Waste Collection For the next two weeks

Waste and recycling collection dates for:

•  Links Estate Area

Your next collections:

• 
  food waste: Sat 30 Dec **
• 
  black box - paper: Sat 6 Jan **
• 
  green box - bottles, cans and glass: Sat 30 Dec **
• 
  non-recyclable waste: Sat 6 Jan **
• 
  green garden waste (paid-for service): Tue 16 Jan

Your collections are usually on:

• Thursday

For more days view your:

• waste collection service calendar
• green garden waste (paid for service) collection calendar

Fake Government Grant Fraud Alert

This message was sent via the Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association mailing service. 
​If you wish to contact us, e-mail:  info@bromleynwa.org.uk

​Individuals and businesses are being warned to watch out for cold calls and online contact from fraudsters who are offering victims the opportunity to apply for Government grants for an advance fee.
To make the grants look legitimate, fraudsters have set up bogus companies and convincing looking websites that claim to be operating on behalf of the UK Government. Fraudsters cold call businesses and individuals offering the grant. If they’re interested they direct them to fill out an online application form with their personal information. Once the fraudsters have that information they’ll contact the victims and congratulate them on being accepted onto the grant programme.  

Pre-paid credit cards
Applicants are then asked to provide identification and are instructed to get a pre-paid credit card to deposit their own contribution to the fake Government grant scheme. Fraudsters will then contact victims on the phone or are emailed and asked for the details of their pre-paid credit card and copies of statements to in order for them to add the grant funds. Of course the grant funds are never given by the fraudsters and the money that’s been loaded by the victim onto the card is stolen.
If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately and report it to us. We’ve already taken down one website fraudsters have been using to commit this fraud and are working with Companies House to combat this issue.

How to protect yourself:
Be wary of unsolicited callers implying that you can apply for grants. You should never have to pay to receive a government grant, and they definitely won’t instruct you to obtain a pre-paid credit card. The government should have all the information they need if a genuine grant application was submitted, therefore any requests for personal or banking information either over the phone or online should be refused.

What to do if you’re a victim:
* If you think your bank or personal details have been compromised or if you believe you have been defrauded contact your bank immediately.
* Stop all communication with the ‘agency’ but make a note of their details and report it to Action Fraud.
* If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk <http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/>  or by calling 0300 123 2040.

The information contained within this alert is based on information from gathered by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).  The purpose of this alert is to increase awareness of this type of fraud. The alert is aimed at members of the public, local police forces, businesses and governmental agencies.  <https://www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/179931343/email.gif>

Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association ​
 Find us on the Web at: www.bnwa.co.uk <http://www.bnwa.co.uk/>

Door to Door Sellers

Many of you will be aware of persons going door-to-door trying to sell goods, informing the occupant they are just out of prison or on probation and trying to turn their lives around.  This is usually a scam, the goods are of an inferior quality and they may try to talk their way into your home.  They can be intimidating toward the elderly and vulnerable when things don’t go their way and often revert to abuse or threats.  In short, these are not genuine street traders; they work in groups and carry out their illegal activity in one area at a time.  To sell door to door, it is a legal requirement to hold a pedlar’s licence.  There are strict rules around obtaining a licence and they can only be obtained by applying to the Police.

The Chief  Police Officer  will grant the certificate on being satisfied that the applicant:

•           Is over 17 years of age;

•           Is a person of good character;

•           Intends in good faith to carry on the trade of a pedlar.

So, if they do not hold a certificate that has been duly authorised by the Police, it looks fake, belongs to another person, or is simply out of date - do not buy from them.  They will often state they do not need a certificate or 'hawker’s' licence to show you items for you to order.  This is a ruse; a certificate is required whatever they claim. 

Remember:

·       politely refuse to buy from them and close the door;

·       do not become involved in any verbal altercation with them;

·       do not let them into your address for any reason;

·       never give out any personal information.

Call the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) if you are subjected to verbal abuse or intimidation, or simply to let your Safer Neighbourhood Team know they are in the area.

St Andrew's Church Christmas Services 2017

Come and celebrate with us

December

Burglary Alert and crime prevention advice

Dear all,

The time of the year has arrived when Burglars will be doing their Christmas shopping, not by visiting the Glades or the local shops but by visiting your homes!
On Wednesday 22^nd November 2017 we had 5 burglaries on the ward, PORTLAND ROAD (2), KYNASTON ROAD, OAK TREE GARDENS and SANDRINGHAM ROAD. Entry was gained in all 5 burglaries via the rear of the property, please make sure that all tools are locked away in your garden shed and there are no objects left lying around to help the burglars break in.

ALWAYS TURN ON BURGLAR ALARMS, LOCK DOORS and WINDOWS when leaving your property even if you are popping down to the local shops, that newspaper could turn out to be very expensive.

I have had a report that around 13:00 hours on the day of the burglaries two youths on a moped wearing ski masks were spotted around the area, PLEASE if you see anything suspicious call Police on 999, your call could stop a crime happening.

If you are a Neighbourhood watch co-coordinator, a contact in your road, a residents association or know of any vulnerable residents, please spread the word and ask neighbours to review their home and personal security. Crime prevention advice can be found on www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention
Motor vehicle crime also increases this time of the year. Do not leave anything on display in your vehicle it doesn’t have to be of value they will still break in and steal it. Lock items in your boot or glove compartment. Better still if you can, don’t leave anything of value in your vehicle take them with you. ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR even if you leave it for a few seconds.

Everywhere is getting busier with people going shopping, going to restaurants or going for a festive drink. Mobile phones are an easy target for thieves, think before you use your phone in public. Be aware of what’s happening around you, especially in crowded places. Don’t leave phones on tables in pubs and restaurants, don’t walk and text at the same time, you will be less aware of what is around you. Moped theft of phones is a problem at the moment.

If you do have your phone stolen report to Police and your service provider and let them know the IMEI number, this can be found by typing *#06# on your phone. Record the number and keep it safe, the number will allow your phone to be barred on all networks. You can also register your phone and other property please visit www.immobilise.com for details.

Sorry to be negative but this is the time of year when crime increases, so we all need be to be extra vigilant. I will E-mail before Christmas with an update on the team and at least one good news story!!

Regards,
Peter

PCSO 7207 Peter Scott
Plaistow and Sundridge
Email - Plaistow.Sundridge.snt@met.police.uk
Tel - 020 8721 2613

Chinbrook Meadows Outdoor Gym

FoCM invite you to the opening of the new outdoor gym in Chinbrook Meadows on Friday 24^th November from 2 00 to 4 00pm.  There will be a ribbon cutting and an opportunity to try out the equipment. From 2 45pm light refreshments will be available at the park café.

There will be scope for complete beginners, and more advanced exercisers so there is no excuse not to give it a go! Funding for the gym came from Tescos Bags of Help and the London Marathon Trust. The equipment is being provided and installed by The Great Outdoor Gym Company TGOGC. There will be free training sessions in the future too, funded by ChART.

a new "Bailiffs are coming£ Scam

Action Fraud has recently experienced an increase in the number of calls to members of the public by bogus bailiffs requesting payments for a “phantom” debt. The fraud involves being cold-called by someone purporting to be a bailiff working on behalf of a court, attempting to recover funds for a non-existent debt. The caller will request payment by means of bank transfer and if this is refused, will threaten to visit the premises to recover the debt that is owed. A range of different businesses and individuals are being targeted.

Tips for staying safe:

·        Confirm what the debt is regarding; bailiffs are only used to recover certain debts such as council tax, child support and compensation orders. Bailiffs are not used to recover debts relating to private advertisement; these would be collected by debt collectors. Debt collectors do not have the same legal powers as bailiffs and will not have special court authorisation to act. For more details regarding this, please look at the Citizens Advice website. ·        If you work for a business and receive a call or visit from bailiffs or debt collectors, be sure to speak with your manager or business owner first. Never pay the debts yourself on behalf of the business you work for; some fraudsters have suggested employees do this whilst talking with them, suggesting they can then be reimbursed by their employer, when in reality the debt is non-existent. ·        Double check with the court or originating company to confirm whether the call is legitimate; if you use a landline make sure you hear the dialling tone prior to dialling as the caller could still be on the line and you could potentially speak to the fraudster(s) to confirm the non-existent debt. Also be sure to independently search for a telephone number to call and clarify; never use a number provided by the caller without carrying out your own research. ·        Request details of the debt in writing to confirm its legitimacy. ·        Do not feel rushed or intimidated to make a decision based on a phone call. ·        You can report suspicious calls like these to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfaud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Save Our Stalls - Bromley Market

We the Stall holders of Bromley Charter Market want to make you aware of Bromley Council's plans to reduce the number of stalls at the Bromley Charter Market which has been in existance since 1205. 
That’s over 800 years old. 

Bromley Council are proposing to reduce the number of stalls on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 38 to 21. A reduction of over 45%.

This will greatly limit the choice for our customers when shopping in themarket and will deprive some of the stall holders of our livelihood. 

Our Historic Charter Market, at the heart of the community for over 800 years, brings its own unique and vibrant atmosphere to Bromley’s town centre.

We are sending a petition to the Council asking them to reconsider their plans. 

When we heard from a consultancy company employed by the Council of their plans we started collecting signatures on Thursday 26th through to Saturday 28th October and have collected hundreds of signatures of support. Here are a few of the comments:-

“Why”
“The market symbolises our roots with tradition”
“The market is a part of the community an asset to Bromley”
“I love our market”
“We need our market”
“Ridiculous plan”
and the list goes on.
We would value your support by liking our Facebook page please. Click on the link to view the facebook page

Britain First Rally - Bromley - Saturday 4 November 2017

Britain First Rally - Bromley - Saturday 4 November

This message was sent via the Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association 

Message from the Borough Commander:

I am sure you will have seen or heard that there is going to be a rally by Britain First on Saturday and this has raised the possibility of a counter-rally by other groups. They plan to meet in Bromley North and walk to Bromley Police Station, taking a route that includes the High Street. It is not clear how many people are expected to attend.

This situation has been monitored by us in the last week and we planned to bring local resources on duty earlier than planned to police it. However, we have now secured central resources to cover the event and these will be supported by a team of local officers. There is a command structure in place and an operational plan to police the event. From a local perspective, Insp Gary Byfield will be the lead for community engagement in the lead up to the event and also on the day. We are in contact with local businesses that may be concerned by the prospect of the rally and its impact on a busy Saturday afternoon. We will circulate more information in due course.

Regards

Chris HAFFORD

Chief Superintendent

Borough Commander - Bromley Police

Metphone: 729951 Direct phone: 0208 284 9951

E-mail: Christopher.Hafford@met.police.uk

Mail: Bromley Police Station, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1ER

Family History talk at Burnt Ash Library 16 November

Burnt Ash Lane Christmas Fair 2017

Burnt Ash Drama Association production October 2017

A BURNT ASH DRAMA ASSOCIATION production of the poignant WW2 drama

– ‘FLARE PATH’ by Terence Rattigan

Directed by Karen Rattenbury

With performances from
THURSDAY 26TH – SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2017
at ST. ANDREW’S HALL, BURNT ASH LANE, BROMLEY BR1 5AF

Licensed bar 7.15pm, performance at 7.45pm

Tickets £8   Box Office 07482 952550

It is a story of true courage love and loyalty, following a group of airmen and their wives during the course of one day. Set in 1942 at the Hotel Falcon near an RAF Bomber Command airbase on the Lincolnshire coast during the Second World War, it involves a love triangle between a pilot – Teddy, his actress wife – Patricia and a famous film star, and Peter Kyle, her ex-lover.  An unexpected and very dangerous bombing mission over Germany ensues, pitting emotional conflict on the ground with aerial combat in the skies. 

Chocs away for an evening of great drama and not-to-be-missed entertainment.

Chinbrook Fun Apple Palace 7 october

Macmillan Coffee Morning 29th September

Burnt Ash Library Coffee Morning Thursday 12th October

What's on at Burnt Ash Library September and October

Click on the Picture to see a larger version

A message from the Chair of Friends of Chinbrook Meadows

 Dear Friends,

Join in the Apple Fun Palace

in Chinbrook Meadows

Saturday 7th October 1.30-4.00pm

I wanted to update those of you I have not spoken to recently about our planned Apple Day. The plan originally developed with Maggie from the Chinbrook Meadows Community Orchard which is in the allotments at the end of Marvels Lane and we had thought to do our event on both sites but we have decided to run the event just in our park orchard in the meadows (on the Bromley side of the railway near Portland Road). ChART (http://www.chartbiglocal.org.uk) were keen to be involved and are able to offer funding to make it a really great day.

We are now calling it an "Apple Fun Palace", linking up with a national event called "Fun Palaces" ( www.funpalaces.co.uk ) which is about bringing communities together to learn and have fun together over that weekend.

Don't worry that our orchard is still quite young and there don't seem to be any apples left on the trees!  We will still be able to celebrate our orchard.

Here's the plan so far...

1.30 - Live music and "yarn bombing". We will decorate the guards around the trees to make them look amazing.

Please bring sections of knitting to add, or crochet or whatever you can do, bring bits of wool to weave and knit onto the structures.

2.00 - Apple tasting (voting for favourite) apple pressing, apple bobbing, some history and science. Making sun prints - using objects from the environment to create pictures using special paper

3.00 - Learn about bees, a demonstration hive will be in the orchard        

            Make candles from bees-wax

3.45 - Finish by making a big, communal apple collage picture using leaves 
and other natural objects gathered from around the park

The most important thing is to come along on the day but here are some extra things you can do.....

·        Put up posters in the area (I can get these out next week I hope)

·        knit/crochet/macrame sections of wool to add to display

·        bring natural things like feathers, leaves, twigs, seeds etc to create sun prints and use for collage

·        help set up on the day (email me if you can help in the morning)

·        help supervise the activities

·        help clear away at the end

There is still more planning to do and if you want to make any particular contributions let us know. The idea behind "Fun Palaces" is that EVERYONE is a scientist and EVERYONE is an artist! so don't be shy.

Look forward to seeing lots of you there.

Anne

Anne Slater (Chair of Friends of Chinbrook Meadows)

blog: http://chinbrookmeadows.wordpress.com

Animal Serial Killer is Back in Bromley

A resident has asked us to post the message below, which they spotted on the Facebook page of ‘SNARL’, concerning an individual suspected of harming cats in Bromley.  Readers are asked to contact the police and SNARL if they spot a man matching the description given.

he website for SNARL is at http://snarl.org.uk/ By clicking on the link you can view more information (although much of it was posted a year ago). The website has a link to their Facebook page which is more up to date although I have not been able to find the post shown below. 

'From: SNARL (South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty)

CRIME & SAFETY - The animal serial killer is back in LB Bromley after a known absence of about a week ... I predicted this a couple of days ago as it is a preferred area for his vile activities. So please read the fuller description of the suspect in the SNARL status shared on here by a couple of other members, continue to be vigilant, raise awareness and keep your cats in (to minimise the 'supply' that feeds his gratification)

Do not approach, just call police. This is a very general description which could fit any number of people. It will not make you a hero or do you any favours if you harm someone innocent. We reiterate: call police if seen in a situation as described below.

If you see a man in his 40s, white, with short brown hair, between 5'8 and 5'11', average build, possibly with some acne scarring to his face, dressed in dark clothing, with or without a torch, trying to coax cats with a toy or feed them or looking or entering gardens, please dial 999 quoting Operation Takahe and then also call us on 07957 830490 or 07961 030064.

He may be wearing a headlamp or carrying a torch.

Do not approach him or confront him (he may be completely innocent, plenty of people out there trying to rescue or help cats), just call the police and us and let us deal with it.'

T

Roslin Way Allotments Open Day September 9th

RHS Garden Wisley is under threat

Anyone who loves trees and the environment (and we know that many of you do) should sign this petition, although the junction of the A3 and the M25 does need to be improved:

sign the petition

We are worried that some potential Highways England plans could cause irreversible damage to Wisley in the future and hope you might help us to protect this very special and much loved place.

As you may be aware, plans are now being finalised to improve the M25 Junction 10 interchange and widen the A3, which is something we support in principle. One of the possibilities being considered by Highways England, in terms of widening the A3 only, could see over 10,000 sq. metres of RHS Garden Wisley grabbed and over 500 trees destroyed.

There are currently two options available to Highways England to widen the A3: one on the east side of the A3 and one on the west.

The RHS has carried out expert highway studies and is calling on the Government Agency to choose the east option, which does not grab woodland from the Garden, would not fell any of these 500 important trees, and would better improve road access to Wisley.

If Highways England decide that widening the west side is the preferred option then irreplaceable historic trees that are over 100 years old, and still have centuries more to live, could be eliminated for a short-sighted road improvement scheme, which would increase air pollution and noise pollution and destroy the habitats of a wide range of wildlife and the beauty of the garden.

Five trees that would potentially be lost are identified as threatened and endangered in cultivation by Plant Heritage’s Threatened Plants Project. Excellent specimens of giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum, pictured below) would also be at risk.

We’re also concerned that some proposals for the A3 would involve additional travel for our visitors to get to Wisley, some adding over 6 kilometres to the journey, which is unacceptable. We need our garden to be as accessible as possible for everyone, especially with our major investment plans to make the garden better than ever before and to welcome more visitors. Therefore more direct access to and from the A3 to Wisley is vital and must also be a key consideration for Highways England as they consider their preferred option to safeguard to future of this very special place, which millions of people enjoy over the years.

If you are also worried about the potential destruction of these 500 beautiful trees and impact this will have on RHS Garden Wisley please show your support and sign our petition:

sign the petition

You could also write to the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport, Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR and voice your concerns. We have drafted a template letter for you in case that is helpful (click here for template letter), and please feel free to amend as you wish. If you would like to you could also write to your local paper or national newspapers.

CLOSURE OF LONDON TRAIN TERMINALS

CLOSURE OF LONDON TRAIN TERMINALS - SATURDAY 26 AUGUST - SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

In case you’re not aware, there will be no train services running to and from London Bridge, Waterloo East and Charing Cross from Saturday 26th August to Saturday 2nd September inclusive.

Cannon Street will also be closed on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August.  

Blackfriars will be closed on Monday 28th August and Saturday 2nd September.  

The closures are due to the major engineering works connected to the modernisation of London Bridge.

If you are planning to travel to central London during this period, you are advised to check alternative routes and allow extra time for your journey.  Further information can be found on the National Rail Enquiries website - click here​

Nuisance due to Garden Bonfires

Bromley Council has produced a leaflet called Nuisance from Bonfires
You can click on the link to download it. The main points are shown below:-

What’s wrong with a good old fashioned bonfire?...

A garden bonfire may seem like a practical way of getting rid of garden waste and other rubbish; but they are not usually the most environmentally or neighbour friendly way and most of the waste could be put to better use.

Public Nuisance
Each year Bromley Council receives a considerable number of complaints from residents
affected by smoke and ash from their neighbours garden bonfire. Smoke and ash prevent your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows and hanging out washing.

Air Pollution
Bonfires add to air pollution and can produce poisonous and irritating gases.

Dangerous
Fire can spread to fences and buildings and also scorch trees and plants.

Legal Position
There are no bye-laws which control the lighting of bonfires - but under The Environmental Protection Act 1990 smoke and ash from a bonfire causing annoyance to neighbours could be an offence rendering the person having the bonfire liable to prosecution.


Bonfire Code

Remember it is not illegal to have a bonfire and there are no local bye-laws preventing
you having one, however you must not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. A smoky
bonfire or having garden bonfires on a frequent basis may well cause a nuisance and
that can be an offence.

So, if you want to have the occasional garden bonfire - you will minimise the effect on
your neighbours by taking the following precautions...

• Only burn dry materials
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, plastics, foam, paint, treated or painted fence panels/ or wood.
• Never use solvents such as meths or petrol to light or encourage a fire
• Never have a bonfire in unsuitable weather conditions
• Avoid burning at weekends, bank holidays and when neighbours want to enjoy their gardens
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Douse with water if bonfire becomes a nuisance.

Grove Park Carnival and Chinbrook Meadows Dog Show

Another "HMRC" SCAM

This message was sent via the ​

Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association mailing service.  

​If you wish to contact us, e-mail:

 info@bromleynwa.org.uk

​Dear Coordinator,

​Reports are coming through from residents saying that they are being contacted by people claiming to be from HMRC collecting debts. These people claim that you owe them money and you need to pay right away to avoid being arrested and a costly court case.

It seems that they are now trying to convince people that the debt can be paid off if you spend a large amount of money on itunes vouchers to give to them. This has happened a couple of times recently and in one instance they convinced someone to buy £1000 worth of vouchers to pass onto them.

This is a SCAM.

HMRC will never contact you by telephone for payment.

If there are any monies owed HMRC will first send to you a letter. These scammers have been trying to convince people that they have sent a letter but it been returned to them or lost in the post.

HMRC or any other government organisation will NOT ask you to provide any form of payment to them in the guise of any type of vouchers.

If you receive one of these ‘phone calls please call police on 101

Please spread the word about this scam, make people aware and pass on to anyone that you think may benefit, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.​

​

Kind regards,

Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association ​

Find us on the Web at: www.bnwa.co.uk

August blooms on the Links Estate

We’re delighted that Lucia Parnell of Portland Road is opening her garden to the public again this year.  Do come along to enjoy tea (or Pimms!) and cakes in beautiful surroundings and support good causes at the same time!  Here Lucia writes about the event.

On Sunday 13th August, the garden at 153 Portland Road will be open to the public from 2.00 to 5.30pm.

All proceeds from the afternoon go to The National Garden Scheme. For those of you who are not familiar with it, The National Garden Scheme supports several key charities, including Macmillan, Marie Curie and Parkinson's UK. Last year it donated £2.7 million to its charities.

This year it celebrates its 90th anniversary so we are keen to raise as much as possible. Admission £4.00, children free

Tea, cakes and Pimms for sale and we have a great Spanish guitarist for the afternoon. We are also selling some lovely Beeswax candles and Kent made honey.

Mature gardens with Buxus, Tree ferns, Pergola, Wisteria, Acers, pond. (Tiny but delightful garden shed!). 4 composters. Front and Rear Gardens Highly Commended by The London Garden Society.