Roads and road safety are a big feature this time, as well as some sources of help to get those really annoying, unwanted callers off your phone line.

Heart 200

The issues that have come to the fore with the launch of the Heart 200 Route have been getting a good airing, both through the press and at 2 very useful meetings held locally. First of all, Pete Wishart MP and Councillor Mike Williamson came to a well-attended meeting in Fearnan on Saturday 13^th July.  Around 25 people attended and had an opportunity to express their concerns.

Mike has since identified a number of action points that he will be picking up, including road safety issues, signage, speed control, problems arising from wild camping, and facilitating the ability of local communities to feed their issues into the Outdoor Access Forum for Perth and Kinross. Pete will be speaking to other communities who have raised similar issues about Heart 200.

The second meeting was a smaller meeting with the 2 senior council officers who are involved with Heart 200.  Sue (Glen Lyon and Loch Tay Community Council), Shirley Shearer (Kenmore CC), Fiona (Fearnan Village Association) and Jenny (Campaigner extraordinaire) attended. This was a very useful meeting both in providing background information and also in considering how some of the issues might be alleviated.  Again, road issues were discussed, particularly speed management, and the points we raised will be taken up by them with the relevant departments in the Council.  Other points were discussed, and we will report on these once we have received the Council’s notes and action points from the meeting.

Many thanks to all those who have contributed to the debate so far.

Nuisance Calls and Scammers

An FVA member reports that over the past two weeks she has been receiving persistent phone calls from an individual purporting to be from Microsoft and asking her to switch on her computer, as it had a fault. The caller got more forceful, rude, and threatening and persisted in making calls to her number even after the householder had told him where to get off in no uncertain terms, and had stopped picking up the phone.  

The number is 00121038108 and a Google search showed it originated in Italy and is nothing to do with Microsoft.

Calls like that are very unsettling, so what can be done?

Both the telephone regulator, Ofcom, and Which? have information on their websites about managing nuisance calls, and how to block them. There are products to block some calls, like international calls (many scamming calls originate overseas) or withheld numbers, but be careful they don’t also block calls you want. Ask your phone provider if they have a service to block some numbers, or you can install a call blocking device on your phone yourself (see links below).

The Which? site helps explain what to do if you’re plagued with unwanted calls:(https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-stop-nuisance-phone-calls)

It also has advice on blocking calls, including reviews of call blocking devices: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/nuisance-calls/article/nuisance-calls-call-blocker-reviews/nuisance-calls-call-blocking-options

Ofcom also has information about the different services your phone provider may have to tackle nuisance calls and the costs: click here

Scams usually involve people being tricked into giving money. If you think a caller is trying to run a scam, you should report it. Find out how to report a scam here:

Tips for dealing with unwanted phone calls include:

• If you get a threatening call or persistent unwanted calls, call your phone provider and ask for their Nuisance Calls Team, who will give help and advice.
• Use the number blocking function that is on most phone handsets and mobiles. Block the number of an unwanted call as soon as you get the caller off the line.
• UK Data Protection laws mean that cold callers cannot phone you without your permission so, when filling in forms or buying on line, take care to tick (or uncheck) the box about contacting you in the future, and also deny them permission to pass your data to someone else. 
• Register with the TPS Service (www.tpsonline.org.uk) as well.  People report varying success with TPS, but if it stops some of the calls, it’s worth it.
• Use the Caller Display function on your phone to see if you recognise the caller’s number before picking up, and let them leave a message if you don’t recognise it.
• Even the most technologically-aware and street-wise people get scammed when they are off-guard! Be deeply suspicious of anyone claiming to be from your bank or computer software provider, never be tempted to give them account details, passwords or pin numbers, and never give them access to your computer (they are just after your passwords and bank details). Terminate the call and wait 5 minutes (to make sure the phoneline has cleared and you are not still talking to the same scammer) before calling your bank to find out if they really are trying to get in touch.
• Beware of ‘number spoofing’ where the scammer uses a decoy number to make it look like it really is your bank calling you.  Your bank will never phone asking for account information or asking you to transfer money to another account. Terminate the call and contact your bank (after waiting 5 mins or use another phone, such as a mobile).

Road Closure – C449 Main Road, Fearnan

In order to permit BT Maintenance works on the C449 through Fearnan, there will be a temporary traffic regulation order from the 1st August 2019 for a period of two days.

During that period, the order will prohibit all vehicles from driving, parking and loading on both sides of the C449 Main Road, Fearnan from the Dalchiaran junction to the private access to Hawthorn Cottage, a distance of 180 metres.

Pedestrian & emergency vehicular access to premises will be maintained. The alternative route for vehicles is A827 – U177 – U179.

Coming Soon!

It’s July, so Strawberry TeaZ are about to be served! 

Join us in the McLean Hall, Fearnan from 3-5pm on Saturday 20^th July.  As ever, the tea table will be laden with strawberry delights – all the old favourites and some new ones, including some savoury strawberry treats. 

Pay at the door – as much as you can eat for £7.00pp (school age children half price).

Road Safety Meeting: Glenlyon & Loch Tay Community Council will be hosting a meeting with Councillor Mike Williamson and PKC representatives about road safety on the A827.  It will be held in the McLean Hall, Fearnan, on Monday 22^nd July 2 – 3pm.

The Big Shed: On Thursday 25^th July at 7.30pm, the young traditional singers and musicians from Feis Fhoirt will be playing at The Big Shed, as part of their annual Ceilidh Trail summer tour of the Stirling, Falkirk and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park area. 

The 2019 Ceilidh Trail line-up have toured individually in Europe and the UK, and they showcase their talents across Clarsach, Fiddle, Scots and Gaelic Song, Accordion and Guitar. 

As ever, tickets are £10 on the door  (opens at 7pm). BYOB – tea coffee and soft drinks will be available at the venue.