Spring 2014Spring 2014
Pe r s h o r e Town Co un c i l
N e w s l e t t e r
Town Hall Opening Hours
Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Visitor Information Centre now situated in Pershore Library, Church Street.
Open Monday to Saturday inclusive.
Crocuses and Snowdrops in full bloom at St Andrews Gardens
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Welcome to the Spring edition of the Town Council’s newsletter. Again there is a
great deal of information about organisations and events in the town. As spring
approaches we know that the Carnival is only just around the corner and this
year’s theme of Heroes and Villains gives plenty of scope for those of you wanting
to enter a float. More details about the Carnival and the opportunities to take part
are on page 18.
The Town Council are again offering grants to those Pershore based organisations
that qualify. Closing date is 24th March and grants are decided at the Finance and
Property Committee meeting in early April. Details of how to apply are overleaf.
Please also don’t forget to come to the Town Meeting on May 8th at 7.00pm.
This is an excellent opportunity to hear about the work your Council has
undertaken during the past year and to ask questions of your councillors.
Ann Dobbins, Town Clerk
Welcome…
It’s great to see a bit of sunshine, after the weeks of relentless rain. Thank goodness Pershore was spared the flooding trauma that hit other parts of the country. Though it looked dreadful in Worcester, about 40 houses were flooded compared to several hundred in 2007. All down the Severn, flood defences built since 2007 stood the test - Bewdley, Worcester, Powick, Kempsey, Upton on Severn and Uckinghall. Our own flood barrier here in Pershore wasn’t needed at all, though it was a great reassurance to know it was there!
New housing developments built in the last two years or in the pipeline mean Pershore is going to grow by about 25% over the next 15 years. By the time you read this, planning permission will have been granted for nearly 450 in the past year. This will pose many challenges, but the Town Council is determined to ensure that the new arrivals add to our town, not detract from it. We are determined to fight for the Northern Link Road over the railway, to take traffic away from the town.
One new arrival in the High Street, Coffee#1, caused controversy when it was
announced a year ago. I feel we must welcome new shops, particularly if they are
small enterprises rather than national chains. Where new people want to join our
community and take part in the town, then “Welcome”, I say.
Charles & Liz Tucker, Town Mayor and Mayoress of Pershore
A Message from the Town Mayor
At the opening of Coffee#1
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The Town Council is again inviting local organisations to apply for grants from the Council and forms and details of how to decide if you are eligible are available at the Town Hall.
The closing date for applications is 24th March and cheques will be sent out at the end of April. Councillors decided not to have a “theme” for grants this year but the amount to be distributed has been increased from £5,000 in 2013 to £6,000 this year. The Town Council’s Grant Policy is also available on our website:
www.pershoretowncouncil.gov.uk
Who are your Councillors?
Holy Cross Ward
Cllr J Grantham MBE 553369
Cllr G Amphlett-Hawkins 553215
Cllr R Gillmor 561561
Cllr R Grantham 553369
Cllr J Palfrey 561561
Cllr G Price 561561
Cllr T Rowley 561561
Cllr V Wood 554235
St Andrews Ward
Cllr C Tucker (Mayor) 462441
Cllr P Colloby 561561
Cllr C Parsons MBE 561561
Cllr R Speight 556772
Cllr D Watt 550532
Cllr M Winfield 561561
Pershore Town Council Grants
Please clean up after your dog! Dog mess is not only unpleasant but also potentially dangerous to young children. Many of our open spaces are areas where people walk for pleasure and children play. This is particularly true of King George’s Field where the Town Council’s football pitch plays host to a large number of junior matches as well as practice sessions.
Imagine if your child was playing, slipped and ended up covered in dog dirt. There are dog bins all around the town, with plenty on King George’s Field, as well as some in Avon Meadows Car Park and Cherry Orchard Playing Field. Offenders can face a fine of up to £1,000 so please, as our headline states, clean up after your dog!
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April 2nd Youth Council (Town Hall)
Apr 2nd
Cemetery Committee
Apr 3rd Planning Committee
3rd Finance and Property Committee
Apr 10th Planning Committee
10th Town Council
May 6th Planning Committee
May 6th Amenities and Environment Committee
May 7th Youth Council (Pershore High School)
May 8th Annual Meeting & Town Meeting
May 12th Twinning and Tourism Committee
May 15th Planning Committee
15th Town Council
June 4th Youth Council (Venue TBA)
June 4th Cemetery Committee
June 5th Planning Committee
5th Finance & Property Committee
June 19th Planning Committee
19th Town Council
Cllr J Grantham MBE 553369
Cllr G Amphlett-Hawkins 553215
Cllr R Gillmor 561561
Cllr R Grantham 553369
Cllr J Palfrey 561561
Cllr G Price 561561
Cllr T Rowley 561561
Cllr V Wood 554235
We are hoping to compile a list of all those people who are willing to volunteer to do litter picking on a regular basis. If you would be happy to provide us with your details so that we might contact you, please email [email protected] or call 01386 561561.
Meetings of the Town Council & Committees
Next Litter-pick: 12th April 2014
Meet at the Town Hall,10am.
Volunteers Needed!
NB. Youth Council meetings commence at 2pm. Planning and Cemetery Committee meetings normally at 7.00pm, all other meetings at 7.30pm.
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PARTNERS AND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
The above officers are responsible for the day to day policing of Pershore Town and the Pensham area. They can be contacted in the following ways:
Next PACT meeting
17th JUNE
at Pershore Town Hall
7-9pm.
Pershore Town Local Policing Team
PC John Hunter
Local Policing Officer CSO David James
Visit us at:
Pershore Police Station
Queen Elizabeth Drive
Pershore
WR10 1PT
Telephone: 01905 338725
Email: [email protected]
To report a crime or incident call the new non emergency number of 101 and in an
emergency call 999.
Alternatively if you wish to report a crime
confidentially call Crimestoppers on
0800 555 111
It is with a mixture of both sadness and happiness that we
say goodbye to PCSO Andy Russell. Sadness, because we
are losing a valued member of the Pershore Town Safer
Neighbourhood Team. Happiness, because he is
progressing in his career with the Police by becoming a
Police Officer. We wish him every success in his new role
and hope to see him in the future. It is hoped a new PCSO will be arriving in
March 2014 to take on the role. Watch this space for further updates.
CSO moving on up
CSO Andrew Russell
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I would like to point out that the Safer Roads Partnership carry out speed enforcement in Pershore Town. This is
directly as a result of the issues you, the public raise at our PACT meetings. This has resulted in 1293 speed enforcement notices being issued in the town in nine months. These notices give the speeders the choice of either paying for and then attending a speed awareness training day or a fine and points on your licence. So the obvious advice from me is to “SLOW DOWN in the TOWN”. By the way, your insurance company now has access to the database that says if you have points or not on your license. I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you of a newer theft trend. That is the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles. Thieves are literally getting under cars on drives and in the road and cutting off the converters to weigh in for scrap. If you see someone acting suspicious around cars or underneath a car then call us straight away. These things can be very expensive to replace. If you can, I would suggest buying a marking kit for them off the internet. If you want any advice on any of the above subjects or any related matter just contact us using the details in this newsletter.
PC 3062 John Hunter
You can now follow us on Twitter:
@PershoreCops
Speed Awareness
Got an issue? Communities can play an active role in the fight against crime by providing
valuable information about what is happening in your area. We hold regular
meetings, details of which can be found at:
www.westmercia.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods/
If you have any concerns you can contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Police Surgeries
Pershore Police are now running Surgeries in Pershore Library:
Every 1st Tuesday of the month from 11am to 1pm Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5pm to 7pm
Please note: Should a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting fall on the same day as a surgery, the evening PACT meeting will run in place of the Surgery.
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Pershore will again be involved in
twinning visits in 2014 and dates are
already being considered. It is
anticipated that our twin town of Bad
Neustadt will be visiting us for the Plum
Fayre at the end of August and a visit to
Plouay is planned for late September. If
you are interested in taking part in
either of these exchanges, either by
being a host in August, or travelling to
France later in the year, please contact
the Town Hall as soon as possible so
that we can include you in the
arrangements as they are made.
Twinning
Pershore Heritage Centre
For more information please phone: 01386 750094
Open Easter to October
10.30am - 3.30pm, Wednesday - Friday
Saturdays 10am-3pm
www.pershoreheritage.co.uk
We are in need of volunteers
Pershore Town Hall, 34 High Street, Pershore WR10 1DS
Bad Neustadt an der Saale
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Holloway land
The Town Council has recently acquired two fields off the public right of way that runs alongside Tiddesley Wood and were successful in obtaining Planning Permission for change of use so that the land can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The fields include part of the footpath, so can be enjoyed by anyone using the path. The views from the fields stretch right across Bredon Hill and the Town Council also has permission to install some benches close to the path.
The exact management of the land is still being worked out but it is intended to make the area a real amenity for the town. Because the Council wish to respect and retain the rural aspect of the land, all those using it are asked to take their litter away with them (there are litter bins elsewhere along the footpath) and to clean up after their dogs. The nearest dog waste bin is at the end of the track where it joins Holloway.
The Town Council hope everyone will enjoy this new area of public open space.
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The dashed area in white on each image marks the vicinity of the fields that we have purchased.
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Richard Stott, Chairman www.avonmeadows.org.uk
Wychavon Community Recognition Awards
The Friends of Avon Meadows was delighted to be awarded the Community Group Award 2013 under this scheme. It is always gratifying to discover that our efforts achieve recognition from the community in which we operate and to be chosen from among our peers in Wychavon District for this award is a particular honour. It gives recognition to the efforts of all those who attend work parties, survey wildlife, act on the committee and help in other ways, to you all, many thanks!
Just before Christmas, a number of you turned up to help weave a large willow heron. It was a beautiful day, one of those crisp, sunny December days that reminds you winter isn’t all about rain and wind. This elegant sculpture has had a weatherproof coating and sturdy legs attached and we’re now waiting for water levels to drop so it can take its place on the edge of the main pool.
Courses and events in 2014
As part of the Wetlands for All Project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, there will be a range of events and training opportunities for you to take part in throughout the year. There will be a heritage and history workshop organised in the next couple of months, exploring the archives at The Hive in Worcester to find out more about Avon Meadows and its relationship with the river and the town of Pershore. We’re hoping to use what we find out to create a teaching resource for local schools as well as a display of some of the archive materials to show how Avon Meadows has changed over the years. Our Willow Heron under construction
(L Etheridge)
If you would like to learn more about Avon Meadows and its wildlife, we currently have courses outlined for butterfly identification and monitoring, freshwater invertebrate identification, grasshopper and cricket identification and dragonfly and damselfly identification. Places will be limited to make sure everyone who attends gets the best possible experience and all courses will be run by local experts from Worcestershire Biological Record Centre.
If you are interested in taking part in any courses or events please contact Liz
Etheridge on: 01386 565366 or email [email protected]
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The Charity: Snoezelen are a small independent charity based in Worcester. They run a multi-sensory environment for people with severe learning disabilities. The Centre is a community resource visited by over 400 people every week.
Why is this needed? For people who have
profound learning disabilities, the world is
often a confusing and threatening place over
which they have no control. Snoezelen offers
them an environment they can explore
through sight, hearing, smell and touch.
For more information visit:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/SnoezelenWorcester Twitter - @SnoezelenW Website - www.worcestersnoezelen.org.uk Email - [email protected]
Registered charity number: 1023456
CHANCE TO WIN £100 ICHANCE TO WIN £100 IN OUR N OUR
BALLOON RACE!!BALLOON RACE!!
Our event: We are selling balloons to the public, and then releasing them all together from Aggborough football stadium in March. The person who buys the balloon which is found furthest from the release location will win £100 cash. There will also be prizes for second and third places. How do you take part? You can purchase as many race tickets as you like through the Youth Council at Pershore Town Hall main reception before 22
nd
March. The more you buy the more chance you have of winning! Alternatively, use the email address provided below to secure your place in the race. We are selling the balloons for £2 each. That’s only around the price of a coffee, and your money will be going to a very worthwhile cause.
Oliver Wilcox, former Youth Councillor
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Alice Padley, Finance Coordinator - Croome, National Trust.
This winter saw the planting of a very special tree in the garden near the Temple Greenhouse. A new Gingko Biloba was planted by Malcolm Walford to mark his 60
th year of service to the Croome
Estate. Staff and volunteers gathered as Malcolm proudly planted his tree, dedicating it, not only to himself but his late son Kevin Walford and also to all the workers on the Croome Estate from 1953, the year Malcolm began work at Croome.
A new and exciting project is taking place at our visitor centre. The buildings that we currently use for our visitor services were the sick quarters of RAF Defford, built in the Second World War to support the RAF Defford base which was instrumental in the development of radar. When the National Trust began it’s restoration of Croome’s 18
th century landscape in 1996, the sick quarters had
fallen into a dilapidated state and were due for demolition. The team at Croome fought a case for them being buildings of historical importance in their own right and began a long restoration project to save the encampment. The two buildings that we have restored so far house our visitor reception, restaurant, small interpretation room, office and toilets. We have just begun a project, working in partnership with the Defford Airfeld Heritage Group, to restore the derelict Decontamination Annexe and use this space as a museum dedicated to RAF Defford. We then have plans to restore the old Ambulance Garage and morgue and use this as an extra display area. We are also hoping to buy a restored NAAFI van and use this as a mobile food and drink outlet.
One project which I have been lucky enough to be involved in recently is part of Croome Redefined’s Heritage Lottery Funded major project to redefine the use of a Country House and Estate and tell the stories of Croome’s history in new and innovative ways. A project which will go “live” on April 13
th is the very exciting “Croome Encounters”.
Nine professional actors were auditioned recently and have begun rehearsals every weekend in front of visitors in the Court. They have been tasked with telling the stories of Croome’s history by acting out short scenes in full costume and moving through the property for visitors to see. Our volunteers are helping to guide the actors with their historical knowledge and will be on hand to act as the “storytellers” when we go live with this professional, high quality, daring and informative project.
Croome Court
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LIGHTNING FIREWORKS 53 Tunnel Hill, Worcester WR4 9SD
Halloween Party
Bonfire Party
New Year Party
Wedding
Christmas Light Switch-on
Opening Ceremonies
Birthday Party
Celebrations
Tel:01905 887333 Mob:07788924623
[email protected] www.lightningfireworks.com
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Elizabeth, known by most as Beth, is a wonderful example of a young lady involved with her local community, dedicated to helping others. Beth is a member of the local Explorer Scout Group. She is very involved in fundraising and has helped out with cake sales, tombolas and bag packing at local supermarkets. In her school community Beth is a very active student. She helps in the Library on a daily basis and co-runs the Christian society. She volunteers to help out at the Open Evenings and has also participated in Vertical Tutoring, a scheme run to help new students settle into the High School. She suffers from right side hemiplegia but refuses to let this hold her back in any way. Always willing to help and with a smile on her face, Beth is a real role model and inspiring young lady.
Pershore High School
Young Volunteer Award Beth Morgan
Beth leads a very busy life with many responsibilities for such a young girl. As well as studying for her GCSEs, Beth also juggles a part time job whilst remaining committed to the Beavers group she co-runs. Beth has been involved with the Beavers for over a year now. Affectionately known to the group as “Betty”, she is loved and appreciated by all of the Beaver members. She has demonstrated her commitment to the group throughout her time there so far. She rarely misses a week and has previously taken on the responsibilities of organising activities for the children. Over the time Beth has volunteered with the Beavers she has demonstrated some excellent skills and qualities. She has proven to be level headed, a good organiser, with a calm and responsible attitude and commitment to the group.
Wychavon 2013 Community Recognition Awards
Young Volunteer Award Elizabeth Mustard
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25 years ago on January 25th 1989, Judy
and Stuart Megarry held an Inaugural meeting of Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society, now affectionately known as PODS, at the Baptist Church in Pershore. Judy and Stuart had moved to Pershore from Nottingham, both having over 20 years of amateur dramatics between them from the acting, directing and production elements. 74 people turned up on that cold winter’s night of PODS’ first show, “Songs from the Shows’ which was later performed at Pershore High School in May of that year.
In 1994 it was felt that a more permanent home was needed for PODS. The old Co-op was still empty and Stuart Megarry was one of the original team asked to survey it to see if the site was feasible to have as an Arts Centre. The PODS machine, led by key players from the Society and within the town, got behind the scheme and the path to which we know as Number 8 and a permanent home for the Society was born. Whilst Number 8 was being built, PODS put four shows on at the Swan Theatre, Worcester; ‘Me and My Girl’ (2001), ‘Oliver!’ (2002), ‘Guys and Dolls’ (2003) and ‘Oklahoma’ (2004). Support for the group was amazing with full houses at Worcester every night.
In December 2004, Number 8 opened with a Gala night by PODS and this year, Number 8 will be celebrating their tenth year. PODS are now the Resident Theatre Company at Number 8, which is a wonderful meeting place and focal point for the people of Pershore. Over the years, PODS have had many members and great friendships have been made, many members becoming professionals in their field. With a combination of hard work, great talent and team spirit, the brand name PODS, has really grown to mean something. In May of last year, Judy and Stuart were invited to one of the Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace in recognition of all their hard work with PODS.
PODS Celebrate 25 years
WORLD WAR ONE COMMEMORATION
Following debate it has been decided to mark the event by holding a Service of Reflection to Remember the 100th Anniversary of the Beginning of the First World
War on Sunday 3rd
August 2014 in the Abbey at 3.00pm.
The service, being arranged in partnership with our friends from Churches Together
in Pershore, will give residents the opportunity to quietly reflect on the event in a
service for the whole community including relevant readings, hymns and music and
all are welcome to attend.
Residents will be well aware that 2014 marks the anniversary of the start of the First World War. The Town Council has thought hard about whether this is something that they should consider commemorating, as members were very concerned not to appear to be celebrating the start of an event that saw the tragic loss of so many young lives from all over the world.
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A Packed Spring at Number 8
Spring is here and to give you something to look forward to, Number 8 has unveiled their new Spring programme packed with events, screenings, creative courses and exhibitions.
Number 8 Community Arts centre
Further details can be found on the recently revamped website www.number8.org or from Number 8’s Box Office on: 01386 555488
Roger McGough Live
Highlights this season include: some brilliant films, many of which have been nominated for top international awards; streamed events including the latest National Theatre Live and RSC productions, top quality ballet from the Bolshoi in Moscow and ballet and opera from the Royal Opera House. We have grasped the opportunity to show Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano concert, recorded live from Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. To add to all this, we have a variety of live shows with performances from Orchestra of the Swan, Blunderbus Theatre Company and Roger McGough.
Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano
As part of their ongoing project to make Number 8 accessible to all, Number 8 are introducing Autism Friendly Screenings (AFS) this season. Autism Friendly Screenings are suitable for people who experience Autism or disabilities that affect their sensory experience and so during these screenings lighting will be kept on, volume levels will be reduced, there will be no advertisements or trailers and customers will be able to move around the cinema. Autism Friendly Screenings in the Spring season are The Lego Movie on Saturday 5 April at 2.00pm, Mr Peabody & Sherman (U) on Wednesday 16 April at 11.00am and Rio 2 (U) on Wednesday 28 May at 2.00pm. If you know anyone who may be interested in these screenings please help Number 8 to spread the word.
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Visit: www.visitpershore.co.uk for full listings of events or call Pershore Visitor Information Centre on 01386 556591
Events Diary Vale Walkers - Every Friday meet at the Pershore Leisure Centre 10.30am
March
22nd Nursery Sale Day – Avonbank Nurseries, Pershore College 9am – 4pm
Spring Blossom Trail – Mid March to Mid May 26th Pershore Jazz Club - Pershore Working Men’s Club 8.15pm April
2nd Bishampton Spring Gardening Show – Village Hall 6pm to 7.30pm
8th Plant Heritage talks – Pershore College 7pm to 9pm
8th/15th/22nd Blossom Trail Tour Bus
12th- 27th Easter Eggstravaganza – National Trust - Croome
13th Basket making - Three Little Pigs
19th Craft fair – Pershore Town Hall
23rd Great English Asparagus Run – The Fleece Inn, Bretforton
27th Blossom Bikeaway Hampton Ferry, Hampton
May
4th Tiddesley Wood Spring Open Day 10am to 5pm
4th & 5th Cropthorne Walkabout –Sat 11am - 6pm & Sun 1pm – 6pm
5th Pershore Heritage Plant Fair – Pershore College 11am to 3pm
18th Peopleton Pony & Companion Dog Show , Lower Norchard Farm 10.30 – 5pm
24th Little Comberton Street Market 2pm to 5pm
26th Vale Craft Guild 10am – 5pm Town Hall. Free Admission
26th PERSHORE Carnival – Pershore Abbey Park 1pm to 5pm
June
7th & 8th Pershore Open Gardens
13th – 15th Royal Three Counties Show – Malvern
14th -15th Eckington Flower Festival & Open gardens 10am – 6pm
15th It’s a Knockout - Crown Meadow, Evesham 12noon – 4pm (tbc)
20th- 22nd Evesham National Morris Weekend – Fri 7pm onwards Sat:10-5 Sun: 10-4
21 – 22nd Eckington open Gardens 11 - 5pm
27th – 29th Upton Jazz Festival
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Published by: Pershore Town Council, Town Hall, 34 High Street, Pershore WR10 1DS
Town Clerk — Mrs Ann Dobbins A.C.I.B. Tel: 01386 561561 Fax: 01386 561996
Email: [email protected] Web: www.pershoretowncouncil.gov.uk
Front cover photographs courtesy of Amy Evans.
Pershore Carnival Come and join the fun on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May. Please come along and help support our community project and our two chosen charities for 2014 - Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust and the Midlands Air Ambulance, as voted for by the public.
Sunday 6th April - King, Queen, Prince and Princess competition at the Football club. 2-4pm. Ages 4-12. Contact Claire Challenger: [email protected]
Procession theme is heroes and villains: contact is: [email protected]
Lots of events on site including farmers market, dog show, archery, fire fighters demo, performing ponies and a bigger & better fairground. There is an evening concert, with fireworks. Tug of war competition - contact Clare if you have a team to enter: [email protected] Booking stalls and other Site enquiries: [email protected]
For more information email: [email protected]
Useful Numbers Town Hall 01386 561561
Visitor Information Centre 01386 556591
Pavements and Potholes 01905 768342
Wychavon District Council 01386 565000
Wychavon Planning Enquires 01386 565565
Hill & Moor Waste Site 01386 861434
Street Light report line 0800 137 352
Dog Fouling/Dog Warden 01386 565015
Volunteer Centre 01386 554299
Pershore Library 01905 822722
Pershore Hospital 01386 502070
Events & Contacts
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