The agenda for the next Parish Council meeting is now on the website, as well as the March edition of the Parish Times. www.bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/meetings
Meetings – Bishopstone and Hinton Parva
www.bishopstoneandhintonparva.org
2021 Date Village Hall 1st March Hinton Parva Agenda 1st February Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 4th January Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 2020 Date Village Hall 7th December Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 2nd November Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 5th October Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 7th September Hinton Par…
Census 2021 is coming![]()
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Households across Swindon will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The official census date is 21 March.![]()
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The census is a survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. Rest assured that while overall results will be available within 12 months, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. ![]()
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This will be the first one run predominantly online, with all households receiving a letter in early March with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. It will, however, still be possible to complete a paper questionnaire if you prefer. ![]()
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There will be more information available over the next month through both national and local media campaigns. In the meantime, if you are interested in finding out more, visit census.gov.uk.
Good news for walkers! The Parish Council has arranged for chippings to be laid on the the footpath leading off from the bottom of Nell Hill out towards the old cress beds and valley. We noticed it was getting pretty impassable. Look what a smashing job our Lengthman and his team did!
The agenda for February’s Parish Council meeting is now online at bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Agenda-Feb-2021.pdf
bishopstoneandhintonparva.org
It’s up to all of us to play our part in limiting the spread of coronavirus in our community and prevent overwhelming our NHS. Latest government advice can be found here www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
Nottingham Knockers – more rogue traders to avoid![]()
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Bishopstone and Hinton Parva are often targeted by Nottingham Knockers – doorstep callers who offer a selection of household products for sale. They are often ex-convicts who claim to be part of a rehabilitation scheme which doesn’t exist.![]()
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They will initially appear polite, show you some form of ID and will always carry a very large holdall full of household items, such as dusters, polish and other cleaning items, which they will try to sell to you at an inflated price. However, their story is not correct and the ID they show you is fake. If declined, they may become abusive or threatening. Nottingham knockers operating in the villages this week have also been maskless and gloveless, and apparently unaware of COVID-19 lockdown.![]()
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They are committing the offence of "Peddling without a license" and it is recommended that you don’t buy anything from them, politely close the door and call 101 to report them to the police, ideally with a direction of travel and registration plate of any vehicles involved.![]()
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The name originates from Nottingham as this is where the early gangs originated from. However, recent knockers in Wiltshire have come from the Cleveland area. They visit southern counties in groups, staying in nearby accommodation for the week.![]()
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They are known to sell the addresses of vulnerable residents to rogue traders. If you have any elderly or vulnerable neighbours, please make them aware of this type of crime and remind them not to answer the door to unexpected visitors.
It seems that some people are still confused about the current lockdown law. For clarification, please see the government link below. Enforcement is happening, even in our small villages!![]()
www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
National lockdown: Stay at Home
www.gov.uk
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do.
Full Lockdown 3 rules can be found at this link: www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
National lockdown: Stay at Home
www.gov.uk
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do.
There are some very very nasty scammers out there. If you get the message below, delete it.
Beware of Doorstep Scams and Rogue Traders![]()
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Bogus tree service scammers have been reported in Bishopstone this week. The Parish Council would like to remind residents how to protect yourself and stay safe on your doorstep. Please share this information with neighbours who might not be online or on Facebook. Sadly, often the elderly and most vulnerable are targeted.![]()
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What is a doorstep scam?![]()
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Doorstep scams take place when someone comes to your door and tries to scam you out of your money or tries to gain access to your home. ![]()
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Doorstep scammers aren’t always pushy and persuasive, they may seem polite or friendly. So if you’re not expecting someone it’s important to be vigilant when you answer the door, especially if you live on your own.![]()
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It can be very easy to fall victim to a scam, but you can be scam savvy if you know what to look out for.![]()
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What are some common types of doorstep scams?![]()
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There are many different types of doorstep scams, some of the most common ones include:![]()
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Rogue traders: A cold-caller may offer you a service you don’t really need. They may claim to have noticed something about your property that needs work or improvement, such as the roof, and offer to fix it for cash or an inflated price.![]()
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Bogus officials: People claim to be from your utility company as a way of gaining access to your home. Always check the ID of any official, and if they’re genuine they won’t mind waiting while you check.![]()
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Fake charity collections: A fraudster may pretend they’re from a charity and ask you to donate money, clothes or household goods. Legitimate charities will all have a charity number that can be checked on the Charity Commission website. ![]()
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Made-up consumer surveys: Some scammers ask you to complete a survey so they can get hold of your personal details, or use it as a cover for persuading you to buy something you don’t want or need.![]()
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Hard luck stories: Someone may come to your door and ask you to help them out with cash, ask to use your telephone or claim they’re feeling unwell. The story is made up and intended to con you out of your money or gain access to your home.![]()
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How can I protect myself from doorstep scams?![]()
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• ‘If in doubt, keep them out!’![]()
• Never work with cold-callers and don’t be rushed into home repairs![]()
• Consumers are legally entitled to a 14-day cooling off period in most home improvement contracts formed at their home![]()
• Check the identity of the caller by phoning the company they claim to be from. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider![]()
• Check whether traders are members of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, the local Authority Assured Trader Schemes or the Government Trust Mark scheme.![]()
• Ask a neighbour or friend nearby to check out the caller before you open the door to them or agree to have work done![]()
• Never pay cash up front![]()
• Always get at least three quotes before agreeing to have work done![]()
• Use the Trading Standards approved "Buy with Confidence" traders. These businesses are vetted and audited by Trading Standards Officers. To find a Buy with Confidence trader visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or for approved Swindon businesses go to www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20147/trading_standards/33/buy_with_confidence_scheme![]()
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Where can I get help or report scammers?![]()
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If anyone suspects a rogue trader is at the door, they should contact the police by dialling 101. In an emergency, call 999. People can also report rogue traders to local trading standards by calling Swindon Trading Standards service on 01793 466155 or the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506. Further information from Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards service can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20147/trading_standards/1110/covid-19_scams_cons_and_overpricing
COVID-19 – Scams, cons and overpricing | Swindon Borough Council
www.swindon.gov.uk
COVID-19: Scams, cons and overpricing
The minutes of December’s Parish Council meeting are now online at bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/meetings/
Planning Application S/20/1497 Land at Whatleys Orchard. At the Parish Council meeting on 4th January, councillors agreed unanimously to object to this development. A letter setting out in detail the Parish Council’s reasons for objecting has been uploaded to SBC’s planning portal.
www.facebook.com/SwindonBoroughCouncil/photos/a.1683569718589758/2824013627878689/?type=3Following a review of the latest evidence, the Government has announced today (30 Dec) that Swindon will be moved into the Tier 4 ‘Stay Home’ Alert level from 00:01am tomorrow.![]()
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The Tier 4 guidance means you should minimise time spent outside your home and must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household in a public place. ![]()
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To reduce social contact, the regulations will also require some businesses to close. Read the full Tier 4 guidance here: www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home![]()
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Approximately one in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it. It’s fundamentally important that we all follow the guidance to look after ourselves and each other while also reducing the strain on our NHS.
Timeline PhotosDue to the current conditions, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol has been triggered. This means that accommodation will be found for anybody who is known to be sleeping rough in Swindon.![]()
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All rough sleepers known to us have already had an offer of accommodation and this help remains available.![]()
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If you see anybody who is sleeping rough and needs our help, please get in touch.
The agenda for 4th January Parish Council meeting is now on the website and on the noticeboards in Bishopstone and Hinton Parva. bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/meetings/
Meetings – Bishopstone and Hinton Parva
bishopstoneandhintonparva.org
2020 Date Village Hall 4th January Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 7th December Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 2nd November Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 5th October Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 7th September Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 3rd August Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 6th July Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes….
BT have been busy installing overhead fibre in Bishopstone again today. Some High Street and Wyncies area addresses look to have been wired up. These are the postcodes that may now be able to access BT superfast fibre broadband:![]()
SN6 8PR![]()
SN6 8PW![]()
SN6 8PP![]()
SN6 8PL![]()
SN6 8PN![]()
SN6 8PH![]()
SN6 8PJ![]()
SN6 8PE![]()
SN6 8PZ
Universal Service Obligation (USO)![]()
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Since 20th March 2020, if you can’t get a download speed of 10 Mbit/s and an upload speed of 1 Mbit/s, you can request an upgraded connection. You can make this request to BT. You do not need to be an existing customer of BT to apply. Every home and business in the UK has the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection. The Parish Council understands that the recent BT fibre installations in Bishopstone are a result of USO requests.![]()
To carry out an initial check of whether you could be eligible, and find out more information on how to apply, visit BT’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) web page at www.bt.com/broadband/USO
Universal Service Obligation (USO) for Broadband
www.bt.com
It’s a piece of government legislation that gives eligible addresses the right to request a decent and affordable broadband connection.
The minutes of the November meeting are now online. Don’t forget that minutes and agendas for all Parish Council meetings can be accessed on the parish website at bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/meetings/
Meetings – Bishopstone and Hinton Parva
bishopstoneandhintonparva.org
2020 Date Village Hall 7th December Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 2nd November Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 5th October Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 7th September Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 3rd August Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 6th July Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 1st June Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 11th…
We’re keeping an eye on the BT fibre installation in Bishopstone. More homes have been added to their database this week. If you are in one of the postcodes listed below it is worth checking on bt.com ‘See broadband deals’ and/or registering your address on Openreach’s site at www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband/fibre-for-home?fbclid=IwAR20I8eEXnefal_mHXxd2n2ttbMBBgKL-crVO18… Postcodes where some homes can now get fibre broadband include SN6 8PR, SN6 8PW, SN6 8PP, SN6 8PL, SN6 8PN
www.openreach.com
Get faster broadband with fibre straight to your home. Find out how Openreach is building fibre across the UK and see if you can get connected.
BT Broadband![]()
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BT have recently installed additional fibre cables in Bishopstone, meaning that some lucky villagers may be able to contract with BT for a much faster broadband service. This localised fibre upgrade is wholly unconnected to the wider Gigabit voucher scheme (which Cllr Gary Sumner and the Parish Council are still working on) and is part of BT’s own service obligation to ensure a minimum broadband level can be provided to every property.![]()
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To check whether you are lucky enough to get a faster connection with BT, you will need to go to bt.com and click on broadband deals and find your address by entering your postcode. We know BT’s database has not been fully updated to reflect the recent fibre installations and they may show your property having slow download speeds (1 to 3 Mb). If this is the case you will need to contact BT (either by the live chat or on the phone number provided) and request that their database is updated for your property to reflect their recent fibre installations.![]()
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Currently, it appears the new BT fibre can only provide higher speeds to a small number of homes in Bishopstone. BT may not be able to offer you higher speeds, however you don’t know if you don’t ask!
The attached NHS summary provides a very useful list explaining what we can and can’t do in Tier 2 from 2nd Dec
Government Guidance ![]()
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From the 3rd December Swindon have been put into Tier 2 – High Alert. A link explaining details in full can be found in the following link![]()
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www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know ![]()
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The attached NHS summary provides a very useful list explaining what we can and can’t do.
Local restriction tiers: what you need to know
www.gov.uk
Sets out the local restriction tier system that will be in place from Wednesday 2 December, including what you can and cannot do in each tier.
Gigabit fibre update: Openreach is now working on a detailed costing to assess the viability of bringing gigabit fibre to Bishopstone and Hinton Parva using the government’s rural broadband voucher scheme. The costing stage will take around two months. If it looks viable, the next step would be an online ‘pledging’ programme like the one started for Wanborough and Liddington yesterday. Congratulations to Gary Sumner, Rob Buckland and our neighbouring parish councils for getting one scheme off the ground in Ridgeway Ward, and here’s hoping we will be next! #ruralbroadband
Financial help if your income has been affected by Covid-19 www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20013/benefits_and_swindon_money_matters/1138/covid-19_-_financial_help_i…
COVID-19 – Financial help if your income has been affected by coronavirus | Swindon Borough Council
www.swindon.gov.uk
Read guidance about applying for benefits and seeking other financial help if the coronavirus crisis has affected your income or created problems with debt.
New Government restrictions from 5th November![]()
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www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a…
New National Restrictions from 5 November
www.gov.uk
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
The agenda for November’s online Parish Council meeting is now on the parish website at bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/meetings/
Meetings – Bishopstone and Hinton Parva
bishopstoneandhintonparva.org
2020 Date Village Hall 7th December Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 2nd November Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 5th October Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 7th September Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 3rd August Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 6th July Hinton Parva Agenda Minutes 1st June Bishopstone Agenda Minutes 11th…
Do you know the background to the Bishopstone pond?![]()
Want to meet our new Parish Council member?![]()
Read more in the Parish Times:![]()
bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Oct-2020-Parish-Times.pdf
bishopstoneandhintonparva.org
Welcome to the Bishopstone and Hinton Parva Parish Council page. ![]()
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We will keep this page up to date with key parish council information, such as meetings dates, agendas and key topics for the council.![]()
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Please follow our page to stay up to date on PC matters.
The agenda for the next Parish Council meeting is now on the website at bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/meetings/![]()
You can also read the Parish Times online at bishopstoneandhintonparva.org/parish-times/
Page not found – Bishopstone and Hinton Parva
bishopstoneandhintonparva.org
That page can’t be found. It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try one of the links below or a search? Search for: Recent Posts No News Today 🙁 Local Plan Review The Lane in Hinton Parva Closed 2nd Sept Road Closed 15-17 July Most Used Categories Old News (3) New News (1) Archive…