COVID-19 & Roadworks
A number of COVID-centric updates as well as two lots of Roadworks:
- New information pack;
- Police to be stricter this lockdown,
- Increased fire risks,
- Rising cases of domestic abuse,
- 86 Bicycles,
- Vaccine scam warning,
- Keeping active in Lockdown, dance, fitness & activities, and
- 5 days of roadworks from, 25th January.
Latest Colchester Information Pack Launched
Hot on the heels of version 14 (which didn’t even get as far as this website), the National Lockdown has seen Colchester issue version 15 which includes the following topics:
- National Lockdown – Stay at Home rules for residents
- Updated Shielding advice
- Updated advice on the COVID vaccines including SCAMS
- Updated information on Support for families with children
- Updated advice for students
- Updated information on Business support
- What lockdown means for businesses
- CBC service updates
- Updated Community Safety information
- And more …..
You can access the whole document on our COVID-19 Resource Page.
Safer Colchester Updates
Sticking to the Rules
In the previous two lockdowns, Colchester Police have used verbal warnings to break up gatherings that threaten to increase the transmission of the COVID virus. As of now, no verbal warnings will be given, only fixed penalty notices.
Of particular concern are gatherings near to coffee shops, skate parks and children’s playgrounds. Additionally, town centre visitors, who are not visiting permitted establishments, will be asked to go home. The Police and Council think that after nearly a year the rules are pretty clear.
It is a possibility that some parks, recreation areas, children’s play areas, and skate parks, will be closed. No one should gather in these places nor regather following a warning by the police.
Fire Risk
The Fire Service has identified an increased risk of fire in homes during the lockdowns. Some properties do not have smoke alarms and the advice is to obtain at least two and place one of these on each floor as near to the ceiling as possible. For example on top of a bookshelf. Many of the fires this year have been caused by phones and laptop computers left on beds whilst charging. Also the unattended cooking of food is a risk. Remember that some areas of Colchester, even in favourable traffic conditions, cannot be reached in less than 15 minutes.
Domestic Abuse
Incidents of Domestic Abuse in the Borough have risen over the past year. Some advice can be found on the Neighbourhood Watch web site at – https://colchesternhw.org.uk/personal-safety-and-security/. This page also includes advice on handling Violent Crime and travelling (not that many of us are doing that at the moment).
Don’t Become a Statistic
Studies show that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse during their life – the police will get a call every minute from someone who is experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse victims are often made to feel like that they won’t be believed or are threatened with further abuse if they tell anyone about what is happening. On average a victim of domestic abuse will have been assaulted 35 times before contacting the police.
In a large number of cases, children are often present in the home when a parent is being abused, either being directly harmed themselves or being witnesses to the abuse.
Bicycle Thefts
In the last three months, 86 bicycle thefts have been reported. Many of these from the town centre. If you use a bicycle you have probably paid quite a lot for it and so it needs the protection of a suitable lock. D-locks are recommended and in the town centre, if you have an unsuitable lock, you may return to find a warning, but helpful, sticker has been attached.
Vaccine Scam
A new scam is being circulated and it looks very believable. It starts with a text, seemingly from the NHS, saying that you are now eligible for the new vaccine and to click on a link to apply. The link takes you to a website, which looks genuine and asks the user to complete a form asking for Name, Date of Birth, Address, Payment Card Details, and Proof of Address. As you can see this should ring alarm bells because, as we all know, the vaccine is free.
Please follow this advice:
- do not click on any links in unknown texts – always check first;
- never give out personal details;
With the approval of multiple vaccines, these types of scam are likely to continue as fraudsters look to take advantage of the rollout. Cold calls regarding the vaccines are also beginning to take place. Please report any attempts to www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Keeping Active in Lockdown
Dance Network Association
The Dancing Through Covid Resource Booklet (see below) is specifically for older adults and for carers and friends to support loved ones with keeping active.
Weekly classes start Monday 18 January and running until March: Details of classes here. Take a Seat classes are most appropriate for those living with Dementia available online to partners, friends and carers who are able to support individuals to access classes and join in. Free ‘on demand’ classes are available on their YouTube channel.
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Open in new tab Sports for Confidence
ECC are running a series of Zoom Physical Activities:
Day |
Time |
Activiy |
Led By |
| Monday | 11 am
3 pm 4 pm |
Gentle Exercise
Weighted Workout Dance |
Tom & Deb
Tom & Deb Shannon & Cara |
| Tuesday | 10 am
11 am 1 pm |
Love to Move
Football, Fitness, Friendship (ball required) Quiz |
Shanon & Tom
Tom & Vera Jack & Megan |
| Wednesday | 10 am
2 pm |
Team Creat
Fun Fitness |
Dawn & Cara
Charlie & Hannah |
| Thursday | 11 am
12 pm |
Dance
Team Mates (6-week social development course) |
Shannon & Vera
Jack & Hannah |
| Friday | 11 am
12 pm 1 pm |
Be Well Bingo
Netball Yoga |
Megan & Sophie
Charlie & Cara Tom & Cara |
If you would like to be involved in these zoom sessions please email [email protected].
They also encourage you to stay connected with these activities each day:
Roadworks & Closures
New Church Road – 5 Days from 25th January
New Church Road will be closed from its junction with School Road to its junction with Church Close a distance of approximately 85m. The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while new connection works are undertaken by UK Power Networks.
An alternative route is available via New Church Road, Chapel Road, Colchester Road, School Lane and vice versa.
Chitts Hill – 5 Days from 25th January
Chitts Hill will be closed from a point approximately 30m north of its junction with Cooks Lane for a distance of approximately 310m in a northerly direction. The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while trial trenches are undertaken by Essex County Council.
An alternative route is available via Chitts Hill, Argents Lane, Spring Lane, Halstead Road, Halstead Road Roundabout, A1124 Halstead Road, A12, Essex Yeomanry Way, A1124 Halstead Road and vice versa.
Access for emergency service vehicles and pedestrians will be maintained at all times during the closure.