Digital Switchover is coming to North Marston

TV is switching to digital all over the UK and soon the traditional TV signal will be switched off in your area. If you don't have digital TV by the time of switchover, you will lose your TV channels. Most people are ready for switchover, but there are many older and disabled people who are going to need help to convert to digital television.

Do you know anyone in your community who you think would struggle to make the switch to digital? These people may live alone; rarely leave the house and have limited or no contact with any friends or relatives. This might be because they are in poor health or because they are wary of trusting too many people. For these people television is an important part of their lives and they would find it distressing if they could no longer watch their favourite programmes.

The BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme is concerned that no-one is left with a blank screen after the switchover and offers practical help for older and disabled people to convert one TV set to digital, including installation of the easy-to-use equipment, a demonstration of how to use it and 12 months of aftercare service including a free helpline.

Eligible people have been sent a Help Scheme information pack through the post explaining the help available. Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard option of help.

People are eligible for the Help Scheme if they are:

  • Aged 75 or over, or
  • Have lived in a care home for six months or more, or
  • Get (or could get):
    • Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or
    • Attendance or Constant Attendance Allowance, or
    • Mobility supplement, or
  • Are registered blind or partially sighted

The service is free for people who are eligible and who also receive pension credit income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance or income-related employment and support allowance. Please give someone you know a helping hand by passing this information to them or help them to get in touch with the Help Scheme. You may be the one person they trust to give them good advice. The Switchover Help Scheme has helped hundreds of thousands of people to switch to digital. For more information, call 0800 40 85 900 or visit helpscheme.co.uk.

We are also concerned that the less desirable members of the public could use this switchover period for their gain. Please see the advice below. Thankfully, distraction burglary is rare in this area but the Neighbourhood Police Team wish to make residents aware of some simple steps to ensure you are not a victim.

  • If you are not sure who is at your door, don't open it – or USE YOUR CHAINLOCK
  • Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they say they are from i.e. GAS, ELECTRICITY, WATER, POLICE, DIGITAL SWITCHOVER – Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller – they may be bogus.
  • Genuine companies will NOT request cash transactions on your doorstep
  • The 'Waterboard' no longer exists, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
  • Do not keep large quantities of cash at home; put it in the bank where it is safe.
  • Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. When someone knocks at your front door always ensure your back door is locked.
  • Do not be hurried – genuine companies will understand. Distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.
  • If somebody asks for your help – needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper for example, refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door. Alternatively, call a friend or neighbour to come and assist.
  • Not sure? Don't open the door.

Call the police on 999 in an emergency, or 0845 850 5505 if non urgent. Crimestoppers are on 0800 555 111

C9955 Wendy Taylor
Police Community Support Officer
Buckingham South
Winslow Police Office, 81 High Street, Winslow, Bucks, MK18 3DG
Tel: 0845 850 5505