Scam Information

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning the public to be vigilant of scam calls that appear to be coming from numbers similar to their own. Commonly, the first seven digits (07nnnnn) match the victim’s own number.

The calls impersonate well-known government organisations, or law enforcement agencies, and will ask the recipient of the call to “press 1” in order to speak with an advisor, or police officer, about unpaid fines or police warrants.

In May 2021, Action Fraud received 2,110 scam call reports where the caller’s number matched the first seven digits of the victim’s own phone number. Of these, 1,426 (68%) referred to HMRC or National Insurance.

Victims have also reported receiving these types of calls, and messaging, via widely-used messaging apps, such as WhatsApp

What you need to do:

• Government and law enforcement agencies will not notify you about unpaid fines or outstanding police warrants by calling or texting you. Do not respond to any calls or texts you receive about these.
• Always take a moment to stop and think before parting with money or your personal information, it could prevent you from falling victim to fraud. Remember, it’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• If you receive a suspicious text message, you can report it by forwarding the message to 7726. It’s free of charge.
• Suspicious telephone/mobile calls can be reported to Action Fraud via their website: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing

For more information about how to protect yoursefl online, visit http://www.cyberaware.gov.uk or http://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/about/take-five/

Every report matters:
If you have been a victim of fraud or Cyber Crime, report it to http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 1232040

Christmas Lights Competition

Ouston Parish Council invited Ouston Parish Residents to take part in our Christmas Lights Competition!

There were some amazing festively lit homes and it was a pleasure for our Councillors to judge them.

FIRST PRIZE £50 VOUCHER was awarded to a home in Cromarty.

SECOND PRIZE £30 VOUCHER was awarded to a home in Turnberry and

THIRD PRIZE £20 VOUCHER was awarded to another home in Cromarty.

Ouston Parish Council would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ouston Parish Council currently has one Parish Councillor vacancy. If you would like further information please contact the Clerk on 07917 440 556 or by email on oustonparishcouncil@gmail.com

Being a Parish Councillor is an important part of the local democratic framework. If you read through the Parish Newsletter you will be able to see the Parish Council is progressive and busy, working to help all residents within the Parish. We look forward to hearing from you.

NOTICE OF

PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCY

OUSTON PARISH

TO APPLY – Eligible persons (see below*) are to write expressing an interest, together with any relevant information e.g. a CV, details of voluntary or community experience etc.

*Eligible persons must be at least 18 years old • be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of any member state of the European Union, and meet at least one of the following four qualifications: a. You are, and will continue to be, registered as a local government elector for the local authority area in which you wish to stand from the day of your nomination onwards. b. You have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the local authority area during the whole of the previous 12 months. c. Your main or only place of work during the previous 12 months has been in the local authority area. d. You have lived in the local authority area during the whole of the previous 12 months.

*Persons disqualified from applying include anyone A. employed by the parish council. B. You hold a politically restricted post. C. You are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order. D. You have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more (including a suspended sentence), without the option of a fine, during the five years prior to joining the council.

The new Parish Clerk Lisa Blondrage has been appointed on 1st May 2019

The Parish Council has entered Northumbria in Bloom the last 2 years having taken a break for some year.  The Parish Council would like to encourage residents to participate in decisions about this competitions.  We would like to set up a Residents committee to help organize planting etc. Are you interested – if so please contact the clerk.  If you have experience of gardening please get in touch.  We would very much like to improve on our Bronze Award for 2017.

The Parish Council has agreed to fund replacement of several benches in the village, removed by the County Council. It is anticipated the order will be placed in May 2013 and installation completed ready for the Summer weather.

Our Parish Website was originally launched on 17 January 2011, it has since been updated and all minutes and agenda are available for the public to see.  If you have any problems accessing the information please contact the clerk to the Parish Council.  We are continuously adding information but if you have any suggestion please contact the clerk.