Free electric blanket testing
RBK Trading Standards says:
Faulty electrical equipment poses a potential risk of fire in all our homes.
For older residents, appliances such as electric blankets, which may be left switched on and unattended for long periods, pose a particular risk. In fact, any blanket that is more than 12 years old is likely to fail as it may not have the electrical protection features that more modern blankets have.
Kingston Council is again this year providing a day of free electric blanket checks for older people. Inspections carried out in Kingston in the last two years revealed that on average about one third (33%) of all blankets tested were classed as unsafe.
Whilst winter might seem a long time away, now is the time to dig out that electric blanket that you use every year and consider having it tested. The checks will be carried out on Wednesday 16 September 2009 and priority will be given to older residents and those who have not had blankets tested before.
To arrange for your blanket to be tested, book an appointment by telephoning the Trading Standards Department on 020 8547 5518.
Photo is from Darlington Borough Council
The latest bulletin from TfL reports that coordinated street works and an end to unnecessary disruption on Capital’s streets should move a step closer.
When companies dig up our roads they must be mindful of the disruption they are causing and keep it to an absolute minimum. Users of Hook Road will cheer this proposal, as we seem to get one hole after another!
As part of the commitment by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to smooth traffic flow in the Capital, Transport for London (TfL) submitted its application for a new London Permit Scheme to the Department for Transport on 28th July.
The permit scheme, which is also being submitted by 18 London boroughs, aims to regulate street works and would help to ensure that any company that wants to dig up London roads agrees to conditions and timing that limit the consequential disruption suffered by Londoners.
It would be nice if Lib Dem Kingston was one of the 18, but it isn’t. You may well ask ‘why not?’
The latest scam – BEWARE
From a colleague:
Just to warn you I have received an email apparently from H M Revenue & Customs Subject 2008 – 2009 recalculation tax refund stating one is due and to complete the form attached to the email. You are then asked for credit card details so the amount can be credited.
I have phoned phoned the tax office and they are aware of this scam and have taken details. The worrying thing is that many of the details on the email are correct and it looks very authentic.
Do NOT respond to the email or form and under any circumstances do not give your credit card details. Inform your tax office immediately
A243 Hook Road: Roadworks
From RBK Highways:
On Wednesday 5 August 2009 at 9am in Hook Road, (A243) Hook about 100 yards north of the Hook Roundabout (A3) Southern Gas Network will be reinstating the road surface.
Traffic will be reduced to a single alternative traffic flow controlled by temporary signals.
The work is programmed to take 3 days (weather permitting)
Delays possible
Public workshop on waste disposal
The South West London Waste Partnership (Kingston, Merton, Sutton and Croydon) is currently considering future plans for the treatment of waste which can’t be recycled.
Even if it was possible to just go on dumping it in holes in the ground, we don’t believe many people would find that an acceptable solution in the 21st century. So the question remains ‘what to do with it, where and how?’
To help answer it all four Boroughs are hosting public workshops for interested members of the public to put forward views and discuss plans. The one in Kingston is being held on
- Wednesday, 16 September (7.00pm)
at the Guildhall, High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1EU
Boris makes sport available to all
From the Surrey Comet:
Residents have the chance to try out different sports and get active in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics, thanks to an initiative backed by Boris Johnson.
The Mayor has offered his support to Play Sport London, free coaching sessions in 30 different sports across the capital.
Participants will then be directed to local clubs where they can carry on playing their chosen sport.
The new programme is run and funded by London Development Agency, with the support of Sport England.
In Kingston, put on your dancing shoes sessions are being held at various locations across the borough.
Volleyball will be held in Kingston College Arena and Mark Janes Golf Academy, in Chessington, will offer free sports training.
Mr Johnson said: “Whatever your age or ability, Play Sport London is a brilliant opportunity to try something new or get coaching in a sport you already enjoy.
“I’m committed to making sport and physical activity more accessible to all and hope you will visit your local club to give it a go.”
For more information on what is on in your area, visit london.gov.uk/playsport.
Surbiton Forum 