Cllr Judi Binks Newsletter
Late December 2017
Happy Christmas to everyone.
Updates on Creedy Bridge/Pedlerspool and Chapel Downs from Planning Officer Simon Trafford
Simon says ... There is nothing new to report really in terms of new cases, Creedy Bridge/ Pedlerspool site remains an ongoing negotiation – the applicants have been advised that the current application would be refused and they are currently reviewing their position and we are expecting a response in the new year.
Likewise the application at Chapel Downs – the applicants have been advised that the current application would be refused and they are currently reviewing their position.
I will update you in the new year so that you can share with your constituents.
Devon County Council Highways blocking Fix My Street website!
Cllr Peter Heal to attend Puddington Parish Council Tuesday 2nd January.
Peter Heal is the Chair of Mid Devon District Council and he hopes to visit all 42 Parish Councils. Meeting starts at 7.30pm.
A Sandford resident recommends choosing online chat for pothole complaints!
A while ago you drew attention to fixmystreet.com as a quick way to
report potholes etc.
I tried it soon afterwards and it worked very well; a good tip.
However, it seems Devon County Council has now become one of a small
number of authorities that no longer accept input from fixmystreet.
DCC now seem to require reports direct to their own system at
https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/
When I tried DCC's in-house system last week, you could not get further
than the map! However, choosing the "online chat" option rapidly put you
in text-based touch with a person who took details to pass on to
contractors.
Curiously, MDDC do still seem to accept fixmystreet referrals; it is
only County that have opted out.
What a Pity! FixMyStreet Is easier to use and also provides updates...
Mid Devon Xmas opening hours
Mid Devon District Council Christmas office opening hours
December 2017 to January 2018
In person
Phone
Friday 22 December
Monday 25 December
Tuesday 26 December
Wednesday 27 December
10.00am to 5.00pm 10.00am to 5.00pmThursday 28 December
9.00am to 5.00pm 8.30am to 5.00pmFriday 29 December
9.00am to 4.30pm 8.30am to 4.30pmMonday 1 January
CLOSED*
CLOSED*Tuesday 2 January
9.00am to 5.00pm
8.30am to 5.00pm
*At all other times our emergency out-of-hours service is available on 01884 255255.
Mid Devon Leisure Centres
Opening hours at the Leisure Centres vary so please check the Mid Devon Leisure webpages or phone:
- Culm Valley Sports Centre on 01884 32853
- Exe Valley Leisure Centre on 01884 234900
- Lords Meadow Leisure Centre on 01373 776190
Refuse and Recycling Collections
For details of our recycling and rubbish collection arrangements, see Christmas & New Year collections.
Local Welfare Assistance
Wiser£Money staff will not be available to process online applications received for Local Welfare Assistance from 12.00pm, Friday, 22 December, 2017 until the service resumes 9.30am, Tuesday, 2 January, 2018.
Key points being dealt with by the Council – December 2017.
• The Council has been successful in its Devon-wide pilot for 100% business rates retention which will mean that additional income of c£230k will be forthcoming to Mid Devon, considerably helping to reduce the budget gap for next year
• The hydro mills project has been unsuccessful in attracting ERDF funding, but a parallel bid through the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund has also been made, with a decision expected mid-January
• A bid for funding through the Cullompton Heritage fund, for improvements to Cullompton town centre, has also been re-submitted, with a decision expected in the New Year
• An application for 600 houses in North West Cullompton has been received and is being processed
• The newly installed electric charging point at Exe Valley Leisure Centre has been well used and additional points are planned for Culm Valley Sports Centre and the multi-storey car park (in liaison with Premier Inn)
• Start on site for the Premier Inn development in Tiverton has been delayed slightly and is now expected towards the end of January
• Promotion and marketing of the development scheme to the rear of Tiverton Town Hall, now that planning permission has been granted, will begin early in the New Year.
• The gym extension at Exe Valley Leisure Centre is almost complete and will be a prestigious leisure offering for new and existing customers; the official opening is being held on 10 January
• Londis has now opened in Market Walk, with an official ‘launch’ being planned in January
• Public awareness campaign to be considered in the New Year in relation to littering, highlighting the additional resources being put in by the council, the increased levels of fines being issued, and the role of the community in trying to reduce littering
Rural Services Network on Council Tax rise.
Council tax bills could rise by £100 a year as government relaxes cap.
Local authorities are to be allowed to raise council tax by up to 5.99% next year, after a further relaxation of the government-imposed cap to address shortfalls in funding for social care.
Families across the UK could see their bills rise by up to £100 a year as a result of the announcement, which will also see councils increasing the charge without holding local referendums.
The move, which has been widely criticised and called “woefully inadequate” by leaders in the social care sector, could see the average band D council tax bill rising to £1,653.30.
Sajid Javid, the communities secretary, said all councils would be able to raise council tax by up to 2.99% next year to fund local services, which is 1% more than this year. On top of this, 152 councils, which includes all London boroughs, unitary and metropolitan authorities and county councils, will be able to increase it by an additional “precept” 3% to fund social care services.
The minister also announced that 10 councils – Berkshire, Derbyshire, Devon, Gloucestershire, Kent & Medway, Leeds, Lincolnshire, Solent, Suffolk and Surrey – would be involved in a pilot scheme allowing them to retain 100% of business rates raised locally, along with new powers for police and crime commissioners to raise council tax.
New Year Road Closure on A377
Barnstaple Cross to QE Drive.
When: Monday, January 15, 2018
What: Devon County Council contractors are set to carry out works on a stretch of the A377.
The emergency roadworks require the complete closure of the road between Crediton and Barnstaple Cross because the hedge has slipped away and the road is cracked.
Devon County Council believe the road edge has become unstable and could fail entirely. An engineered embankment with dwarf wall at the toe in order to stabilise the bank will be constructed by council engineers.
Traffic lights have already been in operation at Chapel Downs for many weeks where the road is subsiding.
How long: It is hoped repairs can be completed within four weeks, but the roadworks notice says the road could be closed until the end of March
Full details of A377 Road Closure and Map. (Courtesy of Cllr M Squires)
As promised, please find attached our preliminary diversion plan and also some information below in relation to the scheme.
The route shown on the drawing will be the official diversion route, though please bear in mind that some signage adjustments may be needed following a review by Steve Tucker and Steve Short. I will send through an update if adjustments are made to the diversion signage.
Works
Following the identification of cracking to the road edge, we believe that the road edge has become unstable and there is potential for the road to fail entirely.
As a result, we propose to construct an engineered embankment with dwarf wall at the toe in order to stabilise the bank.
We are planning to commence these works on 15th January 18 for 4 weeks whilst under a road closure. This is likely to be a tight time frame, however we would aim to complete the main bulk of the works within the 4 weeks at the very least.
Road closure notification signs will be erected on site a minimum of 1 week prior to the 15th January 18.
The contractor undertaking the works will be MacPlant Construction Ltd, who are very familiar with the construction of embankment/wall stabilisation schemes.
I trust this is sufficient information for now but should you need any further details, please let me know.
In the meantime I will be addressing all of the points discussed at our meeting today and will provide an update in due course.
Kind Regards,
Adam
Adam Baldwin
Bridges & Structures
Devon County Council
Address: Matford Offices, County Hall, Exeter, EX2 4QW,
: Email: adam.baldwin@devon.gov.uk
(Tel: 01392 382379
Disclaimer: http://www.devon.gov.uk/email
Morchard Bishop Art Group
Please let all your friends know that Art Group will meet on first Tuesday of the month in January and February.
I’m sorry to make this sudden change but owing to clashes I can’t run the group on Wednesday afternoons in January and February. I’m hoping that most of you can make it on Tuesday 2nd January 1.30 - 4pm and Tuesday 7th February 1.30 - 4pm at the London Inn in Morchard Bishop.
Please let me know if you can make it on these Tuesdays or if there is a problem and I’ll look again at other possible dates.
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas in the meantime!
Judi 01363 866668
NHS Out of Hours services
The NHS pledges to provide services at a time that's convenient for you.
Outside normal surgery hours you can still phone your GP surgery, but you'll usually be directed to an out-of-hours service. The out-of-hours period is from 6.30pm to 8am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.
If it is not an immediate emergency then call NHS 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can provide medical advice and details of the best local service that can provide care. Telephone consultations and triage (an assessment of how urgent your medical problem is) are an important part of all out-of-hours care.
GPs can choose whether to provide 24-hour care for their patients or to transfer responsibility for out-of-hours services to the relevant NHS England Area Team.
Area Teams are responsible for providing a high-quality service for the local population. Some Area Teams provide care themselves. Others provide care through external organisations. This means different areas can have slightly different services.
Types of out-of-hours care
Out-of-hours cover may include some or all of the services below:
- GPs working in A&E departments or minor injuries units (MIUs)
- teams of healthcare professionals working in primary care centres, A&E departments, MIUs, urgent care centres or NHS walk-in centres
- healthcare professionals (other than doctors) making home visits, following a detailed clinical assessment
- ambulance services moving patients to places where they can be seen by a doctor or nurse, to reduce the need for home visits
You can also visit an NHS walk-in centre (WiC), urgent care centre (UCC) or minor injuries unit (MIU). These can provide treatment for minor injuries or illnesses such as cuts, bruises and rashes. They have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some NHS WiCs offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems. You don't need to be registered and you don't need an appointment. Any member of the public can simply walk in to be seen, regardless of where they are registered. Some offer pre-booked appointments.
NHS Choices links
Find out how to access your medicines outside of usual opening hours.
Find out when it is appropriate to go to A&E and what other services offer urgent care
Trees of Light!
Streetlights could be replaced by glowing trees, after scientists make plants shine in the dark.
I think this is a fabulous story with something of a magical Christmas sparkle to it
In a study funded by the US Department of Energy, researchers at MIT proved it is possible to inject the luminescent chemical used by fireflies into leaves so that they shimmer brightly.
In watercress, the leaves gave off a light strong enough to read a book by, and the scientists believe that plants could one day illuminate homes and offices, without the need for electricity, as well as providing street lighting.
“The vision is to make a plant that will function as a desk lamp — a lamp that you don’t have to plug in,” said senior study author Michael Strano, Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT.
“The light is ultimately powered by the energy metabolism of the plant itself.”
Planning Application & Decisions in Sandford & Creedy Ward
Applications
Listed below are the Planning Applications registered within this ward for the week ending 22/12/2017
Reference: 17/01933/HOUSE Householder Application, registered 18/12/2017
Address: The Cottage New Buildings Sandford Crediton Devon EX17 4PW
Description: Erection of detached garage and store with room in roof
Please select the following link for full details;
http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=P0HQT5KS05K00
__________________________________________________
Reference: 17/01999/FULL Full planning application, registered 13/12/2017
Address: Land and Buildings at NGR 28118 112162 Woodington Farm Witheridge Devon
Description: Erection of a livestock building and manure store
Please select the following link for full details;
http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=P17DQGKS05K00
__________________________________________________
Decisions made:
Reference: 17/01669/CAT No Objection, decision issued 19/12/2017
Address: Snows Cottage Kennerleigh Crediton Devon EX17 4RS
Description: Notificiation of intention to remove 1 Birch tree, pollard 1 Weeping Willow and remove 6 lower limbs from a group of Beech trees from main stem within the Conservation Area
Please select the following link for full details;
http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OXWUYLKS07T00
__________________________________________________
Reference: 17/01720/FULL Grant permission, decision issued 19/12/2017
Address: The Log Cabin Lane End Morchard Bishop Devon EX17 6RQ
Description: Retention of 'The Log Cabin' for use as holiday let
REASON FOR APPROVAL OF PERMISSION/GRANT OF CONSENT
The application for retention of The Log Cabin for use as holiday let is considered to be supportable in policy terms. The cabin offers a modest rural retreat within a reasonable distance of the services of Morchard Bishop and is well sited to provide overnight accommodation for walkers on the Two Moors Way. The cabin is well sited in terms of its relationship with the main dwelling and it is not considered that its presence detracts from the character or amenity of the rural area. There is no evidence that the use of the cabin as a holiday let has harmed the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, or that its future use would do so. The likely additional traffic arising from the holiday use is not considered to be significant and unlikely to result in any adverse highway safety concerns and there is sufficient room for parking within the site. Overall the proposal is considered to be acceptable in accordance with Policies COR2 and CO18 of the Mid Devon Core Strategy (Local Plan Part 1), DM1, DM2, DM8 and DM24 of the Local Plan Part 3 (Development Management Policies) and government advice in the National Planning Policy Framework.
Please select the following link for full details;
http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OYDFQAKS07T00
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Reference: 17/01729/PNCOU Not Permitted Development, decision issued 21/12/2017
Address: Land at NGR 279608 110522 (Copstone Barn) Black Dog Devon
Description: Prior notification for the change of use of agricultural barn to dwelling under Class Q
Please select the following link for full details;
http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OYFS33KS04G00
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Reference: 17/01803/HOUSE Grant permission, decision issued 21/12/2017
Address: The Cottage New Buildings Sandford Crediton Devon EX17 4PW
Description: Erection of a single storey extension to rear
REASON FOR APPROVAL OF PERMISSION/GRANT OF CONSENT
The application for the single storey rear extension, glazed canopy, reconfigured porch and first floor access is considered to be supportable in policy terms. The extension is considered to respect the character, scale, setting and design of the existing dwelling. It is not considered that the proposal would result in overdevelopment of the dwelling curtilage, nor would it have significant adverse impacts on the living conditions of occupants of the neighbouring properties. Overall the proposal is considered to be in accordance with the following policies COR1 COR2 and COR18 of the Mid Devon Core Strategy (Local Plan part 1), DM1, DM2 and DM13 of the Local Plan part 3 and government advice in the National Planning Policy Framework.
Please select the following link for full details;
http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OZ3S0CKS04G00
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Reference: 17/01825/HOUSE Grant permission, decision issued 21/12/2017
Address: Rookery Lodge Creedy Park Crediton Devon EX17 4EB
Description: Erection of single storey extension and veranda following removal of two existing conservatories, installation of replacement windows, and resizing of some openings
REASON FOR APPROVAL OF PERMISSION/GRANT OF CONSENT
The application for the erection of a single storey extension and veranda following removal of two existing conservatories, installation of replacement windows and resizing of some openings is supportable in policy terms. The alterations are considered to respect the character, scale, setting and design of the existing dwelling. It is not considered that the proposal would result in overdevelopment of the dwelling curtilage, nor would it have adverse impacts in terms of residential amenity for any neighbouring occupier. The application will not impact adversely on the setting of the registered park and garden or nearby heritage assets. Overall the proposal is considered to be in accordance with the following Policies COR1 COR2 and COR18 of the Mid Devon Core Strategy (Local Plan Part 1), Policies DM1, DM2, DM13 and DM27 of the Local Plan Part 3 (Development Management Policies) and government advice in the National Planning Policy Framework.
Please select the following link for full details;
http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OZEL6JKS02T00
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Reference: 17/01860/HOUSE Grant permission, decision issued 21/12/2017
Address: Lower Woodhouse Cottage Thelbridge Crediton Devon EX17 4SJ
Description: Installation of oil central heating to include oil tank in garden and external boiler
REASON FOR APPROVAL OF PERMISSION/GRANT OF CONSENT
The development is appropriately scaled and located given the use and size of the property. The proposed works will not cause harm to the setting of the listed building. The location of both the oil tank and boiler are sufficiently far from other properties as to cause no adverse impact at all. Therefore the proposal is in accordance with the Mid Devon Local Plan (Part 3) policy DM13 and DM27 and the National Planning Policy Framework and should be granted consent.
Please select the following link for full details;
http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OZPP8WKS07T00
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Sandford Resident takes issue with Police Neighbourhood Alert message system...
How Not To get Robbed this Christmas.
sent to the routine Devon & Cornwall Police message circulated via
neighbourhoodalert.co.uk offering advice on "How not to get robbed at
Christmas".
It was probably unseasonably grumpy of me to be critical when I know
they are stretched to the limit, especially in rural areas.
However, all the references to "non-emergency crime" and the helpful
suggestion that you could simply report it online when your home had
been raided by criminals, instead of waiting until the Police got round
to answering the phone (as if you were ordering a takeaway, rather than
having just been traumatised by one) all seemed a bit too complacent to
go unchallenged.
Maybe a bit less Police emphasis on the public modifying their lifestyle
choices and rather more on pro-active policing plans would have been a
better balance.
Happy Christmas to both of you and thanks for all the hard work you have
put in during the year at Parish, District and County; it is appreciated.
Here is the feedback he sent:-
“Thanks, as usual, for the useful information distributed via this channel.
Just one bit of feedback, and before you make the point yourself, I am aware of the severe constraints on Police resources.
Domestic burglary, and indeed theft from or of motor vehicles, is often devastating for the victim at any time of year and can have long-term economic and psychological consequences. To describe such serious and usually premeditated crimes as "non-emergencies"...as you do here... is to trivialise them.
Worse, the relaxed attitude portrayed by characterising them as "non-emergencies" sends a clear,albeit unintended, signal to habitual criminals that their larcenous and destructive activities are not going to energise anyone or, in the majority of cases, run much risk of detection, prosecution or conviction.
We should perhaps be more assertive and demand, indeed require, that as a fundamental and core function of Policing, property crimes of this nature should receive immediate, vigorous and effective attention and moreover are seen to do so.
I am not naive or idealistic enough to think we can return to a world where it is safe to leave doors unlocked or windows open (although some other societies seem to manage it better than ours, somehow).
Although the advice you offer on home security is sensible and sound, we seem to be sleepwalking into a tacit acceptance that the victim of crime is actually the blameworthy party for not withdrawing into a sufficiently secure fortress.
A laid-back attitude which seems to imply routine acceptance that this is simply "stuff that happens" is just another small, but incremental, step along the descent into incivility.
We ought to be better than that.”
Newbuildings resident angry at BT’s proposed increased charges for a bad broadband service.
I live in the country. Farmers around here need efficient Broadband to carry out their business. I am retired, so it is less important, but I am not happy to make extra payments for a service which is not fit for purpose.
I contacted BT who forwarded me to their technical department. I was told that my Broadband speed was 1.5 which is inadequate as I am sure you will agree.
I would like to fit a Smart Meter to monitor my electricity consumption. This is not possible due to your inability to provide an adequate service. I live in EX17 4XX and it seems that being on the border of an area which is last on the waiting list it is likely that I shall have to put up with this for an unknown time. In the circumstances I do not feel you have any reason to justify any price increase at present.
I am copying this email to my MP & local councillors so I would be obliged if you took notice of this complaint. The date for increased charges is set for January 6th 2018.
Yours faithfully...”
I followed up complaint by contacting MP Mel Stride. I later received this update from resident.
Your response and local knowledge of others in this area whose businesses are suffering, including framers states the size of the problem very succinctly. My own problems are slight in comparison but at least they have added to the dissatisfaction felt.
Funnily enough I had a quick response from BT the following morning! This has never happened before and must be because I copied you and Mel Stride into the equation. They cannot of course do anything immediately but have offered to freeze my Broadband charges for 18 months. It is, as you know, not BT but Openreach who lay the cables for fast (fibre) internet which covers about 90% of the country apparently. Central Devon is a very large underpopulated area but is even more dependant on good communication because it is so isolated.
I am sure Mel Stride is in a position to raise this issue in Parliament so that this common problem is not forgotten. The UK is leading the world as far as technology is concerned and this anomaly does not give a good image. It is Openreach who need a strong reminder. Meanwhile EDF are unable to connect Smart Meters in every home in Central Devon which is part of government policy so there are many knock on effects of this; Kennerleigh Post Office is a prime example.
Perhaps I complained to the wrong company, so rather than BT it is Openreach who are responsible.
Thank you very much for your help & interest.
Yours faithfully...
Broadband Update for Lot 5 area from Gigaclear
Message from Mike Brett of Sandford
https://www.gigaclear.com/connecting-devon-and-somerset-rollout-schedule/
under Lot 5 (Exmoor to the sea).
The Sandford (South West) cabinet ref 45 has a build start of Q4 2018, and a completion target of Q2 2019. As one whose career depended on inventing firm dates for customers, I interpret this to mean work should begin before December 31st 2018and might be complete by July 2019 (no breaths to be held.....).
At least there's something for the lucky few to put in the diary now!
Gigaclear Website Postcode Checker
Can you get Ultrafast Broadband?
Enter your postcode below to see if you can get Ultrafast Broadband!
https://www.gigaclear.com/postcode-checker/connectingdevonandsomerset
Great news! Our ultrafast fibre broadband is coming to Devon, Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset and North Somerset. We have signed a contract with Connecting Devon and Somerset to deliver ultrafast fibre broadband as part of their programme. This means that between now and the end of 2019 Gigaclear will deliver a new, ultrafast, fibre-to-the-premises broadband network to more than 48,000 homes and businesses in the project area, meaning anyone connected can receive broadband speeds from 50Mbps up to 1000Mbps – yes that’s 1000Mbps!
If your address is not part of the Gigaclear ultrafast project area, you may be covered by another phase of the Connecting Devon and Somerset programme, part of the Government’s national Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) rollout to improve connectivity. To find out more please visit www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk
Thank you for your interest in Gigaclear and the Connecting Devon and Somerset programme.
High-speed broadband to be legal right for UK homes and businesses. RSN.
This still feels to me like a BT/Westminster bunfight and not enough like concerted action. What do you think?
British homes and businesses will have a legal right to high-speed broadband by 2020, the government has announced, dismissing calls from the network provider BT that it should be a voluntary rather than legal obligation on providers.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said only a universal service obligation (USO) would offer certainty that broadband speeds of at least 10Mbps would reach the whole of the UK by 2020.
Broadband providers will now have a legal requirement to provide high-speed broadband to anyone who requests it, no matter where they are in the country.
BT had said it would pledge to voluntarily close the digital gap in broadband speeds between cities and rural areas, and would start work immediately, but it argued that secondary legislation could slow progress down.
However, the department said it did “not feel the proposal was strong enough for us to take the regulatory USO off the table, and have therefore decided not to pursue BT’s proposal, in favour of providing a legal right to broadband”.
New Waste Transfer Station opens in Mid Devon.
Thanks to a new Waste Transfer Station located at MDDC’s waste collection and recycling depot, tonnes of previously unrecyclable ‘black bag’ waste collected in Mid Devon is being converted into energy instead of going to landfill
https://www.middevonnewscentre.info/new-waste-transfer-station-opens-in-mid-devon/
Wordpress sites hacked. Install software to protect yourself.
Notice
What we know at this time:
- The attack has so far peaked at 14.1 million attacks per hour.
- The total number of IPs involved at this time is over 10,000.
- We are seeing up to 190,000 WordPress sites targeted per hour.
- This is the most aggressive campaign we have ever seen by hourly attack volume.
A possible explanation for this new massive increase in brute force attacks
On December 5th, a massive database of hacked credentials emerged. It contains over 1.4 billion username/password pairs. Approximately 14% of the database contains credentials that have not been seen before. The database is also searchable and easy to use.
Historically, brute force attacks targeting WordPress have not been very successful. This new database provides fresh credentials that, when matched with a WordPress username, may provide a higher success rate for attackers targeting sites that do not have any protection.
Protecting Yourself
If you have not already done so, install Wordfence immediately on your site. Even the free version of Wordfence provides excellent brute force protection by limiting login attempts and hiding usernames while employing a variety of other mechanisms to ward off attackers.
The Premium version of Wordfence uses a real-time IP blacklist to completely block attackers. Our real-time blacklist was automatically updated as this attack started early this morning to immediately block IPs engaging in the attack. As you can see from the chart above, we are already monitoring over 10,000 unique IPs and actively blocking them.
We strongly recommend that you upgrade to Wordfence Premium to benefit from the real-time blacklist feature which blocks any traffic from these malicious IPs.
Spread the Word
This is the highest volume brute force attack we have seen to date. It may also be using the fresh credentials that were provided in the database released on December 5th, so it may achieve a higher than normal success rate. Please spread the word among the WordPress community to create awareness of this new threat. You can suggest the following actions to your fellow WordPress site owners:
- Install a firewall like Wordfence that intelligently blocks brute force attacks.
- Ensure that you have strong passwords on all user accounts, especially admin. Wordfence Premium provides password auditing capability.
- Change your admin username from the default ‘admin’ to something harder to guess.
- Delete any unused accounts, especially admin accounts that you don’t use. This reduces your attack surface.
- Enable two-factor authentication on all admin accounts. Wordfence Premium provides two-factor.
- Enable an IP blacklist to block IPs that are engaged in this attack. Wordfence Premium provides a real-time IP blacklist.
- Monitor login attempts by configuring alerts when an admin signs into your website. Wordfence (free version) provides this.
- Do not reuse a password on multiple services. That way if you have a password from a data breach in this new database, it won’t be the same as your WordPress admin password. You can use a password manager like 1password to manage many passwords across services.
Parliament debated Women’s Pension increase transition in response to petition.
You’re receiving this email because you signed this petition: “Make fair transitional state pension arrangements for 1950’s women”.
Dear Judi Binks,
Parliament debated the petition you signed – “Make fair transitional state pension arrangements for 1950’s women”
Watch the debate: http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/74dac792-d57d-40c9-baab-d043ffd4cbb0?in=12:07:56
Read the transcript: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2017-12-14/debates/94129EFF-1C16-4FA7-90A9-1B78B93E327A/PensionEqualityForWomen
Read the research: http://researchbriefings.intranet.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-7405
The petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/200088
Thanks,
The Petitions team
UK Government and Parliament