News

October is International Walk to School Month

1 October 2016 0 Comments

iwsmThousands of children across the world will be celebrating walking to school.

Why the walk to school matters

Happier children

It’s been proven that children who do some form of exercise, especially a walk before school, do better in class because they arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn.

Less congestion

During morning peak traffic times, one in five cars on the road are taking children school, contributing to congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions.

Cleaner air

The school run alone is responsible for generating two million tonnes of CO2 per year. Imagine what we could achieve if we began converting some of these rides to strides?

#WalktoSchool

Children, Environment, Health, News, Transport, Wellbeing

Stopping Adult Abuse

30 September 2016 0 Comments

Stop Adult Abuseit’s everyone’s responsibility

Adult abuse is everyone’s business and this Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week (3-7 October), residents of Kent and Medway are urged to “See It, Report It, Stop It”.

The best weapon against abuse is talking about it and anyone with concerns about a loved one, colleague, friend, neighbour or themselves needs to tell us about it. (more…)

Crime, News, Wellbeing

Getting through

28 September 2016 0 Comments

parking-image-for-webRubbish bin not emptied?

A minor inconvenience.

House burns down?

A devastating, life changing experience.

On some occasions, the council is unable to empty your bin because vehicles are blocking access to the road.

fire-engine-with-sizeBut if a refuse truck can’t get down the road, neither can a fire engine at a time when you might really need it to. Just a small delay could result in unimaginable consequences.

We know parking can be tight on roads. But please think about whether a large vehicle can get through next time you park.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is working with Canterbury City Council and Serco to make people
aware of the need to leave space for our fire engines and refuse trucks when parking on narrow streets.

Emergency, News, Safety, Transport

Never disclose security details

26 September 2016 0 Comments

Take Five to stop fraudNever disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password

A genuine bank or organisation will never ask you for these in an email, on the phone or in writing. Before you share anything with anyone, stop. Then pause to consider what you’re being asked for and question why they need it. Unless you’re 100% sure who you’re talking to, don’t disclose any personal or financial details whatsoever.

takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

#TakeFive

Crime, Finance, News

Take Five – To Stop Fraud

20 September 2016 0 Comments

Take Five to stop fraudTake Five (a new awareness campaign led by Financial Fraud Action UK and its members with partners Cifas and City of London Police) urges you to to take a moment to stop and think.

Take Five provides five basic rules for avoiding fraud:

  1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password
  2. Don’t assume an email, text or phone call is genuine
  3. Don’t be rushed – a genuine organisation won’t mind waiting
  4. Listen to your instincts – you know if something doesn’t feel right
  5. Stay in control – don’t panic and make a decision you’ll regret

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

#TakeFive

Crime, News

Aspire Landscape Management

20 September 2016 2 Comments

aspireIntroducing Aspire Landscape Management

From October, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) will be bringing the responsibility for grounds maintenance across the borough back in-house.

The new service, called Aspire Landscape Management, will cover the day-to-day work of mowing, pruning, planting, clearing and litter picking on various spaces owned by the council including open green space, parks, floral beds, cemeteries, areas around housing sites, hedges, sports pitches and associated footpaths.

The service is also working with Kent County Council (KCC) Highway Services on areas of work that we can perform in order to maintain quality standards. Until now, this work was undertaken by Landscape Services, but from this autumn it will come under the responsibility of ABC. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, News

Have your say on Kent’s Autism Strategy

20 September 2016 0 Comments

autism-768x549Kent is launching a consultation into a new strategy to improve the outcomes, experiences and support for adults with autism.

At the core of the strategy is creating an autism-friendly society in Kent for the estimated 13,431 people in the county who live with the condition.

Local authorities are required to develop their own local plan as set out in the National Autism Strategy ‘Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives’.

Graham Gibbens, KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “It is estimated that autism affects about 1.1% of the population and it can have a significant impact on every aspect of their lives and the lives of those close to them.

“We are committed to improving diagnosis, assessment and support for those with the condition as well as increasing understanding in the community so we can all support people with autism to live fulfilling and rewarding lives.

“We value the views of people in Kent and we are inviting you to have your say in helping us to shape a strategy which makes Kent truly autism friendly.” (more…)

Health, Kent County Council, News, Wellbeing

Responsible dog ownership

20 September 2016 0 Comments

dogPet owners encouraged to take the lead on responsible dog ownership

A dog may be man’s best friend, but they do have a tendency to get lost or roam away from their owners. Fortunately, lost or stray dogs can be reunited with their family much more quickly and easily if they have been microchipped.

To help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets, relieve stress on animal charities and local authorities and encourage responsible dog ownership, a new government law on compulsory microchipping dogs came into force on April 6th 2016.

Dog owners are being reminded to have their pets microchipped and to keep their details up to date. Owners of dogs found without a chip will have 21 days to have the procedure carried out. Those who refuse to microchip their dogs could face a fine of up to £500.

Ashford Borough Council employs a dedicated Dog Warden who is fully equipped with the training and experience to microchip dogs. The warden will offer a free microchipping service where required; this includes if a dog comes into their possession as lost or a stray, or if they receive repeat complaints of a dog straying.

The microchips are available to the council at no cost from the Dogs Trust, enabling Ashford dog owners to use this service for free. Alternatively, owners can take their dog to their local vet to receive a microchip. (more…)

animals, Ashford Borough Council, Environment, News