Purton Parish Council
VENTURE PARK - DOGRIDGE ESTATE Updated 18th may 2018
The Parish Council are considering options for refurbishment of the site and would welcome your comments.
Click the link to complete the online questionnaire. http://www.intouchcrm.co.uk/app/marketing/surveys/complete/?s=ECEFE4CAF08048FA826E7CEC0D
There will also be an opportunity to see plans and discuss options at the Councillor Surgery being held on Saturday 8th September in the Village Hall from 10-12 noon
Let your voices be heard, come along and see what could be achieved with funding.
Consultation ends 17th August 2018
A BRIEF HISTORY OF RIDGEWAY MILL Updated 18th May 2018
This information about Ridgeway Mill is available on a leaflet from Purton Historical Society for one pound.
PURTON MUSEUM - PURTON STATION EXHIBITION Updated 18th May 2018
To view the artical written in the Evening Advertiser on Purton Museum's Exhibition - History of Village Railway. Click Here
ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT & CRICKLADE COMMUNITY AREA NEWS Updated 18th May 2018
Click this link http://rwbc.ourcommunitymatters.org.uk/ for the latest Royal Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Community area news.
VACANCY
School Crossing Patrol
Wiltshire Council are seeking to appoint a school crossing patrol to undertake duties concerned with the safe passage of children and other pedestrians across the High Street at the end of Playclose.
They are looking for someone with a good awareness of road sense and other road users, and good communication skills. You will need to be punctual and reliable with good standards of physical fitness, particularly hearing and vision, and be able to react and move quickly in fast moving traffic conditions.
You will need to be available between 08:25 – 08:55 and 15:10 – 15:40, weekdays during term time. This equates to 38 weeks per annum, however, you will be paid for 44 weeks. The current rate of pay is £8.55 per hour.
Full training and uniform will be provided and you will be expected to attend a refresher training session each February half term for which you will be paid an additional 4 hours.
For further information and/or an application form, please contact the school office on 01793 770239 or via e-mail on admin@st-marys-purton.wilts.sch.uk.
Closing date for applications is Monday 4th June 2018 at 12 noon.
Purton and Green Gable Surgery Updated 8th May 2018
PPG
Newsletter no 44
May 2018
Information Evening - Breast Cancer – Wednesday 16 May
Having had to postpone the planned talk on Breast Cancer owing to the weather this has now been rearranged for Wednesday 16 May, 7.30-9pm in Purton Surgery.
We are fortunate to have Dr Anushka Chaudhry, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at GWH, to talk to us. I heard Dr Chaudhry talk a few months ago and she is an excellent speaker who comprehensively covers her subject. As always tickets are needed, these are free but limited and are now available from Purton Surgery and also from Green Gable Surgery, Cricklade. If you had a ticket for the postponed talk in March you will need to pick up a new one.
Cricklade Bloomers are Landscaping the area around Green Gable Surgery Car Park
We would like to thank Cricklade Bloomers for working with Kai Howard, the Practice Manager, and agreeing to landscape the area around the Green Gable Surgery Car Park. The initial work, purchase of plants, etc will be paid for by the PPG and the photo shows Marietta Crockford, Chair of the PPG, presenting a cheque for £419.86 to Cricklade Bloomers who have also agreed to maintain the area.
Receive PPG information by email
This Newsletter and other PPG information is sent to five local magazines for inclusion and also to Purton Parish Council and to Cricklade Town Council (see their websites and the Noticeboard in Cricklade Town Council Office window). In addition you can receive PPG information by email; simply email your request to: groupforpatients@gmail.com and you will be added to the group list. In accordance with our email protocol all emails are sent blind copy.
TRUSTEES OF PURTON INSTITUTE AND VILLAGE HALL, PURTON WAR MEMORIAL AND VILLAGE CENTRE AND PLAY CLOSE CHARITIES Updated 12th April 2018
PRESS STATEMENT
The Trustees of Purton Institute and Village Hall, Purton War Memorial and Village Centre and Play Close Charities, have agreed to review all their services to ensure the longevity and continuing sustainability of the three charities.
This will involve a12-18 month project which will include a review of usage including hire figures, prices and services; review of service providers and costings; staffing; lease agreements and tenancies this is to ensure that the charity is not reliant on grant donations from the Parish Council and becomes, in the main part, self-sufficient.
Currently the Parish Council donates funds to the Charities each year to ensure their continued existence, however, as more and more services are levied on the Council from Central Government budget cuts, their funding strategy and fiscal policies will also need to be re-assessed to ensure they are providing the necessary services and best value they can to all residents.
In the coming months questionnaires and polls will be generated through as many media outlets as possible with a view to gaining insight into why our facilities are not utilised and what the view of residents are. This may mean perhaps a public meeting where parishioners can air their views and promote new ideas.
Please be assured that the charities are not in any way financially destitute however at the point of writing, this is only maintained by support through donations from the Parish Council, not through usage of the facilities themselves, the published accounts whilst accurate, are not a true reflection as they include Parish Council Grants, a more definitive answer is shown in the management accounts.
As any person, organisation or corporate body will appreciate, donations cannot form the best part of a viable substantive service as eventually this will cease. We have to source, change and realise other ways in which to promote, use and maintain these wonderful facilities.
This action has been taken in advance of critical problems to streamline the charities, ensure their long term future and offer the best facilities to the Parish whilst being financially self-sufficient. The decline needs to be addressed now before the situation deteriorates further which is why this has been highlighted and this process started.
Regular updates will be given wherever possible.
Chairman of Charities
Ray Thomas
CELEBRATION TIME Updated 10th April 2018
Residents of Purton were celebrating the installation of a new Kissing Gate on Vasterne Hill.
The replacement of a stile with the Kissing gate will make Footpath 49 accessible for all.
Thank you to Steve & Nikki Webb for sponsoring the Kissing Gate in memory of Cally and to our Footpath Team for the Installation.
BUS TIMETABLE
CLICK HERE for the latest changes to Bus Service 53 linking Lydiard Millicent, Purton & Cricklade with Swindon from 10th April 2018.
POST BOX AT THE LOWER SQUARE
Please be advised the Post Box that is located at the Lower Square has been removed by the Post Office due to the post being damaged after being hit by a vehicle.
The nearest Post Box is at the Station Road/Witts Lane junction.
We have no information on when it will be returned at this point, we will inform you when we are updated.
PURTON CEMETERY Updated 7th March 2018
Purton Parish Council has carried out memorial testing in the Cemetery during January 2018.
We have contacted the owners of the graves where details are on file, but sadly several are missing. A notice has been attached to any headstone that requires attention. No headstone is in danger of collapse or falling. If you are aware of the ownership or could help us locate the families please contact our offices on 01793 771066 or email clerk@purtonpc.eclipse.co.uk
Thank you for your continued support and co-operation.
PURTON PARISH COUNCIL - PRESS RELEASE
Purton Parish Council are pleased to announce that they have secured the purchase of land known as “Long Ground”, Church End, Purton for potential burial purposes. The land will be asseseed in the coming months to ascertain its suitabiliyt for future burials.
The Land, regardless of use, will be an asset to the village with secured open space for years to come.
Any questions or queries do not hesitate to speak to the Clerk on 01793 771066 or email clerk@purtonpc.eclipse.co.uk
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.
Director of Public Health - Annual Report 2016/17 Updated 5th January 2018
The Director of Public Health is required to produce an annual report on the health of the local population in Wiltshire.
This year's report for the period 2016/17 takes a whole life-course approach with the theme of living longer healthier lives.
A copy is available from our public health intelligence web page here.
Wiltshire Child Poverty Summit
The Wiltshire Child Poverty Summit endorsed by Wiltshire’s Safeguarding Children’s Board took place on Tuesday 21 November 2017. Devizes School kindly offered to host the event and young people from the school were involved in planning and presenting at the summit.
The objectives were to:
Update on progress of implementing Wiltshire’s Child Poverty Strategy 2014-2020, particularly in relation to the dissemination of Community Area Child Poverty Profiles and the impact of this
Sustain momentum on efforts to address Child Poverty across Wiltshire
Share learning from local transferable projects across the county
Ensure the best data and latest evidence is effectively shared to inform practice
Wiltshire’s Reducing Child Poverty Strategy 2014-2020 aims to reduce and mitigate the effects of child poverty locally. The latest available data (2014) highlights that 11.8% of children in Wiltshire live in households with an income less than 60% of the national median income. This data identifies a gradual increase since 2006 and a 1.2% increase from the previous year (2013). Research suggests children who grow up in poverty face a greater risk of having poor health, being exposed to crime and failing to reach their full potential, consequently creating a cycle of poverty.
The summit was opened by young people from Devizes School and an overview of the programme was given by the Chair, Councillor Pauline Church. Sarah Heathcote and Suzanne Wigmore (Wiltshire Citizens Advice) gave presentations on the strategy and the impact of debt, benefit reform and support for families in Wiltshire, respectively.
We were fortunate to have Dr Ceri Brown from the University of Bath as the Keynote speaker. Dr Brown gave a very informative talk on ‘The Educational Binds of Poverty’ based on her research. Her talk highlighted how these ‘binds’ are among the many challenges children in low income families face. She stressed how policies must consider that children and their families, living in poverty do not lack the aspiration to achieve in school. A multi-dimensional approach is required, where schools and local authorities develop evidence-based and individualised interventions to foster children’s social, emotional well-being and the inclusion of parents into the school community.
After speaker presentations delegates attended workshops to discuss local practice and share ideas and learning in addressing Child Poverty in Wiltshire.
The summit proved very popular with over one hundred people attending, representing key sectors and localities. Delegates included young people, councillors, health visitors and university lecturers, representatives from voluntary and community sectors, housing providers, schools and colleges. The level of engagement was really encouraging and there has already been feedback in relation to pledges made and connections forged to progress work on this important agenda. It was particularly timely being held the day before the Chancellor’s autumn budget announcement and the week before two key reports on social mobility and on levels of poverty from the Social Mobility Commission and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, both of which highlighted rising levels of income inequality and its impact. For further information please contact Sarah Heathcote at sarah.heathcote@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Special thanks to Sandra Jones and Karen Taylor for their support with staging this event.
There’s Never Been a Better Time to Quit
The Public Health England Stop Smoking campaign is offering smokers another opportunity to quit this January with the support of online and digital resources. The campaign focuses on the toxic effect of smoking on the body. Resources to promote this campaign can be ordered at PHE Resources. Smokers can visit https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree for further information and for local support Stop Smoking Wiltshire. Please support this campaign by making this information available within your organisation.
Domestic Abuse Event
On 6 December, Wiltshire hosted a partnership event to support this year’s ‘16 days of action campaign’ to raise awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and its wider forms. It was supported by the chairs of the Community Safety Partnership, Safeguarding Children’s Board and Safeguarding Adult’s Board. The focus this year was on stalking and harassment. Nick Gazzard from the Hollie Gazzard Trust provided the headline presentation, speaking at County Hall to over 50 people about the devastating and significant effects domestic abuse and stalking has on victims and their families. The trust was established following the murder of 20-year-old Hollie in 2014 by an ex-partner. Nick talked about how the trust helps to raise awareness of domestic abuse, through the delivery of the awareness programmes and has launched Hollie Guard, an app that turns your phone into a personal safety device. The session was highly emotive and thought provoking for all in attendance. If you, a family member or friend needs to access help and support please call 01225 775276 or contact helpdesk@splitz.org.
Electric blanket testing
Free electric blanket testing sessions were held at County Hall, Trowbridge and the Nadder Centre, Tisbury on Monday 13 November 2017 and City Hall, Salisbury on Tuesday 14 November 2017. Testing was arranged by Chris Wells, Wiltshire Trading Standards and carried out by Clive Macdonald of GEMS (SW) Ltd of Plymouth.
Eight blankets were tested at Trowbridge with one failure due to age concerns.
Nine blankets were tested at Tisbury with four failures due to age concerns.
19 blankets were tested at Salisbury with two failures – one due to age concerns and one where the element within the blanket was damaged.
GEMS general advice is that a blanket more than 10 years old does not have the safety features of more modern blankets and could pose a risk.
This was a 19% failure rate – lower than previous years and possibly because those failures resulted in new blankets being purchased.
Public Health in the news
NHS in England told to reveal avoidable deaths data – 14 December
Is England a healthy nation? – 13 December
Opt-out organ donation plan for England – 12 December
Council hold summit on child poverty – 1 December
Public Health Intelligence news
The Wiltshire Intelligence Network (WIN) provides numerous reports full of local information on a wide range of topics.
You can now follow us @PHWiltshire on Twitter
Get in touch
If you have any queries or would like to make a suggestion, please visit: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/publichealthwilts,
email publichealth@wiltshire.gov.uk or call 0300 003 4566.
POLICING PRECEPT
The consultation for the 2018/19 Policing Precept has been launched, The details are set out below or you can access a video of me outlining the proposals at https://youtu.be/lsKkPmUd1Nc
The policing precept consultation which launches today (2/1/2018) is looking for the views of Wiltshire residents on the proposed increase of £12 a year.
Currently the average band D household contributes £14.19 per month to local policing, but if residents back the proposal then this would rise to £15.19 per month.
As a Force, Wiltshire Police has seen the second highest increase in demand across the country in the last year yet the funding we receive from central government doesn’t recognise the increasing pressures our service is under.
In fact we receive the fourth lowest funding per head of population in England and Wales.
Since 2010, Wiltshire Police has received £19 million less but have been responding to more crimes and supporting more members of the public year on year.
Whilst we live in an incredibly safe county, there’s only so far the budget will stretch and we’re streamlining our services to ensure they’re as efficient as possible at the same time as keeping the public safe, but we are feeling the squeeze more than ever. Without this increase Wiltshire Police will have to look at further reductions in officers and staff to close a budget gap of around £3m.
That’s why I am asking whether residents in Wiltshire and Swindon would be prepared to pay an extra £1 a month to help bridge this gap.
This increase will mean that I can protect frontline services from further reductions and maintain the current level of service.
The consultation which runs from 2nd January 2018 to midday 31st January 2018 wants to hear your views on the proposed increase.
For more information on how to share your views please visit www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk, you can also email pcc@wiltshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk or use #AskAngusPCC on social media.
With best wishes for 2018,
Angus Macpherson MBE
Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon
RIGHT TO ROAM Updated 17th November 2017
POLITE NOTICE TO WALKERS We have been requested by local land owners to ask all those utilising the public footpaths across their land, to stick to the pathways please. Roaming dogs, dogs mess and worrying of livestock and damaged crops is not acceptable. The designated footpaths do not permit you to roam freely across the fields and areas with your dogs. There have been a number of incidents where landowners have had their property damaged such as signs being removed and fencing being vandalised, these incidents have been reported to the Police. For further information about rules in the country side please see the Dos and Don'ts of Public Rights of Way on the Footpath page on our website.
Parish Newsletter - 28th March 2018 Click Here
Parish Newsletter - 19th March 2018 Click Here
Parish Newsletter - 12th March 2018 Click Here
Parish Newsletter - 26th February 2018 Click Here
Parish Newsletter - 15th February 2018 Click Here
Parish Newsletter - 6th February 2018 Click Here
Victim Support Updated 14th August 2017
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.
INFORMATION SIGN AT THE DINGLE
Come and see the newly installed information board at The Dingle in Purton.
The Dingle is a public open space area accessed along the track to Purton Cricket Club at Church End.
This new board provides visitor information including some history of the area and a map.
The Dingle is rich in wildlife, flora and fauna,
This project was made possible by Community Grant Funding from the Royal Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Area Board.
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
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS REQUIRED
The Lydiard Link and Purton Age Concern are seeking volunteer drivers.
Click Here for more information.
BRADIES CONNECT Updated 16th March 2017
Your bookable shared taxi service. For more information CLICK HERE.
THE OFFICIAL BRIEFING NOTE REGARDING VAN PERMITS NOW REQUIRED AT THE PURTON HOUSE RECYCLING PLANT. Updated 15-9-2016
CLICK HERE to see the briefing note.
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.
WILTSHIRE CIL
Wiltshire CIL is an organisation which offers support and guidance to those in receipt of a Direct Payment (those needing support/care in their own home who receive money from Wiltshire Council Social Services to employ their own staff). Part of our service is to provide an online facility for employers to find their staff (known as Personal Assistants or PAs). The facility is called a PA Register.
We have recently launched a brand new PA Register website and would like to reach out to both PAs and employers so that they can register themselves with the hope of finding a suitable employer/employee match if necessary.
Those needing support in their own homes who live in rural communities can often find recruitment a challenge. Therefore, we were hoping that you would place the attached poster on your Parish Council display board within your local community to publicise this free online facility.If you have any questions or queries regarding this please do not hesitate to contact me either by phone – 0300 1233 442 or by email lucie@wiltshirecil.org.uk . Click Here for more information.
Revised opening times for the Household Recycling Centre are 10am until 4pm Thursday through to Monday. Closed all day Tuesday and
Wednesday.
The above will come into force on 13th July 2015. For more information about Household Recycling Click Here to see Wiltshire Council's Link to Household Recycling Centres
LIVESTOCK ELECTRICAL TAPE
Livestock electrical tape – owners of livestock sometimes place white electrical tape along the boundary of their property to ensure animals don’t get out. Please note that this electrical tape can be dangerous to people with heart pacemakers if they get too close to the tape when out walking. If such tape is found on public footpaths, or anywhere else where it could cause a danger please report the exact location to the Parish Council.
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.
WET WEATHER AND GULLY EMPTYING
With the advent of autumn we will inevitably see wetter weather and a greater risk of flooding. Wiltshire Council is reassuring residents it is doing all it can to be ready for any adverse weather. The Council has doubled from three to six, the number of gully tankers emptying road gullies, empting all the gullies on the A roads at least once by the end of December, and all the B.C and unclassified gullies being emptied by the end of March 2015. Wiltshire Council will continue to empty road gullies following heavy down pours when gullies get blocked by soil and detritus washed into the systems from adjacent fields. The Council understands the damage and distress caused by flooding and works with the local communities through the Operational Working Groups on improving drainage and on flood alleviation schemes. Whilst the Council does do all it can to alleviate flooding we do encourage residents to look at their properties with a view to considering large volumes of water impacts. This would include ensuring private gullies are clear and empty, that water flow systems are not obstructed and being prepared for flood prevention, such as having sandbags ready. If residents thinks a gully is blocked superficially, with leaves or grass, they can with care on highway, clear it themsleves. If a blockage is not easy to clear it can be reported to Wiltshire Council by telephone on 0300 456 0105 or on line at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts or using MyWilts app on a smart phone, where you will receive updates.
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 772646 or email admin@purtonpc.eclipse.co.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.
ALLOTMENTS AT PAVENHILL
There are vacancies at Upper Pavenhill Allotments. For further information please contact Robert Glare 07510 208217 robertglare@yahoo.co.uk or Geoff Simpkins 01793 772008.
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.
DRUG DANGERS
Prescription drug abuse causes the largest percentage of deaths from drug overdosing (over 22,000 a year). Part of the mission of DrugDangers is to spread awareness about drug abuse of prescription drugs. Their website offers free information of a range of drugs and medical products that can cause serious addiction, injury, or even death. Click here to see website.
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.
VULNERABLE ADULTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
Please see the following guides to follow if you find yourself, friend or neighbour in an emergency situation. Community Emergency, Householders Emergency, and Emergency Guide.
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
BOBBY TRUST VAN
For more information about the trust click here.
CLICK HERE for the Bobby Van Trust April's Newsletter
BONFIRES
For information about rules for Garden Bonfires click on the link www.gov.uk/garden-bonfires-rules
NEWS FOR ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT AND CRICKLADE OUR COMMUNITY MATTERS.
For the latest newsletter please click on the link. http://rwbc.ourcommunitymatters.org.uk/
HOMES 4 WILTSHIRE.
Click on the link for the latest Homes 4 Wiltshire. https://www.homes4wiltshire.co.uk/
To contact the Police on non emergency matters call 101, for emergencies call 999