County Councillor

How nice it was to meet our new County Councillor, Stuart Morris, at the March meeting of the parish council.   He is very pro-active and is very keen to work for his constituents.  Let’s hope we can keep our Library open.  Remember there is a very useful meeting room available for hire by local clubs and societies at very reasonable rates.  Pop into the Library for more details.

HMRC Email Scam

 There has been an increase in complaints received regarding emails that claim you are due a tax         refund from the Inland Revenue.  This is a scam. It is likely the scammer will request your personal details and will require upfront fees or taxes for you to be able to claim a refund. Do not respond, delete the email. 

Bowling Permits

Spring is just around the corner and the Annual Bowling Permits are now available to buy from Geoff Forrest, Secretary of Bolton-le-Sands Bowling Club.  A full Permit, allowing the holder to take part in League matches is £43 but if you just fancy a game of bowls on a sunny afternoon, you can play all year for just £30.  Both permits are available from him, contact the club for more details.

Bogus flyers and adverts

Roofers have been targeting residents offering external property maintenance such as fascia and guttering works via a flyer or local advertisement posted through their door.  Such literature may give an address that is not genuine, only give a mobile number, and often can indicate 'special rates for OAP's' to attract business. Please be wary. Check validity if they are claiming to be a member of any trade association.
Best advice would be to always use local, known traders that you have a landline and legitimate address for. Ask family and friends for recommendations. Remember, if you agree to a contract in your own home you will have 14 days cancellation rights, 14 days to change your mind.

555 Service Lancaster to Keswick

From 24 March 2018 Stagecoach in Cumbria will revise the timetable, adjusting a number of journeys for the summer season.

Glazing Warranties

Many Lancashire residents have been sold warranties on their double glazed windows or doors. These typically offer annual maintenance and cleaning, and may cost thousands. Sometimes they are re-sold or "improved" on annual sales visits, at extra cost. While selling such warranties is not illegal, it is advisable to think twice before signing up to such contracts- is there anything included that your local window cleaner or locksmith could not do when required at a fraction of the price?

Trading Standards - Insulation Sellers

Insulation sellers have recently been cold calling in East Lancashire, claiming they can provide grants for free cavity wall insulation. We have received reports that false claims have been made about signing up neighbours, or traders working with local authorities. Some houses pitched to do not even have cavity walls. Residents should note that while grants are available for some energy efficiency works, only those on universal/ tax/ pension credits, and certain kinds of jobseekers/ employment/ income support or allowance are eligible.