Purton Parish Council
Help be our eyes and ears to support the NHS and each other at this challenging time Updated 09-07-2020
Our job at Healthwatch Wiltshire is simple. We're here to help make health and social care work better for you. During this challenging time this role has never been more important.
Whether you are struggling to find the right health and care information, have an experience of care that services need to hear or if your care has been affected by the response to COVID-19 we want to hear from you.
The way health and social care services operate has been affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) with non-urgent treatment postponed, face-to-face appointments reduced and homes and services limiting public access.
You can help the NHS during these challenging times by letting us know how changes to services have affected health and social care in Wiltshire. By sharing your experiences of care – what’s working and what could be better - you can help nurses, doctors and care workers spot issues that are affecting care for you and your loved ones.
As our opportunity to engage with Wiltshire residents is currently limited, and it's been necessary for us to change the way we work, we would like to ask for the support of our community partners to understand the experiences of your customers, clients and members at this time.
Our request is for you to be our eyes and ears to help identify themes within the provision and delivery of health and social care services in Wiltshire.
This will help us to influence the development of services and make a positive difference for the residents you support and others.
Please share with us – either by phone or email – any insight or experiences that your members are talking about, or encourage them to contact us on 01225 434218 or info@healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk
For example:
Information that is confusing or contradictory
Services or initiatives that are working well
Any gaps or barriers to accessing support
In return, we will share back with you any changes that occur or information we get.
Please share this email with your colleagues and contacts to help pass our message on.
Finally, as a trusted source of information, we invite you to like and share our social media pages.
Facebook www.facebook.com/HealthwatchWiltshire Twitter twitter.com/HWWilts Instagram www.instagram.com/healthwatchwiltshire
For more information about us, please visit our website: www.healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk
Here you will also find advice and information about the outbreak and a dedicated page detailing local help and support available across Wiltshire.
Thank you for your support. Stay safe.
Best wishes
Jo Woodsford
Volunteer and Partnerships Lead
Mobile: 07977 221661
My working days are Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm
Joanne.Woodsford@healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk
www.healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk
Please note, due to Covid-19 precautions, we are currently not receiving visitors at our offices, attending face-to-face meetings or visiting people in the community. All contact will be by telephone, email or letter only, until further notice. Thank you for your understanding. Whilst these are challenging times, we will ensure we continue to support people and communities.
GIGACLEAR CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Updated 07-07-2020
Click here to view the Gigaclear brochure
PURTON AREA PROGRAMME OF WORKS Updated 08-07-2020
COMMUNITY FIRST Updated 08-07-2020
PURTON AND GREEN GABLE SURGERY - NEWSLETTER
RE-OPENING OF PLAY PARKS IN PURTON Updated 26-06-2020
The Village Centre and Play Close play parks will open from 4th July, please do not access until this time to allow vital maintenance/safety checks to be carried.”
SKATE PARK Updated 18-6-2020
Skate Park information update
Our Skate park is now open. Please stick to the British Cycling and Skateboard England guidelines during the COVID-19 crisis. Enjoy this facility and stay safe.
Follow government guidance on riding/skating with others. Keep two metres apart at all times.
Keep well within your ability. Don’t try difficult skills or ride too fast.
Do not congregate with other people under any circumstances. Once you’ve finished your loop, or if you’re waiting – make sure you take a break away from the finish and start areas, to ensure social distancing and give others a chance.
Clean your equipment before & after. Try not to touch anything else.
No physical contact. No hugs, high-fives, hand shakes, etc. except with people in your own household.
Do not share. Mobile devices, equipment, food or drink.
Only use this outdoor facility if you are actively riding/skating. Leave as soon as possible after finishing.
Wash your hands regularly. Before leaving home and on returning home. Please bring hand sanitiser with you when visiting the facility.
Please leave plenty of space and be considerate of other users. Especially the younger or less experienced.
Spectating is discouraged. Where attendance of a parent/guardian(non-participant) or a carer for a rider with a disability is required, social distancing should be strictly observed while watching the activity.
If you are showing Coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home.
BUSINESS RE-OPENING PACK Updated 17th June 2020
This advice is for small and medium sized businesses across Wiltshire who operate premises open to the public, although larger businesses are welcome to use this if they find it helpful.
To view Wiltshire Council's business re-opening pack CLICK HERE.
MEDICAL HELP Updated 1st May 2020
Don’t delay seeking medical help because of coronavirus
People living in Wiltshire are being advised not to let worries about coronavirus stop them asking for medical help for themselves or their children if they become ill, have a serious accident or have a concern about their health.
They are also being warned that not seeking medical help for symptoms that could be the early warning signs of serious conditions such as cancer could be putting lives at risk.
The warning comes as new data shows a considerable drop in the number of people coming forward to ask their GP for help and advice during the coronavirus outbreak.
Recent statistics show that, in Bath alone, the total number of weekly referrals from GPs to the Royal United Hospital have fallen from around 2,000 at the beginning of March to 300 at the end of April.
In Swindon, the average number of patients being sent by their GP to the Great Western Hospital for further investigations into symptoms that suggest cancer each week has dropped by more than 200 to 80.
Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director at BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, said the statistics made for worrying reading because the drop in numbers “is not because people are not experiencing symptoms.”
“While it may seem that coronavirus has put a stop to most aspects of everyday life, the one thing it hasn’t stopped is what’s going on inside our bodies,” she says. “Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to anything that isn’t normal and seek help early on.
“For example, if you notice blood when going to the toilet, or if you’ve found a lump that wasn’t there previously, or if you’ve just noticed something odd that is causing you to worry, you need to speak to your GP.
“Should the symptom be the early warning sign of something serious like cancer, that delay in seeking help could have serious implications for how successful possible treatments may be.”
Although GP practices across the region have adopted new ways of working, such as establishing isolated clinics for potential coronavirus patients, the practices themselves are still open to offer care, treatment, advice and peace-of-mind.
The same also goes for emergency departments at the three hospitals in Bath, Swindon and Salisbury, all of which continue to be open 24 hours a day for people with a genuine and life-threatening health concern.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities in the region, as well as those elsewhere in the country, have put in place stringent infection control measures to ensure that the risk of contracting coronavirus while visiting a hospital or GP surgery remains low.
Details of which services continue to open, as well as how to get in contact, can be found online by visiting www.bswccg.nhs.uk
For information about local hospital services visit https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/, www.gwh.nhs.uk or www.salisbury.nhs.uk
Further information on how to stay well throughout the coronavirus outbreak can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING REPORT
Due to the cancellation of all Parish meetings, the Council have produced their Annual Report for information. The Council will, when we are back to normal working, hold another event to recognise our unsung heroes and isssue the Community Volunteer Award which was planned for 6th April at the Annual Meeting.
If anyone wishes to ask the Council a question regarding the report or any matters moving foward under the Councils remit please send us a message via the website contact page or email deborah.lawrence@purtonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Click here to download your report.
COMMUNITY HELP
If you, a relative, friend or neighbour in the village (including Ridgeway Farm, Mouldon View, Bentham, Hayes Knoll and Purton Stoke) require help, please call (01793) 772954.
A network of community organisations including; Age Concern, Purton Parish Council, schools and Purton Surgery, along with a team of volunteers are mobilising to ensure that everyone in our community receives the help they need.
HELP WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
If you are required to, or need to self-isolate, please note there are people within our community who have signed up to help.
If you need help we can put you in touch with people/organisations who may be able to assist.
If anyone wishes to add their names to the list to help, please see the site below. We appreciate not all those within the Village will be on the computer, so please use your initiative to get the message out there.
BASIC COMMUNITY CHECKS :
- Has their milk been taken in
- Has the car moved for their weekly trips
- Are the curtains drawn
- Are their cats still going in and out the house
- Are visitors still coming to the home
NEIGHBOURLY ACTION :
Put a note through their door to say you are there if they need anything - even if you have never had the need to speak to them or help before - SHOW YOU CARE
Current guidance is as follows:-Click Here
ALLOTMENTS AVAILABLE
Stoney Upper Pavenhill Allotment plots available.
If you would like to rent an allotment at Upper Pavenhill please contact Geoffrey Bowman
Landline: 01793770402
Mobile: 07773684012
Email: Geoffb@stoneya.com
PARKING IN PURTON
DO YOU HAVE A SPARE SPACE ON YOUR DRIVEWAY ?
WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN COMING TO A PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT WITH SOMEONE WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL PARKING ?
As you are all aware the parking in Purton at the best of times is a strain on most premises. We cannot create car parks or purchase open space for parking, however we can act as a "go between" for those who have spaces for rent and those who might be interested.
If you have a space(s) and would like to offer its use, please contact the offices with your details as below.
If you are in need of a permanent or temporary work place for parking please put your name forward to the council and we will in turn give your details to anyone who has availability.
Working as a community we could help those who have a need to park for work or have no parking of their own and create a safer place to walk, drive and live. #saferparking #purtoncommunity
Disclaimer : Purton Parish Council will act as an intermediary ONLY and take no responsibility for allocation of spaces, hire, pricing, duration or any other associated matters.
deborah.lawrence@purtonparishcouncil.gov.uk
01793 771066
HERBERT PROTOCOL SAFE & FOUND Updated 6-12-19
Worried about an elderly vulnerable person going missing?
Does your loved one suffer with Alzheimer's?
The Herbert Protocol can help.
To download the Herbert Protocol Safe & Found booklet Click Here
GULLEY MANAGEMENT
In order to ease the flow of water during the wetter months, we would like to ask residents who have gullies near their properties to monitor them and advise when they need clearing.
As you can imagine we have 100s within Purton and to keep them monitored would be impossible, so any help by the community would be welcomed.
If you are unsure if there are any in your area, we can advise.
Without support for the community in monitoring and advising that they need clearing we cannot ensure the free flow and hopefully reduce flooding and help control water management.
Please contact the Parish Council Office if you would like to help. 01793 771066.
BONFIRES
Please be consider your neighbours when lighting Bonfires
For information about rules for Garden Bonfires click here www.wiltshire.gov.uk/env-health-smoke-nuisance
AWARDS SCHEME NOMINATION FORMS click here to download
Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their volunteering work within the community ?
Complete the above form, return to the Parish Council offices and attend the Annual Parish Meeting to be held in April. The Council will choose from the nominations and present to the winner on the night. Nominations to be received by January 2021
"Lets recognise these unsung heroes."
VICTIM SUPPORT Updated 16th April 2019
Victim Support is an independent charity offering free, confidential support to people of all ages affected by crime.
Our service is free and confidential and is delivered by our highly trained team including specialist caseworkers. We have built up good working relationships with a huge network of partner organisations to ensure we can also access any help that may be required outside our own expertise.
If appropriate we can work with the parents, carers, teachers, support workers and interpreters to ensure support is available to everyone regardless of any perceived disadvantages or personal difficulties.
Click Here for an Agency Refferal Form.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS AWARD SCHEME
Purton Parish Council are proud to announce it has been approved and awarded the Local Councils Award Scheme -Foundation for its procedural practices. The panel found the application to be impressive and felt it showed the Parish Council to be well organised and an excellent communicator in the community. The panel noted the ‘Have your say’ section of the website which shows that the Parish Council encourages two-way communication. As well as the up to date, vibrant Facebook and Twitter feeds and monthly newsletter packed with information. The extensive training record was also cited along with the thorough risk assessment scheme. The panel also mentioned the positive impacts of the Dementia Friendly Community work as well as the Neighbourhood Plan being approved at Referendum.
SUPPORT YOUR VILLAGE HALL Click Here
Purton Institute and Village Hall Charity have joined forces with “Give as you Live” which allows donations to be generated via online shopping. Free to join, thousands of retailers and easy to set up Take a look and find out more and support your local charity. https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/purton-institute-and-village-hall
ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT & CRICKLADE COMMUNITY AREA NEWS
Click this link ocm.wiltshire.gov.uk/rwb/ for the latest Royal Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Community area news.
ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT AND CRICKLADE AREA BOARD GRANT Updated 3rd August 2018
The Council were successful in securing a grant of 50% towards the installation of CCTV at the Village Centre on Church Street (2017/18).
Due to anti social behaviour, damage and noise the only course of action open was to install CCTV to aid the efforts of the police, council and residents in keeping this area for the use it was intended; a safe open space for all the community. Thank you to the RWB&C Area Board for supporting this initiative.
Area Board Grant Updated 21st February 2018
Section 106
Safe access and safety gate for youth shelter, Village Centre, Purton
Purton Parish Council successfully secured funding from the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board, and Section 106 for the above project.
Purton Parish Council is delighted that the youth shelter at the Village Centre recreation ground now has a safe access and safety gate forming a barrier to prevent children and young people running, cycling and scooting straight into the path of passing vehicles entering and leaving the Centre.
Grateful thanks to the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board team, Section 106 co-ordinators, and all working on the project.
BRADIES CONNECT Updated 16th March 2017
Your bookable shared taxi service. For more information CLICK HERE.
NEW NUMBER TO REPORT A POWER CUT
AVAILABLE FROM SEPTEMBER 2016 – if you wish to report a power cut you can ring 105 which will take you direct to the relevant supplier for an update and to report.
BLACK BOX RECYCLING
If your Black Box needs replacing or if the lid has been damaged please call 0845 6032085 for a replacement. Delivery time for a new Black Box to be delivered is up to 2 weeks.
PURTON PARISH COUNCIL DONATION PROGRAMME.
The Parish Council makes small grant awards twice a year to support local clubs and organisations which provide services that help residents in the Parish of Purton. Applications are considered twice yearly, February and June. If you are involved with a group that could do more for local people with the help of an award from The Parish Council , please contact The Parish Clerk for an application form or CLICK HERE to download a form.
COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
The CSW or Community Speed Watch began monitoring traffic along The Fox. More and more traffic now use The Fox as a through route from Purton into Swindon, and with this has come a noticeable increase in speed. The role of the CSW is to monitor traffic and report any speeding vehicles to the police who will then take appropriate action. On average there were over 118 vehicles per hour, of these 5.5% were travelling at a speed in excess of 36mph with the fastest travelling over 45mph. Over 13% were travelling between 31mph and 35mph. This means that nearly 1 vehicle in 5 was technically speeding. The role of the CSW is not to be vigilante but by our presence slow traffic down. If you would like to volunteer please telephone 01793 771066 or email deborah.lawrence@purtonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
CYBER BULLYING AND AWARNESS
Cyber bullying is one of those modern day risks affecting young people - a kind of electronic bullying. This website provides some support and guidance to help parents and families deal with this type of bullying. Click Here to see website.
PURTON COMMUNITY PHONE BOX
Have you tried using the Community Phone Box that stands outside Purton Library? In the last six months over 180 calls were made from it (an average of one per day), and it was used 500 times for the internet. The phone box can be used to make free local phone calls, and to view information on the screen about the community with details of events going on or useful information. You can access the internet within 100 metres of the phone box and this will be listed on your device as Purton WIFI. One phone call per day? Come on, I’m sure the community can make more use than this of the facility.
REPORTING OF ODOUR FROM THE HILLS RECYCLING CENTRE.
If you experience any unpleasant odour that you do not recognise and you think that it may be coming from Hills Waste Solutions along Mopes Lane, please contact Hills on 01793 714450 immediately, so that they can investigate and rectify the problem.
PARKING PROBLEMS
If you witness any inconsiderate parking on double yellow lines and overstaying in time restriction parking bays on a regular basis, you can report these to the Parking Enforcment Officer. The Enforcement Officer welcomesas much information as possible with photos and timings of parking. The main areas that are enforced is Pavenhill shops layby, double yellow line at the One Stop and Best One and College Road layby. The Officers can be contacted on 01249 706131 or email Parking@wiltshire.gov.uk
To contact the Police on non emergency matters call 101, for emergencies call 999