Great Barford Parish Council

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Full Parish Council Meeting

Tuesday 16th June 2020, 7.30pm

Online meeting

Please contact the Parish Clerks for details on how to join the meeting

LATEST NEWS

Great Barford Parish Council

Wednesday July 1st, 2020

Play Areas in Bedford Borough To Remain Closed

With ongoing concerns about the high infection rate in Bedford Borough, Bedford Borough Council has decided that children’s play areas will not be opening on Saturday 4 July.

Play areas are a risk area for infection to be spread, and with a high rate of infection locally, this decision has been taken to help slow the spread of the virus and keep people safe.

Updated signage will be placed on parks this week, and where possible the Council will continue to keep play areas locked and secured.

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said “We know this will be disappointing for many families, and it is not a decision we have taken lightly. Our top priority is to keep people safe and help slow the spread of the virus and we are asking people to work with us, and respect this ongoing closure.

“When we have the outcome of the deep dive investigation with Public Health England and the Joint Biosecurity Centre, investigating why rates here are not falling as quickly as other areas, we will look again at this decision and see if it is safe to open our parks.

“Until then, we are continuing to ask people to stay at home as much as possible, keep 2m apart from others, and wash their hands regularly to help slow the virus, and enable us to ease restrictions.” ... See MoreSee Less

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Great Barford Parish Council

Tuesday June 30th, 2020

Local Outbreak Control Plan Published

Bedford Borough Council has published its Local Outbreak Control Plan, setting out how it will respond to a local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The plan will be formally endorsed by the Member Local Outbreak Engagement Board when it meets on Thursday 2 July at 5pm.

With the introduction of the NHS Test and Trace programme all Unitary and County Councils were asked to produce a Local Outbreak Control Plan. These plans set out how local authorities will work with communities and partners to prevent and respond to local issues and situations related to coronavirus and slow the spread of infection. The plan also provides a specific focus on measures to support those who maybe more vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus.

As a key part of the NHS Test and Trace programme, the plan also describes how any local residents developing symptoms associated with COVID-19 can get tested and how mobile testing units may be used to provide tests to specific locations within the Borough. It also explains how the Test and Trace programme will identify and inform people who have been in contact with someone with the infection so they can self-isolate to limit further spread.

While Bedford Borough is not currently seeing a spike in the virus, as seen in Leicester in recent days, rates of infection remain high compared to other areas so it is really important that everyone continues to stay at home as much as possible. If you need to go out keep two metres apart, wear a face covering (particularly on public transport), and regularly wash your hands.

Bedford Borough Council is working with Public Health England and the Joint Biosecurity Centre to investigate why rates of infection here aren’t falling as quickly as other areas and take action to bring the rates down.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, who will chair the Member Local Outbreak Engagement Board which oversees the delivery of the Local Outbreak Control Plan, said:

“Working closely with our partners and backed up by local, regional and national data sources the Local Outbreak Control Plan sets out the actions we will take locally to tackle outbreaks or a local spike in the virus. In the case of an outbreak we need to act quickly to stop the spread of the virus and protect lives. This may mean taking action to close a school, workplace or care home while supporting those affected. It also reiterates the action we can all take to reduce the spread of the virus in the first place so that we can continue to stay safe and avoid a return to lockdown.”

“We’ve seen in places like Leicester sudden spikes of the virus leading to a local lockdown. In Bedford Borough, we haven’t seen a big spike in infections yet but our rates remain high compared to the rest of the South of England. To avoid a local lockdown, we need everyone to keep acting responsibly to slow the spread of the virus. It is crucial that we all continue to stay at home as much as possible. If you need to go out keep two metres apart and wear a face covering (particularly on public transport), and regularly wash your hands.

Local Outbreak Control Plan published: www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/public-health/coronavirus/

Member Local Outbreak Engagement Board will meet, Thursday 2 July at 5pm. Link will be available via https://bedford.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/decision-making-and-meetings/… ... See MoreSee Less

Coronavirus (COVID-19) · Bedford Borough Council

bedford.gov.uk

Information on Coronavirus outbreak, COVID-19, self isolation, find out what Bedford Borough Council are doing about the coronavirus outbreak

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Great Barford Parish Council

Friday June 26th, 2020

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Great Barford Parish Council

Friday June 26th, 2020

Beds Fire and Rescue Service is concerned that lock down boredom and the very warm weather may encourage some people to go swimming or diving into lakes, rivers and quarries. It is of the utmost importance that they do not.

There are very few locations of water that are lifeguarded in Bedfordshire and the danger to an individual who dives or even ventures into a body of water is significant. Even the strongest swimmers can get into danger.

If you are near a body of water, do not jump into the water from a height, The depth of the water changes and will be particularly low during periods of warm and dry weather. The depth of water can be difficult to judge and may contain hidden rubbish and debris which can cause injuries and drowning.

Cold water shock is another danger associated with jumping into water. Cold water shock can kill. The temperatures of open water, such as rivers and lakes, can be much colder than anticipated, especially in fast flowing sections. Cold water removes heat from the body 32 times faster than cold air causing cold shock – gasping, cramps, and inhalation of water, heart attack, stroke and rapid drowning.

Please do not swim in open waters unless it is part of an organised event for your own safety.

Kind regards

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service ... See MoreSee Less

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Great Barford Parish Council

Tuesday June 23rd, 2020

PROPOSED PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON NEW ROAD, GREAT BARFORD - CLARIFICATION

The proposal is to introduce double yellow lines on one side of New Road only. The double yellow lines would cover a section alongside the village green and some residential properties on New Road. This would stop the footways to the village green and access to residential properties being blocked. Please see the Bedford Borough Council plan for full details.

The proposal is in response to concerns raised over inconsiderate parking, and it aims to improve visibility and provide a safer road network for all highway users.

Please take the time to visit the Bedford Borough Council website for full information – the link is below. A copy of the Notice, the proposed Order, a plan and a statement of reasons for proposing to make the Order may be examined during normal office hours at Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP. These documents can also be viewed on the Bedford Borough Council website at
https://bedford.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/roads-and-pavements/…

The Parish Council cannot submit comments on behalf of residents. ... See MoreSee Less

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