With support from Warndon Parish Council The Lyppard Hub is pleased to be included as a Warm Welcome Space.
The aim is to provide those in our community who are struggling or feeling lonely with a warm and friendly space as the weather gets colder!
Just speak to a member of our staff at reception.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has now confirmed there is avian influenza A(H5N1) in wild bird populations in Worcester.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people not to touch any sick or dead wild birds following die off in wildfowl including swans at the lakes around County Hall and Nunnery Wood in Worcester.
Sarah Smith UKHSA West Midlands Consultant in Health Protection specialising in avian influenza, said: “The A(H5N1) strain is currently the most common strain of bird flu in this country and is highly pathogenic to other birds. The risk to the public from avian flu remains very low, however it is possible for humans to catch the virus, so it is vital that people do not touch any sick or dead birds, or have contact with their droppings, eggs or bedding, which may also be contaminated. As a precaution, anyone who has been in direct contact with a sick or dying bird in an area where the infection has been confirmed, will require close monitoring and follow up with UKHSA.”
Worcestershire County Council, and UKHSA West Midlands are working together and liaising with Defra (the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) to manage the situation and protect public health and reduce the risk to other birds, wildlife and pets.
Liz Altay, Interim Director of Public Health Worcestershire County Council, said: “All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease, and take all necessary precautions to stop spread of disease to the flock. If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek prompt advice from your vet.”
Reporting dead birds
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, please do not touch them:
· In Worcester City Council area Contact the city council at www.worcester.gov.uk/report-it
· In all other parts of Worcestershire
Notify the Defra helpline on 03459 335 577 and then contact your local district/borough council in Worcestershire for removal:
o Bromsgrove: call 01527 881 188
o Malvern Hills: call 01684 862 490 email or visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/community/bird-flu
o Redditch: call 01527 881188
o Wychavon: call 01386 565199 email or visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/bird-flu
o Wyre Forest: visit https://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/streets-and-parking/street-care-and-cleaning/dead-animals/
· Outside the Worcestershire area
Notify the Defra helpline on 03459 335 577
Reporting sick or injured birds
· Please do not touch or pick up any sick or injured birds that you find – contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 For further advice see GOV.UK
In areas where the infection has been confirmed or is suspected, members of the public who have been in contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings, should make sure any footwear is properly cleaned and thoroughly wash their hands in soap and water. They should then notify the UK Health Security Agency’s West Midlands Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3560 so that public health experts can determine if further action is necessary to protect their health, including the prescription of anti-viral medication.
Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and on commercial premises, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain, to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.
Anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds should also take extra precautions including keeping their birds indoors or taking appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. The RSPCA has provided a simple guide to help backyard flock keepers to protect their birds from bird flu. It is important to be vigilant for any signs of disease, if you are concerned about your birds’ health or suspect Avian Influenza, please contact your vet immediately.
For more information contact UKHSA West Midlands press office on 0121 232 9223/4 Out Of Hours 07834 311 393
People across the country are facing increased pressures on their household income due to rising energy costs and food bills. In Worcester, there is a range of help, advice and support available to residents.
Go to: https://www.worcester.gov.uk/advice-benefits/support-with-cost-of-living-crisis
Worcester City Council recently carried out the annual play inspection of Old Tolladine Road play area and on finding significant damage to the play surface, it was decided to remove the basket swing.
Once the repairs have been carried out it will be reinstated.
Update from Worcester City Council.
The swings at Trotshill Lane East play area which were damaged a some weeks ago and removed for safety reasons are being replaced. However, as with everything at the moment there is a long lead time when orders are placed. The City Council may have to consider replacing with an alternative type of swing subject to availability.
Residents will see notices being installed around the parish by Worcester City Council informing residents why some greenspaces are being left to bloom.
As residents we can all do our bit by leaving an area in our gardens unmown or undisturbed or add some insect friendly plants.
‘One small step’ for each household, but together ‘one big step’ for our natural environment’.
Worcester City Council are currently creating new wildlife habitats on some of our green spaces in the parish. They are building log piles to encourage insects, small mammals and fungi, so they too can make this area their home!
Sadly due to vandalism, the Parish Warden has today removed the netting from the play equipment at Trotshill Lane East for safety reasons.
It has been referred to Worcester City Council who will be replacing it in due course.
The Police attended the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 7th February at the Lyppard Hub. The Parish Council expressed their concerns at the level of car crime in the area in recent months. The Police representatives confirmed they are dealing with all reports and have requested that residents keep reporting incidents to them and where possible provide CCTV footage.
Please call 101 or report online https://www.westmercia.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/ or contact the local policing team on . Or if you wish you can speak directly to the Neighbourhood Team at Warndon Police Post, Cranham Parade, Cranham Drive, Worcester every Wednesday between 2-4 p.m.
PC Hart also issued a reminder to all residents to ensure vehicles are locked at all times.