It has been confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), that Avian Influenza (bird flu) has been identified in the wild bird population in Rutland. 

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone currently applies to everyone who keeps poultry or captive birds in England. Anyone who keeps poultry or birds must adhere to strict biosecurity requirements, whether they have commercial flocks or just a few birds in a garden flock. 

The prevention zone means bird keepers across the country must: 

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources
• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds
• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures
• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy
• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas 

Further information about Defra’s biosecurity requirements can be found on the GOV.UK website. 

If anyone suspects disease in their flock or finds dead wild birds such as wild ducks, wild geese, swans, gulls or birds of prey, they must report this to Defra.  

You can contact Defra’s helpline by calling: 03459 33 55 77 

Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from avian influenza is very low. 

As a precaution, people should avoid contact with sick, dying or dead poultry or wild birds, avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces and avoid untreated feathers. 

Further updates on avian influenza in England can be found online at: www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-bird-flu-in-winter-2017-to-2018 

St. Mary & St. John C.E.V.A. Primary School

We are taking part in the Big battery Hunt which is one of the largest recycling challenges in the UK. The challenge is to collect as many batteries as we can before Easter to be in with a chance of winning some science themed prizes for school as well as teaching the children the importance of recycling. If anyone has any batteries could they please drop them in at school or there is a collection bucket in the Community Centre foyer.

Thank You

St Mary & St John CEVA Primary School
Church Street
North Luffenham
Oakham
Rutland
LE15 8LH

01780 720184

The 6th North Luffenham Safari Supper will take place on Saturday 14th April 2018. Full details are contained in the attached flyer which will be enclosed in the February edition of the Parish Magazine. An evening of meeting new people, and having fun. Each participant couple are invited to host one course for 6 people. Starters, Mains and Puddings will be served in different homes around the village. Cost will be £20 / Couple, with all proceeds going to Dove Cottage Day Hospice. To book or for further information contact Paul – 720124, Judy – 720467, Liliane – 721047 or Di – 720447.

Booking deadline will be 24th March 2018

Flyer – 2018

Last September Rutland County Councillors voted to introduce a £35 charge for green bin collections, starting from April this year.
In the next few days all eligible households will receive a letter inviting them to sign up for the chargeable service from Monday 22^nd January.

Residents will be able to sign up online, over the phone, or in person at the Council’s offices.

The link to the website for registrations and further information is as follows: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/greenwaste