Archive for category: News

From the WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT 

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

At the start of another New Year, what better time to make a new resolution to examine how we can protect ourselves from fraudsters, strengthen our protection and do all we can to avoid being a victim of the scammers in the coming months.

There is no doubt the criminals will be planning their next moves to defraud any unsuspecting members of the public, and their methods are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. The use of AI to generate messages, images and clone voices increases the need for greater vigilance in all we do online.

                                                    What can we do?

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT

1. Use strong and separate passwords for each of your online accounts. Try 3 random words with at least 8 characters and a combination of upper and lower case, numbers and symbols.
2. Step Verification (2SV) – Also known as 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) for your online accounts adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code or PIN to confirm your identity when you log in.
3. Take time to stop and think before continuing a phone call, or clicking on a link from an unknown source. Never be pressurised into making a quick decision. Always check the email address before opening emails claiming to be from bona fide organisations such as your Bank, Government organisations or other businesses.

OTHER SIMPLE WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

1. Install the latest Software and App updates on your devices as these often contain security patches to protect you from hackers.
2. Back up your data regularly, by storing your important files in a separate location such as an external hard drive or on the Cloud. This way all is not lost if you experience a ransomware attack, device loss or damage.
3. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks as they are often unsecured and can expose your activities to others. Using a Virtual Private Network – VPN – can protect your privacy.
4. Protect your personal information online, and do not share too much information about yourself on social media, online forums and other similar platforms. This is how you could become a target for scammers and identity thieves. Check your privacy settings on Social Media to make sure only your real friends see your posts.
5. Beware of your Digital Footprint – every time you go online you leave a digital “footprint” which can show where you are and what you are doing. Once you post a file or photo online it may stay there forever and be used by others, so do not share anything that may cause you problems or embarrassment in the future.
6. Educate yourself and your family about online safety by learning how to spot common online scams, and how to avoid them, and use the internet responsibly and respectfully to protect you and your family.

Thank you to all who joined in the carol singing at Finstall village hall last Friday, 20th December; everyone was in fine voice!

Thanks also to the WI ladies providing the tea, coffee and mince pies, and to Tardebigge Cider for the warming cups of cider.

Reason for restriction: Storm damage. To replace existing BT pole. There is a need to close the highway in the following terms:-

1. The effect of this Notice is that no vehicle shall proceed along that part of the highway from its junction with C2045 Copyholt Lane to its junction with C2176 Dusthouse lane.
2. This provision shall continue in force for a maximum of 5 days; however, it is anticipated that it will remain in force for 1 day commencing 17 December 2024.
3. Alternative routes: C2045 Copyholt Lane, U22206 Sheltwood Lane, U22206 London Lane, C2176 Dusthouse Lane and vice versa.

Nothing in this Notice shall prevent at any time access for pedestrians to any premises situated on or adjacent to the highway, or to any other premises accessible for pedestrians from and only from the highway.

We are seeking a new Clerk following our current Clerk’s retirement at the end of January.

The job will suit anyone looking for 6 hours work each week with pay in the NALC/SLCC salary range LC2 spinal column points 18 to 23, ie £15.84 to £17.29 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.

There are 564 electors in the parish and the precept of £12,896 impacts on the Band D council taxpayer by £40.81 per year.

The Council of seven elected members meets once a month except in August and has adopted the General Power of Competence (to be re-validated in May 2027). We are responsible for the Penmanor Recreation Ground, a 3-plot allotment site, two bus shelters and noticeboards, website; various highways benches, bins, planters and a Vehicle Activated Sign. We are fully engaged in the Lengthsman scheme and a parish newsletter is issued up to four times per year.

Please contact either the outgoing Clerk on email clerk@finstallparishcouncil.gov.uk / tel 07958 450482, or the Chairman Cllr Will Taylor tel: 07511 115991.