Spam, junk or scam? 

Every year millions of people lose money to scams that come by junk mail, e-mail or phone such as fake lottery and prize draw wins, bogus psychic predictions and 'miracle' health cures. 

Trading Standards have given the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:

Never reply straight away to an offer. Speak to a relative, friend, neighbour   your carer before you do anything.

Never send money to anyone who says you've won the lottery or a big prize - you'll never see your promised winnings.

 Never give your bank account details or other personal information to people you don't know.

 Never ring an 090 number unless you're certain how much the call will cost and know what you are likely to receive.

Never send money off in response to bogus psychic mailings. Identical letters predicting good or bad luck are sent to thousands of people.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

If you suspect a scam, before sending any money call Consumer Direct for clear, practical advice on 08454 040506 or look on line at . http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

·     You can reduce unwanted telephone calls by registering with the Telephone Preference Service at http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/ or by telephoning 0845 070 0707. You can reduce junk mail by contacing the Mailing Preference Service at http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/ or by telephoning 0845 703 4599.

WIRRAL COMMUNITY NARROWBOAT TRUST

Have 2 narrowboats, adapted for disabled use, which are available for hire by special schools, hospices, elderly care homes,

Women’s Institutes or Community Groups.

 The cost is £85 per day, per group, which includes the crew who maintain the boats. Often groups arrange sponsorship to cover the cost.

 For further information, please contact:

Pauline Pollard on 0151 336 4386

energy display unit combats climate change

Local people are being offered a loan of free real time energy display units as part of a pilot initiative aimed at raising awareness about energy conservation.

These small units visually display both the amount and cost of electricity used in the home in real time making households immediately aware of their electricity usage.

Those who loan the units can experiment with various appliances and lights to see how the different consumption rates vary. The units are easy to fit and use and can be sited within the house close to any electrical socket.

 Previous research has shown that the use of these display units can result in people adapting their behaviour and reducing their energy bills by 5 to 15%.

 There are 50 units on offer to begin with and these will be loaned on a ‘first come first served’ basis. The recipients of these units can keep them for three months, though will be expected to complete a series of questions, both at the beginning and end of the loan period. Feedback will be provided to all those who take part.

 If you are a resident of Wirral and would be interested in loaning one of these meters, please contact Wirral Council on 0151 691 8697 or email stellaedwards@wirral.gov.uk

STEP ON BOARD – HELP WITH PROBLEM NEIGHBOURS

Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team is taking to the streets to help residents in the private sector tackle anti-social behaviour.

The team is embarking on a timetable of street-based surgeries between now and the end of October. The timetable will see the team's Respect Bus visit locations across Wirral staffed with Enforcement Officers who can take complaints in confidence from the public and provide detailed advice and guidance.

 The team expanded its service into the private sector in 2003, at which point it opened its doors to private tenants and owner occupiers having problems with other residents in the private sector.  The team receives one new complaint of anti-social behaviour in the private sector every day on average.

ARE YOU BRINGING UP GRANDCHILDREN?

Hundreds of Wirral grandparents could be spending their retirement bringing up their grandchildren.

Wirral’s Older People’s Parliament believes the issue needs to be addressed, and is appealing for grandparents who have taken on a new parenting role to come forward.

It says that in many cases, grandparents raising their grandchildren are struggling financially, and could benefit from more support.

Wirral’s Older People’s Parliament was set up in 2007 to give people aged 50 and above a chance to have their say on Council decisions which affect their lives.

 Vice-Chair Sandra Wall said “it’s come to our attention because one of our members is such a grandparent, and she is in contact with other people in the same situation. So there a number – possibly hundreds – of Wirral grandparents bringing up their grandchildren.

I think this is a National issue but many people on Wirral are affected and we’re trying to find out how many there are in this situation.”

 Grandparents can contact:

 Wirral Older People’s Parliament

administration office

Age Concern Wirral

42-44 Market Street

Birkenhead

CH41 5BT

Phone number - 0151 666 2220

e-mail – parliament@ageconcernwirral.org

ADVICE ON DOOR-TO-DOOR CLOTHING COLLECTIONS

Wirral Council is advising the public of the need to take care when leaving unwanted clothes for collection.

The advice comes after numerous calls to Trading Standards saying that leaflets delivered to homes could mislead people into believing they are giving to charity, when they are actually giving to a commercial operation.

John Malone, Manager of Wirral Trading Standards, said: “Both registered charities and commercial companies deliver leaflets asking for unwanted clothing. In the case of charities, the goods will be sold to further the aims of the charity. In the case of the commercial company any profits will be distributed between the company directors.

 “A recent twist has seen one organisation state a non-existent company registration number to give an air of legitimacy to its operation.”

 John added: “It’s entirely up to the individual to decide who they give their surplus clothes to when they de-clutter, but everyone should be aware of the difference between charitable organisations and profit-making businesses.

 An organisation that purports to be a charity will include on its literature a charity registration number. If there isn’t one of these numbers, the likelihood is that the collection is being co-ordinated by a commercial organisation.”

FREE CAT NEUTERING SERVICE

This service is being provided by the Cats Protection League  and is aimed at people living in South Wirral, postcode areas

CH60 – CH66

 For more information, contact 0151 355 9813

WEST KIRBY METAL DETECTOR CLUB

Are looking for new members.

Meetings are held at the West Cheshire Sailing Club,

Harrison Drive, New Brighton on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm

For more information, contact Phil Moy on 0151 638 3450

THE  DOG’S TRUST 

LOOKING FOR A NEW AND DIFFERENT SPEAKER

TO ATTEND YOUR MEETINGS 

Calling all Senior Citizen Groups,  Age Concern Clubs, Women’s Institutes and any other interested groups.

Would you like a talk about the work of DOG’S TRUST – the UK’s largest dog welfare charity – and any aspects of canine care?

Dog’s Trust care for more that 16,000 lost and abandoned dogs every year at their Nationwide network of re-homing centres – and they believe that no healthy dog should ever be destroyed.

 To find out more, or book a talk, call Liam McDonald at Dog’s Trust Merseyside on 0151 482 6425 or e-mail:

 liam.mcdonald@dogstrust.org.uk

CANINE CARE CARD

Who will look after your trusted companion when you’re gone?

 Dog’s Trust will – if you carry a Canine Care Card, the free service that will guarantee you peace of mind, knowing that your dog’s future will be a safe and happy one after your lifetime.

Dog’s Trust never destroy a healthy dog and are ready and willing to take up the responsibility of caring for your faithful friend.

 Register for your free canine care card by contacting

Liam McDonald at Dog’s Trust Merseyside on 0151 482 6425 or

e-mail:  liam.mcdonald@dogstrust.org.uk