Page 12 - Herald December 2023

12 THE NEW COUNTESTHORPE HERALD
DECEMBER 2023
have been subject to sporadic vandalism, requiring repair and replacement at a cost of between £2,000 to £3,000 each time. Historically, attacks have been most numerous in the autumn when fireworks go on sale for 5th November Bonfire Night celebrations.
A firework set off in the disabled toilet prompted its removal for repair last week, with a temporary unit installed. Now both units have been destroyed in an arson attack and the police have been informed. Councillor Nigel Grundy said: “I’m at a loss to understand what pleasure anyone gets out of wilfully destroying facilities like these. A mindless few spoiling it for the many.
“Visitors asked us to provide these toilets to improve their experience of Fosse Meadows and with the presence of the coffee van, of course it made sense. Sadly they have been a constant target for vandals with attacks ranging from the small scale to this last incident which has left just a puddle of plastic where the toilets used to stand.
“Provision of these facilities and their regular repair and replacement isn’t something that comes for free. Every time there’s an issue we have to find the resources to resolve it – and especially in this current climate we are very wary of how important it is to safeguard public money.
“We will be looking at what to do with toilet provision at Fosse Meadows and how that might fit in with our plans and budget. In the meantime I would urge anyone who may have any information about this attack to contact the Police on 101.”
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Scams and fraud can affect everyone – there are several ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of these crimes, and it is important to follow new and emerging advice as these crimes become more sophisticated and harder to spot.
We encourage you to trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, or you receive an unexpected message – trust your instincts and double-check. We want to raise awareness of the tactics scammers use to lure you in, and to help you spot if something doesn’t look, feel, sound or seem right.
“Any of us can be caught out by scammers. They deliberately target our better natures and use psychological tactics, like being overly friendly or pretending to do you a favour, making you a limited-time offer, telling you everyone else has done something or trapping you into doing little tasks for them. If you sense something’s
not quite right, give a clear, firm “no” - it’s ok to be firm in telling scammers you are not interested.” John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network. Action Fraud and UK Finance have shared their Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, with three simple steps to help you avoid becoming a victim of scams... STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe. CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
ARSONISTS DESTROY
NATURE AREA TOILETS
Vandals have burned down toilets at Fosse Meadows Nature Area just days after the disabled unit was replaced due to firework damage.
The two portable units were on the smaller car park at Fosse Meadows, placed there following pleas from the public to provide lavatory facilities.
Since their introduction by Blaby District Council around four years ago, the units
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