Community News

STAN the Van

is a new service provided by Ribble Valley Borough Council in conjunction with Rossendale and Pendle Borough Councils.

STAN first went out in the Ribble Valley on Monday 1st November, visiting villages around the Ribble Valley on a planned itinerary that has been programmed in 5 days over three week period, 2 days one week, 3 days the next, one week off.

The number of customers seen on STAN within the Ribble Valley during the month of January was 20. Pendle also had 20, and Rossendale, 24.

Here are examples of how STAN can help

- provided by one of the operators

1 Ribchester - 61 year old gentleman

Customer was in Ribchester and came to see what STAN was about. I explained about services STAN offers and gave him energy saving bulbs, referred him for a fire safety check and, after talking to the customer and finding out he was on a low income, informed him that he may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit. I then completed a claim form with the customer and issued him with a request for further information required to support his claim. I telephoned the customer four weeks later, and he informed me that his claim had been processed and he had been awarded Council Tax Benefit. He was very grateful as, until he spoke to me, he was unaware that he might be entitled to some help.

2 Slaidburn - 58 year old gentleman

Customer asked if he would be eligible for a fire safety check as he lived on a narrow boat. We telephoned the fire service and were advised that the fire service would carry out one, so we passed his details on to them. I telephoned the customer three weeks later, and he informed me that the fire service had carried out his fire safety check and fitted smoke alarms.

3 Longridge - 66 year old gentleman

Customer visited STAN as he had lost his single occupancy form for council tax discount.

I completed a statement on the customer's behalf and got him to sign it. I then emailed the council tax department and forwarded the signed statement to them. I telephoned the customer three weeks later, and he informed me that his single occupancy discount had been re-instated and thanked me for my help.

4 Clitheroe Market - 73 year old gentleman

Customer wanted information on how to apply for a Blue Badge as he was due to have a hip replacement. I telephoned LCC and requested that an application form be sent to him. I also suggested to the customer that, owing to his mobility problems, he might be entitled to Attendance Allowance, and rang the DWP for him and requested a claim form. I telephoned customer three weeks later and spoke to his wife, who informed me that her husband had had his hip replacement and was still in hospital. She informed me that they had received the blue badge application and had completed and returned it, but were still waiting to hear back. I advised her that, if they had still not heard anything in another week, they should come back and see me, and I would chase up. She also informed me that they were having difficulty completing the Attendance Allowance form, therefore I advised her when we were next in Clitheroe and arranged to help them complete it.

5 Sabden - 63 year old gentleman

Customer came for information on any grants available for loft insulation. As Warm Front grants are currently suspended until next financial year, we gave the customer details of two other insulation providers who did have grants available. We also gave him details on St Vincent's (handyman repair service), Scambuster and Help Direct.

We are looking at working more closely with the parish councils to help improve the promotion of STAN within the villages.

With the weather improving, people are more likely to visit STAN and see what information is available.