DIY dangers prompt warning
DIY enthusiasts in Ashbourne are being warned of the dangers of scrimping on safety if carrying out home improvements on a tight budget.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says the economic climate means people are more likely to attempt repairs and renovations themselves rather than calling in professionals.
The safety experts say over-ambition and lack of knowledge are among the main causes of DIY accidents, and urges people to be honest about their abilities.
RoSPA home safety manager Sheila Merrill said: “As well as relatively minor bumps and scrapes, sadly we do hear about people being seriously hurt or even killed while they are working on their home.
“When any activity becomes more popular, it is to be expected there will be a rise in the number of people being injured - obviously something we are keen to avoid with DIY during the current economic downturn.
“Accidents happen more easily when you are unprepared and rush, so think through the tasks you intend to do before you start work.
"As well as being honest about your abilities, make sure you have the right tools for the job and that they are in good repair. Remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, and check the instructions that come with tools or materials to see whether any
protective gear is recommended.”
Go to www.rospa.com/homesafety/ for more home safety advice.
Bid to ease the fear of crime
YOU can check out what crime-prevention schemes and projects are happening in the Ashbourne area with the latest edition of the Safer Derbyshire magazine.
Latest figures show Derbyshire is a safe place to live but residents say fear of crime can be one of the biggest concerns affecting their quality of life.
That’s why Derbyshire County Council is producing the Safer Derbyshire magazine, featuring all the initiatives around the county designed to make people feel safer and happier about where they live.
The fourth edition is out now and contains advice on where to get help if you have concerns over any issues in your area.
In this month’s edition there are features on Ozbox - which lets young people take part in positive, healthy activity - and about a reformed drug addict who is now helping others.
There are hints and tips on surviving the credit crunch as well as details on where £315,000 of funding is being spent to make Derbyshire even safer.
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Clive Moesby, said: “Even though Derbyshire is a very safe county, we are doing all we can to make sure people feel even more safe and reassured.
“Fear of crime is something that can affect people’s quality of life and we hope that by showcasing all the wonderful work that is being done around the county we can go some way to alleviating it.”
The Safer Derbyshire magazine is part of Derbyshire County Council’s We’re Making Derbyshire Safer initiative.
People can get the magazine posted to them or request further copies by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 or email contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk
Safer Derbyshire can also be picked up in a variety of places including doctors' surgeries, all libraries and schools, 50-plus forums, tourist information offices and all parish, district and borough councils.
Rural businesses 'showing confidence'
CONFIDENCE in the rural economy is significantly more buoyant than that of the general economy.
That's the finding of research by rural economy experts the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).
The CLA Rural Economy Indicator is conducted quarterly to sample confidence in the rural economy by those who live and work in the countryside.
CLA East Midlands director Helen Woolley said: “The results outline that confidence in the rural economy is up on the previous set of results, showing that businesses are fending off the negative effects of the recession better than the rest of the economy.
“Only four percent of respondents have no confidence at all in the rural economy over the next three to six months, compared with an enormous 69 percent in the general economy."
The rural business chief continued: “Twelve per cent believe their rural business will perform well in the short-term, and around three-fifths, 58 per cent, of those surveyed saw business performance as being in line with expectation over the next six months.”
But she warned that the positive results should not eclipse the problems facing the rural economy.
She said: “Many businesses are suffering, with lack of cashflow being a major obstacle to productivity, as well as 87 per cent of respondents stating that effective and affordable broadband is vital for rural businesses - something for which the CLA is vigorously campaigning.”
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Copyright Ashbourne News Online 2009
