This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, supported by your local library and the Reading Agency, is entitled The Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.

It runs from 5 July to the 13 September and is FREE to all children between the ages of 0 and 11. They need to make just 4 visits to the library and read a minimum of 6 books, collecting stickers along the way and receiving a certificate and medal when they have completed the challenge.

We also have a number of activities that you and your child can engage in  throughout the holiday that are not only free but require a minimum of materials.

Research indicates that reading levels can decline during the summer holidays, a phenomenon often referred to as the “summer slide”.  This decline is more pronounced in children who do not engage in regular reading activities over the break.  Some studies even suggest that students can lose up to two months of reading skills during the summer.  By encouraging your child to participate in the Challenge you can help to avoid this “summer slide”.

The Police has issued the warning below. Although the reference is to parking in Watchet there are fake QR codes in use elsewhere so please take care and check that the QR code is not a sticker over the original code.

We want to make people aware of criminals who have put a fake QR code over the genuine article on parking ticket machines in Watchet. These are the codes that can be scanned by smart phones to make payments, such as paying for a parking space in these occasions. Instead of payment going to the legitimate operator, these payments are going to the offender. Typically these scams may only take a small sum so it doesn’t raise any suspicions to the victim, allowing the fraud to continue.

A QR (Quick Response) Code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode which gives access to websites, digital content, or other information. At it’s best it provides swift access for payments, which comes from PayPal or similar companies, who then take payment for the user. At worse, it may also download phishing or malware viruses. Always check there isn’t a sticker over the original code. Be very careful if a smaller sticker seems to be over of a larger size or shows signs of tampering. Be especially aware if the website asks for sensitive information or offers unrealistic deals.

The police has informed us that for the time being, Trevor Wilmot will be your point of contact for police matters relating to your area.

Should you need to get in touch, Trevor can be contacted as follows:

Tel: 07547 659 714

Email: trevor.wilmot@avonandsomerset.police.uk

A garden shed was broken into on Glen Yeo Terrace, Congresbury, between 8pm on the 12th and 10am on the 13th. The suspects gained entry by ripping the lock from the door, where inside a pressure washer, batteries, and two chainsaws were stolen.

Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5224122585 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.

Those who have kept a keen eye on the roadworks via OneNetwork will no doubt be aware that the Wood Hill junction is due for closure from 25th March. Signs up on Wood Hill show that this closure will be longer than is currently being shown on OneNetwork – indicating that it will be closed until 23rd August. The closure is part of North Somerset’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. This is just a warning to those who may not pass by that way every day!