Latest News…
Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 3 years
There is much being shared across social media and in the press about face coverings and masks available for babies. Many of these have been shown to have embellishments, dummies and long attachments, all of which are a safety hazard…
Stay Alert, Control the Virus, Save Lives – Message from Mary Evans, Suffolk County and West Suffolk District Councillor
At the county council we are working through exactly what the announcement of extra funding for our schools will mean. You maybe aware that Suffolk and other rural counties have been underfunded for schools and for SEND but it looks like our rural schools and SEND budgets are going to get better than expected increase – which is very welcome…
Stay Alert, Control the Virus, Save Lives – Message from Mary Evans, Suffolk County and West Suffolk District Councillor
At the end of last week, Government devolved emergency powers to county councils/upper tier authorities to empower them to intervene if there is an outbreak of coronavirus. In Suffolk, our Director of Public Health, Stuart Keeble is working with the legal team, to set out how, if it ever became necessary, this would be undertaken in Suffolk…
Fraudsters calling at doors in Mid-Suffolk and East Suffolk offering doorstep Covid-19 testing
We have received reports of individuals calling at doors in Mid-Suffolk and East Suffolk offering doorstep Covid-19 testing. They may still be in the area, or could have moved on elsewhere in the County. These fraudsters are taking advantage of the pandemic, to extort money, or to gain access to your home…
Get a FREE sticker to stop doorstop callers
We have produced No Cold Calling stickers that can be displayed on your door…
Message from Mary Evans, Suffolk County and West Suffolk District Councillor
Yesterday we had our first full council meeting at the county council since lockdown, using Teams. It went much better than would have been predicted from the practice vote session beforehand! We approved a motion to explore the idea of creating a healing wood to support the recovery of Suffolk’s communities from the impacts of Covid19 and remember all those who have lost their lives…
Have you ever considered being a tutor?
SP Tutors – Free Training Opportunity &The National Tutoring Programme. No doubt, you will have seen the headlines regarding the Government’s £1bn catch-up tutoring fund for England’s pupils. No doubt, too, you will have many unanswered questions…
Message from Mary Evans, Suffolk County and West Suffolk District Councillor
You might have been alarmed by national news outlets reporting that Suffolk is listed as being an area considered for lockdown due to a 50% increase in confirmed cases: Please be re-assured – this is not accurate. The alarming statistical claim is based on Suffolk having had 2 cases from 13-19 June and then 3 cases from June 20-26. So, technically yeas we have experienced a 50% increase, but from an incredibly low base. To put matters into perspective: our county had, in fact, one of the lowest rates of coronavirus cases in the country last week and was ranked at 131st lowest out of 150 council areas in England for infections. However, it has not stopped some media outlets from reporting it as if a local lockdown is therefore imminent. I repeat – It is NOT…
Vans, trailers and trade waste now accepted at nine of Suffolk’s recycling centres
In line with the phased approach to reopening Suffolk’s recycling centres, people with vans, trailers and trade waste can now book an appointment to visit nine of the county’s 11 recycling centres…
Don’t lose your voice
West Suffolk households are being sent a request to check and update their details on the West Suffolk Electoral Register. The invitation contains an individual code for you to use securely online. Your invitation will be sent by email, text or posted form, depending on the details you have given us…
Beware of these fake national insurance refund emails
The message informs the recipient that according to their national insurance contributions, they are eligible for a tax refund as part of measures to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. The link goes to a page which requests the banking details of the user which sends the data to fraudsters…
Re-opening of Play Areas
As part of the relaxation of restrictions, the Government has allowed play parks to open from 4th July (this is the earliest that they can open). The parish council is working hard to carry out all the equipment inspections and complete the necessary risk assessments to ensure that when our play areas are opened, you and your children can enjoy the equipment as safely as possible, and keep transmission risks to a minimum. For these reasons, the play areas will remain closed until 18th at the earliest, and we’ll let you know as soon as we are ready to re-open them…
Charity offering home help scam
We have received a report of of a Mildenhall resident being approached at the door by a woman claiming to be from a charity, calling to offer home help…
Women’s Tour Virtual Challenge
Following the recent success of the ŠKODA V-Women’s Tour, which featured the finish of the 2014 Women’s Tour in Bury St Edmunds, Keep Moving Suffolk in partnership with the Women’s Tour and the East Anglian Air Ambulance are inviting new, returning and regular cyclists to take on the Women’s Tour Virtual cycling challenge…
Longer circuit of Stansfield and Denston
This 7 kilometre circuit (4.5 miles) will take about 2 hours at normal pace. The route goes along each side of the River Glem valley giving good views in most directions and passes one of the Landmark properties…
Scams, Test & Trace and Unemployment Training
Please be aware that Suffolk Trading Standards are warning people to be on the alert for cheats and fraudsters. This is Scams Awareness fortnight. Criminals are taking advantage of the current pandemic to scam people out of their money…
Parish Council emails are being targeted by scammers
If you receive an email from a colleague in the Parish Council, requesting you to buy iTunes vouchers, please delete it. Contact that colleague by telephone and advise them that their account may have been compromised…
HMRC lawsuit scam
Received a call from “HMRC” saying there is a warrant issued in your name, and you will be arrested shortly? It’s a scam!
Signage Resource Packs from West Suffolk Council
West Suffolk Council has created a resource pack for anyone to use to download signage, and also have floor stickers available – and if you have any concerns in regards to highways and the ability to safely social distance or require any printed local signs, please do contact the Council’s customer services team…
NHS test and trace information
There are lots of reports across social media of Test & Trace scams. Please remember, genuine texts, calls or emails from the NHS service won’t ask you for any personal details upfront…
Test and Trace phone call scam call
Here is an example of a recent Test and Trace phone call scam where the recipient is noted as X. Thankfully in this case the recipient realised it was a scam…
PPE for businesses
Calling all businesses!! If you are in need of PPE to help you open, and protect your employees and customers, the New Anglia LEP have a supply chain database that you can use to check for local stock…
Improving Suffolk’s wellbeing and mental health with a simple ‘thank you’
A new, colourful way for people across Suffolk to show their appreciation for others, is underway in Suffolk. Suffolk Says Thanks recognises the small acts of kindness taking place across the county in response to the coronavirus pandemic…
2020 Recipient of the Alf Hicks Biscuit Barrel Award
The 2020 award went to Roger Merry and although the Parish Council was not able to make the presentation at the Parish Meeting this year, here is a lovely photo of Roger having received the Biscuit Barrel from the Chair, John Barton, over the garden fence (all social distancing guidelines were observed!!).
Covid-19 Scam Alert
A patient registered with a Doctors Surgery in Bury St Edmunds received a call yesterday from someone who said they were from the practice’s community nursing team, and needed to go to their house to check for COVID-19 safety issues. They went on to tell the patient that they would be there within an hour. The practice has confirmed this was nothing to do with them…
Dalham Walk
This is one of the most attractive local walks within easy reach of Wickhambrook (15 minutes by car) and samples the woods, hills and cottages of Dalham Hall estate. There is a possibility of refreshment on the 4.5 mile circuit providing you check beforehand…
Suffolk Virtual Care Response
National and local evidence shows a drop in the number of people accessing mental health services during the coronavirus outbreak. It is important that Suffolk people know that help is available all day, every day…
Outdoor Bowls Club Annual Report 2020
2019 saw the recovery of the green focussed towards having the whole area playable in time for the Carnival in July when everyone attending this event would be invited to ‘have a go’…
Cervical Screening Scam
Some women are being contacted by text message, with the sender claiming to be from the call and recall service to advise they are overdue for screening. The message asks them to call a mobile number and provide personal details. These messages are not from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme…
VE Day Concert 1995 Programme
Take a look at the Programme for a VE Day Concert in 1995…
OneLife Suffolk – We’re OPEN
During this difficult time, OneLife Suffolk are here to support you by offering our FREE services in the safety of your own home. Our dedicated teams can help you stop smoking, offer advice and support with managing your weight along with how to get active safely during this time. Our Children’s team are also running a fun, informative programme for all children in Suffolk to participate in, which includes free webinars accessible from our website…
Tennis is Back!!
With the recent changes to the Government guidelines on social distancing we are in the fortunate position of being one of the few sports in the UK that can get back underway…
First response mental health service
National and local evidence shows a drop in the number of people accessing mental health services during the coronavirus outbreak. It is important that Suffolk people know that help is available all day, every day…
Residents of Suffolk asked to return their unused community equipment
Staff at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) are urging local people to return their unused NHS community equipment, to support their local services in this pressured time. The equipment in question includes items such as crutches, walking frames and hoists, specialised cushions and particularly beds and air/pressure mattresses…
COVID-19 testing in Suffolk – Care Homes
A new online portal that makes it easy for care homes to arrange deliveries of coronavirus test kits has been launched by the government…
Fake WHO email and website
We have become aware of an email purporting to be from the World Health Organisation (WHO) which contains a link to a fake website asking for donations to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund…
One day in Lockdown
Mass Observation are encouraging people to record a one-day lock-down diary for tomorrow (12 May), as part of the ten year anniversary of their 12th May Diary Project, where each year on that day they encourage people to submit a diary entry…
Household Recycling Centres in Suffolk Re-opening
The household recycling centres in Suffolk will be opening on Thursday this week – but you will have to pre-book your visit. This appointment-only system is necessary to help reduce traffic disruption and queueing on roads around the sites and help manage additional demand on the waste sites…
VE Day
Friday marks 75 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. It was anticipated street parties would be held across the weekend, but this will not be possible due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic…
Covid-19 Testing in Suffolk
Testing is a key part of the national response, with over 8,000 people already tested for Covid-19 in Suffolk, with the testing facility at Copdock being well-used. The mobile testing units are being mobilised by the Ministry of Defence and are enabling more people to be tested across Suffolk. These are particularly useful for those who cannot easily access the testing facility at Copdock…
Secretary of State letter to Parish Council
Please see the letter from the Secretary of State to all who serve on Parish and Town Councils…
Help prevent flytipping
Help prevent flytipping, keep all paperwork for transactions if you’re paying to have waste taken away and ask questions…
Suffolk Artlink
Our ‘Make, Do and Friends’ programme provides free creative social events for adults (55+) in villages and towns in Mid Suffolk, such as Wickhambrook and Lidgate…
Beware of bogus “bank” text messages
There are reports of scam calls from an individual claiming to be from Public Health England, asking residents if they had received their letter from the government. The caller then goes on to ask if they have support from family and friends, and tries to obtain personal details…
STOLEN – Kawasaki Mule, green with grey roof
STOLEN – Kawasaki Mule, green with grey roof – 3010 4wd Reg. no. EU 08 VUV and a large quantity of tractor diesel stolen between 19.00-19.30hrs. Monday 20th April…
WSH Ride transport service is very much still operating
WSH Ride transport service is very much still operating, helping patients/staff and volunteers travel from Haverhill and nearby villages directly to West Suffolk Hospital. Service operates Monday to Friday 7am until 7pm…
Fake Coronavirus (COVID-19) Home Testing Kits
We’re aware that individuals on social media are claiming to sell fake coronavirus (COVID-19) home testing kits…
Funding Opportunities – Persimmon Homes
Funding Opportunities: Persimmon Homes is providing funding through two charitable schemes, one for groups supporting those over 70, and one for under 18’s…
Beware of fake apps
There are reports of several ‘coronavirus update’ apps, which claim to provide updates on the virus. The fake app contains a form of ‘ransomware’, named CovidLock, which upon downloading, locks the phone and displays a message demanding that the user pay a sum of money to unlock it…
Beware of these Covid-19 scam calls
There are reports of scam calls from an individual claiming to be from Public Health England, asking residents if they had received their letter from the government. The caller then goes on to ask if they have support from family and friends, and tries to obtain personal details…