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MINUTES OF THE WIVENHOE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/COMMUNITY SAFETY GROUP 29th October 2009 1 Present Ken Rogers (Chair), Austin Baines, Mick Bond (Essex Police) , Cllr. Mark Cory, Margaret Currell, Heather Edwards, Cllr. Steve Ford, David Hawkins, June and Ernie Hatch, Pauline and Keith Hunt, Jonny Joell, Helen Johnson, Peter Overton, Nick Rowlands (Vice-Chair and taking the minutes), Linda Rutledge, Mushabab Said, Dennis Searle, Cllr. Julie Young, a reporter from the Gazette. 2 Apologies Dennis Bullard, Terry O’Brien, CBC speaker, Drug Addiction speaker, Student Union President, Graham Somerfield. 3 Newly Appointed Police Officer Ken welcomed and introduced Mick Bond; Mick has worked for 18 years for Essex police, the last 10 in Chelmsford. Mick, a native of Wivenhoe, spoke briefly about the areas in which he has worked and said that he was very happy to be “coming home” and looked forward to working with our group. 4 Chair Report Ken stated that the police are doing very well in the area, but the fact that “minor” crimes like the recent theft of milk from doorsteps are included in official statistics distorts the crime figures for Wivenhoe. Mr. Overton suggested that if the theft of milk had been by someone sleeping rough, it might be worth the police checking the huts on the allotments. There continues to be mindless damage to vehicles, some parked in driveways. Theft from boats seems to have ceased; the vigilance of dog-walkers is appreciated. Despite some criticism, the “mosquito” fitted at the station has been effective and there has been no antisocial behaviour in that area. Some residents continue to leave valuables visible in vehicles. Apart from an instance of broken glass near the skateboard facility, there have not been any problems in the KG Field area. There has been a burglary on the Avenue (via an open window!). Police were contacted about a cold caller in Heath Road, but it may only have been someone seeking directions. A good CCTV system to cover the Council Offices, Post Office property and the way through towards the Scout Hut (see minutes of 29/1/09) would cost around £1,400. The Council cannot afford this and the Post Office, though sympathetic, cannot afford a contribution. The matter will be discussed further at the next NAP meeting (7th November). A good speaker on Knife Crime might be able to attend a meeting next year, simply charging for travel. Several cases involving dogs out of control are being investigated. 5 Members’ Reports Many had little or nothing to report. Those who did;- Dennis Searle mentioned attempts by youngsters to kick down a fence near Broomgrove School and continuing problems with parking in that area. Elke Ray said that a motorbike had been ridden down the footpath adjacent to her property at the Cross. Peter Overton referred to the serious incident of a fire in the field near Field Way at the end of August, wondering why this had not been mentioned at the last meeting. The agents for the owners of the field are not at all helpful. There are on-going problems there with youngsters drinking, unsavoury characters who are not from Wivenhoe and the risk of someone drowning in the adjacent gravel pit. He also referred to the provision of activities for young people in Wivenhoe, listing many that were not mentioned at the last meeting, as well as those provided by the Colne Community School. Ken thanked Peter for his remarks; Ken had warned the Fire Brigade about the potential fire risk in the field. Mark Cory said he too had had discussions with residents about this issue. Keith Hunt stated that things were now quieter in the Beech Avenue area. Heather Edwards referred to the excessive number of charity bags coming through letter boxes in the Britannia Crescent area and asked if anyone could volunteer to decorate the NW Christmas tree again this year. Yvonne Holley complained of difficulties in the Vanessa Drive/Rosabelle Avenue area caused by a problem family and the persistent noise made by a group of youths which included a quad bike being ridden on the road. Mick Bond responded to this and other points raised by members. Julie Young had again received complaints of speeding vehicles, especially on Rectory Road/Hill. A traffic-activated warning device will be installed in December. It is intended that the new crossing on the A133 (part of the Knowledge Gateway project) will be completed before the beginning of the academic year 2010/11, obviating the need to use the unsuitable underpass. Helen Johnson asked members to publicise the Wivenhoe First web site. 6 Guest Speaker As mentioned above (apologies), the intended guest speakers were not able to be here again this evening due to illness and other reasons! 7 Future meetings/speakers, etc. The next meeting will be on November 26th. The theme will be Crime Prevention at Christmas. Meetings will then resume in January, with Mr. Carrington (Crime & Disorder Partnership at CBC) as guest speaker on January 28th. It was suggested that we might invite someone from the Transport Police later next year. Any further suggestions for speakers to Ken or Nick, please. Ken asked if anyone would volunteer to help Mr & Mrs Hatch with the cycle marking/safety equipment at the forthcoming Farmers Market (November 21st). Halloween posters were mentioned and Ken said that local shops had been asked not to sell eggs/flour to youngsters at the weekend. Over 800 “Message in a Bottle” kits have been given out; we should continue to provide these.
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