Green Grants: Within hours of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announcing the Green Grant available for homeowners, we received reports of scam telephone calls from bogus companies advising that the recipient is eligible for the grant. If you receive such a call, HANG UP. Do not give the caller any personal details.
Please note, the scheme is not due to start until September, and so any calls related to the Government announcement will be a scam. The roll-out of the scheme will be run locally and details of how to apply will be provided soon. Report all scams to us via 0808 223 1133.
Doorstep caller: We have received a report of a man going door to door in the Kesgrave area, offering to trim trees and carry out garden work. He claimed to be working in the area. If you are approached, please do not agree to any work being undertaken. Our advice is to NEVER deal with anyone who calls at your property unsolicited.
Any further details on the individual, including description and vehicle registration would be much appreciated. Please report to us via 0808 223 1133.
Business openings: The Government are due to announce this week the timetable for more businesses to be able to open. Until then however, the following businesses need to remain CLOSED: nail bars, beauty salons and tanning salons; massage, tattoo and piercing parlours; indoor fitness and dance studios, and indoor gyms and sports venues/facilities; nightclubs; casinos; bowling alleys and indoor skating rinks; indoor play areas including soft-play; spas; swimming pools and water parks; exhibition or conference centres - where they are to be used for exhibitions or conferences, other than for those who work for that venue.
Guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance Please call us on 0808 223 1133 if you need advice on whether you can open your business, or to report a business that you believe should be closed.
Flower seller: We received a report of a gentleman going door to door attempting to sell flowers from an unmarked white van, in Kirton last week. The gentleman claimed that the flowers were "left over from a cancelled flower show". Our advice is not to buy on the doorstep. If you are approached, please do not engage with him. Report the unsolicited call to us via 0808 223 1133. Any further information on the registration details of the vehicle would be gratefully received.
Chickens: There has been a significant increase in those purchasing poultry to keep in the garden, to be able to provide eggs. If you are considering the same, we would recommend that you have a look at the information provided by the British Hen Welfare Trust, who have a great “Hen Keeping Starter Guide” as well as guidance on hen husbandry: https://www.bhwt.org.uk/hen-keeping-starter-guide/
If keeping less than 50 chickens there is no requirement to register them, however we would recommend that you do, so that you can be contacted if there is a disease outbreak in your area.
Poultry are susceptible to many diseases and need regular checks. One such disease is avian influenza (Bird Flu) which is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds. Find out more about bird flu and how to spot it, as well as how to register your flock here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Barbecue recall: Menkind are recalling their Balcony Barbecue following advice received from The London Fire brigade that they advise never to use barbecues on balconies. If you have purchased the product for this use and wish to return it, Menkind will give you a full refund. More information can be found here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/balcony-bbq-voluntary-recall