Christmas in Barton
Please send your photos of Snowmen, Snow Angels and anything Snowy for our website to celebrate Christmas in Barton.
Reminder Barton Greenways Meeting
Reminder that there is a meeting at Barton Village Hall on 12th December 2023 to view the final plans for the village section of Barton Greenways. The meeting will be held between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Parish Councilors will be there with the Greenways team. There will also be an opportunity to discuss applications for further traffic calming measures within the village prior to the next round of Local Highway Improvement bids (January 2024).
The 12 Frauds of Christmas
Make sure your Christmas break goes without a hitch by protecting yourself and your loved ones from fraud this festive season.
Whether you’re online shopping, donating to charity or securing a loan to help pay for the big day, Christmas time brings a whole host of opportunities for fraudsters to get their hands on your money.
Here, fraud and cyber prevention officer Dave York takes us through the 12 frauds of Christmas and how to protect yourself from them…
1) The crime: Faulty goods
With more of us avoiding the last-minute dash to the shops in favour of browsing from the comfort of our own home, online shopping sales have boomed over the past few years, but sadly, so have the frauds surrounding them. Buyers should beware bogus websites and counterfeit goods that are either poor quality or never delivered.
The prevention:
- Go to a trusted retailer’s official website and buy direct if you can – this way you can guarantee you’re getting what you pay for and have grounds to return items and receive a refund if they’re not as expected
- If you are ordering from a third-party website, double check the T&Cs, including delivery, returns and insurance to make sure the company is legitimate
- Make sure your antivirus software is up to date as this will enable your computer or device to flag suspicious sites
- Remember, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is
2) The crime: Charity fraud
Christmas is traditionally a time when many charities ask for donations. Most of these requests are legitimate, but sadly fraudsters may look to take advantage of your charitable nature and help themselves to your cash.
The prevention:
- If donating online, visit the charity website directly
- Do not respond to requests through money transfer companies
- Consider other ways of donating such as over the phone or in person
3) The crime: Romance fraud
It’s not only Valentine’s Day when people consider looking for love. Family, friends and loved ones are a big part of Christmas celebrations and people often turn to online dating during the festive season. Sadly, romance fraudsters can always be relied upon to ruin the fun. Dating and romance scammers build a bond with someone online, leading them to believe they are in a real relationship before asking for money, usually for an emotive reason.
The prevention:
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met
- Always use trusted dating sites and be wary of anyone who wants to take the conversation away from the platform too quickly
- Beware of the use of fake photos and videos – the person you are talking to or looking at may not be who they say they are. A quick Google reverse image search will show you if their profile picture has been used before
4) The crime: Loan fraud
Christmas can be expensive, so it’s understandable that many people turn to loans to help with the cost of presents, food and other festive goods. Loan frauds usually happen when a person applies for a loan, is accepted and then told they have to pay an upfront fee to cover the insurance. Once this fee is paid, the victim never hears from the company again and the loan is never received.
The prevention:
- Only borrow from legitimate and trusted lenders, such as your bank
- Be wary of loan providers who charge an upfront fee
- Consider setting a small amount of money aside each month over the year to help pay for festivities – it’s safer and more cost effective than paying interest on a loan
5) The crime: Ticketing fraud
‘Tis the season for enjoying yourself! Concerts, gigs, theatre performances and sporting events are a big part of getting into that festive spirit and a great way to make happy memories. However, as with all these things, sadly fraudsters are ready to strike. Bogus websites selling fake tickets to events that have already sold out is an all-too-common occurrence at this time of year.
The prevention:
- Only buy tickets from reputable and official sites, selling them for the correct price or directly from the venue
- Be wary of sites selling tickets massively under value – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Legitimate websites will display the “padlock” symbol in the search bar
- Always pay for tickets on your credit card, this way you’re protected by the Consumer Credit Act
6) The crime: Holiday fraud
During the festive season, many of us like to book a few days away – whether escaping to the slopes or seeking a spot of winter sun- and Christmas is a busy time for travel. As you might expect, waiting in the wings to take full advantage are the fraudsters. They list holiday homes, hotels and more online and on social media at bargain “too good to miss” prices when the properties don’t actually exist.
The prevention:
- Beware of anyone asking you to pay them by direct bank transfer, not through a website
- A scammer will often use photos of accommodation copied from other sites. Carry out a Google image search to check where else an image has been used
- The scammer, or their advert, may claim they belong to a legitimate trade body or consumer protection scheme, such as the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). Contact the body or scheme to check the person’s credentials
- Research the property yourself. See if it has its own website
7) The crime: Money transfer fraud
Fraudsters take full advantage of the chaos and rush around Christmas time. You’re so set on getting all your presents that you might not think twice when asked to pay for something via bank transfer, rather than inputting your card details. However tempted you may be because something is “the last one in stock”, never transfer money directly into a seller’s bank account. There are plenty of genuine sellers out there, but be aware fraudsters are also looking to cash-in by persuading people to transfer money for products and services that don’t exist.
The prevention:
- Never send a money transfer for online purchases
- Never provide your banking information to people or businesses you don’t know
8) The Crime: Christmas e-card scams
With more and more people looking to cut costs and save the environment, Christmas e-cards (virtual Christmas cards you can send digitally via email) are becoming ever more popular. While most are genuine, be aware that cyber criminals are creating their own festive e-card, which, once opened, can install malware on your device enabling the scammers to collect your personal, sensitive data.
The prevention:
- If you receive an e-card from an unknown email address or someone you don’t know, play it safe and delete it
- If you believe your electronic device has been infected, report any money lost or suspicious activity on your account to your bank and Action Fraud
9) The crime: Quishing scams
Quishing, also known as QR code phishing, involves tricking someone into scanning a phony QR code with their phone or device. The QR code then takes the user to a fraudulent website that might download malware or ask for sensitive information. QR codes are often found on things like parking machines, charging points, emails, even restaurant menus and you may well use them even more this time of year as you dash between car parks to purchase presents and meet up with friends in cafes and restaurants.
The prevention:
- Check… if the QR is on a poster in a public area, always check whether it appears to have been stuck over the poster, window or billboard. If the sign or notice is laminated and the QR code is under the lamination or part of the original print, chances are it’s more likely to be genuine
- If in doubt… download the app from the official Google or Apple store or search the website on your phone’s internet browser, rather than scanning a QR code to take you there. It may take longer, but it’s more secure
- Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t
10) The Crime: Social media scams
Beware fraudsters on social media platforms advertising festive giveaways and offers. While many will be genuine, some are designed to encourage you to click on phony adverts, which take you to bogus sites and ask for personal or financial details.
The prevention:
- Carefully consider the amount of personal information displayed and posted on your social media accounts as fraudsters can use this to their advantage
- If you click on a social media advert, do the necessary checks before buying anything from the website you land on
11) The Crime: Malware fraud
Mobile phones, tablets and anything tech are the gifts of choice for many at Christmas, but these are a cyber-criminal’s dream! Fraudsters are constantly developing new ways to infect our devices through malicious apps or infected website URLs.
The prevention:
- Make sure you have the latest version of software installed for increased protection
- Only download apps from official app stores like Google Play and Apple Store
- Avoid clicking on links in emails from unknown sources
12) The crime: Auction fraud
Auction sites such as eBay and Vinted are a great way to buy Christmas gifts – items are often cheaper and you get a great feeling from giving new life to something unwanted. However, while most items and sellers on auction sites are genuine, there are those looking to make a quick buck at your expense.
The prevention:
- Always use recommended methods of payment rather than transferring money direct to a seller
- Research the seller before you bid. If available, check their feedback but be mindful this can also be falsified
- Be cautious when buying from sellers abroad or private individuals. If in doubt, back out of the sale
For more information on all of the above, visit the fraud pages of the Cambridgeshire Police website and the Action Fraud website.
Courier scam victims lose £14,000
Members of the public are being warned about courier fraud scams after two recent cases resulted in victims losing a total of £14,000.
Earlier this month, officers in Ely and Cambridge were alerted to incidents where fraudsters posed as a fictitious detective – DC Harris – from a fictitious force – Hammersmith Police – to persuade their victims to hand over large amounts of cash.
In one instance, the suspect called an elderly woman from a withheld number and claimed to be from the police. They claimed to have arrested two men in connection with fraudulent activity at her bank in Ely. They explained her account had been compromised so she needed to withdraw £6,000 as part of the investigation.
This initial phone call was then followed by another asking her to read out serial numbers on some of the bank notes she had withdrawn. The man on the phone then claimed the notes were fraudulent and needed to be handed over as part of the investigation and arrangements were made for the suspect to visit the victim’s home in Ely and collect the notes.
In another similar incident a second elderly woman was contacted by fraudsters using the same sham story.
In this instance, the man on the phone claimed those arrested had been found with bank cards in her name and counterfeit money. The victim was asked to call 999 while still on this call and request to be put through to the fraud squad to verify the caller’s details (in these instances, the fraudsters remain on the line and the call never goes through). She was asked to confirm her name, date of birth, address and what bank accounts she owned. She was then asked to go to her banks in Cambridge and withdraw £6,000 from one account and £2,000 from another, being careful not to get fingerprints on the notes. A man then met her in Cambridge to collect the money.
Cyber and fraud prevention officer Kate Thwaites said: “These crimes often have a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of the victims and their families.
“We urge residents to please be vigilant to this and pass the message on so others can be vigilant too.
“Please remember your bank and the police will never:
- Ask for your bank account details or PIN over the phone
- Ask you to withdraw money and hand it over to them
- Ask you to send them your bank cards or any other personal property
If you receive a message from an unknown number claiming to be a family member, pause and check in on their usual number before proceeding
Further information about courier fraud can be found on the police website.
Barton Greenways Public Meeting
A public meeting will be held at Barton Village Hall on Tuesday 12th December between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to view the final drawings for Barton Greenways. Members of the Greenways team will be present as well as members of Barton Parish Council. The project is split into phases and work on this phase will start in the New Year and will be from the A603 (New Road) to the shared pavement on Comberton Road. The approved drawings are for this section only.
There will also be an opportunity to talk to Barton Councilors about traffic, transport and travel in general and priorities for the next Local Highway Improvement (LHI) bid due in January 2024.
We look forward to seeing as many residents as possible at this public meeting.
Christmas in Barton 2023
The lights go ‘on’ – Saturday 2nd December
The Barton Christmas Spirit Committee is raring to go and is delighted to invite you all to the annual village Christmas tree lighting and Barton Primary School carols on Saturday 2 December, next to the village pond, between 4.30-6.30pm. Join us for mulled wine, mince pies and wonderful community Christmas cheer.
Barton’s annual festive ‘dress up’
Following the enthusiasm for previous Christmas displays around the village, this year we are taking the idea of village scarecrows and raising it to village ‘snow pals’. This December we hope lots of residents will join in with bedecking the village with their creation of a snow pal in their front garden, window, tree, anywhere visible for all to see.
Every kind of snow pal creation is welcome – snowmen, snow angels, snow dogs, snowcats….snow horses…snow spacemen (?!).There are no rules, we welcome you all to indulge your wildest artistic imagination and join in the fun.
(Any households who would like to feature on the Snowpals Map, please drop a line to gro.egallivnotrab@drofgnal.eolhc).
December dates for your diary:
Saturday 2 December, 4.30pm – 6.30pm – Official lighting of the Village Christmas tree at the village green by the pond. Details above.
Friday 8 December, 5-7pm – Barton Primary School will be hosting their Christmas fair. All are welcome.
Tuesday 12 December, afternoon – Barton Primary School Choir will be singing at Burwash Manor. This is weather dependent.
Friday 15 December, from 1.30pm – The children of Barton Primary School will be a-carolling around the village.
Comberton Road Closure (5 Nights)
Dear Councillors and Parish Councils,
You will be very well aware of the ongoing works outside Comberton Village College.
I am emailing to let you know that for five nights from 4 to 8 December (8pm to 6am) the road will be closed between Kentings and Bennell Court with diversions in place, while crews resurface and add new road markings to the road. We have booked five nights but in practice we hope to complete the works more quickly.
A diversionary route will be in place and further details are available in the letter, attached, which will be distributed to affected residents next week (Monday 20 November).
Protocols are in place for emergency vehicle access and there are no scheduled bus services during the closure hours.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, you can contact our contractors, Milestone Infrastructure, directly: ku.oc.arfnienotselim@syawneerg or on 0800 0281363.
Alternatively raise your concerns with us and we will liaise with the contractors.
We would welcome your support in notifying residents of the upcoming closures and for your patience and understanding through this disruption.
Kind Regards,
Martin Meehan
Barton Greenways Update
Barton Parish Council was shown the detailed plans for Barton Greenways (village centre). Once the plans have been approved by Highways, we will hold a public drop in to show residents what is happening. (This will not be a consultation as this was held last year. This will be the final plans that will be implemented in Barton early next year.)
Bullet Points from the meeting:
Barton Greenways Update (October 2023)
- The current plans are split into early works and those that require more detailed design and land purchase.
- Early works include the section from the New Road/A603 junction through Barton centre to join the existing shared pavement on Comberton Road (near farm cottages opposite 9 Comberton Road). They do not include the New Road/A603 junction itself (traffic lights). This junction is part of the later scheme.
- Early works will start after Comberton Greenways scheme is finished (centre of Comberton). This is likely to be end of 2023 start of 2024.
- New Road will be 30 mph up to current 20 limit. Shared pavement will be widened to 3 m reducing the width of the carriageway. There will be a pedestrian and cyclist crossing next to the entrance to Burwash Manor.
- Kingsgrove junction will have raised table. There will be radius changes at the junction. There will be signage and street furniture to make it safer for cyclists to rejoin the carriageway. There will be a pavement put in on the Burwash Manor side to the bus stop.
- From Kings Grove to High Street there will be sinusoidal humps put in to keep traffic speed down. (Similar humps are on Storey’s Way, where it is possible to drive over these comfortably at 20 mph.)
- At School Lane, High Street and New Road/Comberton Road junction, the slip road will be removed (triangle) and the triangle changed so that School Lane will join New Road directly and High Street will join Comberton Road. The 70th jubilee column will be moved, tree canopy adjusted, pavement widened, grass space extended and planting added to enhance the triangle. (Note that there should be more than enough additional parking on High Street where the former road is blocked off to compensate for the loss of parking on the slip road.)
- Outside the farm cottages and opposite 9 Comberton Road, the plan is to install a build-out, similar to those on entering Grantchester and on Long Road Comberton. Priority given in one direction to traffic leaving the village. Signage will indicate cyclists crossing to rejoin the shared pavement. This will be a protection for cyclists joining the carriage way coming in to Barton with a separate route through the build-out for cyclists crossing the road to join the shared pavement.
- We asked about discouraging cyclists from continuing along the pavement by the pond, and also about pedestrians crossing from the Post Office to School Lane. We also asked that they link in works with CCC Highways plans to resurface the road, and also for them to speak to Cambridge Water about the state of the water mains running along New Road. (It has been repaired three times in the last few years and is likely to fail again due to the age of the concrete pipe.)
- The Greenways team will hold another meeting with us when plans are finalised for M11 bridge, A603/New Road junction and bridleway across to Grantchester. These works are not likely to start until September 2024 at the earliest.
- Other than the sinusoidal humps, there will be no additional marking on New Road from Kings Grove to the pond as cyclists will cycle along the carriageway, round the bend by the pond, and up Comberton Road, to join the shared pavement opposite 9 Comberton Road at the farm cottages.
Following on from this meeting, John Howland Jackson and Andy Martin had a separate meeting with the Greenways team on 5th October to ask the team to move the build-out slightly and to add “Keep Clear” on the road at the shared entrance to 9, 9A, Low Barn and 11 Comberton Road. This is to ensure easy access to all the driveways of these houses and to ensure that traffic on Comberton Road does not block these driveways.
When detailed approved plans are signed off by Highways safety team, we should have access to the plans and be able to show residents what is happening. We want to have a public meeting at the Village Hall before work starts and hope to do this before Christmas.
We have emails for two residents asking for additional measures to reduce speed through Barton to 20 mph. We responded to both.
Barton Greenway (greatercambridge.org.uk)
Christmas Open Studio Event
Friends, mark your calendars! It’s time to get the fairy lights out! Sue Rapley is hosting a CHRISTMAS OPEN STUDIO with guest exhibitor Heather Stowell Jewellery on Saturday 2nd December, 11am to 5pm, at Glebe House, 1 High Street in Barton.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come along and enjoy unique and joyful paintings, prints, gifts and handmade jewellery. All welcome.
Please download the attached poster for full details.
M11 Road Closures Junction 6 to 13
M11 junction 6 to 13 – Electronic message sign renewal
I am writing to tell you that as part of a series of improvements on the M11, we plan to renew the existing electronic message signs between junctions 6 and 13. Once complete, the new signs will offer reliable information and service to the road users. The signs have been built with a longer lifespan and durability.
We plan to complete this work in three phases over 12 weeks between Monday 4 December and February 2024. We will work between 9pm and 5am on weeknights only, weather permitting.
Closures and diversions
To carry out the work safely, we will need to close sections of the M11, and divert traffic as detailed below:
| Closures | Date | Time | Diversion |
| M11 northbound between junction 12 and 13 | Monday 4 to Tuesday 5 December
Thursday 7 to Friday 8 December |
9pm to 5am | M11 northbound traffic will be diverted off the M11 at junction 12 onto the A603, A1198, A14, to re-join the M11 at junction 14 – (See map 1). |
| M11 southbound junction 10 to 8 | Monday 11 to Thursday 14 December | 9pm to 5am
|
Traffic will be diverted via A505, A10 and A120 |
In addition to the above closures, there will be various lane closures in place between junctions 6 and 13 throughout the duration of the work.
A map of the diversions can be found below.
Other work on the M11
M11 junction 10 slip road resurfacing – Tuesday 28 November to Friday 01 December. While this work takes place, we will close M11 southbound between junctions 12 and 10 on Tuesday 28 November, with traffic diverted onto the A10 and the A505, and the M11 junction 10 southbound exit slip on the remaining days, with all work taking place between 8pm and 6am.
M11 junction 8 to 10 safety improvements work – Saturday 2 December and Sunday 3 December. The M11 will be closed between junctions 8 to 10, southbound on Saturday 2 December and northbound on Sunday 3 December.
Northbound traffic will be diverted off the M11 at junction 8, at the Birchanger Green Roundabout exit onto the A120 west towards Standon, then travel north on the A10 towards Royston. Take the A505 east towards Duxford to rejoin the M11 at junction 10.
On Sunday 3 December, southbound traffic will exit the M11 at junction 10 (Duxford), and travel on the A505 west before joining the A10 southbound at Royston. Take the A120 east towards Bishops Stortford and rejoin the M11 at junction 8 (Birchanger Green Roundabout).
Drainage work will also begin for two weeks in January 2024 between junction 7A and 8.
M11 junction 6 to 7 resurfacing – Monday 8 January 2024 for three weeks.
The M11 will be closed between junction 6 to 7 from Monday 8 January to Friday 26 January 2024.
Diversion will be via the M25 to J25 (A10), A10 northbound and A414 eastbound to rejoin at junction 7.
How to find out more
To find out more about these M11 road improvements, please visit our website at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/east/m11-junction-7-to-junction-10-maintenance-works/
To find out more about road improvements we’re carrying out across the East of England – https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/east/.
If you would like more information, please contact us on 0300 123 5000, or by email at ku.oc.syawhgihlanoitan@ofni.