CoronaVirus Update no 9 (May 17)

There is little to report specifically on Covid 19 this week that most of us do not already know, but as we go further into this unlock phase, the Government advice to STAY ALERT starts to become more relevant as it is all too easy to forget the social distancing guidelines that we all should follow.

The need for all of us to continue to be sensible and trust our own judgment has never been more important.

Re-opening of the Household Waste Recycling Centres

Household Waste Recycling Centres including Ardley will reopen tomorrow, Monday 18th May. They will open at 8am and close at 4pm seven days a week, as long as they are not overwhelmed and can operate safely. The number of vehicles allowed onto the site will be reduced by approximately 50% to allow for social distancing. This means that queues are highly likely, especially at peak times such as weekends.

Therefore residents are being asked to exercise restraint and only to visit sites if their trip is essential and they cannot safely store their waste at home for the time being.

Key things to remember when visiting the re-opened centres:

  • You should only visit the site if you cannot safely store your waste at home.
  • There will continue to be a charge for non-household waste brought to sites and this will be by contactless card payment only. If you are unable to pay by this method you will not be able to deposit non-household waste at the site
  • For an initial period, no hire vans or trailers will be permitted onto sites.
  • Site teams will be there for guidance only and will not be able to assist residents in unloading their waste.
  • Only one resident will be permitted out of the vehicle, unless it is to unload a heavy load which would otherwise be unsafe to remove. Visits are best made by just one person per vehicle.
  • Residents are requested to ensure all waste is pre-sorted before arriving at site to ensure minimum time on site.

Path by Pond

As a result of the decision to remove the restrictive signs on the path by the pond, the question of making the path one-way was raised due its the narrowness and difficulty to pass others without breaking the social distancing guidelines. The Parish Council considered the matter and on balance felt that for the time being no such measure should be imposed. Many of the other paths leading in and out of the village also have narrow passing points and it was felt that it was best to leave it to the good sense of everyone to either turn away as they pass or indeed offer to back-up where necessary.

 

Message from Thames Valley Police

All communities have been asked by Thames Valley Police to make everyone aware that in March, reports of online child sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area were 146% higher than the number of reports received in March 2019.

With the government restrictions in place, many children are spending more time online to stay in touch with friends and loved ones as well as a way to stay entertained. Sadly, some criminals are using these extraordinary circumstances as a way to exploit and target young people when they are online. Thames Valley are looking to encourage parents and carers to take action in protecting their children from falling victim to online sexual abuse. They are urging parents to take this opportunity to have honest conversations about online safety with their children and to review privacy settings on the apps and social networks that they are using.

To support parents during COVID-19, the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Division are producing fortnightly activity packs to help discuss staying safe online with your children. These age-appropriate resources, containing two 15-minute activities for each age group, can be found at www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Nepalese Food Wagon

Last Monday proved to be another welcome visit from George with his Nepalese food wagon. He will once again be parked outside the Red Lion tomorrow (Monday) for his fourth visit.

As per last week a separate desk will be set up next to the van to take orders and payment from 3.30pm until 5pm. Pre-orders can be collected between 5pm until 6.30pm.  Normal street servings will take place from 6.30pm until 8pm. Those collection pre-orders after 6.30pm will be asked to join the queue if there is one. All cards and cash can now be accepted. Pre-orders can also be made by phone from 3.30pm on 07976 455654. Menu as per last time (see Facebook).

 

Free Puzzles

 

Long-time resident, Janet James, who lives at the entrance to the village on the Stoke Lyne Road, has 10 substantial puzzles that have been completed once and she is happy to let them go to anyone who likes puzzles.

The jigsaws are mainly 1000 pieces, although there are some 500s and one 1500 piece jigsaw. There are a variety of pictures, with about five showing WWII aircraft in the British sky.

Anyone interested should call Janet and pop along to her house where she can show them what is on offer at her front door. Please call 07971 269293.