Speed Watch – Volunteers Needed!
Our amazing team of volunteers have been working hard to help keep speeds down through the village, but are in need of some additional support.
If you feel you can spare a few hours a month and would like to be part of the team, please contact the Parish Office on 01622 630165 or send an email to deputy@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk
Kent Association for the Blind – Christmas Carols 13th December 2025
Join us for Christmas carols sung by the Boughton Monchelsea Community Choir, mulled wine and mince pies. Saturday 13th December at the White Horse in Bearsted. Take part in the sing-a-long and Christmas jumper competition, and win exciting prizes in the raffle!
Arrive any time from 5.30pm with singing to start at 6pm.
Tickets can be purchased on the night, however it is better to book in advance, so that we are aware of numbers. Please click here for tickets
Adults: £5.00
Visually impaired clients: £3.00
Young people under 18: FREE
Any questions, please email the Fundraising Team or call us on 01622 691357 (select 3 for fundraising
Kent Police Warning – Black Friday/Cyber Monday Fraud Alert
| Criminals take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday events to commit online shopping fraud!
Black Friday: Friday 28th November 2025 Cyber Monday: Monday 1st December 2025
Common Online Shopping Fraud tactics: · Brand impersonation: Criminals copy brand logos, website layouts, and product images to entice shoppers into entering payment details. · Too-good-to-be-true deals: Unrealistic discounts on popular items like electronics, designer clothing, or footwear. · Fake delivery notifications: Emails or texts claiming a delivery issue, prompting shoppers to click malicious links and provide payment details. · Malicious ads: Fraudulent promotions on search engines or social media that redirect shoppers to scam websites. · Consumer urgency: Shoppers are pressured to act quickly on limited-time deals, which lowers their guard against suspicious websites or emails.
How to stay safe when shopping online: · Buy from trusted retailers: Shop on well-known websites. · Beware of “too good to be true” deals: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is! · Check reviews: Search for independent reviews before buying from unfamiliar sites. Use tools such as ScamAdviser.com to check a website is genuine. · Use secure payment methods: If possible, pay by credit card as they offer stronger consumer protection than debit cards. · Look for HTTPS: Ensure the website has a secure connection (there should be a padlock symbol in the URL bar). · Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails, texts or social media ads pushing urgent deals. · Update devices: Keep your phone, tablet, or computer software up to date to protect against malware. · Keep records: Save receipts, order confirmations, and screenshots of deals in case you need to dispute charges. If you suspect fraud, report it to your bank(s) immediately so they can block fraudulent transactions and protect your money.
If you have been a victim of fraud: Report to Action Fraud – The UKs national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. 📞 Phone: 0300 123 2040 Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm 🌐 Online reporting: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
|
My Community Voice & Action Fraud – Beware of winter fuel payment scams
Between April and September 2025, Action Fraud has received 2,790 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams, with victims reporting losses totalling over £27,000.
Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything. If you receive any text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam.
Not sure if a message is real? Contact the organisation directly using the contact details on their official website, not the number or web address in the message. Your bank (or any other official source) won’t ask you to supply personal information by email or text message.
If you have spotted a suspicious SMS or RCS message, you can report it for FREE by forwarding it to 7726.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or call Police Scotland on 101.
My Family, Our Needs – new publication for parents and carers SEND children & young people
My Family, Our Needs (MFON) is excited to announce our new publication — the South East Guide for Parent Carers of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the e-book is now live.
This brand-new, free resource is designed specifically for parent carers across the South East of England. It provides clear, accessible information to help families navigate support for children and young people with additional needs, from birth to 25 years.
- Legal processes and rights
- Targeted and early years support
- Education and learning
- Preparing for adulthood
- Financial help and benefits, and more.
Bearsted Road Improvement – Upcoming Nightworks & Road Closures
Bearsted Road will be closed at night, between Monday 24th November to 28th November 2025.
The extents of the closure will be between KIMS roundabout and the A249 Roundabout (Next Roundabout). These essential works will involve trenching and duct installation across Bearsted Road. The works are being undertaken at night to mitigate disruption during normal working hours.
For the safety of the public & workforce, Bearsted Road will be closed between A249 roundabout & KIMS roundabout. A fully signed diversion route will be in place. The working hours will be
8:00pm to 5.00am.
Access to various businesses within Notcutts Shopping Village will remain open during this period from KIMS roundabout. Traffic Management operatives will be on site to assist any vehicles and pedestrian that require access.
BORO-AL-1260 - Bearsted Road Closure SS