Hanborough Online

1st December report

Christmas Tree

Parish Council thanks Sportif Suzuki for sponsoring the Hurdeswell Christmas again this year. A 20ft spruce is ordered for delivery at the end of November and lights will be fitted soon after.

Entry to Primary or Infant school – September 2019

For children born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015, you need to apply for a school place now. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2019 and you can apply online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/admissions

For help and information call 0345 142 2487

Letters offering places will be posted on 16 April 2019.

Register for priority services

SSE visited our last council meeting to promote a scheme they have to support vulnerable residents in the event of a power cut. Anyone can register who has a disability, have children under 5, have chronic illness, use electrical medical equipment or are over 60. Please call 0800 294 3259 to find out more and register or visit ssen.co.uk/priorityservices

Concerns raised regarding drug use in the playground

Council has received reports of alleged drug use in and around the pit and playground. The police are doing extra patrols and visitors are encouraged to record and report number plates of suspicious vehicles.

Cycle safety in the parish

Councillors want to establish that cycling conditions in Hanborough are safe and fit for purpose and thank residents who have responded to last months request. We got some useful and positive ideas about ways to improve the infrastructure and join safe cycling routes in the region. There was also feedback about the shared paths which bring cyclists and pedestrians together and are not ideal. If you cycle in the parish and have a view cycle safety please contact the clerk with your feedback.

Applications are invited for nominations for the High Sheriff Awards for the year 2018/2019.

Every year the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire invites nominations for approximately 20 High Sheriff Awards in recognition of individuals in Oxfordshire who have made outstanding contributions to the communities in which they live and work. Nominees will usually have had a high impact on the lives of others over a sustained period of time and will be recognised by other people working in the nominee’s area as inspirational and as setting an example for others to follow.

The Nomination Process

All nominations should be made on the form which has been prepared for this purpose and should include the contact details of the nominee as well as the nominator together with a brief summary (400 words max) of the reasons why the nominee merits a High Sheriff’s Award. The deadline for nominations is Thursday 10th January 2019.

Contributions to Community Life

Nominations will be welcome for people who have made outstanding contributions to any aspect of community life but in the current year nominations in the following area will be particularly welcome from individuals who are, or have been, involved in:-

- Coaching or volunteering in Youth Sport and Youth Leadership organisations.

- Youth projects associated with the Arts and Education.

- Mental health work in the community.

- Communication initiatives in communities.

Nominations should arrive with the High Sheriff before Thursday 11th January 2019 and sent via email to oxfordshirehighsheriff@outlook.com or by post to:-

The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, c/o VSL & Partners, 22 Bankside, Kidlington, Oxon, OX5 1JE.

Blenheim Charity and Community Bursary

Each year, Blenheim provide funding to local charity and community projects. In 2019 £50,000 bursary is available to award.

If you are a local charity or community project, they want to learn about the great work you are doing and the positive impact that you are making within the local area. Applications are welcome across charity and community projects, including education, infrastructure, transport, health and wellbeing.

In the last year, they supported a number of projects that include the new Woodstock Youth Club, Wooton-by-Woodstock Playground renovations, Long Hanborough Playgroup equipment and Cassington Village Sports Pavilion renovations.

Key Dates

Opening date for applications: 1st November 2018

Deadline for applications: 31st January 2019

Successful applicants notified: 28th February 2019

Funding available from 1st April 2019

https://www.blenheim.org/community/charity-community-bursary/

1st June

Your Council Needs You... Become a Parish Councillor

Would you like to engage with your fellow residents and work to sustain and improve the quality of village life in Church Hanborough and Long Hanborough?

Government is more than ever looking to local communities and our local councils to respond to very local needs and priorities. Both central and local government needs to be more effective in its communication with people and delivery of quality services. For these reasons it is important to play your part and have a say. This is no time to sit on the fence or offer views from the side lines. Local councils need active, interested and committed people to get involved and make a difference to the local community.

As a Parish Councillor people regard you as responsible for things that happen locally. You will make a difference by influencing decisions that affect our village community. Being a Councillor is of course a commitment but highly satisfying.

So if you are thinking of becoming a Councillor I would firstly encourage you to contact your Parish Clerk to find out how you might get involved. We currently have two vacancies to fill.

New District Councillors

Parish Council welcomes new District Councillors, Merilyn Davies and Alaa Al-Yousuf. Both live locally and are passionate about helping us to improve our communities and we look forward to working closely with them.

Grants

Parish Council awarded a grant of £150 to the Methodist Church who are going to refurbish the bench in Riely Close. Councillors appreciate their efforts on this.

General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”)

Most people are aware of GDPR which comes into force on 25^thMay. Parish Council has an adopted Privacy Notice which is now available on our website. We have appointed the clerk as Data Protection Officer and are currently completing a data audit of our records. One initial decision is to delete the list of names and email of those who subscribed to the mailing list on our website. We have not used this list often as there are other ways to contact residents and in any case we would have to get everyone on the list to reconfirm their inclusion which would likely lead to a loss of subscribers.

Parish Emergency Plan

Parish Council maintains an Emergency Plan and is currently updating the contacts list. We are looking to add volunteers who may be able to help in cases where we need to help ourselves before other agencies can. To support this plan we are looking for anyone willing to go on the contact list who could help coordinate activity, help on the ground, owns a 4x4 vehicle, first responders etc. Please contact the clerk if interested.

Community Speedwatch

Speeding is a concern in our parish and Parish Council has been approached to support a local Community Speedwatch (CSW). This is a national initiative where active members of local communities join, with the support of the Police, to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection devices.

Volunteers receive appropriate training, and are supported by neighbourhood policing team. Speedwatch activity is not about interfering with neighbours' behaviour; it is a proactive solution to improve the safety and quality of life for everyone in the community

If you would like to volunteer please contact the clerk who will pass your details onto the group.

15th April
Hanborough Welfare Trust
Many residents will not have heard of the Hanborough Welfare Trust which originates from 1632 when land was left to a Charitable Trust. Two parcels of land are rented to farmers and generate a small income which is to be used “to relieve either generally or individually persons resident in the Parish of Hanborough who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress”.
Following advertising, Parish Council received three expressions of interest in being nominated as Trustee to fill a vacancy. Two candidates withdrew when they understood the role better. The remaining candidate is well qualified for the role and Councillors approved his nomination at the April meeting.

Proposed pedestrian bridge over the railway
Councillors have long been concerned about the safety of cyclists and pedestrians on the A4095 bridge near the station. Last year we part funded replacing the bollards with OCC but councillors believe the best solution will be a second bridge.
In the past our MP Robert Courts has visited and expressed support for the project. Councillors recently brought together all the stakeholders for a meeting to discuss and agree the best way forward. There was agreement at the meeting that a second bridge is needed and that the next stage is for a feasibility study.

Playground - update on the mud!
The District Engineer visited the new playground to advise on the problem with poor drainage and reports that it can be improved. He advised that we wait a couple of months so that the areas worst affected become clearly defined and can then be targetted by the works. We recognise that the entrances in particular are really bad and will move this on as soon as we can.
Council has ordered two new rubbish bins, one for each entrance. These will be installed by WODC as soon as they arrive.

Parish Emergency Plan
Parish Council maintains an Emergency Plan and is currently updating the contacts list. We are looking to add volunteers who may be able to help in cases where we need to help ourselves before other agencies can. To support this plan we are looking for anyone willing to go on the contact list who could help coordinate activity, help on the ground, owns a 4x4 vehicle, first responders etc. Please contact the clerk if interested.

Community Speedwatch
Speeding is a concern in our parish and Parish Council has been approached to support a local Community Speedwatch (CSW). This is a national initiative where active members of local communities join, with the support of the Police, to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection devices.

Volunteers receive appropriate training, and are supported by neighbourhood policing team. Speedwatch activity is not about interfering with neighbours' behaviour; it is a proactive solution to improve the safety and quality of life for everyone in the community.

If you would like to volunteer please contact the clerk who will pass your details onto the group.

20th March

PARISH MEETINGS IN APRIL
Members of the public are invited to attend the ANNUAL PUBLIC PARISH MEETING which will be held on Tuesday 17th April 2017 at The Pavilion at 7:00pm.

Members of the public are also invited to attend the next ORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING which will be held on Tuesday 10th April 2017 at The Pavilion at 7:15pm.

Hanborough Welfare Trust
Many residents will not have heard of the Hanborough Welfare Trust which originates from 1632 when land was left to a Charitable Trust. Two parcels of land are rented to farmers and generate a small income which is to be used “to relieve either generally or individually persons resident in the Parish of Hanborough who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress”.
There is currently a vacancy for a Trustee to be nominated by the Parish Council and we welcome applications from residents. In the first instance please contact the clerk who will outline the process which will be based on Charity Commission guidelines.
There are some challenges ahead for the Trust and this is a great opportunity to help move it on to the next stage in its evolution.

Dog waste
A letter from someone in the parish which highlights a problem that needs no further comment from council.
“Hi there. Just wanted to highlight the amount of dog poo that is being picked up and then bags left everywhere! Today I counted 6 different lots. This affects the Pavilion playing field, the fields next to the playing field and behind Kents Banks. Picking it up is all very well and good but by leaving the bags littered everywhere is even worse that actually leaving the said poo in the field which will eventually compost into the ground, poo bags will not!! This has been a problem for several months and doesn’t seem to be getting any better.”

Playground - update on the mud!
The District Engineer visited the new playground to advise on the problem with poor drainage and reports that it can be improved. He advised that we wait a couple of months so that the areas worst affected become clearly defined and can then be targetted by the works. We recognise that the entrances in particular are really bad and will move this on as soon as we can.
Council has ordered two new rubbish bins, one for each entrance. These will be installed by WODC as soon as they arrive.

Parish Emergency Plan
Parish Council maintains an Emergency Plan and is currently updating the contacts list. We are looking to add volunteers who may be able to help in cases where we need to help ourselves before other agencies can. To support this plan we are looking for anyone willing to go on the contact list who could help coordinate activity, help on the ground, owns a 4x4 vehicle, first responders etc. Please contact the clerk if interested.

Community Speedwatch
Speeding is a concern in our parish and Parish Council has been approached to support a local Community Speedwatch (CSW). This is a national initiative where active members of local communities join, with the support of the Police, to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection devices.

Volunteers receive appropriate training, and are supported by neighbourhood policing team. Speedwatch activity is not about interfering with neighbours' behaviour; it is a proactive solution to improve the safety and quality of life for everyone in the community.

Once the group is setup and registered with the Police and formally as a CSW, Parish Council will fund the equipment. We have also contacted specialist insurers that provide cover for this activity. If you would like to volunteer please contact the clerk who will pass your details onto the group.

16th February
Cinema in Hanborough
VICTORIA & ABDUL (12) Judi Dench Ali Fazal
Parish Council is supporting an initiative to bring cinema to Hanborough on Friday 9th March at 7:30pm. Tickets £5 at the door. Licensed bar opens at 6:45pm. Come and enjoy a great Cinema night out at Hanborough Pavilion Playing Field Long Hanborough

Litter pick
Councillors thanked the residents who braved a damp day to make the first litter pic a sucessfull event. Parish Council intends to run these on a regular basis going forward.
Our MP and County Councillor both joined us to get stuck in and clear rubbish from Long Hanborough. Our MP reported on the event in his newsletter.
“Organised by Lucy Tritton from the Hanborough Parish Council, we cleared bags and bags of roadside litter. The Government has made many welcome strides focused on cutting plastic use, such as banning microbeads and recently setting out its 25 year Environment Plan, but it is important that the plastic waste already on our streets is being dealt with as well.

It was fantastic to see such a great turnout, getting their hands dirty and help clean up one of our beautiful villages. Litter is an epidemic we need to work together to tackle – and actions speak louder than words. As we are looking to decrease the use of plastics in the first place, we need to think about how we are disposing of our rubbish, and the effect it has on our communities and neighbourhoods.

I congratulate Hanborough Parish Council on this initiative and encourage local groups all over West Oxfordshire to get stuck in and help too – a little time can make a lot of difference!”

Playground - update on the mud!
The District Engineer visited the new playground to advise on the problem with poor drainage and reports that it can be improved. He advised that we wait a couple of months so that the areas worst affected become clearly defined and can then be targetted by the works. We recognise that the entrances in particular are really bad and will move this on as soon as we can.

Parish Emergency Plan
Parish Council maintains an Emergency Plan and is currently updating the contacts list. We are looking to add volunteers who may be able to help in cases where we need to help ourselves before other agencies can. To support this plan we are looking for anyone willing to go on the contact list who could help coordinate activity, help on the ground, owns a 4x4 vehicle, first responders etc. Please contact the clerk if interested.

Community Speedwatch
Speeding is a concern in our parish and Parish Council has been approached to support a local Community Speedwatch (CSW). This is a national initiative where active members of local communities join, with the support of the Police, to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection devices.

Volunteers receive appropriate training, and are supported by neighbourhood policing team. Speedwatch activity is not about interfering with neighbours' behaviour; it is a proactive solution to improve the safety and quality of life for everyone in the community.

Once the group is setup and registered with the Police and formally as a CSW, Parish Council will fund the equipment. We have also contacted specialist insurers that provide cover for this activity. If you would like to volunteer please contact the clerk who will pass your details onto the group.

Dog law
Council has received complaints about dogs off lead in the parish. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is a criminal offence for a dog to be on a designated road (ie. a public road) without being held on a lead.

It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere in a public place. Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it might injure them, or if it attacks someone’s animal and the owner of an animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animal.

17th January 2018

Parish litter pick

Councillors are organising a local litter pick and hope that residents will support this.  We meet at Riely Close on the 27th January at 2:00pm.

If there are areas where you think we need to install bins please let us know.

Playground update

The District Engineer has visited the new playground to advise on the problem with poor drainage. The good news is that it can be improved and council is now exploring the most cost effective way to do this.

On a separate issue, we have had some 'high jinx' reported at the multi use games area. There has also been some vandalism and damage to both this area and in the new play ground. We don't want to appear to be too heavy handed but we are concerned that damage to the surfacing in particular would be very expensive to repair. The facilities are for the benefit of all of us so if you are aware of any incidents please let us know or report it to the Police.

Your Council Needs You... Become a Parish Councillor

Would you like to engage with your fellow residents and work to sustain and improve the quality of village life in Church Hanborough and Long Hanborough?

Government is more than ever looking to local communities and our local councils to respond to very local needs and priorities. Both central and local government needs to be more effective in its communication with people and delivery of quality services. For these reasons it is important to play your part and have a say. This is no time to sit on the fence or offer views from the side lines. Local councils need active, interested and committed people to get involved and make a difference to the local community.

As a Parish Councillor people regard you as responsible for things that happen locally. You will make a difference by influencing decisions that affect our village community. Being a Councillor is of course a commitment but highly satisfying.

So if you are thinking of becoming a Councillor I would firstly encourage you to contact your Parish Clerk to find out how you might get involved. We currently have two vacancies to fill.

Dog law

Council has received complaints about dogs off lead in the parish. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is a criminal offence for a dog to be on a designated road (ie. a public road) without being held on a lead.

It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere in a public place. Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it might injure them, or if it attacks someone’s animal and the owner of an animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animal.

 

 

Raising the bar in recycling: Your chance to talk rubbish and recycling with Oxfordshire’s councils

Do you know that each household in Oxfordshire produces one tonne of waste each year? We are amongst the best in the country at recycling and composting for a few years now at about 60% but recycling rates have started to drop in Oxfordshire.

 

Residents are being given the chance to talk rubbish and recycling and tell Oxfordshire’s county, city and district councils how they can help them recycle more and create less waste.

Do you want to help us recycle and reduce waste? Take part in the online survey at www.recycleforoxfordshire.org.uk. The survey runs until 18 February.

 

 

 

14th November 2017

Playground update

The new playground was opened on the 13^th of November. Parish Council recorded thanks to all the dedicated people who worked to make this possible. The HAPI group worked so hard to raise funds, obtain grants and design the facility. The following organisations all contributed financially to the project.

WREN, WODC, Tesco, Lions, Cottsway, GreenSquare, Methodist Church, Oxford Citizens HO and Pye Homes.

 

Your Council Needs You... Become a Parish Councillor

Would you like to engage with your fellow residents and work to sustain and improve the quality of village life in Church Hanborough and Long Hanborough?

Government is more than ever looking to local communities and our local councils to respond to very local needs and priorities. Both central and local government needs to be more effective in its communication with people and delivery of quality services. For these reasons it is important to play your part and have a say. This is no time to sit on the fence or offer views from the side lines. Local councils need active, interested and committed people to get involved and make a difference to the local community.

As a Parish Councillor people regard you as responsible for things that happen locally. You will make a difference by influencing decisions that affect our village community. Being a Councillor is of course a commitment but highly satisfying.

So if you are thinking of becoming a Councillor I would firstly encourage you to contact your Parish Clerk to find out how you might get involved. We currently have two vacancies to fill. 

 

Telephone fraud reported

There has been a number of automated calls to residents recently claiming to come from HM Revenue and Customs and saying that the recipient is being investigated for fraud, and to speak to an agent, press 1 on the keypad.

It is very important that not only do recipients not call back, but also that they do not even speak to the caller but hang up immediately. Similarly, for scam emails, do not click on any links, contact the sender, or open any attachments.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud report it immediately to http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or telephone 0300 123 2040.

Christmas Tree

Parish Council would like to thank Sportif Suzuki who have kindly agreed to sponsor the Hurdeswell Christmas tree again this year. It will be installed at the start of December.

After low attendance last year, Parish Council have decided not to hold the Christmas Carols event this year. Councillors will reconsider demand for the event next year.

21st October 2017

Blenheim Palace attending the next Parish Council meeting

The directors of Blenheim Palace will attend the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 14^th November at 7:15pm in the Pavilion to share the new strategy goals of Blenheim and to seek feedback from those attending. As part of their commitment within the strategy they want to share with the community all that they are doing and to seek engagement and support.

Your Council Needs You... Become a Parish Councillor

Would you like to engage with your fellow residents and work to sustain and improve the quality of village life in Church Hanborough and Long Hanborough?

Government is more than ever looking to local communities and our local councils to respond to very local needs and priorities. Both central and local government needs to be more effective in its communication with people and delivery of quality services. For these reasons it is important to play your part and have a say. This is no time to sit on the fence or offer views from the side lines. Local councils need active, interested and committed people to get involved and make a difference to the local community.

As a Parish Councillor people regard you as responsible for things that happen locally. You will make a difference by influencing decisions that affect our village community. Being a Councillor is of course a commitment but highly satisfying.

So if you are thinking of becoming a Councillor I would firstly encourage you to contact your Parish Clerk to find out how you might get involved. We currently have two vacancies to fill.

 

Oxfordshire County Council’s DIY 1,2,3 for free scheme’s changing

The current scheme which has been running at their Household Waste Recycling Centres for 15 years allowed residents to deposit up to three DIY waste items for free before being charged a small fee of £1 for each additional item.

From the 1st October 2017 this changes to a small fixed fee per item of £1.50 for most non-household or DIY items.

Residents can still deposit household waste for free at their local Household Waste Recycling Centre.

More information about the changes can be found online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/chargeablewaste

 

Telephone fraud reported

There has been a number of automated calls to residents recently claiming to come from HM Revenue and Customs and saying that the recipient is being investigated for fraud, and to speak to an agent, press 1 on the keypad.

It is very important that not only do recipients not call back, but also that they do not even speak to the caller but hang up immediately. Similarly, for scam emails, do not click on any links, contact the sender, or open any attachments.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud report it immediately to http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or telephone 0300 123 2040.

 

Playground update

At the time of writing the new facility is installed and has passed its initial safety inspection. We still have to complete the turfing which is the last part of the project and the fencing will stay up for a couple more weeks while the grass takes hold. We are keen to open it as soon as we can but do need to let the grass settle.

Once opened and we see how it is used, Council intends to install picnic tables, benches and new bins where they are most convenient for visitors. New access paths are also planned.

We have also applied non slip paint to the steps from the carpark and have ordered non slip plates to be installed later in the year. The Pit BMX area is also due to undergo some maintenance works to smooth out some of the ruts.

Regarding the current facility, the last annual safety inspection confirmed that the facility is largely at the end of its serviceable life. Councillors have therefore placed an order for all of the equipment to be removed as soon as the new facility opens. We are aware that some residents expressed an interest in taking some of the equipment for home use but council is unable to formally offer this.

 

Christmas Tree

Parish Council would like to thank Sportif Suzuki who have kindly agreed to sponsor the Hurdeswell Christmas tree again this year. It will be installed at the start of December.

After low attendance last year, Parish Council have decided not to hold the Christmas Carols event this year. Councillors will reconsider demand for the event next year.

 

23rd September 2017

Councillor vacancies

Have you ever wondered why we got the new multi use sports ground, why the lights were repaired, why the car park at the parade of shops no longer has a empty mud filled area in front of it, why we got the Pavilion extended, why we have a new playground built, why the grass gets cut............

If you are interested in helping to shape the future of our community please contact the clerk or any councillor for further information on current councillor vacancies.

Playground update

At the time of writing the new facility is due to be completed towards the end of September. There will be some ongoing activities after this date, councillors are considering replacing the steps into the pit, routing of access paths and installation of new picnic tables. We are also hoping to arrange an opening ceremony. 

HAPI continue to advise on last minute design issues and once again councillors recorded thanks to the amazing work done by HAPI to get the facility funded.

Regarding the current facility, the last annual safety inspection confirmed that the facility is largely at the end of its serviceable life. Councillors have therefore placed an order for all of the equipment to be removed as soon as the new facility opens. We are aware that some residents expressed an interest in taking some of the equipment for home use but council is unable to formally offer this.

Christmas Carol event

After low attendance last year, Parish Council have decided not to hold the event this year. Councillors will reconsider demand for the event next year.

Have you had your new recycling bin?

West Oxfordshire District Council is asking householders to contact them if they have not received a new blue-lidded wheelie bin for recycling. This can be done online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/bins2017 or by calling 01993 861025.

No longer want your garden waste bin?

West Oxfordshire residents who are yet to inform the District Council that they no longer want their garden waste bin, should get in touch now to arrange removal. The Council is currently collecting unwanted garden waste bins across the District.

For more information, or to request the removal of your bin, visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/garden or call 01993 861025, giving your address, contact details and the number of bins you would like collected.

A guide to priority services by utility companies in an emergency.

Disruption to power and other utilities such as gas and water cannot be predicted. In an emergency some vulnerable people in the village will be at risk. This advice note is presented as a quick guide for these vulnerable people in such a situation. This information may also be helpful for their carers or neighbours.

NB You are encouraged to register for “priority service” if you fall into the following groups: You receive a state pension, are disabled or have a child less than 5 years. Also eligible are those on home dialysis, on any forms of automated ventilation or have a stair lift / adjustable bed etc.

The contact details are as follows:

Water (Thames Water)

Phone: 0800 009 3652 or text 0800 316 6899

Online: www.thameswater.co.uk/Help-and-Advice/Customer-Commitment/Priority-services

 

Electricity (SSE)

Phone: 0800 294 3259

Online: www.ssepd.co.uk/PriorityServices/

 

Gas Scotia Gas Network (SGN)

Phone: 0800 975 1818 for more information on Priority Services Registration

Online: www.sgn.co.uk/Responsibility/Vulnerable-Customers/

Or call the number on your gas bill and ask the supplier how to join their Priority Service

 

Emergency planning officers at county and district councils encourage people to self-register with power companies at:

www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/power-cuts/priority-services-during-a-power-cut/

 

22nd August 2017

A guide to priority services by utility companies in an emergency.

Disruption to power and other utilities such as gas and water cannot be predicted. In an emergency some vulnerable people in the village will be at risk. This advice note is presented as a quick guide for these vulnerable people in such a situation. This information may also be helpful for their carers or neighbours.

NB You are encouraged to register for “priority service” if you fall into the following groups:

You receive a state pension, are disabled or have a child less than 5 years. Also eligible are those on home dialysis, on any forms of automated ventilation or have a stair lift / adjustable bed etc.

The contact details are as follows:

Water (Thames Water)

Phone: 0800 009 3652 or text 0800 316 6899

Online: www.thameswater.co.uk/Help-and-Advice/Customer-Commitment/Priority-services

 

Electricity (SSE)

Phone: 0800 294 3259

Online: www.ssepd.co.uk/PriorityServices/

 

Gas Scotia Gas Network (SGN)

Phone: 0800 975 1818 for more information on Priority Services Registration

Online: www.sgn.co.uk/Responsibility/Vulnerable-Customers/

Or call the number on your gas bill and ask the supplier how to join their Priority Service

 

Emergency planning officers at county and district councils encourage people to self-register with power companies at: