As a result of the Covid19 outbreak we are all adapting to new ways of working and living, ever thankful of our gallant NHS and other key workers. However as with any crisis unfortunately there are those out there that will take advantage of the situation either to commit computer/phone-based crime or as a bogus caller at the door in an attempt to enter and steal under false pretences or try to sell you a dubious product or service.

Always be suspicious of emailed or texted messages about Coronavirus they may be just misleading false information or may be intent tricking you into parting with your money. Some of these that have been seen are very convincing alleging to come all number of different organisations. Never respond straight away, speak to someone else before responding if indeed you do, and get another point of view or ring the organisation on a telephone number that you already have for them. Callers at the door the same applies, you do not need to make a decision straight away, if in doubt keep them out, and speak to a trusted friend.

I would like to draw your attention to something that is not a scam:

ESSEX WELFARE SERVICES

Essex County Council has established the Essex Welfare Services as part of PROVIDE (a health and social care service). EWS has been set up to assist the most vulnerable in the community to allow them to access shopping, medicine and other support.

This week and going forwards, GP surgeries will be calling, sending out SMS text messages or posting letters to those who are 70 or older or are offered a flu jab due to pre-existing medical conditions. This is because these people are identified as being vulnerable and having to self-isolate for prolonged periods of time and therefore potentially require additional support.

You may potentially receive a call from the National Shielding Helpline on 0333 3050466 – this is NOT a scam. However, the phoneline is not live and you may receive a message saying they will try again soon.

When they call back, the caller may ask for some details such as your name and NHS number to confirm they are speaking to someone who is deemed as vulnerable, but they will never ask you for details such as you National Insurance Number or bank details.

There are concerns that this service has not been widely publicised and therefore people are leaving reviews on trust sites saying that this is a scam due to the caller asking whether the person is vulnerable or not. It is important that this misinformation is not spread as it could lead to vulnerable individuals missing out on essential support. http://www.essexwelfareservice.org.uk/

Stephen Armson-Smith, Crime Prevention Tactical Officer, Essex Police

Recycling Collections

From 13 April 2020, Colchester Borough Council will collect glass, cans, plastic, paper and card on a four-weekly basis. Download your recycling calendar to see when they will be collecting recycling in your area.

Garden waste and textiles will remain suspended until further notice.

For additional information on changes to our waste and recycling service, please check

https://www.colchester.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/

Heath Car Parks – 6th April 2020

The Parish Council has taken the decision to close the heath car parks in line with Government guidance on avoiding unnecessary journeys.

If parking becomes an issue elsewhere in the village, particularly in Huxtables Lane, please contact one of the Parish Councillors or the Clerk.

Eight Ash Green Against Coronavirus (Covid-19)

If you are self isolating we can help, you are not alone.

If you need help with getting shopping, prescriptions, posting a letter or just talking to someone if you’re anxious or lonely then please call Josh on 07840596839 or Matt on 01206 240666. If they do not answer then please leave a short message and contact details. They have access to over 35 volunteers who live in the village who can help you.

If you have Facebook access please join the Eight Ash Green Community Hub for information.

Debbie Ralph at Brick Kiln Farm, Turkey Cock Lane can deliver, within the village, local produce and eggs please phone her on 07949180957 (Between 8am-5pm, not Sundays)

Matt and his valiant staff at The Cricketers can deliver hot meals to Eight Ash Green, Fordham and Aldham (menu on Facebook) phone 01206 240666 or 01206 241380

So you see you are not alone, we are all in this together.

EIGHT ASH GREEN PARISH COUNCIL

The meeting scheduled for Wednesday 8th April 2020 has been cancelled.

If you have questions or need help, please contact the Chairman, Cllr Jean Absalom, on 07957 571351, or the Clerk, Katherine Kane, on 07811 254163.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

For advice on symptoms, mental well-being and what to do if you think you may have COVID-19, follow the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

COLCHESTER BOROUGH COUNCIL

For advice, guidance and updates on services from Colchester Borough Council, click on the link below.

https://www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus/

 

BUS SERVICES

Operators’ websites are being updated regularly as timetables are subject to alteration.

https://www.firstgroup.com/essex/news-and-service-updates/coronavirus-covid19-service-information

https://www.hedingham.co.uk/timetables/88

RECYCLING AND GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS SUSPENDED

Due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), Colchester Borough Council has made the decision to suspend its garden waste and recycling collections from 25 March 2020 until further notice.

The Government’s guidelines and Stay at Home advice means households may have more rubbish to dispose of. As a result, we have increased the amount of rubbish that every household can put out for collection every fortnight by one 60 litre bag. This means the new temporary limits for household rubbish collections are now as follows, until further notice:

Households with black bag collections can now put a maximum of 4 x 60 litre black bags out for collection
Households with black wheelie bins can now put out a maximum of 1 x black wheelie bin and 1 x 60 litre black bag out for collection
Rubbish collections remain bi-weekly, food waste collections weekly and flats with communal rubbish and collections are continuing as normal.

All recycling centres in Essex are closed until further notice.

 

COLCHESTER HOSPITAL – VISITING GUIDELINES

Nick Hulme, Chief Executive and North East Essex Foundation Trust has announced more changes to their visiting arrangements on all their hospital sites.

He said: “Sadly, in line with national guidance from government on social distancing and social isolation, visiting is suspended. The only exceptional circumstances where one visitor – an immediate family member or carer – can visit is when:

The patient you wish to visit is receiving end of life care
You are the birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour
You are a parent or appropriate adult visiting your child.
“Our primary concern is to keep our patients and our staff safe. Thanks to you and everyone in our communities for their continuing support at this difficult time.”

This guidance covers Colchester Hospital, Ipswich Hospital, Aldeburgh Hospital, Felixstowe Hospital and Bluebird Lodge, Ipswich.