2011 Census

The 2011 Census questionnaire will be coming through your letterbox next spring.

On 27 March 2011 all residential households in the United Kingdom will be taking part in a census. Since 1801 (apart from in 1941 during the war) a day has been chosen every ten years for this purpose.

The census provides an excellent source of information about the population. This enables central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come. The census statistics feed into resource allocation for local authorities and play a major part in their ability to provide local services, so it is crucial the population estimate is as accurate as possible. When the questionnaire envelope comes through the door you’ll easily recognise it by the purple 2011 Census logo. Take care of it. If, like many people, you want to complete the questionnaire online, your individual internet code is on the front of the questionnaire.

More information about the 2011 Census is available online at: www.census.gov.uk

The census is also recruiting staff to help ensure a high census return rate. There are part-time and full-time jobs and you would be able to work close to where you live. To find out more, or to apply for a job, visit www.censusjobs.co.uk or contact your local jobcentre.

Parish Council Winter Message 2010/11

Last winter parishioners were concerned that if they helped to clear snow they may have been liable for third party claims. We can confirm that anyone who clears snow from outside their own or someone else’s property would only be liable for an accident if their efforts actually made the pavement less safe than it was with the snow and ice undisturbed and as a result somebody is injured. If you would like to register as a volunteer to clear snow and, therefore, be covered under the terms of the Suffolk County Council insurances for public liability you must contact the Parish Clerk who will take your details and provide you with an advice sheet from the County Council entitled “advice for volunteers spreading salt/grit or clearing snow from the highway at times of severe weather”. The Parish Council is currently purchasing some new grit bins to be placed at various locations in the village.

Advice for Volunteers spreading salt/grit or clearing snow from the Highway at times of severe weather
• Wear a high visibility long sleeved vest or jacket. A vest can be worn over normal clothing. A jacket can be worn in place of a normal coat.
• Wear warm clothing and stout footwear which will provide good grip. Physical work will warm up the body so be prepared to shed layers but remember your body will quickly cool down once you cease work.
• Ensure that someone is aware that you have gone out to carry out this work and how long you intend to be there for. Remember also to advise that person of your return.
• Assess the location before commencing work. Do not attempt the work if you feel conditions would make this unsafe - For example if visibility is poor, traffic flows are too high or conditions are so severe that you would be placing yourself at risk of falling or extreme cold. • Always be aware of approaching traffic. Remember the conditions may mean that traffic will have difficulty stopping. Try to work in pairs so that someone can observe the traffic.
• Use the grit sparing and thinly. Spread a small amount on a shovel and sprinkle gently. The material in the grit bins is a mixture of salt and grit. The salt will help to speed up the process of thawing snow and ice the grit is intended to provide grip on the surface of compacted snow or ice
• When spreading salt/grit on pavements it is better to remove most of the snow first and then spread the salt/grit mixture
• DO NOT USE HOT WATER. This will melt the snow, but will replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury.
• If shovelling snow: Use a shovel with the widest blade available. Make a line down the middle of your path first, so you have a safe surface to walk on. Then you can simply shovel the snow from the centre to the sides.
• If salt is not available from the grit bins, consider spreading some ordinary table salt on the area you have cleared to prevent any ice forming. Ordinary salt will work and can be purchased cheaply from any local shop, but avoid spreading on plants or grass.
• Care should be taken to avoid blocking access points to properties driveway and paths especially at pedestrian crossings. The cleared snow should be deposited in the verge or areas that are non-trafficked.