About Michael Hill

Wreningham Parish Council Chair

Winter Power Cuts

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The EDP recently carried an article about UK Power Networks preparations for the Winter. The article is here. In summary:

  • A new number to call in the event of power failure 0800 316 3105 (free) or at the local call rate from a mobile, 0333 323 2105.
  • A free Priority Services Register for vulnerable customers entitling them to extra help such as updates or home visits or help during a power cut.
  • The Surviving Winter Appeal, led by Norfolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Norfolk, raises money to help those who can’t afford to heat their homes. To request support from the Surviving Winter fund, contact Age UK Norfolk on 01603 787111.
  • Remember that Wreningham Fuel Trust is there to help villagers – contact Christine Minns.

Advice should there be a power cut:

  • Notify UK Power Networks on 0800 316 3105.
  • Have a corded phone available to plug in; cordless phones won’t work without power.
  • Dress warmly in several layers of clothing, stay in one room or even get into bed.
  • Take care if using candles, tea-lights and other naked flames.
  • Switch off electrical equipment, except one light so you know when the power comes back on.
  • Street lights may also be off so take care if you go out.
  • Look out for elderly/vulnerable neighbours.

Ducks killed outside the School

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Driving out on Wednesday evening 24 September (about 7.45pm), I noticed two objects in the middle of Ashwellthorpe Road, just outside the school.

On returning home about 10.30pm, I noticed that they were still there and looked to be two ducks.

Early the following morning, someone had kindly moved the deceased to the road side, but unfortunately this was directly outside the school, where children would be walking past on the way to school.

I removed them out of the way before school started.

It would appear that these were run over by a vehicle sometime the previous evening, the driver of which did not stop to attend to the dead birds.

In the five years I have lived in the village, this is the first time I can recall such an incident of “road kill”, so can I ask as a concerned member of the village, and especially considering the children who attend the school:

  • Reminder to all that there is a 30 mph speed limit (which is a maximum speed!) – Ashwellthorpe Road seems to be an attractive stretch of road for some to ignore this requirement;
  • To advise those who have staff who work in the village; or anyone expecting visitors, including companies; delivery drivers, etc; that ducks are always in or around the village, and especially in the stream next to the school, and to take extra care;
  • If in the unfortunate circumstance ducks, or any other animals, are run over, that the bodies are at least removed to the side of the road.

Many thanks

Ian Dunlop, Ashwellthorpe Road