We have been made aware by the Local Resilience Forum that there is a campaign of Anti 5G posters in the South West.  

These posters are being fixed to masts, lamp posts, and other public area structures. Nationally, it has been alleged that some of the posters have been booby trapped with sharp objects thought to be intended to injure whoever attempts to take a poster down. The LRF are not aware of any cases within the local area but please take extra care if you see a poster and plan to move it.

Further to recent enquiries, officers wish to confirm in accordance with Government advice all play areas remain closed due to Covid-19. 

Guidance circulated last week by National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and BHIB Councils Insurance to Town and Parish Councils may have indicated that play areas could reopen subject to case by case assessment. However this is not the case.

As yet Government has given no indication of timescales to reopen play areas. Given the difficulty in achieving adequate social distancing, keeping play equipment sterile and preventing children touching the same equipment, it is likely that play areas will be one of the later facilities to reopen.

When government guidance changes appropriate steps such as inspection of play areas prior to reopening will be taken and reopening dates communicated with Members and Town & Parish Councils.

It's not unusual to feel worried or helpless at the moment. Try and share how you are feeling and the things you are doing to cope with family and friends. It could help them too.

If you don’t feel able to do that, there are people you can speak to via NHS recommended helplines or you could find support groups online to connect with.

Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how you feel mentally and physically, so it’s important to get enough.

Try to maintain regular sleeping patterns and keep good sleep hygiene practices – like avoiding screens before bed, cutting back on caffeine and creating a restful environment. The Every Mind Matters sleep page provides practical advice on how to improve your sleep.

Now that lockdown restrictions have eased, the RNLI has rolled out lifeguard patrols on another 22 beaches in the South West.

Find out which beaches will have RNLI cover from Saturday.

If you are planning to visit the coast, always remember to:

• Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage
• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water
• Don’t allow your family to swim alone
• Don’t use inflatables
• FLOAT TO LIVE if you fall into the water unexpectedly. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float
• In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard

Find out more from the RNLI.