Avon & Somerset police have issued a warning over a new text message scam called Flubot. This is a malicious piece of spyware that is installed on Android devices once you receive a text message asking you to install a Tracking App due to a ‘missed package delivery’. The ‘Tracking App’ will actually steal passwords and other sensitive data, while sending messages to your contacts to do the same.

The text message asks the user to click on a link (PLEASE DON’T), doing so will take you to a website where you will be prompted to download the App (DEFINITELY DON’T).

Please forward any scam messages to 7726 (SPAM on your keypad), which is a free reporting service.

Although this scam only appears on Android phones at the moment, Apple IOS users should remain alert as this could apply to these handsets at some point.

Please see the link below for information on the National Cyber Security Website.

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/flubot-guidance-for-text-message-scam

Trevor Riddle is a YACWAG member and keen bird enthusiast. He has written this illustrated book of over 80 birds that you can expect to see or hear in Yatton and Congresbury, and where to go to see them.

Click here for an example of it’s contents.

The cost is just £5 (cheques payable to T. Riddle or cash please), with all profits going to YACWAG, and obtainable from the following, or delivered locally:

Congresbury – Sue & Graham Lovesey (Tel 838916)

Yatton – Yatton Post Office, Yatton News or from Trevor (Tel 835208)

Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do.

For more information click here

A Congresbury family has opened an online Christmas gift shop, offering local deliveries and no-quibble returns.

Ellie Munro, of Silver Street, says the shop previously traded as the Green Room boutique shop in Hay-On-Wye. She says: “We have a huge range of items that will make perfect gifts for your loved ones this Christmas. We can deliver our products safely and conveniently to people in our community and beyond, and we want especially to help those who cannot shop as we would all much prefer to during these difficult times. 

“We can offer local delivery, collection from Congresbury or Clevedon giving complete peace of mind to those who may be unaccustomed to online shopping.”

For more details click here

Send us photos of any Christmas light displays in the village which have that wow! factor and we’ll put together an album to help keep us all smiling. You can send them on Facebook or on email editor@congresbury.net

Click here for timetable updates

North Somerset council has issued advanced warning that Stock Lane, Langford (B3133 ) will be closed from Monday November 23 for four weeks to complete drainage improvement and carriageway resurfacing works. 

This will be to complete phase one of drainage works and will be for 24 hours a day.

Phase two of the drainage works are anticipated to start on Monday 4 January for two weeks and will also be for 24 hours a day. 

Phase Three, surfacing works, are anticipated to begin on Monday 18 January and last for five days working 8pm to 6am. 

Stock Lane will be closed from its junction with the A38 to its junction with Langford Road. Diversions will be in place.

For the latest news click here

Police are asking motorists to be vigilant following a recent increase in thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles.

Catalytic converters are attractive to thieves due to the current high prices of the metals inside them, and because they are relatively quick and easy to steal. Hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius, which have more valuable catalytic converters, are particularly likely to be targeted.

During the past six months, Avon and Somerset police have seen a spike in these types of thefts at Park and Rides in North Somerset, Bath, Bristol and Taunton. Neighbourhood police are carrying out targeted patrols of the affected areas.

Police have also been visiting local scrap merchants to remind them of their responsibilities. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, dealers must request photographic identification and proof of address from people selling scrap to them. The law also bars cash payments for scrap.

If you see someone acting suspiciously around a vehicle, report it to police on 101. Ideally, provide a vehicle registration/make/model and colour, and a description of the suspects.

If you witness a crime in progress, call 999.

You can help to deter thieves by:

• Parking your vehicle in a secure garage overnight or somewhere that makes it difficult for thieves to access its underside
• Parking where neighbours and passers-by could see anyone tampering with the vehicle
• Installing motion activated security lighting or CCTV
• Marking your catalytic converter with a commercially-available etching kit or fitting a ‘cat’ clamp or alarm. This can also help police trace the item and prove a theft, helping us bring offenders to justice.

You can find more crime prevention advice on the Avon and Somerset website.