Condolences on death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

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Wyre Piddle Parish Council is deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and joins with the rest of the country and indeed with people and nations around the world in extending our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this time.

Under normal circumstances, the Council would provide a venue for the signing of Books of Condolence and the laying of floral tributes, but unfortunately, that is not possible due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, and encourage the public to pay their respects safely from home.

Cllr. John Paul – Chair of Wyre Piddle Parish Council.

Wychavon District Council -Let’s get back to supporting traders safely

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Let’s get back to supporting traders safely

‘Let’s get back to supporting local traders safely’ is the message from Wychavon ahead of the next stage of the country’s lockdown easing road map next week.

From Monday, 12 April non-essential retailers, hairdressers and other personal care services can reopen. Pubs, restaurants and cafes will also be able to serve people outside and outdoor attractions, like zoos, can also reopen.

To support the reopening Wychavon has developed its ‘Let’s get back to supporting local traders safely’ campaign, which encourages people to get out and back local businesses but to remember to follow the rules to keep everyone safe.

Residents are being advised to remember the following while out shopping or using other services:

  • Keep a safe distance from others, including when queuing
  • Wear face coverings indoors (unless legally exempt) and properly so they cover the nose and mouth at all times
  • Sanitise hands when entering a business and try not to touch products unless intending to buy them
  • Pay by contactless if possible
  • Try and shop at times when shops are likely to be less busy and continue to make use of their delivery and click and collect services
  • Follow the rules on group mixing when using outdoor hospitality

 

Car parking will continue to be free in Wychavon’s pay and display car parks for now but on-street parking restrictions will apply. Rules allowing most non-essential retailers to open from 7am until 10pm Monday to Saturday have also been relaxed.

Wychavon has so far spent £44million supporting businesses through the last 12 months of lockdowns and disrupted trading. Several million more will be paid out under the new Restart Grant scheme, offering payments of up to £6,000 for non-essential retailers or £18,000 for hospitality and leisure businesses, is due to go live shortly.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “Every business that has closed their doors has played a vital role in getting this virus under control in our district. Now it’s time to repay them by getting out on to our high streets and supporting local traders. You can support them not only by giving them your custom but also by following the rules. This will help keep people safe and a lid on the virus so we don’t have to go through any more damaging lockdowns.”

Check your polling station before you vote

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Check your polling station before you vote

 

Residents are being urged to check where they should go to vote as changes have been made to some polling stations because of coronavirus restrictions.

Voters go to the polls on Thursday, 6 May to elect a new West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner and councillors to represent them on Worcestershire County Council.

To make sure people can vote safely in-person measures are being put in place at polling stations including social distancing, asking voters to bring their own pen or pencil and to wear face coverings.

Some polling stations are not big enough to allow social distancing so the locations have been changed. Residents should check their poll card carefully, which will give the address of where they need to go to vote. People can also use the online polling station finder on the council’s website at www.wychavon.gov.uk/elections.

Poll cards were sent out in March. If someone hasn’t received one yet then it may mean they are not registered to vote. The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming elections is 19 April 2021. Registration can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Residents can also apply to vote by post or by proxy – where they send someone else to vote on their behalf.

The deadline for applying for a postal vote for this election is 20 April 2021 at 5pm and a proxy vote at 5pm on 27 April 2021. Details of how to apply can be found on the council’s elections web page.

Elaine Dicks, Electoral Services Manager for Wychavon District Council, said: “I urge all voters to check the location of their polling station before they go out to vote just in case it has been changed and to avoid any problems on polling day.

“Anyone who is thinking of voting by post or proxy should do so as soon as possible as it will give people the maximum time possible to receive and return their postal ballot or confirm arrangements for their proxy vote.”

There’s still time to take part in the census

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There’s still time to take part in the census

There is still time for residents across the Wychavon District to fill in the census questionnaire.

Census Day, which was on Sunday March 21, marked the day that millions of people across England and Wales completed key questions about themselves and their households to ensure local services in every community are informed by the best information possible.

For those who have not yet submitted their online or paper questionnaires or have maybe misplaced their invitation letter, there is lots of help available.

A new unique access code can be requested online and there is face-to-face assistance at local Census Support Centres.

Field officers are also calling at households who have not completed their census. They will follow social distancing and COVID-safe guidelines, supporting people to take part. They will be equipped with PPE and will never need to enter anyone’s home.

The results from the census will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities, and the inequalities people are experiencing. This is to ensure the big decisions facing the country following the pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible, through the anonymised answers provided.

The Office of National Statistics will never share personal details and no-one, including government bodies, will be able to identify anyone in census statistics. Personal census records will be kept secure for 100 years, and only then can future generations view it.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “There is still time to take part in the census and we encourage those who haven’t done so to fill it out as soon as possible. There is plenty of support available for those who need it both online and offline. The census is so important, and it only takes ten minutes out of your day to complete.”

If the census is not completed, there is a risk of a fine of up to £1,000.

To complete the census, and to find out how to get help, please visit www.census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE- (Footpaths PS-564, PS-565, PS-566(part), Pershore, PV-530, Pinvin and WP-508, Wyre Piddle) (Temporary Closure Order) 2021

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WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (As Amended)

(Footpaths PS-564, PS-565, PS-566(part), Pershore, PV-530, Pinvin and WP-508, Wyre Piddle) (Temporary Closure Order) 2021

Proposed Order: to close Footpaths PS-564, PS-565, PS-566(part), Pershore, PV-530, Pinvin and WP-508, Wyre Piddle for their entire length in order to allow works to be carried out on construction of a new road.

Exemptions: to permit access to any land or premises having a frontage to the highway affected where there is no other form of access; and to allow the necessary works to be undertaken.

Alternative route: No alternative route.

The proposed Order will continue in force for a period not exceeding 6 months or until the works which it is proposed to be carried out have been completed, whichever is the earlier. However, it is anticipated that the Order will only be operative for 6 months commencing on 1 May 2021

CLICK HERE TO VIEW Plan Temporary Closure – Pershore-Wyre Piddle-Pinvin

Wychavon District Council – Changes to Bird Flu restrictions

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Changes to Bird Flu restrictions

The Government has confirmed that the requirement for keepers of birds and poultry, including in private gardens, to keep them housed will be lifted on 31 March. Biosecurity measures will remain in place though and keepers of birds and poultry are asked to spend the next few days making preparations should they wish to allow their birds to wander around again.

Details are available here

It’s time to engage the community in the Great British Spring Clean- The campaign is (28 May – 13 June 2021).

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Help Keep Britain Tidy to spread the word

They have developed a handy pack of assets and resources to help you engage local communities in the campaign. This includes a press release, assets for social media and key messages.

 

Getting Involved

This year, supporters can join Keep Britain Tidy by again making a simple pledge and let us know how many minutes you’ll clean-up for during the campaign (28 May – 13 June 2021).

They’ll convert those minutes to miles with the hope that, come summer, we can all enjoy a cleaner, greener, litter-free environment.

People can pledge as an individual or as a group, ensuring they follow the latest Covid-19 guidance about group gatherings outdoors. On their site, they have all the latest safety advice and information.

Pause to remember lives lost to Covid-19

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Pause to remember lives lost to Covid-19

The Leader of Wychavon has paid tribute to the inspirational spirit of the district’s residents ahead of the National Day of Reflection on Tuesday (23 March).

Cllr Bradley Thomas said many lives had been saved because of the actions people had taken over the last year. He added the strength and determination of Wychavon’s communities to support each other had been inspirational.

The National Day of Reflection marks the one-year anniversary of the first national lockdown.

It is being spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie as a way of encouraging people to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone who has died from Covid-19 and other causes. People are also being encouraged to reach out to those bereaved who may have lost someone to the virus, or to another cause, and have been unable to mourn properly because of coronavirus restrictions.

Official figures show 266 people in Wychavon have so far died where Covid-19 has been mentioned as a cause on the death certificate.

Residents are being asked to pause at midday on 23 March for a minute of reflection and to take a moment to reach out to someone bereaved. At 8pm people are being asked to shine a light from their doorstep or from their window, in memory of those who have died and those bereaved.

Cllr Thomas said: “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to every single person who has lost someone due to Covid-19, and also to those who lost loved ones due to coronavirus or for other reasons, but were unable to say goodbye or to grieve properly because of the restrictions.

“I am humbled by the amazing dedication of our local NHS, who have saved hundreds of lives through their actions. I am also grateful to all our residents who themselves helped to save many, many lives by staying at home and staying apart from each other, no matter how hard that was and continues to be.

“To those businesses that have played their part by closing their doors despite the hardship it has caused, I say thank you and promise we will help you rebuild.

“We are not out of the woods yet. We must be cautious as we come out of lockdown, but there are better times ahead.

“On Tuesday I urge everyone to pause at midday to reflect on how much we have been through this last year, remember lives lost and loved ones still grieving, and pledge to continue to work together as we rebuild from this pandemic.”

Wychavon has produced a short video to mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown, using items submitted to the Wychavon Covid-19 Memory Bank. Visit our Facebook page from 23 March to view it.

Electoral services in Wychavon are looking for staff to work at polling stations on Thursday 6 May.

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Electoral services in Wychavon are looking for staff to work at polling stations on Thursday 6 May. Due to covid-19 restrictions they need to employ more staff than usual.

Poll clerk positions are available at stations across Wychavon, from 6am to 10pm. A Poll Clerk would be paid £180 and would be allocated to work with an experienced Presiding Officer.

It’s a day out, getting to know our district and residents. The role involves greeting electors, issuing ballot papers, keeping the station clean and maintaining queues. Full training will be given online before polling day.

All staff will be provided with masks and other PPE to protect them against Covid-19. Electors will be asked to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

Please feel free to pass this to anyone you think may be interested.

For further information or to express an interest in working as a poll clerk please get in touch

Wychavon – 01386 565437

Thank you for your support.

Elaine Dicks, (AEA Cert.)

Electoral Services Manager

Deputy Returning Officer / Deputy Electoral Registration Officer

Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcs. WR10 1PT

Telephone: (01386) 565162

Fax: (01386) 565290

email: elaine.dicks@wychavon.gov.uk     

website: www.wychavon.gov.uk/elections

Census 2021 in full swing in Wychavon

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Census 2021 in full swing in Wychavon

With 21 March fast approaching, Census 2021 is in full swing in the Wychavon District.

Letters with unique access codes have been sent out to residents across the district and responses are already being sent in.

Residents are required by law to complete the census on Sunday, 21 March or as soon as possible after. There is a risk of a £1,000 fine if not completed.

A completed questionnaire can be submitted before this date if it is known who will be in the household on that day.

Field officers will be sent out across the country (operating in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance) to contact those who have not responded. They will also offer help and advice to those who need it.

The questionnaire includes questions about age, sex, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity.

For the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “The census is so important, and we are encouraging everyone to take ten minutes out of their day to fill it in. The results will not only help us plan and fund our services in the future, but it will also help guide services such as transport, education and healthcare.”

Iain Bell, Deputy National Statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said: “A successful census will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales. It helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future. We’ve had a fantastic response so far, with so many of you completing the questionnaire on your laptops, phones and computers. If you can’t get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them. Now is the time to make your mark on history.”

To complete your census, and to find out how to get help, please visit www.census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.