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STREETWISE g in Information for students livin
Ormskirk
CONTENTS Welcome 3 Be a Good Neighbour
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Stay Safe
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In the Know
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Fire Safety
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Rubbish 16 Housing Advice
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Getting Around
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Contact Numbers
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Welcome!
For some of you this may be the first time you are living independently away from home. We want you to have a good time, but not at other people’s expense. This booklet offers advice on how to make the most of your new found freedom, while at the same time getting on with your neighbours, staying safe and having respect for the environment around you. Remember you are now moving into a residential area. We hope you’ll find plenty of information inside this guide to help you settle in, have fun and make the most of the local community, while staying safe.
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Keep the noise to a reasonable level Remember that the house or flat you live in is unlikely to have been purpose built for multiple occupancy. This means that noise will travel and of course more people = more noise. Don’t forget - not everyone has the same taste or tolerance of noise or music. To avoid upsetting your neighbours try to be considerate when listening to music. If your neighbours have young children or need to get up early for work they won’t appreciate being woken up when you come back from a night out. Keep stereos and TVs away from neighbours’ walls and go easy on the bass. Raise your speakers off the floor, as this reduces noise and vibration throughout the structure of the building. At night, try using headphones.You can’t disturb anybody then! You should be aware that noise created when you run up and down stairs, slam doors or shout will also travel, and this can disturb your neighbours just as much as loud music. If you are planning a gathering with friends, warn your neighbours in advance and make sure that you keep the noise down. Remember if someone knocks to complain about the noise it is always better to just turn the music down a little and apologise. This will cause a lot less bad feeling in the long run.
AND DON’T FORGET... M ost complaints about noise and behaviour are as a result of people making their way home from a night out.
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You can be arrested and given an on the spot fine for drunk and disorderly behaviour!
Parking Parking can be a problem in the local area, so don’t bring your car unless you have to. Please park considerately. Most student houses don’t have sufficient parking for 5 or 6 cars! Instead, use the Edge Hill bus, which runs to and from Ormskirk every fifteen minutes.
Keep Safe There are a number of neighbourhood watch schemes in Ormskirk which can offer you help and advice about the local area.
New Ormskirk Residents Group (NORG) New Ormskirk Residents Group represents residents from various parts of the town. We meet monthly and our meetings are well attended and we also have a large following via our website. We listen to concerns and ideas expressed by our members which cover a large range of topics. Our aim is to listen and act where we can (we have representation at the meetings of other groups and agencies in the town.) At one of our recent meetings two second year Edge Hill students came along to talk about living off campus and being part of the town’s resident community. Our website is www.newormskirkresidentsgroup.co.uk and contact with us can be made via the Chair or Secretary - chair@newormskirkresidentsgroup. co.uk or secretary@newormskirkresidentsgroup.co.uk. During your time at Edge Hill you live and work in the town, so if you would like to contact us, please do. NORG COMMITTEE.
LOCAL TENANTS AND RESIDENTS GROUPS ORMSKIRK COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP (OCP) We are an organisation established by and organised by local residents to promote Ormskirk and to discuss and act on local issues relevant to the town and immediate area. If you want to feel part of Ormskirk during your time in the town, then see our website for details:- www.ormskirkcp.org.uk We welcome new members and active participation from all the town’s residents.
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Æ Violence or threats of violence Æ Any form of threatening or disorderly behaviour Æ Any form of intimidation or harassment Æ Drug misuse and drug dealing Æ Damage Æ Any other form of criminal offence
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When Out and About
Whenever possible, avoid walking or cycling after dark in poorly lit areas, especially if alone. Try to avoid walking alone at night. Take a friend with you if you have to go out. Always let someone know where you are going and what time you may be back. After a night out, try to get a lift from a friend who hasn’t been drinking or use public transport. Wait with a friend; do not accept lifts from strangers. Do not get into an unknown vehicle. If you suspect you are being followed or feel your safety is endangered, head for a public place and seek assistance. Take particular care when withdrawing money from cash points. Be aware that you are vulnerable when handling your cash and card. Do not use cash points at night, think ahead and withdraw any cash during the day. Keep a £1 coin and 20p in your pocket – useful if your purse/wallet or mobile telephone is stolen. Carry a personal attack alarm.
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about lancashire
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Why join In The Know? I t’s local – updates are specific to the area where you live or work. C hoose the topics interest you - from community safety to rural crime and volunteering opportunities. F ind out what’s really happening in your area – receive regular crime updates and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing. I nformation you can trust – get the real facts from a reliable source. H elp us to help your community – find out who in your community is subject to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, let us know if they break them and help identify suspected or wanted criminals. G et involved - learn about community groups, events or meetings happening in your area. G et updates for your workplace or a friend or relative – you can register multiple addresses to receive updates on more than one area. I t’s completely free to sign up – you won’t have to pay a penny to subscribe to the service. Y ou’re in control – choose whether you receive updates by SMS text, email or voice message. M anage your account online – you can change what information you receive, when and how, at any time by logging into your account on this website. It’s quick and easy to do. L et us know how we’ve been doing – you will be able to reply to emails and text messages you receive and give your views on what issues your local neighbourhood policing team should be addressing in your area. Please note: This service is not monitored out of office hours and is not for reporting crimes or incidents. To report these please contact Lancashire Police on 101.
SIGN UP NOW
https://member-registration. neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/137/Join
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If you are about to move into a shared rented property for the first time, here’s some information on protecting yourself and your belongings from fire: Æ
All doors should be closed before going to bed. This helps reduce the spread of fire in a property.
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All final exit doors should be easy to open without the use of a key.
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Have a fire plan. Discuss how you would exit your home if a fire occurred. Make sure all exit routes are kept clear of clutter.
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Never leave cooking unattended - this is the most common cause of fire in a home. If a fire does occur don’t tackle it yourself. Get out. Stay out. Call 999.
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Never be tempted to cook whilst under the influence of alcohol. If you are hungry after a night out get a takeaway!
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If you smoke, always make sure cigarettes are extinguished fully before going to bed. And again before emptying into bins. NEVER SMOKE IN BED.
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Keep candles away from flammable materials or surfaces such as curtains, TV sets and bath tubs. Always make sure a candle is placed on a non-flammable surface or holder and make sure they are extinguished before bed.
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Be careful not to overload plug sockets and always ensure items, such as hair straighteners, mobile phone and laptop chargers are turned off when going to bed or not in use.
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If any portable heaters are used always ensure they are at least 1.5 metres from combustible items such as furniture or curtains. Don’t use them to dry clothes and make sure they are turned off at bedtime and when leaving the house.
Working smoke alarms and a clear fire plan save lives. If you wish to speak to Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service for any more advice, please call free phone 0800 1691125 to request a free home fire safety visit. www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk
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What you need to know
West Lancs Borough Council has alternate collections:
Æ One week it is for Green Wheelie Bins for garden rubbish and Blue Wheelie Bins for glass bottles and jars, tins and cans and plastic bottles only. Æ The next week is for Grey Wheelie Bins filled with other household rubbish. Æ Paper and cardboard is to be presented separately in the blue bags provided. Put your wheelie bin out before 7am for collection and make sure you bring it back in at night. Don’t forget, the collectors will only take rubbish in your bin. They will not take rubbish in bags left on the top of, or beside your bin. You should also check with neighbours to see where your bin should be left. Failure to comply with these instructions could result in a £60 fixed p enalty fine being issued by West Lancashire Borough Council. You can check local arrangements for rubbish collection on the West Lancs website (www.westlancs.gov.uk), or telephone 01695 577177. If there are 6 or more people living in your household, you are entitled to an extra grey bin.You can apply for this by telephoning West Lancs Council on 01695 577177. For more information about refuse & recycling visit: www.westlancs.gov.uk Don’t forget to recycle your waste when you’re on campus as well... recycle at home, recycle at University. For more information about recycling go to www.edgehill.ac.uk/sustainability 17
landlord or use or your o h t n e d u st ur tact the rns about yo a tenant, con ce as n s e co ti y ili an b si e 200, n If you hav ts and respo 01695 584 gh n o ri r u m a yo e f T o n re mmodatio tudent you are unsu t us in the S si rsity Acco vi e r iv o n k U l .u il c Edge H dgehill.a odation@e m m o c c a l emai n Centre. Informatio
Download our Off Campus Guide for Students from our website: www.edgehill. ac.uk/studentservices/accommodation/students-off-campus/ Student Services hold legal clinics every four weeks. If you would like clarification on a housing issue contact Student Services on 01695 657 265 or 01695 584 554 to book an appointment.
SU Advice Centre 01695 657301 suadvice@edgehill.ac.uk www.edgehillsu.org.uk/advice The Students’ Union’s Advice and Representation Centre offers both face to face and phone consultations to help make the service as accessible as possible for all students. The most important aspect of our service is that we are totally independent from the University and so our advice is impartial, confidential and free to all students. We offer support and guidance in key areas such as academic issues, welfare benefits, housing, money and debt.
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m a e T g in e b ll e W t n e d Stu Our Student Wellbeing team, based in the Student Information Centre, offers support and advice to all students, in relation to any issue which may be impacting on their wellbeing. Assessments, short term follow up and signposting and liaison with both internal and external teams is also provided. The team also runs a number of health promotion events and campaigns throughout the academic year and can assist students with general wellbeing issues, including sexual health, diet and exercise and drugs and alcohol advice. The Student Wellbeing Team works closely with the Accommodation Team. Any student wellbeing issues will be passed on to the team and the student will be contacted and offered additional support. T: 01695 657 282 E: studentwellbeing@edgehill.ac.uk
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Accommodation Team 01695 584200 www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentservices/accommodation/ @StudentsEHU studentsehu Health and Wellbeing 01695 657282 www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentservices/the-health-well-being-centre/ Counselling and Supervisory Services 01695 65 0988 counselling@edgehill.ac.uk www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentservices/counselling/ Money Advice Team 01965 657250 www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentservices/moneyadvice/ Students’ Union 01695 657301 www.edgehillsu.org.uk Careers www.edgehill.ac.uk/careers
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For any other help or support, please pop into the SIC on campus.
YOUR LANDLORD Ormskirk Police Station & Lancashire Constabulary 01695 566430/101 www.lancashire.police.uk Ormskirk Neighbourhood Policing Team 01695 566 444 www.police.uk/lancashire/C30/ Emergency Services 999
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Home Fire Safety Checks 0800 169 1125 Ormskirk Fire Station 01695 572 223 www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk Crimestoppers (To report any crime anonymously) 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org
NHS 111 www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/pe/nhs-111/
UTILITIES
Shelter 0300 330 1234 www.shelter.org.uk
USwitch www.uswitch.com
WEST LANCS BOROUGH COUNCIL FOR:
OTHER USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Environmental Health Anti-Social Behaviour 01695 577177 www.westlancs.gov.uk/environment
Ormskirk Street Pastors Listening, caring helping Co-ordinator: Dave Mutch Mobile: 07896 991090 Ormskirk@streetpastors.org.uk www.streetpastors.org/
Council Tax Advice www.westlancs.gov.uk/bills-benefits/ council-tax.aspx
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Edge Link Shuttle
All students who do not have a campus parking permit can use the Edge Link shuttle for free! The Edge Link shuttle runs between Campus and Ormskirk Bus station every 15 minutes daily.
Arriva North West
The main provider of local bus services. Discounted travel is available throughout the region, with the Arriva Student Saver. See the Arriva website for more details www.arrivabus.co.uk
Traveline
Local train & bus timetable information 0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.info
National Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.uk
National Express 22
0871 781 8181 www.nationalexpress.com