|
||||
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 5-1-25 Newsletter and information collated and edited by Maggie Lewis Volunteer Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch You can join or apply to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW
For any comments/information/queries or unsubscribing onw.enquiries@gmail.com Social Media sites https://www.facebook.com/groups/1937740226361938 (Oxford NW) https://www.facebook.com/groups/605172170528080 (Oxford NW Coordinators) https://www.facebook.com/groups/851711156124037 (Thames Valley appeals) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120468772825909 (Missing people in England and Wales) https://www.facebook.com/groups/550195784274126 (WANTED - Police appeals across England and Wales)
CONTENTS OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Personal experience 2) Updating crime reports 3) Volunteer help 4) Congratulations THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Safer roads update TVP RURAL CRIME TASKFORCE 1) Flytipping waste TVP CHERWELL 1) Oxford Road, Kidlington TVP OXFORD 1) George Street 2) Oxford Road, Cowley 3) Randolph Hotel SCAM AWARENESS 1) Deep fake videos 2) Paypal 3) Delivery scams 4) Mobile malware 5) Constant stream of scams 6) Student Loan Company Scams 7) Keeping children safe online 8) Three things to do if you've been scammed 9) January Sales CRIME PREVENTION 1) Most burglaries happen when it’s dark 2) Defrosting your car CRIME INFORMATION 1) Escooter statistics 2) Got information? 3) Mankind Initiative 4) Nottingham Knockers 5) Spot the signs of financial abuse 6) Real Life Stories OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Oxfordshire Resident Support Scheme 2) Consultations OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Emergency beds OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Christmas Tree recycling MUSEUM OF OXFORD 1) Memory Lane GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Car maintenance 2) Oxford Bus service updates 3) Toxicity of antifreeze 4) Age UK Oxfordshire 5) Weather Alert 6) How to get your home and property winter ready 7) Water Beads 8) Cold weather 9) Network Rail 10) Stay off the ice 11) Coronation Street 12) Calendar - January 2025
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Personal experience
Reference number 43240626928 Reg Number of bike OV52 UJX
2) Updating crime reports There are often queries about how to add information to a reported crime. This can be done easily at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
3) Volunteer help Often members join Neighbourhood Watch after a crime. The core aim of Neighbourhood Watch is to prevent and reduce crime by sharing information in order to protect ourselves and others. Looking after vulnerable and older people by increasing community cohesion in a trusted organisation that has a recognized partnership with the police. Although people receiving these Alerts will get information there is also a lot of local information and concerns that can be shared locally with Coordinators and are not on these messages. The Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator acts as the ‘go to’ person locally. Neighbourhood Watch members receive special discounts available to members and window stickers. Coordinators receive and share information with their members and Neighbourhood Watch in Oxford need more streets to be covered with schemes to be most effective. The more schemes the more eyes and ears in the community. Whats app and Residents Association can nominate a local resident to be a Coordinator who can focus on crime prevention and work directly with the police. Having one designated NW person makes it easier for the police and there will a designated PCSO for the scheme. Neighbourhood Watch is about being alert for any crime or suspicious activity, it is helping the Police to reduce local crime and make the community a safer place to live. We are looking for people in Oxford to volunteer to be Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators covering part or all of their area. You can apply at ourwatch.org.uk or you can contact me at onw.enquiries@gmail.com for more information. It is a flexible role and time and commitment is down to you as Coordinators to run the scheme in the way they wish. Support is available and the framework partnership has been signed - what to expect and is expected of Coordinators. Members are always welcome but we also need schemes that they can belong to.   4) Congratulations The New Year Honours List for 2025 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. Congratulations have been sent to the recipients below.
Robert Somerled MacDougall. Chief fire officer, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service.
Jennifer Lamboll. Police staff supervisor, Contact Management Centre, Thames Valley Police. For services to policing. (Abingdon, Oxfordshire)
Dr Carol Elizabeth Sweetenham. Founder board member and lately chair, Aspire. For services to Providing Employment Opportunities for Vulnerable and Disadvantaged People in Oxfordshire. (Oxford) Other local recipients can be seen at https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24823679.new-year-honours-list-oxfordshire-full-2025/
Nicole Alison Jacobs. Domestic Abuse Commissioner, England and Wales. For services to Victims of Domestic Abuse. (London, Greater London)
Nicholas Charles Gazzard Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hollie Gazzard Trust. For services to Tackling Violence Against Women (Gloucester, Gloucestershire).
Rob Heard, Founder and chairperson of the Older Drivers Forum and the former road safety sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police. He has been made an MBE for services to road safety. He established and expanded an innovative pilot project to improve road safety amongst older drivers.
Full list:
THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Safer Roads Update This Oxford City update is the third quarterly report of road safety statistics and is for July to September 2024. Community Speedwatch is an educational scheme run by local volunteers. The figures for the Mobile Camera enforcement are from the dedicated Safer roads police staff and the Fixed penalty notices are from any Officer on patrol dealing with a motorist. We prioritise enforcement and education for drink and drug driving, the non- wearing of seatbelts, excessive speed and driving whilst distracted. https://members.ourwatchmember.org.uk/AlertMessage/Attachment/A838A7A1DFAE8709F047A860C4C18AA3
TVP RURAL CRIME TASKFORCE 1) Flytipping waste Police have issued a warning over HGV trailers filled with fly-tipped waste being left at roadsides. Officers from Thames Valley Police's rural crime taskforce spotted an abandoned trailer in a layby while patrolling known hotspots on December 29. Lorryloads of rubbish are being left in laybys but on this occasion the trailer was empty, they said. The force is asking anyone who sees any vehicle abandoned with rubbish in it to please report it to the Environment Agency (EA). The EA is looking at a nationally co-ordinated strategy to deal with the problem. Please provide as much information as you can about locations (What3Words is ideal), photos, type of rubbish, and any known timescales.
TVP CHERWELL 1) Oxford Road, Kidlington Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an incident of disorder in Kidlington yesterday evening (3/1). Just after 5.35pm yesterday an incident of disorder occurred at the Skoda Garage forecourt on Oxford Road, at the traffic light junction with Banbury Road. A man aged in his twenties was assaulted and suffered a head injury. Two offenders are described as white men of slim build, with dark brown hair and wearing dark clothing. Detective Inspector James Holden-White said: “This incident of public order occurred in the early evening on a busy road in Kidlington, and I am appealing to anybody who witnessed this to please get in touch with police. “There were a large number of people at the scene yesterday evening, and we are looking to speak to them as they may have important witness information that will assist our enquiries. “Further patrols will continue in the area and we will be working to progress our investigation and we will also be working within the local community to provide reassurance. “We would ask anyone with any information or dash-cam footage or CCTV who has not already contacted us to please get in touch via 101 quoting reference 43250004590, or you can provide further information via our online reporting page. “Or, if you do not wish to speak to the police you can anonymously contact the independent Charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”.
TVP OXFORD 1) George Street Thames Valley Police is releasing an image of a person officers would like to speak to following an assault in Oxford. At around 10pm on Saturday 2 November at a pub on George Street, the victim, a man in his twenties was hit in the face by the offender. The victim received hospital treatment and has since been discharged. Investigating officer PC Amanda Daroux said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man pictured to come forward, as he may have vital information to assist us with our enquiries. “If this is you, please come forward as soon as possible. “If you have any information relating to this incident, please call 101 or report it online, quoting 43240530935. “Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”  2) Oxford Road, Cowley Thames Valley Police is releasing an image of a man officers would like to speak to following an incident of public order in Oxford. At around 4.45pm on Thursday 12 December, a man on an e-scooter was verbally abusive to a woman driving along Oxford Road near Edmund Road. He proceeded to park his e-scooter on Marsh Road and stand in front of her vehicle, refusing to move whilst continuing to shout expletives towards her. The victim did not sustain injuries. Investigating officer PC Chloe Palacio said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man pictured as he may have vital information to assist us with our enquiries. “If this is you, please come forward as soon as possible. “If you have any information relating to this incident, please call 101 or report it online, quoting 43240602291. “Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”  3) Randolph Hotel Thames Valley Police is releasing an image of a man officers would like to speak to following an assault and criminal damage in Oxford. The incident occurred at around 11.20pm on Friday 13 September 2024 outside the Randolph Hotel at the bus stops on Magdalen Street. Two people were assaulted but did not sustain injuries, one had their shirt ripped, while the other victim had their glasses broken. Investigating officer, PC Katie Hooper, said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man pictured as he may have vital information to assist us with our enquiries. “If this is you, please come forward as soon as possible. “If you have any information relating to this incident, please call 101 or report it online, quoting 43240441887. “Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.” 
SCAM AWARENESS 1) Deep fake videos Be aware of deep fake videos encouraging you to purchase products or invest money. Scammers are using famous faces to persuade us that their scheme is trustworthy, the famous faces will know nothing about this and would be deeply upset to know that their image was being used in this way. Just because a well-known face is telling you to purchase something or invest money it doesn’t make it genuine, in fact it's more likely to be a scam, as celebrities don’t tend to endorse this type of thing.
2) Paypal This was sent by Neighbourhood Watch Network I wanted to share reports of a new scam reported by one of our Ambassadors. A scammer contacts someone to purchase a product from them (in the reported case, it was artwork). The scammer then allegedly sends money to their PayPal account but states that they need to upgrade to a business account to receive it, which requires a fee (which is of course not the case). The scammer then offers to pay the fee as long as the money is "returned" immediately. A couple of false emails arrived from PayPal (the email address was incorrect) and they called too, to try and rush them into paying.
3) Delivery scams Are you familiar with delivery scams? If you’re planning to shop during the January Sales be wary of texts or emails about a parcel that hasn’t arrived. It’s usually a scam - delivery companies won’t ask you to pay them through a link in an email or text. Check out this advice from Citizens Advice Bureau
4) Mobile malware Most malware is delivered by email. Always be suspicious of links and attachments in unsolicited emails.
 5) Constant stream of scams A never-ending issue we all face are the constant stream of scams going around. It may be by way of a phone call, text, email, post, or via social media but we can be sure that fraudsters are busy trying to steal your money. Scammers take many forms, from posing as police officers asking for your bank details and cash, to rogue traders selling goods and services. Some of the most common scams involve online shopping, social media messages and texts offering bargains, and parcel delivery texts. Top tips for keeping your money safe:
If you spot a scam, please report it. Don’t be embarrassed to report it if you have fallen victim to a scam; these criminals are cunning and can be easily believable. You may make it more difficult for them to defraud others. If you have been a victim of fraud, please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk
6) Student Loan Company Scams Students are reminded to stay sharp to scams as New Year payment approaches The Student Loans Company (SLC) is urging students to be aware of fraud and smishing scams as the next student loan payment date approaches in January. As the January student finance instalment approaches, the Student Loans Company (SLC) is issuing a reminder to all students to be vigilant against scams as they await the next payment of their maintenance loans. Scammers will try to trick students into giving away personal and financial information by sending fake emails (phishing) and texts (smishing), or calling and pretending to be from SLC, Student Finance England (SFE), or other legitimate organisations, ahead of the January payment dates.
Top tips on how to spot and stop a scam.
SLC also has a range of methods to protect students, including sending an SMS to customers in England if a change has been made to their bank details. If a customer hasn’t changed their details but receives a message, they should log into their online account to review their information. Student Finance England (SFE) does not provide any services through WhatsApp and will never initiate contact with a student through social media channels to discuss their application or student finance entitlement. If a customer receives a communication from SFE that they are unsure of, they should log into their online account to verify if it’s genuine. There is also a range of additional advice and information on recognising and avoiding scams from Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
7) Keeping children safe online Has your child got a new mobile phone, tablet or games console for Christmas this year? If so, it is important to remember how to keep children safe when using these devices online. For some children, owning a new device will be the first time they have access to the online world and unfortunately, exposing them to new risks that they need to be aware of. Keep them safe by making sure security and privacy settings are changed to prevent them from being contacted by someone you would really not want to be speaking to or communicating with your children. Most social media accounts require users to be at least 13 years old. However, it is easy to sign-up with a false date of birth. For expert advice about how to keep children safe online, please refer to: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/ https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/ 
8) Three things to do if you're scammed 
9) January Sales Before you buy anything online, make sure the company’s website is legitimate. Take a look at their terms and conditions and read reviews from different websites. Consider that scammers may want your data as well as your money so be careful what you share.
CRIME PREVENTION 1) Most burglaries happen when it’s dark That means it is more important than ever during the darker months to take care over your home security.
2) Defrosting your car It's another cold start to the day and we know that it can be tempting to warm up your car before heading out on your journey. However, leaving your engine running and your vehicle unattended makes it an easy target for thieves. STAY WITH YOUR CAR: Never leave your car unattended while its running and defrosting, even if you're just stepping inside to warm up. A running car is a tempting target for thieves. LOCK YOUR VEHICLE: If you need to briefly step away to gather items like your coat or gloves, always lock the doors while the car is running and the defrost is on. AVOID LEAVING VALUABLES IN THE CAR: Don't leave visible valuables like bags, electronics, or expensive items inside the car. Thieves are opportunistic and often target cars with visible valuables.
CRIME INFORMATION 1) Escooter statistics Electric scooters mustn't be ridden anywhere that's not private land, with the land owner's permission, for reasons of safety to other road users, pedestrians and the rider themselves and, of course, it's illegal to do so. It is the equivalent of driving a vehicle on public roads, pavements etc without insurance, MOT and tax. Have a look at the information supplied by the Government on the link that's attached which shows the statistics regarding these scooters.
2) Got information? Report online at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
3) Mankind Initiative Our confidential helpline is available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
The helpline also welcomes calls from friends, family members, neighbours, colleagues and employers of male victims seeking information. We also receive calls from support organisations, charities and statutory agencies such as local authorities and police forces.
4) Nottingham Knockers
“Nottingham Knockers” have been operating in our area. These individuals typically go door-to-door, offering goods for sale or asking for donations. In many cases, they may pressure or intimidate residents into making purchases or handing over money. They may also say that they have been recently released from prison. Please be aware of the following:
If you are approached:
5) Spot the signs of financial abuse Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYvsuynSJQs
6) Real Life Stories https://benkinsella.org.uk/knife-crime-stories/olly-stephens-knife-crime-stories/ “We miss Olly every minute, of every day, to know that he was lured out and ambushed following an agreed online plan, with other children present to watch, will haunt us for the rest of our lives. When I think of Olly, he is smiling at us, doing a little dance, and ready to give us a big hug. We feel broken hearted and wish that his life could have turned out differently.” Olly’s Mum, Amanda
7) Domestic abuse: how to get help
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse. Change made: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Oxfordshire Resident Support Scheme Details of how to apply to the Oxfordshire Resident Support Scheme, our local hardship fund A new scheme has been launched to support residents who are either in, or at risk of being in crisis, are in need of immediate help and have no other source of financial support available to them.
The Resident Support Scheme will help with short-term basic living costs such as food and credit for gas/electric prepayment meters. It can also help in some circumstances with white goods, furniture and clothing. It is intended to meet one-off crisis or emergency need and is not designed to meet any type of ongoing expenses. Cash will not usually be awarded, but a pay point voucher (which can be redeemed for cash) or bank transfer can be supplied where necessary. Items required, such as furniture, ovens or fridges will be purchased through the scheme and the delivery will be arranged with the resident directly to their home. If approved, delivery of these items will be arranged within five working days. The old item will be removed, where applicable, and the new item will be installed. The scheme will also signpost residents to other sources of support that are available to ensure that they can get the maximum level of help. There may also be the opportunity for referral for advice/assistance with financial, debt and/or welfare benefits to try and address the resident’s long-term needs.
All residents aged 16 years or over are eligible to apply but the council has identified the following groups as a priority to support:
Not every application will be awarded. The scheme will not award:
You can make your application to the scheme online at any time. You will need to provide information about:
Apply now https://espws.necsws.com/ords/pwslive/f?p=NSFFQ:10:10171300856619:::SESSION:APP_LA_CODE,APP_TEXT_LANGUAGE:OXFCC,ENG&cs=3N9LdsMM2gksViN61YXldGd2jss64d8niEK-9WUC2ZYM8sigBOztY9LJ6sZVoRNlQFeu-GSeaZ825igEzuHTMWw If you are unable to get online, you can use the free Wi-Fi or the free-to-access PCs in one of our 44 libraries, where staff will be happy to help. Alternatively, you can apply by telephone on 01865 804171, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm excluding bank holidays. If you are finding it difficult to apply online, or if you have a query about a new or existing application, please email RSSOxfordshire@necsws.com or call 01865 804171
Decisions will be made for ‘cash awards’ applications within one working day and for household goods within five working days. Cash applications will be paid via pay point voucher and where the code will be sent by text message or email, which will be received within 24 hours of the decision being made. If an item is awarded, you will either receive an email or a phone call for delivery to be arranged at a time that suits the resident.
2) Consultations
Oxfordshire County Council, in collaboration with the NHS and local partners, are developing a plan for services which support people living with dementia and their families/carers. We want to understand what works well for people now and what could be better. https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-live-well-with-dementia-survey-2024 Closing date 13 January 2025 OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Emergency beds Emergency beds for people experiencing rough sleeping are open from Tuesday 31 December until the morning of Monday 6 January. We have activated SWEP because of a forecast of subzero overnight temperatures. We’ll review the forecast on Monday 6 January and decide whether to extend or close SWEP. What is SWEP? Our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) means that local homelessness agencies provide extra beds to people experiencing rough sleeping during severe winter weather. SWEP is emergency accommodation for anyone – including people who have no right to claim benefits or housing in the UK, or who have previously refused offers of accommodation and support. Who do we work with? We activate SWEP in consultation with St Mungo's outreach and assessment service, OxSPOT, and in line with guidance from Homeless Link. How can you access SWEP? OxSPOT engages intensively and on a daily basis with people experiencing rough sleeping in Oxford. OxSPOT will allocate SWEP rooms to people during the day, giving them a named venue and telling them where and when they need to arrive. People who have not been allocated a SWEP room in advance can present at O'Hanlon House (Luther Street, Oxford OX1 1UL) between 11 pm and midnight. Is SWEP free to access? SWEP is completely free of charge for people experiencing rough sleeping. Dogs at SWEP venues One of the SWEP venues is suitable for people with dogs and OxSPOT can also arrange free kennels if necessary. Kennels must be arranged in advance and are not available on the night. 
OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Christmas Tree Recycling Around 8 million Christmas trees are sold every year in the UK. That’s enough to stretch end to end from London to the North Pole and back. In Oxford, we will collect your real, bare Christmas trees (free from decorations, lights, and tinsel) on your green/brown bin day between Tuesday 7 January and Friday 14 February 2025. They will be shredded and turned into compost for local farmland. If you live in a flat, or want to recycle your real tree sooner, you can take it to one of our Christmas tree collection points located across the city (details below). These will open from Thursday 26 December 2024. Drop off locations Christmas tree drop off locations for your real, bare Christmas trees are as follows:
Artificial trees If you have an artificial tree that can't be reused or donated, drop it off to a recycling centre.
MUSEUM OF OXFORD 1) Memory Lane https://museumofoxford.org/events/
6 January 2-3.30pm Memory Lane is a programme of themed reminiscence sessions for older people. There is a short informal presentation on a topic and plenty of time to share your stories, experiences, and memories- and to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee afterwards. This session will be on Ronnie Barker’s Comedy Roots to tie in with our new exhibition on Ronnie Barker starting on 11 January 2025. Sessions are free and run from 2.00-3.30 PM. No booking required.
15 January 2-3pm Join local historian Maurice East to discover the amazing story of how cars came to be built at Cowley. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased online via Eventbrite (booking fee applies) or at the Museum Shop.
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Car maintenance Please keep your vehicle well-maintained this winter.
The more prepared you are for the road, the safer you will be!
2) Bus service updates OXFORD BUS COMPANY Discover Oxford for less! Get 20% off most City Sightseeing Oxford tour tickets with App Benefits between 1st January and 16th February 2025. 
6th - 17th Jan 2025
Due to ongoing works around Underhill Circus and Stowford Road, Stowford Road will be closed to all traffic from 6th–17th January 2025. During this period, all City8 services will need to divert and will not be able to service the Stowford Road bus stop.
7th - 8th Jan 2025 Due to roadworks in the area, bus stop G5 St Aldates will be suspended overnight between 22:00-06:00 on Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th January.
9th - 14th Jan 2025 Due to Thames Water works, the Marsh Road (Oxford bound) stop will be suspended from 9th January 2025 until the 14th January 2025.
15th - 17th Jan 2025 Due to roadworks, the Manor Road stops on St Cross Street will be temporarily suspended between 15/01 and 17/01. Temporary stops will be provided in close vicinity. STAGECOACH
Stowford Road will be closed between 6 January and 17 January and the number 8 will be on diversion. Please use Routh Road bus stop as an alternative during these dates.
3) Toxicity of antifreeze and rock salt
Antifreeze, also known as ethylene glycol, is extremely toxic to cats and can be fatal if ingested. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure and death. If you think your cat has come into contact with antifreeze, you should call your vet immediately: Symptoms Stage 1 30 minutes–12 hours after ingestion Symptoms Vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, increased urination, seizures, and coma Stage 2 12–24 hours after ingestion Symptoms Dehydration, depression, low body temperature Stage 3 24–36+ hours after ingestion Symptoms Severe depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, halitosis, seizures, and collapse Antifreeze can be found in many places, including garages, car radiators, and garden water features. Cats may be attracted to the smell, colour, or taste of antifreeze, or they may be curious or thirsty. Antifreeze can also be harmful if a cat grooms antifreeze off its fur or paws after walking through a spill. 
4) Age UK Oxfordshire
We run a wide range of in-person bookable one-to-one digital support sessions to help you use your device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. Please contact us to arrange an appointment on 01235 849434 or community@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk. We are not able to make repairs or carry out complex tasks. Please contact a professional for this type of support.
5) Weather Alert The amber cold health alert is in effect from 12PM on 02/01/2025 until 12PM on 08/01/2025 across the South East. Amber (enhanced response) - An amber alert would represent a situation in which the expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors apart from health may also start to observe impacts, indicating that a coordinated response is required.
6) How to get your home and property winter ready
It's now really simple to get in touch with your Electricity Distribution Network Operator - just call 105. Find out more about what to do in a powercut.
Sometimes no amount of planning and preparation can prevent the weather damaging your property. Buildings insurance offers peace of mind, so ensure your policy is up to date and covers what you need it to.
When high winds are forecast, remember that some everyday items in the garden can become 'missiles'. Most winters we see pictures of airborne trampolines and garden furniture.
Before it gets windy it's also worth checking for loose tiles, slates and flashing and consider removing dead branches from old trees.
As leaves start to fall, there’s a risk that wind will blow leaves into your gutters and drainpipes will get filled up. If this builds up, the water will go back into the guttering and leak into the roof and sides of your house.
To avoid build-up of leaves in the guttering, the best thing to do is to prune your trees before winter really kicks in. This can also help with avoiding snow building up on the trees, which with it brings the risk of damage from broken branches.
It's important to make sure water pipes and water tanks in the loft are insulated with good quality lagging. This will not only protect from freezing but it will help insulate your hot water system and save you money.
Check if your home is at risk of flooding, and sign up for free flood warnings at: https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding  7) Water Beads Did your child get water beads for Christmas? They can expand to several times their original size in about 36 hours when exposed to liquid, creating a hidden danger. If a child swallows one, they can cause bowel obstruction and the consequences can be fatal. These beads can also be fatal for pets or wildlife. The brightly coloured soft plastic beads, also known as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals, are marketed as crafting tools and homeware items - but also toys. The beads are not visible on X-rays. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) advises that the beads should be kept well away from children aged under five.
8) Cold Weather The cold weather is here - wrap up warm, take care not to slip, stock up on food and medicines, and check in with your family, friends and neighbours. For non-emergency medical advice, contact NHS 111, your GP or your local Pharmacy. More advice at: https://orlo.uk/qlF1W
9) Network Rail
On 3 January, Thames Water needs to resume working on Botley Road, opposite junction into Mill Street. This is earlier than planned as they need to do further emergency work to repair a leaking pipe, separate to their work on the new water main. Impact
On Monday (6 January), Thames Water will resume work on the new water main on the western side of the rail bridge. Prior to Christmas, a 20-metre section of the water main was connected to the central section of the pipe that was installed below the rail bridge earlier in the year. Their next phase of work, which will start on Monday 6 January, is on the connection areas for the diversion of two important water pipes - the strategic main and distribution main. The connection area for the strategic main, which will be done first, is located around halfway between Mill Street and Abbey Road, where it will be joined to the existing pipe coming down from Osney bridge. Then, the connection area for the distribution main, which will be done afterwards, is in the area opposite Mill Street. This complex piece of work involves pipes serving around 60,000 houses, so every precaution is being taken to avoid major disruption to the water supply in the area. Impact
Throughout January, Thames Water are also going to be working in Frideswide Square to install what is referred to as a ‘line stop’. The line stop will act as a temporary valve to allow them to shut off the existing water main pipe that runs through Frideswide Square so they can work on it. It helps minimise the impact of shutting off the water main, ensuring people are still supplied with water. As the water main serves around 60,000 houses, they need to take every precaution to ensure people’s water supply isn’t impacted. Thames Water will start setting up their site by the row of shops near Becket Street on Monday (6 January). All businesses will remain open as usual throughout.
Monday (6 January) will also see the start of work on the foundations for the new rail bridge. This work will involve piling activity to drill large piles into the ground. The drilling will take place during the day, but some work will also take place at night, including using a crane to lift large equipment into place.
Amongst the maze of utility services below Botley Road, there are 11 cables on each side of the bridge that are not claimed by any of the utility companies. While they are not believed to be live, we can’t take any chances, so next week, SSE, we will be testing them using a process known as ‘spiking’. This testing will take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday on both sides of the bridge. While the work will be conducted behind safety fencing, access to the walkway will be temporarily restricted for safety reasons for brief periods. Please be aware that loud bangs may occur during the testing process.
Work on our Sheepwash site is set to resume on Monday 13 January, with sheet piling as part of work on foundations for new bridge. As the piling work will be taking place next to the towpath, it will need to be closed for safety. Therefore, the towpath will be closed from Friday 10 January. If you have any questions about the improvement work in and around the station, then please do feel free to contact us by calling us on 03457 11 41 41, or emailing OxfordPhase2@networkrail.co.uk  2024 in pictures 
10) Stay off the ice  11) Coronation Street
In the year ending June 2024 there were over 50,000 knife crimes recorded by police (Office for National Statistics), and knives were the most popular weapon used in homicide. The 2019 Offensive Weapons Act made it illegal to possess dangerous weapons in private rather than solely in public as previously. It introduced Knife Crime Prevention Orders, which are court orders that require an individual to desist from activities that might involve violence. The 2019 Act also made it illegal to carry a kitchen knife without good reason, setting a legislative precedent.
12) Calendar - January 2025 
I hope you have an enjoyable week ahead Stay safe and keep warm, Maggie
| ||||
Reply to this message | ||||
|
||||
|
|
|
|