A message from Dr.Kathryn Cobain, the Director for Public Health in Worcestershire 

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A message from Dr.Kathryn Cobain, the Director for Public Health in Worcestershire 

Dear Residents,

I know that the news of a new lockdown for England, will be frustrating and upsetting for many people. Worcestershire has tried very hard to keep Covid-19 cases down, and many of you have made sacrifices to protect yourselves and others. We have all had to make changes to the way we live our lives in recent months, and that included over Christmas, when so many were not able to spend time with loved ones.

But some stark realities remain for us all. Worcestershire’s infection rates are at the highest we have ever seen. In the past 7 days alone, the county has 1,888 positive Covid-19 cases, which is more than all positive cases seen during May, June, July, August and September 2020 combined. I am concerned about this level of spread, and the risk it poses to our health and the lives of our vulnerable and elderly residents. We need to act now to protect one another, prevent the virus spreading further and reduce the demand on our hospitals.

The pandemic continues to dominate our daily lives, cases are rising nationally and we know the new variant of Covid-19 spreads very quickly. Our NHS is also facing considerable pressure on its services. All of these factors have led to the government’s announcement of a new lockdown across England. This means once again, we are facing tough restrictions on our way of life. I know this is hard, but by doing as we are asked, we are saving lives. The restrictions have been brought in to protect every one of us.

Please now stay at home, don’t go out unless you need to, for example to buy food or collect medicines. The Government has set out the clear limitations of the lockdown and I ask you to read the restrictions and follow the rules. You can read a full explanation of all the restrictions on the government’s website; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

Once again, Worcestershire County Council’s Here2Help service is available to anyone who needs support or is clinically extremely vulnerable (shielding). If you have no-one to turn to for help, our service can respond and provide help such as collecting medicines and getting shopping. You can reach the service online; https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

If you are on the Government’s shielding list, you will be receiving guidance about what to do now. It is key that you socially distance, and you reduce your physical contact with others. The governments webpages are updated regularly and you can read detailed guidance at; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

While we are all at home, please do remember to check on vulnerable or isolated residents. Just a phone call or a text message can provide a vital link to the outside world, and can ensure those who need comfort or help, have someone to turn to.

You will know that a programme of vaccination has begun nationally, and we are already seeing Worcestershire residents receiving the first doses. This process is being co-ordinated by central Government, and following a strict order for administering the doses. Worcestershire County Council is supporting NHS colleagues to ensure the roll-out is progressing. The vaccines are safe, and if you are called forward to receive one, I strongly urge you to do so. In the meantime, please keep following the rules, wear face coverings, wash your hands, keep your distance. These simple measures help reduce the spread of the virus.

We are all in this together. Throughout the pandemic, you have shown your resilience, kindness and compassion for others. We have seen many examples of people supporting one another, lending a hand or going the extra mile. The situation has demonstrated how working together, we are able to support one another and get through. I am asking you to do this once again. The single most important thing you can do for everyone, is to stay home. Please do this for yourself and for others. We all want to protect people who are precious to us, our family and friends. Let’s take care of each other, and work together.

Thank you for doing this. Our actions now will hopefully bring brighter days for us all in 2021.

Best wishes

Dr. Kathryn Cobain

Catherine Hepple

 

If you have a query regarding Coronavirus please refer to Public Health England guidance and/or call NHS 111 which has a dedicated Coronavirus helpline.

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

 

 

 

 

Malvern Hills District Council – Flooding and Land Drainage Advice

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Flooding and land drainage

If you have a problem with flooding, please contact the most appropriate organisation to deal with the issue.

We receive regular flood warning information from the Environment Agency so that we have a good picture of how floods may develop. Information about flood warnings and river levels can be found by calling the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or on the Environment Agency website.

What to do before, during and after a flood

A useful guide from the Environment Agency about what to do before, during and after a flood. (374 KB)

The Association of British Insurers has also published a guide to recovering from a major flood.

Public Health England offers the following general safety advice on how to clean up after a flood.

  • Make sure there is good ventilation if you are using portable indoor heating appliances to dry out indoor spaces
  • Do not use petrol or diesel generators indoors: the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which can kill
  • If you come into contact with flood water then wash your hands regularly.
  • Do not let children play in flood water

More information on how to clean up safely after a flood is available on the Government’s website.

The National Flood Forum is a charity that offers advice and support to people affected by flooding. You can call them on 01299 403 055.

Sandbags

In the event of flooding, sandbags are available from:

  • Council Depot in Pendragon Close, Malvern WR14 1GR
  • Hill Community Centre, Upton
  • Car park of Tenbury Community Swimming Pool

These are limited to six filled sandbags for each household. A limited number of sandbags may be available. 

Sandbags are only partially effective for flood defence purposes provided that they are used in conjunction with a suitable impermeable membrane. They can only be relied upon as a temporary measure, so where there is a regular need for some form of flood defence, we suggest a more easily deployed barrier or another form of property protection. For more information contact the National Flood Forum for independent advice and information.

Rest centres and other forms of help may be organised by the Emergency Management Team as necessary.

Communities

It may not always be possible for communities to be reached immediately during an emergency such as flooding. The Government suggest that communities could use local resources and knowledge to help themselves during an emergency. Useful links:

Land Drainage and Flooding

Land Drainage Functions are carried out by South Worcestershire Land Drainage Partnership (SWLDP).

Section 25 Enforcements

Under Section 25 of the Act any landowner who has a watercourse passing through or abutting their land is deemed a riparian owner and has a legal duty to keep it clear and free from obstruction to flow. As Drainage Authority the SWLDP has permissive legal powers to undertake enforcement action where appropriate.

To report obstructed watercourses please contact the Land Drainage Inspector on 01684 862145.

Consenting structures within a watercourse

Under Section 23 of the Act any alterations to, or proposed new structures that may affect flow in a watercourse may require Land Drainage Consent before works commence. Those requiring consent are shown in the  ‘consentable structures’ document. (212 KB)

Consent is required to be sought for the features shown whether the proposed works are permanent or temporary.

To apply for consent or discuss any structures that may require consent contact Debbie Bowen on 01386 565377 or email .

Please note consent cannot be given retrospectively so this should be done before any works are started.

All works in, on, or near a watercourse should comply with the Environment Agency pollution control recommendations in  ‘PPG 5 – Works in or near a watercourse’ (125 KB) . A summary is available below and the full version can be found on the Environment Agency website.

The designation of flood defence structures

Under the Flood and water Management Act 2010 the SWLDP has powers to designate features. These are private structures that although are not designed as flood defence structures provide a flood defence function. Designation involves protecting them from alteration without prior consent. Further information can be found in the  Designation Factsheet. (38 KB)

For more information see:  Flooding Information and Advice. (281 KB)

Abberley Road Closures made safe and reinstated to enable access over the Christmas period- Work recommences on 4th January 2021 and road closure period extended until 18th January 2021

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Update from the Site Agents- J N Bentley.

The road closures at Abberley have been made safe and reinstated to enable access over the JNB Christmas shutdown period as agreed with the residents and local authority.

Work will restart week commencing 4th Jan 2021.  The water sampling laboratories have also been shut during this period which has necessitated the road closure period to be extended until the 18th January 2021.

Malvern Hills District Council Newsletter – December 2020

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IMPORTANT News Release from Public Health England and Worcestershire County Council

The following news release and poster has been emailed to all Parish and Town Council Clerks.

Public Health partners urge people not to touch sick or dead birds

Public Health England (PHE) Midlands and Worcestershire County Council public health colleagues are urging people, including members of voluntary wildlife organisations, not to touch sick or dead wild birds.

The call comes as PHE and the local authority work together after confirmed avian influenza A(H5N8) diagnosed in a number of swans in Evesham and following reports of a growing number of sick and dead swans around the Diglis area of Worcester.

With an increasing number of cases of the infection being seen across the country, on 11 November Defra declared the whole of England as an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading to poultry and captive birds. This means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures and from 14 December all poultry and captive birds will need to be housed.

The A(H5N8) strain is highly pathogenic to other birds, however there have been no human cases of infection reported. While the risk to human health is considered very low, it is still vital that people do not touch sick live birds or bird carcasses, and infection control measures may be necessary if they do.

Dr James Chipwete, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with PHE in the West Midlands, and lead consultant for flu, said: “During the last week there have been confirmed cases of avian influenza A(H5N8) in swans in Evesham, and we are receiving an increasing number of reports of sick and dead swans in the Diglis area of Worcester. We are awaiting results of investigations currently being undertaken by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

“We know that people are concerned for the welfare of the swans, especially ensuring they are fed in these colder months, however it is important that people avoid contact with these sick or dead birds. Even though no cases of human infection have been associated with this strain of avian flu, as a precaution, anyone who was not wearing appropriate PPE while in contact with the droppings or birds in an area where the infection has been confirmed, will require close monitoring and a course of antiviral medication for 10 days from last contact with infected birds.

“We have seen a number of avian flu cases in poultry and captive birds across the country – with confirmed cases of A(H5N8) in Herefordshire last month, and suspected cases now in Warwickshire. People must avoid touching potentially infected birds at all costs, and if you do see any sick or dead birds by waterways or on your private land, please leave them and call the Defra helpline on 03459 335577. In areas where the infection has been confirmed, anyone who has been in contact with sick or dead birds or their droppings, while not wearing the correct PPE, should make sure any footwear is properly cleaned and thoroughly wash their hands in soap and water. They should then notify Public Health England’s Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3560 to arrange for antiviral medication and active surveillance of their condition. If someone handled infected birds while wearing adequate PPE, they must still undergo active surveillance.”

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “We’re continuing to work Public Health England Midlands to monitor this outbreak of avian influenza. It’s really important that we do all we can to protect both humans and birds throughout this outbreak of avian influenza in wild birds and keep the case numbers as low as we can in Worcestershire. The bigger risk is to birds rather than people. The risk of transmission to people is low and there is guidance that all keepers must follow to help keep both themselves and their birds safe.”

Help accessing food and other support

We have included some links on our website to signpost anyone who may need help accessing food, medicines, financial advice or other types of support:

  • Hardship Support and Advice. A list of local and national organisations supporting anyone in need. This includes help with clothing, counselling, financial support, food, housing, other support and general information and advice.
  • Ready Steady Worcestershire provides information about food, activities and support available to families in Malvern Hills District during the school holidays.
  • Here2Help is for anyone who is vulnerable and needs help but does not have family, friends and neighbours to support them. Fill in the online form and someone will get back to you shortly.

Malvern Hills Good Neighbour Network provides details of local community support groups.

Festive Children’s Trails

Malvern Hills District Council has joined forces with Malvern, Upton, and Tenbury Town Councils to launch this year’s festive shop window dressing competition with a twist. New for 2020, the competition will include a fun children’s trail to encourage local shoppers onto the high streets, whilst following social distancing guidelines. Children are being asked to help Santa Claus find a series of letters hidden within the window displays which will reveal a Christmas word or phrase. Prizes are up for grabs for those who complete the challenge, different rules apply for the different trails.

The trails will launch on the following dates:

  • Upton: 3 to 19 December
  • Tenbury: 3 to 23 December
  • Malvern: 5 to 23 December

Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/community/christmas for more information.

Tier Two restrictions for Worcestershire from 2nd December 2020

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Tier Two restrictions for Worcestershire

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Today, the Government announced Worcestershire will go into Tier Two category of restrictions, once the current lockdown finishes on December 2nd.

Worcestershire has worked very hard during the lockdown to reduce the number of cases of Covid-19 in the county.

We have seen some good progress, which has resulted in the county avoiding tier 3 restrictions. We now need to continue the good work and bring the number of Covid-19 cases down further.

From Wednesday 2nd December, everyone in Worcestershire will need to observe Tier Two restrictions.

Tier Two restrictions include:

  • you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
  • you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.
  • businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs.
  • pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.

The full list of restrictions are available on the dedicated pages of the Government’s website.

These restrictions are considered necessary because the infection rate remains too high. The virus doesn’t stay in a single area but spreads where people are mixing. It is very important that we all now follow these new rules, to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases and stop the virus spreading further.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said:  

“I would like to thank you all for your continued hard work in helping to stop the spread of Covid-19. During these recent restrictions, we have seen some positive signs that Covid-19 cases are starting to stabilise in the county.

The tier we will be in from December 2nd, will be reviewed every two weeks so it is important that we keep these figures heading in the right direction. Therefore, we need to continue to follow the measures in place to protect us all. We need to keep following the rules and keep building on the hard work we have done so far.

This is a real opportunity, to take control of the virus, get our figures down and reduce the risk of transmission, especially with Christmas around the corner.

It is up to us all now to keep going with the good work, by social distancing, by wearing a face covering, by washing our hands regularly and limiting our contacts.”

Councillor John Smith, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board added: “These new measures represent a renewed opportunity to get our numbers down even more. If we keep working together to follow the rules, we will keep the people of Worcestershire safe and reduce the transmission of the virus.”

For the latest information on the restrictions and what you can do over the Christmas period visit the dedicated pages of the County Council’s website.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FLYER

 

Notification Severn Trent Water regarding road closure Wynniattes Way, Abberley from 7th December 2020 for 4 weeks until 6th January 2021.

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Project Title:  A7W12761-04-08 Abberley – DG2 – Local Water Pressure Booster

Notification from Severn Trent Water regarding road closure Wynniattes Way, Abberley from 7th December 2020 for 4 weeks until 6th January 2021.

 

CLICK HERE to view Road Closure Abberley     

 

We apologise for what may seem like an impersonal approach, but we are trying to protect your family and ours` and we want to make you aware of the following;

We are improving the water pressure in your area…

  • Installing a new small kiosk with a pump to boost water pressure.
  • Temporary Access will be in place for construction activities
  • Wynniattes Way will be closed from 7th December 2020 for 4 weeks until 6th January 2021.
  • We don’t plan on interrupting your water supply
  • You may notice some additional noise and traffic as a result of the work, but we’ll keep it to a minimum where possible

Why we are doing this work

As you may be aware, local residents experience instances of insufficient water pressure to their properties. To provide sufficient pressure Severn Trent Water is currently working to improve the existing system.

Important things to know

As part of the works, Mott MacDonald Bentley are installing and connecting a new booster pump to the existing network along Wynniattes Way. This works is essential for Severn Trent Water to meet their obligations to the local residents.

How can I find out more?

We understand that you may have questions about the work and how it may affect you. You can also call us, or our contract partner, Mott MacDonald Bentley, during normal office hours (0800-1700) on the numbers shown below:

Trudie Thomas      Mott MacDonald Bentley      Customer Liaison Manager               01952 468832

Frances O’Neill          Severn Trent Water               Project Manager                          07850 602452

You can also get in touch via email at www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/contact-us/. Don’t forget to quote the project title shown on the front page of this letter.

If your call is about your water supply or sewerage service, you can call our Customer Operations Service Centre on 0800 783 4444.

Yours faithfully,

Frances O’Neill

Programme Engineer

Severn Trent Water

Abberley Parish Council Ordinary Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 18th November 2020 via ZOOM at 7.30pm

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Abberley Parish Council November meeting via zoom will be via a Registered zoom meeting.

The Public are welcome to attend.

To register to attend the meeting please see below.

Please note that you need to register in advance of the meeting to obtain your secure link and code.

 

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqdOGoqTspH9FNsYMDI9RiHDE5JfJoPYXQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY / REMEMBRANCE DAY 2020

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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY / REMEMBRANCE DAY 2020

“We will remember them”

 

Greetings to you all in these difficult days.  This letter comes to you from Martyn Carter, Chair of Wyre Forest & Rock Branch, Royal British Legion, and Rev Ted Whittaker, local Parish Priest.

 

For 2020 we are all being encouraged to conduct

Acts of Remembrance safely on our doorsteps around 11.00 am on Sunday 8th and likewise Wednesday 11th – a deep silent meaningful equivalent of the Thursday NHS clapping earlier in the year.  We remain hopeful that there will be very small, representative, invitation-only groups at our local Churches and Cenotaphs, but please, please, for everyone’s safety, do not visit these places around 11.00 am on Sunday or Wednesday.  Doorstep Remembrance is our national duty this year to keep everyone safe.

 

We do invite you to participate in spirit with the representative groups and here are words and prayers for those who may find them useful.  Please do also support the Royal British Legion whose Poppy Appeal has been severely hampered due to Covid in 2020.

 

To give to the Poppy Appeal, go to the website www.britishlegion.org.uk and select the ‘donate’ option.  All information is there: donations can be made online or, or by post, or by phoning 0845 845 1945, or by text:

To donate £2 text POPPY2 to 70545*

To donate £5 text POPPY5 to 70545*

To donate £10 text POPPY10 to 70545*

(*Texts cost £2, £5, or £10 plus one standard network rate message (typically 97% of the donation amount goes to the Royal British Legion).

 

Poppy Posters can also be downloaded & printed for house windows.

 

We hope you find these prayers and information helpful.   May God bless you in your Acts of Remembrance 2020.

 

Yours sincerely, Rev Ted Whittaker & Martyn Carter

Suggested Words for Doorstep Act of Remembrance

The Bible Reading: John 15 v 12-17

[Jesus said] ‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.  This is my command: Love each other.’

 

Prayers of Hope:

I pray for the future of the world and for the needs of all people.

 

For peace and justice and end to war and conflict;

for world leaders, for those who make peace and foster reconciliation,

for an appreciation of our liberty,

for partnership between nations, for a world in harmony with itself,

for friendship and trust between peoples

Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

 

For the unity of all people everywhere in every land

for all who seek God and the truth,

for all who follow their conscience with integrity,

Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

 

For the healing of memories, for those who suffer as a result of war,

for communities where past wrongs and violence persist,

for all in pain or distress and for those who care for them,

Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

 

The Lord’s Prayer (as in use at the time of WWI)

 

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation.
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.  Amen.

THE ACT OF REMEMBRANCE

 

Lord, I am grateful for the freedom we all enjoy

I stand before you now in remembrance of those who gave their lives in two world wars and other conflicts.

 

They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. 

            We will remember them.

 

Two minutes’ silence is held

 

            When you go home, tell them of us and say,

“For your tomorrows we gave our today.”

 

THE ACT OF COMMITMENT TO PEACEFULNESS

Lord God of peace, I pledge myself to serve you and all humanity, in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering

and for the praise of your name.

Help me to live peaceably in the world, be of good courage;

hold fast that which is good; and render to no one evil for evil;

help me to strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak;

help the afflicted; honour everyone;

and rejoice in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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And some suggested prayers for other days during Covid lockdown

 

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples,
‘I am with you always’.
Be with me today, as I offer myself to you.
Hear my prayers for others and for myself,
and keep me in your care.                                              Amen.

 

O gracious and holy Father,
give us wisdom to perceive you,
diligence to seek you,
patience to wait for you,
eyes to behold you,
a heart to meditate upon you,
and a life to proclaim you,
through the power of the spirit
of Jesus Christ our Lord.                                                  Amen.

 

Lord God, thank you for your love in Jesus Christ,

Thank you that my life matters to you.

Help me to live today for you.

Give me your strength not to be downcast,

but to reach out in hope and kindness

in whatever ways I can, to be a blessing to others.  Amen.

 

Dear Lord, please be with (friend, relative or other) _______________ who is in need at this time.

May your Holy Spirit provide comfort and hope

through Jesus Christ our Lord.                                       Amen.

Abberley Parish Council October Ordinary Parish Council meeting via Zoom on Wednesday 14th October 2020

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Abberley Parish Council October meeting via zoom will be via a Registered zoom meeting.

The Public are welcome to attend. To register to attend the meeting please see below. Please note that you need to register in advance of the meeting to obtain your secure link and code.

 

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpdOusqT8jE9ATu18cHK2ZA6jcVntWMvTM

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Malvern Hills District Council COVID Update Sept 2020

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Are you ready for the new NHS Covid-19 app?

From Thursday (24 September 2020) the NHS Covid-19 contract tracing app will be launched. This is part of the test and trace service and will be important in helping control the spread of coronavirus and protecting each other.

All businesses in the following sectors must by law display a QR code poster from 24 September:

  • Hospitality
  • Leisure and tourism
  • Close contact services
  • Places of worship
  • Local authority venues

Community centres, youth and community centres and village halls are all covered by this change to the law.

Getting a QR code for your venue is quick and easy from the Government’s website.

Get a QR code for your business or venue

Further information

Guidance on maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace

A guide to creating a QR code for your venue

Tips for displaying your QR poster

An overview of how the NHS Covid-19 app works

Rule of 6 introduction and implications

Since Monday, 14 September, people are only allowed to gather socially in groups of 6 indoors and outdoors.

The Government has published updated advice for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities. In particular, you may find section 3 helpful as this covers the rules around things such as bookings for social clubs, support groups and public consultations

Long-term effects of COVID-19

There is growing evidence to suggest that those people who have experienced both mild and severe symptoms of COVID-19 can suffer from long-term health effects.

Public Health England has produced new information and guidance on the health problems reported in COVID-19 cases following acute disease, and guidance for healthcare professionals on how to advise recovering COVID-19 patients.

Residents’ Survey 2020

We have begun our annual Residents’ Survey, which started on Sunday, 6 September 2020.

We are asking residents to tell us what they think of their local area and services.

This year, the survey includes questions on how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted residents, as well as the response and support provided by the council. It will also ask questions about such issues as litter and homelessness.

Feedback will be used to improve services and the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. A summary of the results will be published anonymously on the council website.

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete but progress can be saved so it can be completed in stages.

The survey will run until 4 October. Please help us to promote this to residents using the channels you have available. People can take part by visiting

www.malvernhills.gov.uk/performance

Crowdfund Worcestershire

Community groups (and parish & town councils) have until 30 September 2020 to register for Crowdfund Worcestershire, an £85,000 fund set-up by Worcestershire County Council to support projects to help the county’s covid-19 pandemic recovery.

Crowdfund Worcestershire is based on the Spacehive platform, used successfully in Malvern Hills, and allows community groups, parish councils and organisations to receive funding from the county council, as well as other donors.

Projects the county are looking to fund should focus on one of five key areas, with pledges of up to £20,000 available. The five key areas are:

  • Social isolation/befriending – looking at virtual community connections / or adapted schemes that comply with social distancing.
  • Maintaining our volunteering offer – helping to create a legacy of community and volunteer action post Covid-19.
  • Healthy Communities – activities to improve the health and wellbeing of your local community
  • Return to work – helping people prepare for a return to work or helping them into work.
  • Food Poverty – predominately focused on families

On top of this, community transport groups have until 30 September to register to be part of a crowdfunding campaign, where they can receive pledges of up to £50,000 from Malvern Hills.

Groups interested in taking part, or finding out more, should visit https://www.spacehive.com/movement/worcs for more information. Please help us to promote these opportunities to groups in your parish.

The process:

  1. Create your project page on Spacehive referring to their handy guide. If you want some 1:1 feedback on how your project page is looking then Spacehive can help, just email
  2. Pitch to the fund on Spacehive by 30th September.
  3. Submit your project for verification.
  4. Once verified, go live with your crowdfunding campaign and showcase local support ahead of project assessment in early November (check our tips and resources here).
  5. If successful, you’ll receive a pledge from the council towards your live campaign.

Green Dog Walkers

We are continuing with our Green Dog Walker pledge and ask for your help to promote this to residents.

All Green Dog Walkers take a pledge to always:

  • Clean up after their dog
  • Carry extra dog waste bags
  • Be happy to be approached to lend a dog waste bag to those without
  • Be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dogs

To become a Green Dog Walker please complete the online pledge form.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GDWpledge

Once we have received the form you will receive a GDW badge, free poo bags, and an information pack.

Adopt a Street

Thank you to those of you who have already signed up to adopt a street as a parish council. Hopefully you have now received your free kits.

If you haven’t heard about the scheme yet, all you have to do is sign the online pledge which includes:

  • Telling us which area of land you would like to adopt (public land only unless you have permission from the landowner)
  • A promise from you to litter pick your chosen site at least three times a year on dates of your choosing and at your convenience

The area you choose to litter pick can be as small or as large as you like. The scheme is open to individuals, schools, community groups and Parish and Town Councils.

You can use your black bin at home for disposing of any litter you collect but if you find the volume you are collecting is an issue then please contact and someone will assist you.

In return for your commitment we will provide you with:

  • Free Litter picking equipment and bags (limited to 10 sets for community groups/schools/local councils)
  • Guidance on health and safety

Sign up at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/adoptastreetMHDC/