TOM LONG'S POST Spring is here! - Stroud District Community ...

Tom Long’s PostCommunity News and ViewsAdvice from yourNeighbourhood WardenAndy Murray10 11Andy MurrayStroud District Council unlike othercouncils in the area offers a free bulkyitems collection service to allresidents of the district.Typically these would include piecesof furniture and free standing objects,such as those you would take whenmoving house. Through this freeservice we DO NOT collecthousehold fixtures & fittings or DIY /building waste.When you request a collection we willneed to know what items you wouldlike collected and the location wherethey can be found on the property.To book a collection either ring(01453) 754424 or go to the SDC website and book a collection via are online service. Once an on line requestis made we will contact you to confirmthe collection day.As mentioned above, items relating tohousehold fixtures and fittings or DIY/ building waste will not be collectedthrough the free bulky waste service.However, they can be removed for acharge, but only one item can becollected at a time and a charge of£22.00 will apply. To arrange acollection of these types of itemsplease contact (01453 754424).Another Service offered by StroudDistrict Council is the Care lineUnit.For many people the telephone istheir only means of talking withfriends and neighbours. But in a crisisthe Stroud District Council Care linecould provide help when you need itmost, day or night. The servicebenefits older people, those with adisability and people feelingvulnerable who need reassurance.What is a Care line?The Care line is a way of getting helpthrough your telephone systemquickly and efficiently at all times. Asmall personal radio transmitter isworn as a pendant around the neck,on a wrist-strap or clipped to clothing.This is linked to a special unit - theCare line - which plugs in to a moderntelephone point with an adjacentelectrical socket.How does it Work?By pressing the pendant a signal issent to the Care line, which will thendial automatically to our ControlRoom. Your pre-programmedpersonal details will come up on acomputer screen and a fully-trainedoperator will be able to talk to youthrough a very powerful speaker andlisten to you through a very sensitivemicrophone.How will they help me?The Control Room will quicklyestablish what assistance you requirei.e. an ambulance, doctor, or perhapsone of your nominated contacts(neighbour, friend or a family memberwho ideally holds a key to yourproperty). The control room staff willstay on the line to reassure you untilhelp arrives.How are they available?A Care line can be bought or rented.There may be some financialassistance available for anyone overthe age of sixty who is in receipt of ameans-tested benefit such as CouncilTax Benefit, Housing Benefit orIncome Support.For those under sixty and in receipt ofDisability Living Allowance (DLA) youmay be eligible for financialassistance if you are also in receipt ofone of the mentioned benefits.How much will it cost?PurchaseTo purchase a Care line Unit costs£160.00* + VAT (keeping yourexisting telephone). Plus £1.45* perweek for monitoring and maintenancecharges. Payment is either by DirectDebit or invoice, six-monthly inarrears.RentalRental of a Care line Unit is £3.01*per week, inclusive of monitoringand maintenance charges. Paymentis either by direct debit or invoice,quarterly in arrears.With Financial AssistanceSubject to qualifying criteria, £1.45*per week, inclusive of monitoringand maintenance charges. Paymentis either by direct debit or invoice,six-monthly in arrears.*VAT is charged at 20 % unless thecustomer is eligible for exemption onhealth grounds. These chargesabove are the new charge rates asof 1st of April 2011.N.B. For a Care line to operate itrequires a modern plug-in telephonepoint and a 13amp electrical socket,these need to be adjacent to eachother.If you would like more details then aCare line representative would bepleased to call on you in your home.They can answer questions andshow you how to use the Care lineService entirely without obligation.To make an appointment, telephone:Stroud (01453) 766321 Monday toThursday between 9.00am and5.00pm and on Friday between9.00am and 4.30pm.Or email careline@stroud.gov.ukPride in yourNeighbourhood EventsPIYN Events are being run by SDCacross the district. On the 14th AprilAndy Murray and Keren Manningwill be leading a multi agency eventwith representatives including thePolice, Environmental Healthandthe Dog Warden on the GlebeEstate in Minchinhampton. Therewill be a litter pick and tidy up as wellas an Easter Egg hunt for thechildren.Look out for posters and leaflets forfurther details.