The closing date for nominees wishing to stand for election for the scheduled Parish Council election on 6 May 2021 was 9 April.  Only 3 nominees were received by Durham County Council for the 9 places available and consequently, there will now be no need for an election to be held. The 3 nominees duly elected as Parish Councillors, uncontested, are:

Maureen Boettcher, Ian Haddick and Avril Wallage.    

The first meeting of the new council will take place at the Annual Council Meeting to be held in May 2021.  The first item on the agenda will be to appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair for the year. This will be followed by the nomination of council representatives to serve on other bodies and monthly routine council business.

The remaining 6 vacancies on the parish council can be filled through a co-option process. The Parish Council will consider the process and timescales for this at its Annual Council Meeting so look out for further details on the Parish Council Notice Boards and the Website. In the interim, anyone interested in becoming a parish councillor should contact Mark Ramshaw, Parish Clerk at westraintonparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk or Tel.07900 800 540

The formal Notice of Uncontested Election issued by the Returning Officer is available here.   West Rainton and Leamside Parish

An urgent warning has been issued to every single person with a National Insurance number in the UK after a surge in calls were reported trying to falsely steal information.

It is concerning for millions, as everyone in the UK is sent a National Insurance number before their sixteenth birthday – this helps with applying for jobs, and identifies you with HMRC and the DWP.

More than 1,000 complaints have been made to Action Fraud, with victims reporting they have received an automated telephone call, during which they are told their “National Insurance number has been compromised”.

They are then instructed to “press 1 on their handset to be connected to the caller” in order to supposedly fix the issue and get a new National Insurance number.

Once connected to the “caller”, victims are pressured into handing over personal details – which scammers claim is to enable them to receive a new National Insurance number.

However, giving the criminals your personal details will enable them to commit fraud using your credentials and information.

“If you have any doubts about what is being asked of you, hang up the phone.

“No legitimate organisation will rush or pressure you.”

How to protect yourself from fraudsters

If you receive an unexpected phone call, text message or email that asks for your personal or financial details, remember to 

• STOP – take a moment and think before parting with your personal information or money
• CHALLENGE – could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse of ignore and requests for personal of financial details.
• PROTECT – contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud

There is a simple, short, Friends Against Scams online training video can be accessed by clicking the link below.

https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/durham-elearning

Be Aware and Take Care.

#ScamAwareness

If you would like an alternative to your usual walking exercise route, a link is available in Useful Links  titled “Walks in County Durham” which you may find useful.

People are advised to accept help from friends, family and neighbours where possible, but anyone in need of extra support can find a list of local groups on the council’s website www.durhamlocate.org.uk or fill in our Coronavirus help form at www.durham.gov.uk/covid19help
Those enquiries will be directed to our virtual council hubs, staffed by AAP workers and council volunteers, who will assess any requests for information and provide appropriate help to residents.
Alternatively, help can be accessed by emailing help@durham.gov.uk or calling 03000 260 260.

The full press release can be viewed here.     COVID-19 27 March Community

Useful contact details for the above are shown on the attached contact leaflet.

New protocols for our cemetery come into force on 1 March 2019.   They have been introduced to improve the appearance of the cemetery and to ensure that it is a safe and tranquil environment for all visitors.  Details of the new protocols are available at the Cemetery Guide for Users section on the home page of this website.

Do you know an elderly person who has difficulty getting to the doctor, or would you be able to give some of your time to help?

There is a volunteer driver scheme active in County Durham. Please click on the links for details.

HforH Letter

HtoH Poster

Help to  Health 0300 330 9424

www.helptohealth.org.ok

All residents of the village were given the opportunity to contribute to our Parish Plan.  The outcome of this consultation has now been finalised.

A summary of the plan can be viewed here: West Rainton Parish Plan Summary June 2017

A copy of the Action Plan, which will be implemented by various groups in the village, can be viewed here: Action Plan June 2017

An electronic copy of the full plan can be obtained from the Parish Clerk.   If a printed copy is required there will be a small charge to cover printing costs.

If you live more than 10 minutes walk from a bus stop this service may be for you.   Please see the attached document from County Councillor Bill Kellett.

link2-bus-service