Residents are being warned not to be taken in by a company offering council tax rebates.

The trading standards service at East Riding of Yorkshire Council has had several reports of a company from outside the area which has been telling residents they are in the wrong council tax band.

A substantial refund is promised to residents by the company, which claims the tax banding has been wrong since 1993.

Complaints received by the trading standards service indicate the company are operating in a number of different ways which include putting leaflets through doors, handing them out in the street and sometimes telephoning people at home.

All the methods employed imply that many properties in the area have been overvalued and are thus entitled to have their council tax banding lowered and claim a refund on the overpaid tax.

Once a resident has indicated to the company that they are interested, the company arranges a personal visit which has a catch, property owners are told that in order for the refund to be claimed they must pay the company an up front fee of  as much as £165 and agree to pay commission amounting to as much as a quarter of any refund to the company.

It is claimed that the up front fee is refundable in the event that the revaluation claim is unsuccessful. However, Trading Standards have had complaints from residents who have been unable to claim their money back.

Colin Briggs, trading standards manager for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Property owners who are approached unexpectedly over their council tax valuation must simply say no. By far the majority of properties are, despite the claims of this company, in the correct banding.

“If a taxpayer believes that they are in the wrong band, then all they have to do is contact the Valuation Office Agency and explain why they think it is incorrect.
If the VOA agrees that the band is incorrect, it will change it. There is no charge for this service.”

Anyone who requires further advice or wishes to report any similar activity within the East Riding Of Yorkshire is urged to contact  Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06.

To contact the Valuation Office Agency for the East Riding of Yorkshire area call 03000 503233 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to Valuation Office Agency, King William House, Market Place, Hull, HU1 1RT.

Around 8:45am several vehicles collided on the A165 at Skirlaugh neat to the East Riding Council Offices. Police are in attendance.

Crimes

Date of Crime Type of Crime Location of Crime
04/01/11 ASSAULT HULL ROAD, SKIRLAUGH
07/01/11 CRIMINAL DAMAGE OLD FORGE WAY, SKIRLAUGH
12/01/11 BURGLARY DWELLING HULL ROAD, SKIRLAUGH
13/01/11 CRIMINAL DAMAGE OLD FORGE WAY, SKIRLAUGH
31/01/11 BURGLARY NON DWELLING MAIN ROAD, SKIRLAUGH
  

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents

Date of Incident Type of Incident Location of Incident
10/01/11 NOISY NEIGHBOUR ROTHESAY COURT, SKIRLAUGH
11/01/11 KIDS BANGING ON WINDOW BENNINGHOLME LANE, SKIRLAUGH
15/01/11 THINGS THROWN IN GARDEN SHAFTESBURY VILLAS, SKIRLAUGH

Latest Crime Figures from December in Skirlaugh.

Crimes

Date of Crime Type of Crime Location of Crime
17/12/10 BURGARY NON DWELLING MAIN ROAD, SKIRLAUGH
29/12/10 THEFT CHURCH LANE, SKIRLAUGH
31/12/10 CRIMINAL DAMAGE ST AUGUSTINES CHURCH, SKIRLAUGH

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents

Date of Incident Type of Incident Location of Incident
02/12/10 SNOWBALLERS BENNINGHOLME LANE, SKIRLAUGH
15/12/10 BANGING ON WINDOWS BENNINGHOLME LANE, SKIRLAUGH
20/12/10 BANGING ON WINDOWS BENNINGHOLME LANE, SKIRLAUGH

The Village Newsletter has been hit by the bad weather and the Delivery to households has not been able to take place, The Newsletter team are hoping to have the newsletter delivered to residents in the next few days or so, You can however download the PDF version minus the advert by visiting the download section of the village website.

General Advice on Snow and Ice

To keep warm and well during periods of cold weather:
• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.
• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter. 
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer). 
• Keep as active as possible.
• Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.
Keep your home at the recommended temperature of 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.
Icy conditions
Icy pavements and roads can very slippery. Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles. The Met Office advises putting grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping. 
Bear in mind that black ice on pavements or roads might not be clearly visible, and that compacted snow may turn to ice and become slippery.
Look out for others
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so check up on them if you can. 
People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.
Travel Arrangements

In difficult conditions, don’t drive unless you absolutely need to.  If you have to travel, there are some precautions you can take.

• Carry a car kit in your vehicle – mobile phone and car charger kit, your personal emergency contact list, first aid kit, warm, waterproof clothes and footwear, blanket, food, water, torch (with spare batteries) and a spade – in case you are stranded in heavy snow.
• Inform a family member or friend of your intended travel arrangements and expected arrival time.
• Check wipers and lights work properly.
• It is better to wear several layers of clothing to maintain body heat, rather than one thick layer.
• Wear a hat - up to half of your body heat is lost through your head.
• Check on older friends and neighbours, ensuring they are warm and safe.
• Watch out for signs of hypothermia – uncontrollable shivering, slow or slurred speech, drowsiness and memory lapse.

If you get stuck in the snow:

• Switch on your hazard warning lights.
• Move slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can.
• Do not leave the vehicle unless you are in sight of a suitable destination.
• Let help come to you.

For information on the effects of this incident on rail travel, call the National Rail Enquiries line on: 08457 484950.

For information on the effects of this incident on buses, call  Buscall - 01482 22 22 22 (open 0800 to 2000 hours daily).

Other Key Contacts

www.metoffice.gov.uk

East Riding of Yorkshire Council
 (01482) 393939

Electricity (24 hour emergency
service and supply failures only)
0845 733 1331

Gas (24 hour emergency service
and gas escapes)
0800 111 999

Yorkshire Water
(24 hour emergency service)
0845 124 24 24

Fire and Rescue
(non emergency)
www.humbersidefire.gov.uk
(01482) 565333

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
www.mcga.gov.uk
(01262) 672317

Police
(non emergency)
www.humbersidepolice.co.uk
0845 6060222

NHS Direct
0845 4647

User Rating: / 3
PoorBest 

The A165 between Coniston and Skirlaugh was closed this afternoon while recovery of a tractor Trailor unit carrying Chickens was recovered, road now open but delays remain.

Skirlaugh Crimes for November 2010

Date of Crime Type of Crime Location of Crime
01/11/10 THEFT FROM VEHICLE A165 SKIRLAUGH
05/11/10 CRIMINAL DAMAGE HULL ROAD, SKIRLAUGH
20/11/10 COMMON ASSAULT ST AUGUSTINES DRIVE, SKIRLAUGH
25/11/10 THEFT HULL ROAD, SKIRLAUGH
  

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents

Date of Incident Type of Incident Location of Incident
09/11/10 NEIGHBOUR ISSUE ROTHESAY COURT, SKIRLAUGH
  

Our regions road suffered yet another accident, this time as two vehicle collide between Oasis Garage and Balk Lane, Arnold. The accident happened at 10:40pm last night (31st October). One car left the road and had overturned and landing in a nearby field. Police and other emergency services attended but only minor injuries where received to the drivers.

This is the second RTC which involved an overturned vehicle on that stretch of road when back in june a driver was treated at the scene for a head injury after his car left the road.

Skirlaugh Crimes

Date of Crime Type of Crime Location of Crime
06/9/10 BURGLARY NON DWELLING BENNINGHOLME LANE, SKIRLAUGH
07/9/10 CRIMINAL DAMAGE ASHVILLE COTTAGES, SKIRLAUGH
23/9/10 INFLICT GBH SUN INN, SKIRLAUGH
28/9/10 THEFT MAIN ROAD, SKIRLAUGH
  

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents

Date of Incident Type of Incident Location of Incident
NONE

Areas of the A165 recently resurfaced at Coniston and Skirlaugh unfortunately have shown signs of premature wear/defects and therefore have failed to meet the required standard. The contractor is due to return to replace the surface under the terms of the guarantee, at no cost to the Council.

The work is planned to take place throughout the week commencing Monday 11th October 2010 starting at the section South of Skirlaugh before moving on to Coniston. Daytime working hours will be restricted 9.15am - 3.15pm to minimise disruption to public and commercial transport, school buses and road users in general. It is possible for some night working or for work to continue beyond that week should additional work be required or there be weather delays.

Should anyone know of any issues or events that could affect the programme date, please contact myself, James Sissons (01482 395644) or Mark Waterson (01482 395637) so that we may take them into account when planning the works.

Skirlaugh Parish Council has a vacancy for a councillor.

A by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if 10 electors of the parish write to the chief executive of East Riding of Yorkshire Council at County Hall, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 9BA, by Thursday, 30 September 2010 claiming an election.

If the chief executive does not receive such a request, the parish council will be informed that it may fill vacancies by co-option, which means that the council members will elect a new member from those who have expressed an interest in joining the council.

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Deborah Sedman, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s senior electoral services officer, on (01482) 393311 or, if you wish to discuss the role of parish councillor, please contact the clerk to the parish council, Sara Towne, 31 West Street, Leven, Beverley, HU17 5LE.

Skirlaugh Crimes

Date of Crime Type of Crime Location of Crime
07/08/10 BURGLARY-NON DWELLING VICARAGE LANE, SKIRLAUGH
25/08/10 THEFT HOLDERNESS VILLAS, SKIRLAUGH
29/08/10 BURGLARY-DWELLING OLD FORGE WAY, SKIRLAUGH
30/08/10 THEFT IN A DWELLING CAWOOD DRIVE, SKIRLAUGH
  

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents

Date of Incident Type of Incident Location of Incident
01/08/10 NEIGHBOUR ISSUE SHAFTESBURY VILLAS, SKIRLAUGH
10/08/10 KIDS BANGING ON DOOR SHAFTESBURY VILLAS, SKIRLAUGH
24/08/10 KIDS PUTTING MUCK ON PLAY EQUIPMENT PLAYING FIELDS, SKIRLAUGH

Motorists face disruption after defective materials caused roads across the East Riding to crumble, up to 20 roads may have been laid with the faulty surface, according to East Riding Council.

The authority has ordered contractors to dig up and repair eight roads after numerous potholes appeared within months of the repairs taking place.

Those affected include the A165, the major traffic artery from Hull to Bridlington including Skirlaugh, and roads in Beverley, Driffield, Hessle, Cottingham and Wansford.

And the region could face even greater disruption as officials warn they cannot rule out potential future problems at 12 other sites.

The council stressed work will be carried out at no further cost to the taxpayer, with contractors picking up the bill.

Officials say they became aware that a plant, which supplies six of its roadwork contractors, had provided defective batches of the material.

Peter Arden, principal engineer for East Riding Council, said: "The council has inspected 20 roads that contractors used the same type of material on. Nine were found to be defective.

"The surface of the roads has been crumbling and not staying bound together, which has caused potholes.

"It is possible, but not probable that the other roads will have to be redone.

"We will be keeping a close eye on the rest."

Mr Arden believes a contaminate entered the mixture during production.

"What we think is the problem is that some other material has got into the mixture in some batches," he explained.

The council says it will try to plan the work for Sundays to minimise disruption.

Last month, drivers were disrupted when three roads in Hessle had to be re-laid.

King Street in Cottingham was re-surfaced in April.

The council has not yet set a date for work on the A165 in Coniston and Skirlaugh, the B1249 in Wansford and the junction of George Street/Lockwood Street and Middle Street South in Driffield.

The council already has a £194 million backlog of repairs for its 2,000-mile road network.

Jeff Atkin, of Beverley and District Taxi Association, said the East Riding is riddled with potholes.

He said: "Customers often complain about bumpy rides caused by the potholes.

"They can damage your car but as a keen cyclist, I'm most concerned about the danger they pose.

"The roadworks will cause disruption, even if they take place on a Sunday, but it has to be done."

Malcolm Simms, director of Asphalt Industry Alliance, said the defective material should not have left the plant in the first place.

He said: "European factory control requirements mean that the problem with material should have been caught before it left the plant.

"It would have saved a lot of money and effort."

A safety inspection of the highways in March found a significant increase in the level of structural defects. The number of potholes was almost double that seen the previous winter.

In May, the council announced a further £2.6 million is to be spent repairing East Riding roads damaged by the winter freeze.

The extra funding is in addition to £1 million from the Department Of Transport to help deal with the winter damage

This takes the total being spent on planned maintenance this year to £12 million.

Officials have said they will target the extra spending on roads damaged the worst.

A spokesperson for the AA said the remedial work should ideally be completed before the winter:

He said: "Although it may be an absolute pain for motorists by causing them disruption, it's the best option that the council acts sooner rather than later."

HUMBERSIDE POLICE are trying to locate the driver of a lorry that is suspected to have been involved in a road traffic collision on Hull Road, Skirlaugh at around 1030hrs this morning (Tuesday 13 July 2010).
A motorcyclist was involved in a collision with the rear end of a lorry.

The lorry was travelling northbound, away from Hull, at the time of the incident, in the direction of the Whitecross roundabout.

The motorcyclist died a short time after the collision. He has not yet been formally identified but is believed to be a man in his 40s from the South Yorkshire area.

The lorry police believe may have been involved in the collision was possibly a flat bed style lorry with green sides and a dirty white cab.

It is believed the driver was unaware of the incident as the motorcyclist impacted with the rear of the vehicle and officers are asking any lorry drivers who were in the area at the relevant time today(July 13) to check their vehicles for damage at the rear offside and contact police if they have any concerns.

Officers would also like to speak to other motorists in the area at the time who saw the incident but did not stop and leave their details as they could provide vital witness accounts. A number of vehicles were travelling in a southerly direction, towards Hull at the time.

Police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended the scene.

Road closures were put in place at the time of the incident and re-opened shortly before 3pm.

Police would ask the lorry driver or anyone who may have information in connection with the collision to contact the East Riding of Yorkshire Roads Policing Team at Humberside Police on tel 0845 60 60 222 quoting log number 169 of 13 July 2010.

A motorcyclist has died after a collision with a lorry.

The accident happened on the A165, close to Dowthorpe Hall, Skirlaugh, at about 10.30am.

Police say the male motorcyclist died at the scene.

The road was closed for 4 hours has now reopened.

A165 Skirlaugh, East Yorkshire - Closed both ways due to accident between Mulberry Lane and Crab Tree Lane, in Skirlaugh. Diversion in operation - via Old Ellerby and New Ellerby

Skirlaugh Crimes - June 2010

Date of Crime Type of Crime Location of Crime
11/06/10 BURGLARY DWELLING HILLFIELD DRIVE, SKIRLAUGH
  

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents

Date of Incident Type of Incident Location of Incident
23/06/10 KIDS ON BUILDING SITE HILLFIELD DRIVE, SKIRLAUGH

Police attended the scene of a road traffic accident involving one car which had overturned after losing control of the vehicle just north of Skirlaugh, approx half mile.  The driver was released out the car by passers by, the scene was attended by paramedics. The Road is partially blocked between Long Riston and Skirlaugh. The driver was treated at the scene.

A meeting is to be held to discuss the formation of a Parish Plan committee.

The meeting is open to all parishioners to learn about the function of a Village Parish Plan and how it can affect the future of Skirlaugh and how it has been used to good effect in other East Riding villages.

Housing, NHS, local sport and community groups could all be affected in the future, and the Parish Plan is a structured document which will lay down guidelines for the future development of Skirlaugh.

For the Parish Plan to be successful Skirlaugh needs the involvement of community members so as to cover all aspects of the village and village life.
The project us supported by Humber & Wolds Rural Community Council who will address the meeting and give full details and explanations.

Skirlaugh Parish Council has started this initiative and Councillors Edward Atkinson and Richard Corden are initially overseeing the Parish Plan in the hope of setting up a Parish Plan committee.

The Parish Plan committee will be a separate organisation to Skirlaugh Parish Council, although it is expected that both the Parish Plan committee and Parish Council will work closely together.

If you are interested in being part of the Parish Plan, please come to the meeting on the 15th July in the Village Hall 7pm

Further details can be obtained from Richard Corden via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available during the meeting in the village hall.

We look forward to seeing you there