 Make sure you safely scare this Halloween and keep children away from candles and open flames.
If you're going out to scare, know what to wear:
- If you're shopping online, check who you are buying from. If it's a third-party seller, find out as much about them as possible.
- Read all the safety information. This includes on the label and online. Check for laces, drawstrings, and floaty parts if it's clothing for small children. Check that it's safety tested by reading the label. The CE mark certifies it's been tested.
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Look for ratings and reviews from other customers. Other customers may have given feedback. Be savvy.
- Is it safe? Check it hasn't been recalled. Visit productrecall.campaign.gov.uk and check the costume hasn't been recalled. It's quick to do and could make a big difference.
- Speak up if you find an issue. You can report safety issues to the retailer, website, seller and your local Citizens Advice team.
Bonfire night is also coming up. If you're using fireworks, check safety guidance on the link below.
 We have extended the deadline for pensioners on low-income benefits to use a voucher sent to 4,000 households in the borough.
The voucher, part of a Pensioner Pack sent to residents in September, expires on October 15.
Due to industrial action and other factors, we know some packs have arrived later than anticipated, and residents have contacted the council to ask whether the voucher is still valid.
We have extended the deadline until December 31 for residents to redeem the voucher from a post office.
The pack was distributed to help the most vulnerable residents in our borough meet the soaring energy costs.
 We hate fly-tippers as much as you, so let’s work together to catch the culprits. Head to our October edition of Redbridge Wall of Shame and let us know if you recognise any of the offenders caught on camera making a mess in our borough.
 There is still time for people who live, work or visit Ilford or the nearby area to share their views on plans to create a new health and care centre in the heart of Ilford town centre.
The plans for the new centre would provide easy access to GP services and a range of health, social care and community services from two floors in the Ilford Exchange shopping centre.
Having these services in a modern building in a central location with excellent transport links would allow us to meet the needs of the local community better.
Residents can have their say on the proposals until Sunday 6 November.
The quickest way for people to share their feedback is through our online survey. Residents can also book to attend the last information event online on Tuesday 1 November, from 10am to 11.30am.
 Opening libraries at the most popular times of day and providing a Sunday service at our flagship Central Library in Ilford are two ideas being proposed as part of a new consultation.
We're inviting residents to give us their views on new opening hours for libraries across the borough. Feedback will inform final changes, which will take effect from January 2023.
 Our much loved ‘Adopt a Tree Pit’ is back following its success last year, which saw more than 1,400 tree pits ‘adopted’ by local people - helping bring neighbourhoods into bloom.
Applications for this year are now open, and communities across the borough are invited to get involved with the popular green scheme.
By adopting a tree pit near your home, you can create your own mini garden on your doorstep by planting flower seeds. With regular love and care, you’ll soon see your tree pit bloom to bring splashes of colour to your street. The deadline for applications is Sunday 18 December.
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