Community First Responders (Your local team call sign NCR 16) A heartfelt note from Tony Smailes: It's nearly a year since I started the scheme at a local level here in Middleton Tyas and it's about time to reflect. Firstly and most importantly, as I write this, from April 17 to date we have attended 24 calls. Of course I am not allowed to give any detail, but suffice to say they were all as a result of 999 emergency calls to Ambulance Control. Difficult to say whether I am happy or not about this fact because no one wants to see the need for 999 calls. However we were there, and together with the regular Ambulance Service responders were, I am sure, a godsend to the unfortunate people involved. Community support has been patchy. The Village Hall Committee have kindly allowed us to use the hall on two evenings next year for our training evenings, and a Bridge afternoon (also in the hall) provided a kick start to our fund raising to purchase uniform and equipment. Several months ago I also wrote to all the businesses on the Service area, the Lodge and the Parish Council hoping for some support, but I regret no answers yet. So, it is working, but we could do so much more. The obvious thing to to have enough volunteers to offer cover every day which at the moment with only three teams is difficult. So my main plea is for more volunteers. January is the traditional time for recruitment and I am hoping to tempt about 6 people to join this worthwhile cause. How about it? If you are interested call me and I will give you the details to help you make a decision. Age, by the way, is no bar, minimum 16 and I know of one responder who is 89! Finally the usual plea of any volunteer group trying to provide a service is, of course, funds. During this next year we need to find about £1000 for uniform and equipment. I will say no more. So why not talk to me about joining us? To paraphrase an old slogan “Your village needs YOU”. Thanks for reading this and I hope you feel that you are able to help in some way. Stay fit and well. Tony Smailes Co ordinator NCR 16 01325 339856 tsmailes728@gmail.com
Broadband Middleton Tyas now has access to BT Infinity or high speed broadband. Superfast North Yorkshire has delivered and a visit to their website (www.sfny.co.uk) will give all the information needed about how to benefit from speeds of up to 76 mbps (depending on what you pay per month and your proximity to the fibre box in the village). This is important news and not just for the young and young at heart who want to transfer lots of date electronically. The presence, or otherwise, of high speed broadband has a significant affect on house prices and desirability so this development is a significant step in helping to "future proof" our village.
Cold Callers North Yorkshire Trading Standards welcome reports of traders who cold call at peoples properties in an effort to obtain work. As a service we have a zero tolerance approach to cold calling and doorstep crime because we are aware of the detriment that it can cause vulnerable residents. Itinerant traders use this approach to take advantage of vulnerable consumers, often acting aggressively to railroad people into agreeing to over charged and unnecessary work to their homes. At this time of year the weather improves and the number of cold callers increases. Our advice is to be vigilant of anyone approaching you at your door or the door of any vulnerable neighbours, if you witness anything suspicious or concerning activity, please report it to the Police via 101 or Trading Standards by calling 0845 40 40 506 or emailing investigationsandsafeguarding@northyorks.gov.uk.
Water Matters If you spot a leak please report it immediately. Call 0800 57 3553 or go to http://www.yorkshirewater.com/leaks . Also, you can get a free water and energy saving pack which could save you money on your utility bills and help you conserve water for more details go to www.yorkshirewater.com/savewater.