Human Rights, why should the neighbourhoods be worried?

There is currently acres and acres of newspaper space being allocated to the issue of what has become known as superinjunctions mainly due to the antics of certain 'celebrities' and one particular footballer ( we cannot name him ) but his mistress (we can name her); so what has all this got to do with neighbourhoods and Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch?

Simply the neighbourhood watch concept relies on your freely given continuing flow of information and just as important, time devoted by unpaid volunteers. If we all manage to keep levels of crime down in our neighbourhoods, not only can we really enjoy our environment, work, walk and play without fear,  but also it frees up stretched police resources for rapid deployment to less fortunate areas of the City and some real 'no go' areas.

PFNW is very fortunate, as we do get a constant stream of excellent information from a variety of sources. Not all stories reach this website, especially where it could impact on current police operations or put individuals and families at risk.

Sometimes the 'clearup' is immediate and effective; simply by an e-mail or telephone call to the right person, or a discreet but much needed visit to find out the facts.   Other items of information are then relayed by us to police or other agencies or in some cases residents may wish to contact local police directly. If you don't want to get involved, give a statement and appear as a witness in Court,you could also contact the independent of Police crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111  and give details of crime anonymously.

But also within our remit are opportunities and situations where our residents are being denied services or facilities for no fault of their own.  Our children may find that buildings designed for community purposes are  shut or that skate and/or park faciities are lacking.

It could be that those who purport to assist, when you dig a little deeper really have an alternative self-centred money making agenda. Whatever the outcome, if facilities designed for the open use of neighbourshoods or communities are denied, then it impacts on the crime figures, drives them upwards.

We have over the years as PFNW put financial resources into youth  facilities and we are trying to do some more. But is all depends on donations and funding, not easy in this current environment.  The purpose is very self centred, the happier the next generation or the growing up generation is, the better it will be for all of us, as they are the new breadwinners and their taxes will be paying for our care possibly in later life.

So when we hear of people knowingly abusing the system (and there are many stories, all of which have to be checked and researched) and by their selfish actions meanly depriving certain sectors of residents of their entitlement, it impacts on our overall environment and the crime figures in our area start to rise.

During the long school summer holidays, we expect to see the new skateboard and BMX park used around the clock, we lobbied for proper concrete pathways, extra litter bins and the current campaign is to get a drinking water supply on site. Young people will  over the Summer use the skatepark until late in the evening, enjoying themselves,  getting exercise, meeting socially, conversing, importantly building real rather than virtual isolated friendships through a lonely computer or remote x-box terminal.

We would also like to see more parents taking an interest in the use of the skatepark and the nearby community centre, eventually bringing the two together and also re-opening the lawn bowls area. But everything will take time, it will also take a small army of committed volunteers, willing to give up a few hours a week and also able to take on some additional responsibility. We think the children are worth it. After all they really are, our future. What do you think?  Let us know by leaving your comments below.

But back to where we started, this is what the European Convention on Human Rights says at Article 10 : Copy it out an keep a copy in your handbag or wallet or pasted underneath your skateboard!  It could come in very useful, here is the full script:

ARTICLE 10


Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. this right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises.


The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or the rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

Long before Europe we already have on the Statute :

Magna Carta

Habeas Corpus Act 1679
Bill of Rights, 16.12.1689
Act of Settlement 1701
Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949

( Act extract courtesy of  http://www.order-order.com/)


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