Criminals are using the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking them to hand over cash or financial details. They are sending convincing looking
text messages letting people know they are eligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy.
please see poster attached for more details
The census is a snapshot of our country, its people and their lives that takes place every 10 years and the next one is on the 21st March. The census in England and Wales is conducted by the independent Office for National Statistics.
The census is important for Shropshire. This is a largely rural county of 1200 square miles with a widely dispersed population and a variety of industries which means there are challenges for the council when planning services and allocating funding. The accuracy of the information that the census provides is crucial to ensuring that we all have schools of the right size, doctors surgeries in the right place and the transport infrastructure that we need to get to work.
The importance of the census was highlighted following the 2011 census when the Shropshire population was shown to have unexpectedly grown by 10,000. That resulted in the increased allocation of landing for building and the large increase in house building over the past 3-4 years.
The 2021 census will enable information to be accessed more quickly than before as a result of it being primarily carried out online.
Anyone with a computer, tablet or smartphone will be able to complete the census. It actually is quicker to complete it online although we haven’t forgotten that some people will need to complete the census on a paper form.
The 2021 census will include 3 new questions regarding service in the armed forces together with optional questions about sexual orientation and gender identification. The answers will help to support the Armed Forces Covenant and allow people to identify as they wish.
The information that the census provides is important for national, local government and charities. The ONS ensures all the data is confidential and protected. No personal information is released for 100 years.
The ONS is obviously aware of the implications of Covid and its teams will be complying with all regulations so that the public is protected. Some people ask why the census is still going to take place against the background of Covid? The answer is that it will be more important than ever to record the impact of this exceptional virus upon the population, our lifestyles and jobs among other factors.
We all have to complete the census by law. The Shropshire team will support households, those in care and anyone that requires help to complete the census. We will have 6 Census Support Centres throughout the county and helplines will also be provided. In the coming weeks more information about the census will be provided on television, the radio and through social media. It’s a great opportunity for us all to help plan our future.
To find out more please visit our website https://census.gov.uk/
Roger Belham
Census Engagement Manager for Shropshire
In 2021 the parish council is launching the Pontesbury Parish Strategic Plan. The purpose of this plan is dual purpose. We hope the plan will provide the residents of the Parish with a clearer understanding of the Council’s activities and legal responsibilities. The second purpose is to involve you as a community in setting the priorities and objectives for the next four years for council work and monies spent. The Strategic Plan will be a “living document” which will be reviewed with the community each year. The aim is to launch our draft plan, for your feedback, at the Annual Parish Meeting 2021, which will be held later in the year (when Government guidelines allow). At the Parish Meeting we also want to celebrate all of the wonderful community spirit shown throughout 2020, bring together all of the great local groups and societies who do so much in the community and launch the Pontesbury Parish community awards. Please download the draft Strategic Plan by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.
Plans for the year ahead include:
and of course we will be having our local elections in May
Helpful infographic outlining restrictions in place from 2 December 2020.
Employed or self-employed people on low incomes who are told to self-isolate, but whose income would be hit by staying at home, can now claim a £500 support payment.
From Monday 12 October 2020, Test and Trace payments of £500 will be available to those who meet the eligibility criteria and have been told to self-isolate on or after 28 September 2020, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, an individual must be:
You can find out further details and submit a claim for the scheme
www.shropshire.gov.uk/benefits
If you get sent a text asking you for jury service, please do not click on the link. It is a scam and you will be asked for bank account details for jury service expenses. If you have clicked on the link or given out personal/financial information please contact ActionFraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Tel: 0300 123 2040
A record of the official handing over of the Pavilion to Pontesbury Parish Council, with great thanks to Howard Thorne and Shropshire Homes.
The Pavilion has already proved to be a great community asset, temporarily housing the local foodshare scheme, supporting the setting up of a Good Neighbours Scheme and opening Monday as the new library. We look forward to seeing you!
The library will be open to five members of the public at any one time (following government guidelines) from Monday 17 August 2020 on;
Monday 10am to 12noon.
Tuesday 10am to 3pm (closed 1pm to 2pm).
Thursday 2pm to 4pm.
Saturday 10am to 12noon.
Pictured, social distancing to witness the handover of the Pavilion keys are (left to right): Yvonne Davies (Chair Friends of Pontesbury Library), Cllr Nick Hignett (Shropshire Council/Pontesbury Parish Council), Cllr Duncan Fletcher (Chair Pontesbury Parish Council), Howard Thorne (Shropshire Homes, Cllr Roger Evans (Shropshire Council/Pontesbury Parish Council), Debbie Marais (Parish Clerk)
There is still time to give us your views by completing the Neighbourhood Plan questionnaire – either the paper copy delivered to your house or online!
The Pontesbury Parish Neighbourhood Plan will set out policies to help ensure a sustainable, vibrant and thriving community for the foreseeable future. For instance, helping to protect the Parish against inappropriate and unwanted development, protecting our green spaces, and supporting new community initiatives.
It is being put together by volunteer residents for the benefit of everyone in the community.
Earlier in July a survey was delivered by post, to every household in the parish. Please take time to complete and return it by Friday 31 July 2020, and let us know what kind of community you would like to live in. You can also complete the questionnaire online at www.pontesburyneighbourhoodplan.org.uk. If you have the option of completing it online please do so, as your answers won’t need to be transcribed and it will save costs. However, we do realise that this is not an option for everyone and we really want to hear the views of as many people as possible so there is also a freepost envelope included for you to return the print questionnaire.
Many thanks and we look forward to hearing your views.
There is still time to give us your views by completing the Neighbourhood Plan questionnaire – either the paper copy delivered to your house or online!
The Pontesbury Parish Neighbourhood Plan will set out policies to help ensure a sustainable, vibrant and thriving community for the foreseeable future. For instance, helping to protect the Parish against inappropriate and unwanted development, protecting our green spaces, and supporting new community initiatives.
It is being put together by volunteer residents for the benefit of everyone in the community.
Earlier in July a survey was delivered by post, to every household in the parish. Please take time to complete and return it by Friday 31 July 2020, and let us know what kind of community you would like to live in. You can also complete the questionnaire online at www.pontesburyneighbourhoodplan.org.uk. If you have the option of completing it online please do so, as your answers won’t need to be transcribed and it will save costs. However, we do realise that this is not an option for everyone and we really want to hear the views of as many people as possible so there is also a freepost envelope included for you to return the print questionnaire.
Many thanks and we look forward to hearing your views.