the boys n t door - The Braunton Neighbourhood Police Team The Braunton press - pages 32/33

Over the last 18 months there are likely to be more families impacted financially and emotionally by the pandemic and unfortunately, illegal money lenders will look to take advantage of people when cash is tight and mislead them into thinking it is the only solution.

People are being advised to watch out for warning signs of loan sharks and report them if they are approached by one. Loan sharks rarely give paperwork, exorbitant extra amounts and interest payments are usually added at random and items including passports, bank cards and driving licences are taken as security on the loans.

As the debts often cannot legally be enforced in many cases the loan sharks will resort to threats, violence, and other bully tactics to extort money from people. Protect yourself and your loved ones from loan sharks.

• If you need to borrow money, check the lender is reputable and find out what interest and fees they charge. You can find out whether a money lender is authorised by checking the register on the FCA website at https://crowd.in/IRmR0v • Be wary of people you don’t know sending you messages through your social media accounts. Loan sharks might offer you a quick deal, but they will soon trap you in a spiral of debt with extortionate rates of interest. • Never send money or give credit card, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. Be careful about how much personal information you share on social network sites. Loan sharks have been known to use online platforms to find, threaten and control people in debt.

Anyone with concerns about illegal money lending can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline in confidence on 0300 555 2222.

You can also find additional information and support online at https://crowd.in/MltK0S. Live Chat is available on the website 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

PCSO ANDY FRISBY POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER BRAUNTON VILLAGE

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Braunton Police Station, Station Road, Braunton, Devon EX33 2PS Telephone: 101. Ext 300001

Email: Andy.Frisby@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

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THE BRAUNTON EXPRESS

January 2022

Crossing Upgrade on Chaloners Road

Devon County Council have upgraded the controlled crossing facility on the A361 Chaloners Road from a Zebra crossing to a Puffin signalised controlled crossing. The scheme aims to support safer routes to school and to support active travel improvements in the village as part of the Braunton Air Quality Action Plan.

Puffin crossing

A Puffin crossing is almost like a Pelican crossing, but a little bit more intelligent. Puffin crossings have sensors which detect the presence of a pedestrian. Puffin crossing signals for pedestrians are mounted on the near road side (Unlike the older pelican crossing where signal lights for pedestrians are on the opposite side of the road). Puffin crossings have features that assists visually impaired people. Late studies shows that puffins are safer than pelican crossings.

Braunton Parish Council and Caen Primary have welcomed the upgrade and hope that the new crossing will make it safer for parents to walk their children to school.

Working with the Parish Council, Braunton Caen Rotary Club will be planting saplings as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy following a successful application by Braunton Caen Rotary Club to the Woodland Trust. The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” . The trees will become trees for life for the Year 11 students at Braunton Academy who are also involved with the community project. Braunton Countryside Centre are helping to develop plans for planting, maintenance and after care alongside the Parish Council grounds team. Cllr Liz Spear, Chair of Braunton Parish Council said “It is great to see the community coming together for this sustainable initiative and we will be offering an area of the Tarka Trail between the Anchor and Georgeham Cross for tree planting in the spring of 2022.” Cllr Derrick Spear, Chair of the Parks and Gardens Committee added “Enhancing this area as a sustainable trail will make it a place for everyone in the community to enjoy as well as enhancing habitats for wildlife. It will be a great legacy in honour of the Queen”

Braunton Parish Council

Chaloners Road Braunton Devon, EX33 2ES

Phone: 01271 812131 Email: info@brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk Web: www.brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk Facebook.com/BrauntonParishCouncil Twitter: @brauntonparish Hours: 09.00 - 12.00 Monday - Friday

Tracey Lovell, Clerk to the Council Angela Corner, Senior Council Officer Jane Fewings, Admin Assistant

Meetings Calendar 2022

Full Council meetings are currently being held in the Parish Hall and additional meetings, to primarily consider planning applications, are currently being held virtually. Please note the change of day of the Full Council meetings.

7pm Tues 11 January 2022 7pm Mon 24 January 2022

Agendas and minutes can be viewed on our website.