Annual Firework Display

Due to government regulations for COVID-19, the Annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display which was due to be held on Saturday 7th November has been cancelled.  The Committee will be back with a bigger and better display in 2021.

Soon to Open

 The local Co-op on Bye Pass Road is due to open this week.

HMRC Scam Text to Self Employed

Be aware of a scam aimed at self-employed individuals and freelancers. Whilst genuine government financial help may be available, scammers are taking advantage of people's current vulnerabilities, sending text messages suggesting eligibility for a tax refund. A link in the text takes you to a very realistic web page. Initial information is asked for, the site calculates a fake refund amount, then asks for bank details and passport details for verification purposes. HMRC will never send a text that requires highly confidential information.  Scams can be reported to Action Fraud, contact 0300 123 2014 or go to www.actionfraud.police.uk.

TV Streaming Scam

Nationally a large number of reports have been received regarding scams where householders receive a telephone call about their TV subscription coming to an end and that they will have to pay in order to keep the service. Initially, an automated phone call states your subscription is about to expire and that you need to make a payment of £39.99. You are then asked to press a number on your telephone keypad in order to be put through to an operator to make payment. The operators can be very convincing. If you have a TV subscription, please check the company's website for advice on how to deal with any suspicious contact that you receive.

Beware Doorstep Callers

Park home residents are advised to be on their guard to cold callers offering to carry out property repairs on their homes. An elderly park home owner in the Fylde area was targeted by traders who knocked on his door offering to replace the skirting. The work was unnecessary and overpriced and was luckily stopped before any money changed hands.

In Lancaster a householder was cold called and agreed to the roof and gutters being cleaned. The trader then tried to escalate the job by claiming there was a problem with the pointing which was not true.

Always use local known traders. Make sure to get paperwork including full contact details, if you agree to the contract in your own home you will, in most cases, have 14 days to cancel.

Trading Standards advice is to always say no to cold callers. The Safetrader scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to www.safetrader.org.uk

Switch to Cycling

'Switch to Cycling' is a new campaign from Lancashire County Council aiming to build on the momentum of those of you who have started cycling during lockdown and encourage more people to take up cycling for short journeys.  It promotes the benefits of cycling including fitness, saving money and beating the traffic as well as providing advice and information on starting cycling, cycling routes and free training sessions. This is part of the council's Active Travel work to encourage walking and cycling instead of using the car or public transport where possible, which is aligned with current government advice.  Now is an ideal time to start cycling with the school run starting up again and more cars on the road. The County Council has put in a range of measures including temporary pop up cycle lanes throughout the county to help people get around by bike.  For more information and advice about making the switch to cycling, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/cycling

Join the Prinnce's Trust Team Programme and they can help you achieve your potential!

Team is a free 12 week personal development course for young people aged 16 - 25.
Gain new skills, a nationally recognised qualification, meet new people and have fun!
Take part in a community project, team building activities and gain workplace experience -
all aimed at your successful future.
Contacts:  Team Leader & Office: 07900268708 - Programme Support Worker: 07799114688
E-mail:  PTMorecambe@lancsfirerescue.org.uk