Local News
Think WIDEN to prevent burglary
17th January 2023
Nearly two-thirds (65%)* of us are worried about our home being broken into, yet there are simple, proven measures we can all take to halve our chances of being burgled.
We have joined forces with our longstanding primary smart security partner, ERA Home Security, to bring you our Think WIDE(N) burglary prevention campaign highlighting the simple, evidence-based WIDE measures which can be taken in any home on a variety of budgets.
At Neighbourhood Watch, we also believe neighbours keeping an eye out for each other is key to reducing burglary, so we’ve extended the WIDE acronym to WIDE(N):
- W: WINDOWS: Keep your windows locked
- I: INTERIOR: Put inside lights on a timer/smart bulb
- D: DOORS: Double or deadlock your doors
- E: EXTERIOR: Put outside lights on a sensor
- (N): NEIGHBOURS: Keep an eye out for your neighbours
Leaving home? Use this free home security checklist to leave your home safe and secure.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said ‘We know that by securing your home’s windows, interior, doors, exterior and keeping an eye out for neighbours, we can all give ourselves the best chance of preventing burglary.
If you have been burgled recently, criminals are familiar with your home and may come back once you’ve had time to purchase new items. Act soon to avoid being retargeted – use the WIDE(N) advice for a combination of simple yet effective prevention measures.’
Learn more at ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden.
Consumer safety alert – Baby self-feeding pillows
16th December 2022
Oxfordshire Trading Standards have asked if we could share this warning.
Pension Credit application deadline (18th December)
4000+ people across Oxfordshire currently entitled to Pension Credit but not claiming it.
Providing people start an application by 18th December, and have been eligible for Pension Credit since September, they will get both their Pension Credit award (which will be ongoing), and the one-off cost of living payment of £324. People can still apply after 18th December, but they’ll miss out on the extra £324 this year (although there may be more payments for people on Pension Credit next year).
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is an income supporting benefit for older people paid by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). It is means tested, so whether people are eligible depends on their financial circumstances.
Who is eligible?
People must be over state pension age, which is 66 for most people. If people live with a partner, they’ll need to apply as a couple, and both must be over state pension age. There is no capital limit, so eligibility is a sliding scale that depends on income and capital. Generally speaking, if someone’s capital is under £10,000 and income for a single person under £182.60 per week or for a couple under £278.70 per week, they may be eligible. Any disability benefits received shouldn’t be included in income because AA, DLA and PIP don’t count towards income for Pension Credit.
How do people find out more / claim?
We have useful links to a benefits calculator and DWP information on our website here – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire/about-us/cost-of-living-campaign/
Claims can be made online via https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or by calling DWP on 0800 991234.
Vale of White Horse District Council – December updates
15th December 2022
The Vale of White Horse District Council has information for residents over the Christmas period such as opening times and how to access services. For more information, click here.
Cold Weather Amber Alert Level-3
6th December 2022
The cold weather amber alert has been extended until Friday, 16th December.
Cost of Living Support
16th November 2022
Oxfordshire County Council knows this winter will be a challenging time for residents across Oxfordshire.
Temporary Road Closure – Tubney, Abingdon Road – 2nd – 6th December
30th November 2022
In the interests of public safety, it will be necessary for Oxfordshire County Council to close the road and impose a no waiting, no loading / unloading restriction as detailed above to facilitate patching works.
A temporary Notice is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate from 02 December 2022 up to and including 06 December 2022. This will operate between 09:30 and 15:30.
A Temporary Traffic Regulation Notice is being made to implement the temporary closure and restriction and will operate on the days shown above.
Please note that Notices for urgent works can last up to 5 consecutive days only.
Access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for those frontages within the closure area, subject to the progress of the works and liaison with the works supervisor.