A great turnout for an initial Neighbourhood Watch meeting occurred last night. Eleven visitors got involved in a very eventful debate about local issues.
Burglaries:
The first concern raised was regarding the increase in burglaries. Wilson provided residents with advice on how to secure UPVC doors properly by lifting the handle anti-clockwise and turning the door key anticlockwise, to set the multi-lock function. Moreover, Wilson advised that two special burglar units, with vehicles, were patrolling the borough, as a result of the recent increase in crimes of this nature. Wilson also advised that due to information provided by NHW Coordinators, a burglar team had recently been caught on Mayesford Road and Grove Road.
One resident highlighted how a van that was undertaking surveillance was stopped and questioned by the Police. The van driver claimed he was lost, however, such activity should be reported to the Police.
Wilson has agreed to attach some burglary advice on the back of a sheet containing the minutes from the meeting. This he will post to all residents of the estate.
Abandoned Bikes:
A resident complained that 3 bikes were left abandoned on his front drive. He surmised that it may have been a result of an opportunist thief, stealing a bike form the local train station, to make their journey easier. Wilson has agreed to make a query to the local Safer Neighbourhood team regarding their thoughts on the matter and any update. Two bikes were scrapped by the homeowners and one was taken from their drive.
Mail abuse:
A number of residents complained about the street litter caused by leaflet canvassers. Wilson enquired into whether any residents would prefer him to stop his leaflets - all were fine for him to continue. Wilson has agreed to provide "No Junk Mail" stickers to all attendees and to source more stickers for wider distribution.
Parking:
The big topic on the night was how to tackle the parking problems originating from an NHS decision to unauthorise staff parking at King George Hospital. The resulting parking burden, has featured significantly in local media, after creating immense community friction and consternation.
"Yellow Lines", "Parking Permits" and "Pavement Parking" schemes were discussed. However, in the end it was agreed that the best solution would be to introduce a "No Waiting" restriction from 08:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday. This restriction should be introduced to Heathfield Park Drive and all associated roads, to prevent displacement of parking. All the visitors to the meeting agreed to participate in a petition exercise to move the scheme forward.
Wilson agreed to produce and distribute the petition.
Wilson also agreed to ask the PCT and PALS to consider adding a request for patients attending hospital to park more sensibly due to an increase in community friction. This could be added to any appointment documents.
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Antisocial Behaviour Issues:
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Two residents complained about dogs barking late in the evening causing a nuisance and possibly under some health risk. Some residents complained about a burglar alarm that tripped frequently and seemed to have no cut-off period. Wilson has cascaded the concerns to the antisocial behaviour team for investigation.
Initiating a new NHW:
All agreed that a Neighbourhood Watch for their area would be a very positive step. A Chairman and Deputy have been elected.
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Sign a petition to introduce "No waiting" restrictions to the roads on the estate by clicking (here)
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