Closure of Thornbury High Street was raised as a priority on the agenda on the recent community engagement forum due to passionate views in favour and opposing the closure. All agencies are currently involved and South Gloucestershire Council will make the final decision in due course. Police are patrolling the area after concerns were raised from local shop keepers, in regards to security of vacant premises during lockdown.

Avon and Somerset Police have invested in a team of Officers and PCSO's available on most shifts, that will patrol Covid Hot Spot areas, to educate members of the public and fine when appropriate.

Council have also employed Covid Marshalls to patrol Thornbury to engage with the public and feedback any concerns.

We have seen a recent increase of people cold calling, offering to carry out work such as; mending roof tiles, fixing the boiler, tarmac the drives, tree work etc. These people generally target more vulnerable individuals. Work is often carried out in an unsatisfactory manner or not at all.

This can also be linked with distraction burglary - where the resident is drawn out of the house, for example to look at their roofing, and while they are occupied another person enters the home and steals valuables.

Rogue traders often put people on the spot and pressure them into making purchase decision.

We advise you not to deal with uninvited doorstep traders and only use recommended professionals. Please look out for your vulnerable neighbours and report any suspicious activities.

We are working alongside Trading Standards to tackle this issue.

Personally owned e-scooters are currently illegal and should not be used on public highway, such as; the road, cycle lanes and on the pavement. They can be legally ridden only on private land with the landowner's permission. If you do ride a privately owed e-scooter you are liable to receive up to £1000.00 fine, 6 points on your driving license and are a subject to having your scooter confiscated by us.

In comparison, e-scooters rental operators need to show local authorities that their e-scooters have undergone vehicle tests and safety evaluations. They hold liability insurance on your behalf and are provided with a licence that meets the needs of the city that they support. If you want to experience the thrill of riding an e-scooter safely and legally, riding through an e-scooter rental company is the way to go for the foreseeable future.