ERYC Events throughout the area

including Cottingham

TRADING STANDARDS WARN OF EMAIL SCAM

East Riding Of Yorkshire Council Trading Standards Service is warning people to be aware of emails that appear to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) informing you that you are due a tax refund. 
HMRC do not send notifications of a tax rebate by email and those receiving these emails should be aware it is a scam to steal your identity and to get control of your credit card.
The emails concerned give the appearance that they are from HMRC and attempt to convince the recipient that they are genuine by saying that they are owed money as a result of tax recalculation. 
People are told that all they need to do to get the money is to fill in the attached form on screen and press the “submit form” button.
Trading Standards are advising anyone who receives such an email to delete it straight away and to also make sure it is deleted from their email trash bin.
It is important not to open the attachment as it contains codes that may damage your computer.
The form which would be displayed asks for personal information which would allow your identity to be stolen .  On top the email asks for credit card details, including the three digit security code and PIN number.  This information would allow the conmen full information about and access to your bank account.
Colin Briggs, trading standards services manager, said: “People are advised never to give out their personal details in unsolicited emails such as this. After all if the Inland Revenue owes you a tax rebate they already know who you are and can send you the cheque in the post.”
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection, said: “Members of the public must not reply to any unsolicited email or telephone calls asking for their credit card details or bank account number. The only reason they are asking you for this is to enable them to take your money.”
If you think you have received or been victim to a hoax email, please call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

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LOWEST EVER EAST RIDING COUNCIL TAX AGREED

The council has today set a budget for the next financial year (1st April 2110 to 31st March 2011) of £269 million, which requires a council tax at Band D of £1,212.20, an increase of £17.91 or 1.5 per cent.

The council tax increase is the lowest ever set by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and will mean that the increase for an average household will be less than £16 per year.

Although Band D is used as the benchmark national average council tax charge, more properties in the East Riding fall into the lower bands B and C.  The council tax at these bands will be £942.82 (Band B) and £1,077.51 (Band C).

Councillors had as a basis for discussion a budget prepared by the council’s corporate management team which indicated a 3 per cent rise in council tax.  However, this increase has been halved by taking money from various reserves and budgeting for a half per cent pay rise, which is in line with national expectations, and not from front line services.
 
As in previous years, setting a budget has been a challenging task, with the council needing to balance budget pressures, mainly arising from existing commitments or from legislation, against the requirement to make savings in other areas.  Among the budget pressures are the costs of caring for vulnerable children and adults – in particular the large and growing elderly population in the East Riding – and the need to meet the Target 45 goal for the percentage of waste generated that is recycled by the year 2015.

Schools are funded separately through a specific and ring-fenced government grant.  As part of its existing commitment, the government is ensuring that schools will receive a minimum 2 per cent increase in their budget.  The actual amount for each school is determined by pupil numbers and these are still to be confirmed to calculate individual school budgets.

Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of the council, said: “I believe this is a responsible budget based on sound principles and the council’s record of excellent financial management.  It protects essential services while taking account of our residents and their ability to pay.   We all work hard to limit the council tax increase, especially in these difficult economic times, but we face issues that are outside the council’s control.  While the costs of providing services in a large but quite sparsely populated area like the East Riding are high, the level of national grant, which makes up the bulk of the available money, is low compared with other councils – around £100 per person below the national average and more than £300 per pupil below average for schools.

“Together with the inequitable way some £7.7 million of our grant settlement has been ‘clawed back’ by the Government, the result is that East Riding residents are having to pay more than they should and are in effect subsidising other parts of the country that do better through the national funding system.

“Nothwithstanding the financial challenge, I shall be working to deliver a similar or hopefully even lower council tax increase next year.”

Councillor Parnaby also warned that future funding for local government, as for all the public sector, was likely to be significantly reduced as a consequence of the fall-out from the global banking crisis and particularly as a result of the huge government debt.

He said: “Our budget for the forthcoming financial year is protected as part of a three-year government deal for local authorities, but for the future I am in no doubt that there will be reduced levels of public expenditure and we face challenging times.”

An extremely positive outcome of the 2010/11 budget is that the council will be carrying out its biggest ever building or ‘capital’ programme, with £148 million to be spent on improving essential infrastructure like roads, housing and schools.  The programme has been boosted and accelerated by the fiscal stimulus of £100 million approved last year which is resulting in the council  bringing forward many schemes to assist the local economy and support local businesses.

In addition, the council is undertaking a £33 million programme over the next year which will see the first new council homes in the East Riding for many years.  Some 275 properties are to be built and more will follow as a result of additional funding that has been secured.  This building programme will also help support local businesses and especially the construction industry.

The East Riding of Yorkshire Council council tax figures for 2010/11 are set out below (2009/10 in brackets)  to which needs to be added the precept requirements of the Humberside Police and Fire authorities, town/parish council precepts and any special expenses.  The Police and Fire precepts are due to be set in the next few days.  These will be reported to a meeting of the Council on 24 February when the final council tax resolution will be approved.

Band A        £808.13                            (£796.19)
Band B        £942.82                            (£928.89)
Band C        £1,077.51                          (£1,061.59)
Band D        £1,212.20                          (£1,194.29)
Band E        £1,481.58                          (£1,459.69)
Band F        £1,750.96                          (£1,725.09)
Band G        £2,020.33                          (£1,990.48)
Band H        £2,424.40                          (£2,388.58)

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SKIDBY WINDMILL EXHIBITION

A new exhibition is now showing at Skidby Windmill, in the village life gallery, and is likely to last for about four months.

Entitled 'East Yorkshire Windmills,' the exhibition describes the development and subsequent decline of windmills in the region, as well as details of how windmills work and the role of the miller. It's also illustrated with numerous interesting 'now and then' photographs of some of the remaining mills.

Jean Ross, a volunteer with the East Riding Rural Life project based at Skidby Mill, said: "In 1879 there were 113 windmills in East Yorkshire, excluding those in Hull, but by 1921 the number had fallen to just 18.  This exhibition tells you where they were, how they worked and what happened to this once vital part of East Yorkshire life."

Skidby Windmill is open daily 10am - 5pm, with last admission at 4.15pm.

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HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING PERMITS

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is changing the permit system which allows residents to unload commercial vehicles and trailers on the 10 household waste recycling sites.
From 1 April, six annual permits will be issued per vehicle and no additional permits will be issued during the 12 months.
Residents will have to apply annually to obtain the permits, which apply to trailers over 6x4ft long.
Current permits can be used until 31 July. From that date they will no longer be accepted on the sites.
Leaflets and application forms detailing the new system can be downloaded from www.target45plus.org.uk  and are available at the sites and the council’s customer service centres.
Completed application forms and requested documentation should be posted to Wastewatchers, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Willerby Depot, Viking Close, Willerby, HU10 6DZ, or can be scanned and emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Allow 10 working days for successful applications to be posted out.

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COUNCIL TO LAUNCH BLUE BINS EXCHANGE

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is launching a scheme to give thousands of residents a larger blue bin to reduce recyclable waste going to landfill.
It is projected that an initial 24,000 households will be offered a 240 litre bin in exchange for the current 140 litre bins. Already 11,700, about nine per cent, of East Riding households have the larger 240 litre blue bin The scheme will be rolled out across the council’s area in a phased programme starting from May.
Councillor Symon Fraser, portfolio holder for environmental issues, waste, recycling, strategic highways, planning and rural issues, said: “We have heard our residents’ requests for a bigger blue bin to enable them to recycle even more.
“They are keen recyclers and in the last few years we have increasingly improved the service, adding cans and plastic bottles, putting pressure on the size of the blue bin.”
He added: “If half the households in the East Riding had a larger blue bin, which would keep even more recyclable waste out of the green bin, the council could save over £62,000 a year on landfill costs.”
Funding for the scheme, which will cost £440,000, is from savings made in this years waste disposal budget.
Cllr Fraser, said: “The larger blue bins will help us achieve Target 45+, the campaign by residents and the council to recycle at least 45 per cent by the end of this year.”
The council is also planning to reschedule the blue bin collection days for a number of households to improve the efficiency of the rounds. An announcement will be made later in the year.

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SEASON PASSES AT SEWERBY

2010 Season Passes are now on sale at Sewerby Hall and Gardens.

Priced at £13 for adults and £6.50 for children aged between three and 15 years old they are extremely good value for money.

A family pass is also available costing £38. It is valid for up to two adults and three children.

The passes allow unlimited access to the hall, zoo and gardens throughout the year.

Season pass holders also benefit from 10 per cent discount on items in the hall’s gift shop and menu items at the Clock Tower Tea Rooms.

Golf season passes are also available and cost £85 for adults, £55 for over 60s and £42.50 for children aged between three and 15 years old.

They make unusual gifts for both casual and professional golfers alike.

Application forms for any of these passes are available from the Sewerby Hall and Gardens estate office or via the website at www.sewerby-hall.co.uk

Once completed they can be sent with payment by post.

Anyone renewing a pass who wants to avoid the rush before the season starts can bring their existing pass and payment to the estate office between 9am and 3pm where it will be processed smoothly and quickly.

More information is available on the website or from the estate office on (01262) 673769.

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BEWARE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT FIRMS

OFFERING TO CLEAR YOUR DEBTS

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's trading standards service is warning local people to beware of firms offering to clear their debts.  Low interest rates, wage cuts and freezes, and high house prices have meant that many people are struggling to meet their financial obligations.  The current economic climate has seen a rise in the number of claims management companies (CMCs) targeting cash-strapped families with promises to use legal loopholes to help people escape their debts.  However, these firms may expect payment of several hundred pounds, up front, from those who are already unable to meet their financial commitments and who are unaware of the free advice available from the organisations listed below.

Changes to the Consumer Credit Act 1974 mean that borrowers only need to prove that the relationship between them and their lender is unfair rather than showing that certain criteria have not been met, such as an agreement being incorrectly worded or that the interest rate is extortionate.  If it can be shown that the relationship is unfair, the borrower could make a legal claim against the lender that the agreement is not enforceable. 

Despite this change in the law, what is considered to be unfair has only been partly tested by the courts and there are many cases pending.  Until recently, lenders have preferred to settle out of court rather than be part of a case that sets a legal precedent for any future claims. However, a recent ruling in favour of lenders, by Judge David Waksman in the Manchester High Court, can be seen as a partial victory against indebted credit card customers.  Promises by CMCs that they can use this loophole to help people escape their debts may, therefore, be misleading as a borrower could win or lose a claim and an unsuccessful claim would leave an individual in even more debt.

The Ministry of Justice has highlighted some of the misleading statements made by CMCs, such as claims that 80 per cent of credit agreements were unenforceable or that a CMC could get credit card debt written off “within six weeks”.

Some of the firms that charge up front for this type of service offer to refund the charge if the claim is unsuccessful.  However, in some cases refunds are only offered in relation to disputes over specific types of agreements, such as mortgages or secured loans, and are not offered to clients with other types of debt.  For example, if the small print of the agreement with the CMC excluded refunds for unsuccessful claims regarding credit cards, a client who claimed unsuccessfully in relation to a credit card agreement could be several hundred pounds worse off. 

Colin Briggs, trading standards services manager, said: “I would always recommend anyone who is struggling to pay their debts to seek advice from one of the organisations that can help them, free of charge.  Why pay when you can get help or advice from organisations such as your local citizens advice bureau, the consumer credit counselling service or the national debtline?”.

Cllr Jane Evison, portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection, commented: “I would urge anyone who is worried about debt to seek independent advice from one of the free charities or organisations that provide this type of service.”

Anyone worried about debt can contact one of the following organisations for help:-
*    Citizens Advice Bureau – www.citizensadvice.org.uk, or look in your local telephone book.
*    Consumer Credit Counselling Service –  www.cccs.co.uk, or 0800 138 1111.
*    National Debtline –  www.nationaldebtline.co.uk, or 0808 808 4000.

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PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE

As part of the continued professional development workshops, the council's arts development team is pleased to welcome leading contemporary dance company Phoenix Dance Theatre to The Spa, Bridlington.

Phoenix Dance will be leading a technique class followed by a creative session which are designed to develop further those who have already finished their training or want an insight into the way a professional company works.  Come along to improve your technique and get creative.

Taking place on Sunday, 31 January 2010 at The Spa, Bridlington, the workshop runs from 11am – 2pm. Tickets are £12 and available from The Spa Box Office on (01262) 678258.

Laura Johnson, arts development worker, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for local dance practitioners to access professional training right here on their doorstep."


For more information about the workshop, call Laura Johnson on (01482) 392652.

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TRADING STANDARDS ASK RESIDENTS TO BE AWARE

OF A COUNCIL TAX REFUND SCAM

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s trading standards service is warning consumers to be extra vigilant about a telephone scam, which tries to trick people into giving out their bank account details in return for a promised council tax rebate.
The scam involves the fraudsters calling residents to tell them they are owed a refund on their council tax. The fraudsters are very convincing saying they are ringing from the council or a central claims court in London, and seem to already know a number of personal details about the resident, lulling them into a false sense of trust. Crucially however, they ask for the resident’s bank account or card details in order for the money to be credited to their account.
The scam appears to be operating over a large part of the UK and currently South Buckinghamshire, Northumberland, Fareham, Portsmouth, North Tyneside, Stafford as well as the East Riding have been targeted.
The scam has been publicised in regional and national newspapers And Consumer Direct, the regional consumer advice line, has also been made aware of the scam.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s council tax department would like to make it very clear that they do not operate in this way. The council may adjust your account to incorporate any refund or issue a cheque but it is likely that there would have been on-going correspondence between the council and the residents before any refund was agreed.
Colin Briggs, trading standards services manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said “Anyone who is due a refund on their council tax bill will be well aware of it as they will have been in contact with either the council or the valuation office agency.
“If you receive an unexpected call concerning council tax it is almost certain to come from someone who wishes to commit fraud against you.”
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection, said: “Members of the public must not give out any bank account or credit card details to any unsolicited telephone calls that ask for credit card or bank account numbers. The only reason they are asking you for this is to enable them to take your own money.”
Any Yorkshire and the Humber residents who would like to report this scam or any other consumer matter can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 in the first instance.
Any East Riding residents who requires specific advice about their council tax bill should contact East Riding Of Yorkshire Council’s customer service centres, on (01482) 393939.


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DON'T BE CAUGHT OUT BY FAKE INVOICES

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s trading standards service is warning businesses and schools to be aware of fake invoices.
A new scam has come to light which involves invoices that appear to have come from Yellow Pages and requiring a payment of £499 to be listed on the online directory for one year. 
These invoices have not come from the Yell Group PLC or Yell Limited and have not been sent on their behalf.
The council’s trading standards services is asking businesses to check the invoices they receive carefully before paying and if in doubt about such an invoice for a listing in Yellow Pages, do not use the contact details on the invoice. 
Businesses can find the correct contact details for Yell Limited customer services by going to their website: www.yell.com Colin Briggs, trading standards services manager, said: “It is important that businesses take care to avoid being ripped off.  Make sure you have a system in place that checks the invoices you receive.”
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection, said: “In a recession businesses can not afford to lose money to such scams.  Please be vigilant.”
Anyone who thinks they may have been victim to a fake invoice should call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.


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TRADING STANDARDS WARNING OVER CHAIN GIFT SCHEMES

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s trading standards service is warning residents that an illegal get rich quick scheme has arrived in the area.

The scheme starts by inviting potential “investors” to an event, often in an organiser’s home, where it is explain how an “investment” of £3,000 can give a return of £23,000. 

Participants are told that all they have to do is pay £3,000 to a person above them in the scheme and in turn they have to introduce two new “investors” and wait for the eventual payout of £24,000 in total from eight other “investors.” 

An organiser in the scheme will take £1,000 from this total and a number of reasons have been given for this, which have included donations to charities.  The organisers of the scheme claim it is legal and safe and that it can only bring benefits.

However, the people taking part are signing up to a pyramid promotional scheme sometimes called a chain gift scheme. 

Participation in such a scheme, where the payout comes wholly or mainly from introducing others to participate is illegal under the Gambling Act 2005. This is also a banned commercial practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. 

Anyone establishing, organising or promoting such a scheme is committing a criminal offence.  This means that if residents are persuaded to participate and introduce others to join up, they also may be breaking the law.
 
For every person who manages to get a payout of £23,000, eight people have to have paid in £3,000 each. 

For each of these eight people to get the payout, 64 new participants are required and for the next round of payouts 512 new participants will have to be recruited. 

When such schemes fail the number of losers is always much larger than the number of winners.  Families, friendships and even whole communities can be damaged.  There is no legal way to recover money lost after joining these schemes.

A spokesman for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “In times of recession and financial uncertainty, consumers may be more likely to find chain gift schemes attractive investments.  However, they must be aware that the danger of losing all the money they invest is very real.

“These schemes require an infinite supply of new investors, which is completely unrealistic.  Any scheme must collapse eventually and most participants will lose their money.  Chain gift schemes are not a safe way to invest as the risk of losing money is so high. 

“It is essential that consumers seek professional financial advice before deciding on any investment.”

Consumers looking for independent financial advice can contact the Financial Services Authority on 0300 500 5000 to check that a financial advisor is authorised. 

Anyone who would like general consumer advice can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

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ELVIS WORLD CUP QUALIFIER IN BRIDLINGTON

Sequins, jumpsuits and quiffs will descend upon Bridlington when the town holds the English qualifier for the Elvis World Cup during a three day Elvis Weekender from 19-21 February.

The winner of the event at The Spa Bridlington will represent England at The World Cup Final in Cardiff on 4 July, 2010.

Andrew Aldis, general manager of The Spa said: “We are very excited to have been chosen for this fantastic event.  The whole weekend sounds like it is going to be fun from beginning to end.  We hope that Bridlington and the region will embrace this festival.”

The team behind this event also runs The Porthcawl Elvis Festival which, over the past seven years has grown to be the biggest Elvis festival in the world. Last year’s event attracted 30,000 people to the small Welsh town.

Peter Phillips, who heads the team running the event said: “We’ve been looking for a town that has the same characteristics to Porthcawl, where we can establish a similar festival at a different time of the year. Bridlington ticked all the boxes and we’re really excited about working with The Spa and the town to repeat our success in Porthcawl.”

Weekend tickets are available along with individual performance prices from The Spa’s box office on (01262) 678258.

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EAST RIDING OPEN ART EXHIBITION

TIME LIMITED CALL FOR PROJECTS

The Coast, Wolds, Wetlands and Waterways LEADER funding  programme was launched in April earlier this year. The area covers most of the rural East Riding of Yorkshire as well as parts of Ryedale and Scarborough.

This £2.811 million funding programme from the Rural Development Programme for England funding runs from 2007 – 2013. Of the £500,000 of funding available this year, there is still some funding that is yet to be allocated and spent by the end of February 2010.

If you have a project that meets the programme’s key theme of rural heritage & culture linked, where appropriate, to service provision, with business growth and opportunities as cross cutting themes, and can help to deliver the programme of activities ( see our website www.ruralprogrammeseastyorkshire.co.uk/rdpe for more information on eligibility and the programmes of activity), please complete an expression of interest form, also available from the website.

The project idea will be assessed and, if eligible, you will be invited to complete an application form and project business plan.

This call for projects is for ones that can complete spend by the end of February 2010 and the timescales for submission are:

Expressions of interest to be submitted as soon as possible and by 30th October 2009 at the latest and, if eligible, application forms along with project business plans to be submitted as soon as possible, but the absolute deadline is Monday, 9th November 2009.

           
ISSUED BY EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE COUNCIL ON BEHALF OF THE COAST, WOLDS, WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS LEADER FUNDING PROGRAMME

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ERCAS ACCREDITIATION

Congratulations to the sports clubs who have achieved the East Riding Club Accreditation Scheme (Ercas) award recently.

Costello FC, Skidby Lakes Golf Club and Newport Cricket Club have all achieved level one accreditation.

Congratulations also go to Beverley Lifesaving Club who have renewed their level one accreditation, Goole Netball Club, Goole Town Cricket Club, Bridlington Swimming Club and Hull and East Riding Karate Academy who have successfully renewed their level two accreditation.

The aim of the scheme is to promote a quality club infrastructure focusing on key areas such as child protection and implementing health and safety measures. A further requirement for all junior clubs is to have qualified coaches and CRB police cleared volunteers.

For further information on the accredited clubs please visit www.eastridingsportandplay.org and click on ‘club development ’ then ‘accreditation’ or for information on the Ercas scheme please contact Adam Toes, community recreation officer, on (01482) 392524 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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JANE MCDONALD RETURNS TO THE SPA BRIDLINGTON

Diva Jane McDonald will appear at The Spa Bridlington on Saturday 3 April 2010 in her new show which is currently playing to sell-out houses across the UK.

She returns to Bridlington after the success of her sell-out concert in February 2009 and tickets are already on sale for the event in April.

Jane, complete with her fabulous orchestra and backing singers, leads a magical evening of music and laughter in this live concert.

It is now more than ten years since Jane first burst onto television screens, captivating audiences with her down to earth charm, wit and sensational singing voice in the BBC documentary series The Cruise.

Since then she has become a household name with endless television credits, most notably as co-presenter of ITV’s Loose Women. She has sold hundreds of thousands of albums, been named Yorkshire Woman of The Year and seen her name engraved alongside those of Charlie Chaplin, Vera Lynn and Morecambe and Wise on Blackpool Opera House’s famous Roll of Honour.

She said: "I seem to have played out much of my life in front of thousands of people and I feel lucky to have been given such a rare opportunity. What’s happened in my life has been a dream come true; and best of all variety is coming back in a big way. Just look at Saturday night TV. Variety dominates. I’m quite trendy now."


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£200,000 PLAY PARK PLANNED FOR HALTEMPRICE

Investment of £200,000 in an East Riding play park will see it completely refurbished.

Haltemprice play area will be part of a planned network of “destination” play parks across the East Riding as funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families will be used to build an exciting area for all ages, with creative and adventurous equipment and features.

Children and young people throughout the East Riding have been actively involved in developing the new play area. There will be a particular focus on accessibility to all children and young people being able to enjoy creative, challenging play experiences.

It is hoped that the refurbishment will be complete before the end of the school summer holidays.

Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection, said: "This council is working to create a network of play-parks which will inspire children to spend more time outdoors and give them the chance to see what their imaginations can come up with when they have first-rate equipment to play on.

"Playing outdoors in a safe environment with other children is not only vital to a child’s development of social skills, it will also encourage them to live healthier more active lifestyles.

"The network of play areas will make a real difference to children throughout the East Riding."

Exciting designs for the site have been drawn up following extensive consultation and will be back out for consultation in early June.

People of all ages are urged to visit Haltemprice Leisure Centre anytime after the 5 June to see the designs or come on Thursday 11 June from 4pm – 7.30pm or Friday 12 June from 9am – 12 noon and speak to a pathfinder project officer.

Bernie Clarke, play and early years projects officer, said: "It is hoped that after consulting with the local children and residents we can install a play area that will be of huge benefit to all ages and meet the needs of the local community and the wider east riding area."

If you have any questions about the Haltemprice play area or you would like to share your views on how you think the play area could be improved you can contact Bernie Clarke, play and early years officer on (01482) 392533 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it


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BMX TRACK NOW OPEN AT

KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELDS,

COTTINGHAM

Residents of Cottingham are flocking to the King George V playing fields after the completion of two new, state-of-the-art facilities. After several years of dedicated hard work, the ‘Friends of KGV’, working in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, are celebrating the opening of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and a dirt BMX track, as part of the ongoing refurbishment of these popular historic playing fields.

The 36 jump BMX track is the result of several years’ continuous hard work from a group of local lads and the ‘Friends of KGV.’ The track, designed by local enthusiast Graham Taylor, provides a range of challenges for all abilities, incorporating ‘Table Tops’, ‘Gap Jumps’ and a number of ‘Berms.’

Graham said : “We wanted to create a track which would enable as many people as possible to go out and enjoy the sport. The track has been divided into four areas -  expert, highly experienced, novice and junior -  with jumps ranging from two metres high to small moundings."

The enclosed space of the MUGA has been specially designed with a non-slip surface to cater for a range of sports including three tennis courts, football, netball and basket ball. Floodlighting has been installed to enable greater usage in the winter months.

Gary Cooper, chairman of the Friends of KGV, said: “We are over the moon to see the completion of this project. The council, Friends and the BMX Group have raised approximately £60,000 to enable the construction of these two projects. In July 2007, we received the news that Biffaward Waste Services had awarded us a grant of £50,000, along with £10,000 received from the Youth Opportunities Fund.  This was the last piece in the financial jigsaw and enabled us to start construction.”

Councillor Jane Evison, East Riding of Yorkshire Council portfolio holder for cultural services, said: “The council is delighted to see the completion of this scheme.  The new facilities provide a wider range of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be more active and to try out new and exciting sports. This project is designed to have long-term social and health benefits and is a good example of what the local community and the council can achieve by working together.”

The council is also pleased to announce that the old Cottingham Playsport building is currently being redesigned.  It is hoped to begin construction in the near future.  Precise dates for a start to the work depend on the outcome of  discussions with potential funding partners. 

Further discussions are also taking place as to the future management of the site.  East Riding of Yorkshire Council is keen to work with local groups to establish a management structure to take the facility forward. 

Gary Cooper, Chairman of the Friends of KGV, said:  “The idea is to put the facility at the heart of the community and establish a management structure with the long- term ability to attract external funding. 

“We all hope that in this way we shall be able to continue building on the substantial improvements that have been made at KGV.”

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TRADING STANDARDS URGES


EXTREME CAUTION OVER EMAILS

East Riding Of Yorkshire Council Trading Standards is advising the public to be extremely cautious if they receive unsolicited emails which appear in their inbox making them offers of employment. This advice is being issued following the receipt of information from the public which shows that East Riding residents have started to receive emails, often from outside the UK which appear to make attractive job offers in return for personal details such as full name, address and date of birth.
Colin Briggs, trading standards services manager, East Riding Of Yorkshire Council said: "Legitimate, honest businesses never recruit staff by sending out unsolicited emails. I would advise anyone who receives such an email to ignore it and delete it from their computer immediately.
"Individuals and organisations who ask for personal information in this way often wish to steal your identity to enable them to commit fraud at your expense."
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for public protection said: "In the present economic conditions people are obviously finding it harder to find work and it appears the fraudsters know this.
"I would advise anyone receiving such an e mail to ask themselves why do these people what my personal information? If the offer seems too good to be true it usually is.
"Under no circumstances should people reply to this type of email."
Residents who are concerned that they may have responded to this type of email and would like further advice should ring Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.


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COUNCILLORS GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO PCSOs

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s safer and stronger communities overview and scrutiny committee has given its full backing to the work of police community support officers (PCSOs) who are out and about in numbers in local communities doing valuable work and enhancing the effectiveness of policing.

PCSOs came in as a result of the Police Reform Act 2002 and there are now 80 of them in the East Riding, all funded locally.  Their main purpose is to contribute to neighbourhood policing through a highly visible patrol with the intention of reassuring the public, increasing orderliness in public places and being accessible to communities and partner agencies working at a local level.

At its meeting last month, the committee heard a detailed presentation on the work of PCSOs from Chief Inspector Derek Shepherd of Humberside Police.

The chief inspector described how PCSOs are fulfilling an important role in neighbourhood policing and one that supported and enhanced the work of the Humberside Police force.  In particular, PCSOs have had a significant impact in dealing with low level crime and the kind of anti-social issues that the police hitherto had not been able to address sufficiently within existing resources.

PCSOs are also valuable as a highly visible presence and are seen as accessible and able to relate well to people in local communities including the younger generation.

One significant aspect is a growing mutual respect between PCSOs and young people; a positive relationship which was applauded by the committee. 

The committee received a summary of the specific issues PCSOs had been dealing with in different parts of the East Riding, which in many cases had resulted in successful outcomes that promoted community well-being.

Councillor Richard Stead, chairman of the safer and stronger communities overview and scrutiny committee, said: “The chief inspector’s comprehensive presentation gave us much valuable information and demonstrated that PCSOs are now an integral part of policing and making an excellent contribution in tackling lower level crime and disorder and supporting local communities.  The committee was especially pleased to hear of the reciprocal respect being shown between the PCSOs and young people.

“My colleagues and I were unanimous in agreeing that we all held the PCSOs assigned to our individual wards in the highest regard.  The efficiency, dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to help members of the community are outstanding. 

"PCSOs are helping to build safer and stronger communities, which is the core aim of this committee, and I commend Humberside Police and other agencies involved for the way in which PCSOs have been introduced and deployed to strengthen policing throughout the East Riding.”

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NEW LEGAL ADVICE SERVICES WORTH HALF A MILLION

POUNDS TO HELP MORE EAST RIDING RESIDENTS

The Legal Services Commission (LSC) and East Riding of Yorkshire Council are holding a consultation to design a new way of delivering legal advice that could mean a half-a-million pound investment for East Riding residents.

The East Riding Community Legal Advice network, which is planned to be up and running by autumn 2009, is among the first of its kind in the country. 

In order to design a service that meets the needs of East Riding people, a consultation event will be held at Bishop Burton College on Tuesday 16th December, 9.45am – 1.15pm for members of the public and organisations who are interested in advice services. 

The draft service specification is available online for consultation at East Riding Council’s website: www.eastriding.gov.uk from 2nd December to 27th January 2009.

The service will look to increase the provision of advice services in the area and tackle the often interlinked problems that people face – such as multiple debts, housing and benefit issues - helping them get back in control.  Research (1) shows that only about a half of adults who experience legal problems seek advice.  Research also highlights the importance of providing a range of legal advice services through one entry point that people know about and can access.

Through working together, the LSC and the Council are looking to combine their funding and knowledge to jointly obtain an advice service that better meets the needs of people in East Riding.

Peter Nelson, Regional Director (North) of the Legal Services Commission, said: “Despite having a high percentage of eligible population, East Riding has seen a recent decline in applicants for civil legal aid, in contrast to Yorkshire as a region. The network aims to help people in rural areas overcome barriers to finding the advice they need. The LSC helps vulnerable people and our work is fundamental to social and legal justice. We work with skilled and quality-assured advice providers so people can get the help they need, when they need it.

“We believe there is currently insufficient supply to meet the needs of local people and this is exacerbated further by the rural locality and transport links. This approach will present a much-needed gateway to the legal system that clients can access early in times of crisis. That can mean avoiding losing a home or having children taken into care. The Council’s local knowledge, plus our expertise in funding legal advice, will come together to mean better access to justice for people in East Riding, while ensuring best use of tax-payers money.”


Councillor Jonathan Owen, Policy, Performance and Local Strategic Partnership portfolio holder for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "The East Riding is geographically the largest unitary authority in England. Many of its 171 towns and hamlets suffer from problems related to accessibility to services, exacerbated by the lack of affordable public transport.

"This is an opportunity for the Council to work with the Legal Service Commission to ensure equality of access to a range of publicly funded legal and advice services for our residents."


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Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues

Orchestra coming to The Spa, BridlingtonJ

On Thursday 21 May, as part of Bridlington Arts Festival (Monday 11 May – Monday 25 May), legendary musician Jools Holland and the 20-piece Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will play at The Spa Bridlington for a world-class evening of live entertainment. A top line-up features drummer Gilson Lavis, with special guest star Dave Edmunds and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall.

With a pianist, organist, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets and four trombones, they are the most popular big band in the UK.

Jeremy Hartill, general manager at The Spa said: "It’s a great coup for The Spa and Bridlington Arts Festival to secure Jools Holland. He is a unique musician and the Spa Royal Hall is a wonderful venue for hosting large-scale concerts and orchestras."


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