Lockdown 3 – Week 1 Update – COVID-19 & Roadworks

National Lockdown GuidelinesCOVID-19 & Roadworks

A number of COVID-centric updates as well as two lots of Roadworks:

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

Police respondingSticking 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.

Locking a bicycle securelyBicycle 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 hereTake 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.

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

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.

Skip to content