, and ADHD East Riding have been working to identify the kind of support that parents, carers, teachers and others working with children and young people with ADHD and ASD need. The meeting will provide an opportunity for parents to find out about the support already available locally, and have their say as to what further support is needed. Jacky Smith, extended schools co-ordinator said: "The meeting is to help share existing support but also gain views on what additional support is needed in the area. "This could include setting up a support group for Beverley, establishing a resource library, organising training and development activities and attending national conferences, inviting guest speakers to the area, planning family leisure activities and fundraising." The meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 28 at the Beverley Children's Centre, Coltman Avenue, Beverley, starting at 7pm and finishing no later than 8.30pm. Light refreshments will be available. Parents and carers are invited to go along to find out more, meet other parents, carers and workers and share experiences and concerns.

For more information please contact:
Jacky Smith,Lisa Deeming or Shane Thurlow on 01482) 389092.

For Immediate Release
PR 8620
30 May 2007

NEW GROUP TO COMBAT UNDERAGE DRINKING IN MARKET WEIGHTON

A new multi-agency group has been formed to help combat underage drinking, misuse of drugs and anti-social behaviour in Market Weighton.

The group includes, The Market Weighton School, East Riding Safe Communities, Humberside Police, Market Weighton Town Council, East Riding Children’s Services, the healthy schools co-ordinator and Compass (drug treatment service).

The group is to develop a number of initiatives in the next six months which include, increased police patrols, test purchasing in off-licences and pubs, drug and alcohol awareness in schools, joint Compass and police visits to parents whose children have been identified underage drinking and anti-social behaviour presentations in schools.

The town council has also organised a social event on March 29 for young people aged 13-19 to ask for their views about what they want in Market Weighton.

Andrea Turton, community development officer for East Riding Safe Communities, said: "The Wolds Weighton Neighbourhood Action Team - an action focused group which looks at reducing crime - became aware of the rise in underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.

"Working closely with the police we decided to set up the multi agency group to do positive work to help reduce the issues.

"It is important to remember that while there has been a rise in underage drinking and anti-social behaviour these are a minority of young people in Market Weighton."

Sergent John White, from the area's neighbourhood policing team, said: "The neighbourhood policing team at Market Weighton has recognised the fact that anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and underage drinking is a problem for the residents of Market Weighton.

"Although it only involves a minority in the the town we will, in conjunction with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's anti-social behaviour officer, be increasing policing activity to tackle the problems and we will be taking positive action where necessary."

He added: "We also welcome the opportunity to work with other agencies as part of the neighbourhood action team to help develop youth facilities and to educate children, parents and local businesses as to the problems arising from alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour.

"This is a problem that can be resolved with the help and support of the local community."

For more information about Market Weighton Multi-Agency Group or Wolds Weighton Neighbourhood Action Team please ring Andrea Turton on (01482) 391019 or email andrea.turton@eastriding.gov.uk

or further information please contact:
Charlotte Richardson,
Tel: 01482 391443
Fax: 01482 391407

A New Way to Claim Benefits

The council has made claiming benefits easier for customers. The service is designed to be as convenient and easy as possible, with each customer receiving a home visit. There are no long forms to complete because the council is using new wireless technology that allows benefit claims to be processed in an hour, rather than days.

If you are aged 60 or over, pay council tax and either receive Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit or have savings or investments that are worth less than £16,000.00, then you contact the Benefits and Money Advice Service.

Those with savings of more than £16,000 would not qualify for council tax/housing benefit but they may still be entitled to Pension Credit or one of a range of benefits and entitlements designed to help older people. Anyone wishing to check what they may be entitled to should ring the number below to arrange a visit from the team.

Any working parent who is responsible for paying council tax, and who has savings or investments worth below £16,000 and a household income of less than £15,000 a year may also be entitled to help.

The Benefits and Money Advice Service can be contacted free on telephone
0800 91 50 381.

For Immediate Release
PR 9416
15 November 2007

RESURFACING OF A1079 MARKET WEIGHTON BYPASS

Works to resurface a section of the A1079 between Holme Road Junction and Arras Hill, Market Weighton will start on Saturday, November 17 for five weeks.

In order to minimise disruption to traffic the works are to be undertaken during night time hours, 7pm to 7am, except for the section adjacent to the Shipman Road housing estate which will be undertaken on during daytime hours on weekends in order to minimise the affect of noise from the works on residents.

The works will be constructed under traffic signal control and a temporary 30mph speed restriction will also be in place to help ensure the safety of the workforce and motorists.

The first week of work will involve the cleaning and repair of the existing drainage system, followed by the main resurfacing operation starting on the following Saturday.

Mark Waterson, senior engineer highway projects, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “While every effort has been made to reduce disruption to traffic, some delays are inevitable on this busy section of road and the patience and co-operation of motorists will be greatly appreciated.”

For further information please contact:
Charlotte Richardson,
Tel: 01482 391443

Fax: 01482 391407

Email: charlotte.richardson@eastriding.gov.uk

16/11/2007
For Immediate Release
PR 9425

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE

A new confidential helpline for victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse is now available on (01482) 396330. The number, which is an East Riding Safe Communities initiative, provides a contact point for any East Riding resident who is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence or abuse. Callers can ring between 9am and 5pm for information and advice, or just to talk confidentially to someone without the need to give their name. Messages can also be left outside of these times, and calls will be returned during office hours if the caller indicates is safe to do so. If the caller is in immediate danger they will be advised to call 999. The service can also provide information and advice to friends and relatives of victims and survivors. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone. It is the abuse of power and covers a whole range of behaviours including assault, rape, threats, harassment, intimidation, systematic criticism and humiliation. Every minute in the UK the police receive a call from the public for assistance due to domestic violence. Every day the Safe Communities Domestic Violence Accommodation Project (DVAP) offers support to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Support can include personal safety, housing advice, legal options, child protection issues, welfare benefits advice and access to medical assistance. Support is provided on a one-to-one basis and is matched to the needs of the individual.

For further information please contact:
Charlotte Richardson
Tel: 01482 391443
Fax: 01482 391407
Email: charlotte.richardson@eastriding.gov.uk

For Immediate Release
PR 9578
17 December 2007

BOTTLED GAS SALES CHECKS

Trading standards officers, including those from East Riding Of Yorkshire Council, have been checking the accuracy of retail sales of bottled gas across Yorkshire and the Humber following a notable increase in its use by consumers.
Bottled butane and propane is an alternative source of energy for people living beyond the mains gas supply. It is also used for barbeques and patio heaters, in camping and caravanning and by the significant number of people in the East Riding who live permanently on static caravan or mobile home parks.

Many recent flood victims are currently living in temporary accommodation and rely on bottled gas as an energy supply. If gas cylinders are being under-filled consumers may be significantly overcharged over time. Due to the nature of the product it is very difficult for consumers to check the accuracy for themselves.
Although the results from across the region were broadly acceptable there is concern about the inconsistency of the weights found. It was also concerning that results from the East Riding showed a higher number of underweight bottles than the regional average.

Thirty-eight premises were visited across the region and 728 individual gas bottles checked against the weight declared on the bottle. Seven per cent (52 bottles) were deficient by more than 5.4 per cent. The worst seven cylinders were found to be between 18 per cent and 49 per cent deficient. Within East Riding six premises were visited with 140 cylinders being checked. Twenty-one cylinders (15 per cent) were found to have weights below acceptable levels.
Trading standards staff are now working with the industry to raise awareness of these results and to improve the accuracy of filling the bottles in future. Premises revisited since the survey have been co-operative and are taking steps to make these improvements.

Colin Briggs, trading standards services manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I am concerned that there appears to have been a higher number of underweight cylinders in East Riding than compared with the regional average.
“Trading standards officers in East Riding and across the region are working with the bottled gas industry to ensure a reduction in these numbers in the future.”

Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for public protection, said: “Due to the recent flooding there is a large number of people in the East Riding who are reliant on bottled gas so the results of this survey do concern me.
“However I am confident that this work by trading standards will help to ensure that these vulnerable people will now receive the full value for each bottle of gas purchased.”

Any consumers concerned about their retail supply of bottled gas should report it to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or via the website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk   Businesses may also contact Consumer Direct for information and guidance.

For further information please contact:
Charlotte Richardson,
Tel: 01482 391443
Fax: 01482 391407
Email: charlotte.richardson@eastriding.gov.uk