YOUR City, YOUR Council 13th July Meeting

Your City - Your Council 13th July

Morag Irving reports....



Before I regale you with all the daring do’s or insense you with news of our elected Councillors please let me share the meaning behind my simple headline above.

I have noticed that some councillors are always too ready to chair, vice chair or become involved in major high visibility public projects. Councillors are also equally invited to be involved with simple one hourly meetings once a month, that are not so high visibility.

Last month only 3 out of 57 (I repeat three out of fifty seven) of Peterborough’s councillors bothered to attend a simple one hour meeting.

The meeting albeit just one hour of our busy councillors time, concerns the 112 children taken into care by this City, and these crucial meetings which shape and direct a potentially 'damaged' childs development are sometimes attended by the children who have nowhere to turn and look to the City as their Guardian and mentor during their formative years.

Next time your local councillor, however worthy, next pops up at a public meeting, chairing, advising, or has a publicity photo specially taken or records a soundbite for local telly, it may be prudent to ask them a simple question. What they were doing for just one hour, that was more important than attending the meeting that will shape the future of Peterboroughs' children in care ?

Leaving that thought with you, I turn to the Council Meeting reported as I see it...

A real bumper night at the full Council meeting, as is normal, I have had to abbreviate a long meeting, but course you can contact me if you would like some more information. The new Mayor struggling to keep order at times and threatening one councillor with immediate removal by the Beadle.......

All Stanground Councillors were in attendance, Cllr. Fran Benton from neighbouring Fletten & Woodston sent apologies, Fran’s attendance figure at the moment stands at 60%.

New appointed Mr. Mayor Paula Thacker announced she has reluctantly dropped ‘Help for Heros’ as one of her two nominated charities as no local co-ordinator could be found, so she is replacing this with the Women’s branch of the Royal British Legion.

The mortgage scheme has been approved by council. A few questions were asked about this, including one of how long someone should be resident in the City of Peterborough before meeting the requirement for asssistance.

The scheme will cost an initial £1 million. It seeks to make up the deposit of first time buyers and it is hoped will regenerate the housing market. In its' first year it hopes to help 50 people.

A petition by 35 residents of Flatten Avenue requesting better parking was presented to council by Cllr Lee (I seriously wonder how this will sit with the new plan for the Football Stadium we reported on earlier? The plan you will recall has even fewer parking spaces then the existing stadium).

Questions were then asked about the future of Stanground Fire Station. Various plans are being investigated, including having the station open only during daylight hours. Consultations are taking place with the fire unions. Another scheme proposed involves moving equipment from Dogsthorpe to Stanground.

I was sad to hear lots of questions will be answered by letter from Councillor to Councillor as this seems at odds with the idea of open government. A letter denies the public the chance to hear the answer. With this in my mind I have specifically asked for clarification on a few points raised and will report back to you in due course.

A very long meeting in a few paragraphs but again if I can help or clarify please contact me.


.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 (C)Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch 2011, Peterborough,UK E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ALL ENQUIRIESLOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999 alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS on FREEPHONE 0800 555 111 **** Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, an independent of police charity, will anonymously take and pass on confidential information on crime, knife crime and domestic violence. **** >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722&ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 http://tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Panel Priorities for Fletton/Woodston/Stanground and Hampton 4th July to 4th October 2011

Panel Priorities for Fletton/Woodston/Stanground and Hampton 4th July to 4th October 2011 - From PS Goldsmith:-

County Road, Hampton Vale - ASB, enviromental, motorbikes.


Railworld and surrounding area - river path, drug / drink misuse, arson, robberies - protection of commuting public through to city centre


Play area in Park Farm - ASB drinking, loud music and rowdy behaviour, to also take in Coneygree Lodge and youths damaging breaking into disused property and Saxon/Roman Court while it is being demolished.


We will also continue with work currently being carried out in Fellowes Gardens, Oundle Road incorporating the DPPO in Cherry Tree Rec/Grove Court with drinkers and rowdy ASB.

Other issues that we will be monitoring is the speeding in Hampton Vale incorporating the junction in the Vale centre at peak times and parking around the schools in the Hampton area.

 (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 (C)Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch 2011, Peterborough,UK E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS on FREEPHONE 0800 555 111 **** Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, an independent of police charity, will anonymously take and pass on confidential information on crime, knife crime and domestic violence. **** >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722&ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 http://tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Car Vandalised Framlingham Road

A car parked on a private driveway at Framlingham Road has been extensively vandalised. If you saw anything suspicious or are able to help the police please contact them on the number below, alternatively you could call Crimestoppers.
(C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 (C)Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch 2011, Peterborough,UK E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS on FREEPHONE 0800 555 111 **** Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, an independent of police charity, will anonymously take and pass on confidential information on crime, knife crime and domestic violence. **** >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722&ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 http://tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

MONDAY NIGHT CAR BREAK INS - 3 HELD

A series of car break ins took place late Monday night/Tuesday morning, on Park Farm, Stanground. The thieves targeted older cars without alarms, breaking rear windows and removing sat navs. Sources suggest they were working in a team of three, two doing the breaking with a third in a car ready for the speedy getaway. Unfortunately several people spotted the hapless team in action describing them as "something out of an old Carry On film...." Three arrests were promptly made by police.

PFNW Chair Julian Bray commented: "Stanground and Park Farm are two of the few areas in Peterborough with low crime statistics, and we aim to keep it that way. We are now entering the high season for thefts from cars, I urge all residents to keep an eye open, and better still if you see anything unusual, take a picture, note the time, place and date and IMMEDIATELY log it with Police ( ensure you get an incident number) or send it to us at julianbray@aol.com The pity is that the stolen satnavs and anything else lifted from inside the car, will change hands for a few pounds probably to fuel someones drug habit."

"Always take your satnav (and cradle) physically out of the car and remove any traces or marks (usually a ring on the windscreen). Most people will simply hide the unit in the car and thieves obviously count on this... "
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.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 (C)Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch 2011, Peterborough,UK E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ALL ENQUIRIESLOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS on FREEPHONE 0800 555 111 **** Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, an independent of police charity, will anonymously take and pass on confidential information on crime, knife crime and domestic violence. **** >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722&ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 http://tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Gardens & Garages

As the Police have reported an increase in thefts from sheds I thought it may be a good time to have another look at the advice given re gardens and garages.  Most of it is common sense, but it is easy to forget on a warm summers night, (it is pouring with rain as I write this).

Garages

Garages usually contain valuable items and many have integral doors which could offer a thief easy, hidden access to your home.

‘Up and over’ garage doors are usually fitted with a central locking door handle which are often quite weak and can be easily attacked. We suggest fitting them with a hasp and staple and padlock.

If you have a household alarm fitted, consider extending the system to cover your garage. This should be a relatively cheap and effective way of protecting your garage. Having a ‘bell box’ fitted to your garage would also offer an additional deterrent. >>>>


It is good practice to fit British Standard approved locks to all your external doors and this includes integral garage doors. For further advice on suitable locks contact the Master Locksmiths Association on 01327 262255 or visit www.locksmiths.co.uk.

There are numerous approved security products available that will vastly improve the security of your garage door. Visit: www.soldsecure.com or www.securedbydesign.com, for more details or call and ask your local crime prevention officer for advice.

Gardens

Many people invest a lot of time and money in their gardens. Plants, shrubs, water features, solar lighting and garden furniture can be very expensive and are all very attractive to a thief.


Extra attention should be given to passageways located at the side or rear of your home. Strong lockable high gates will deter thieves attempting to gain access to your rear garden.

Fencing and walls can be given extra protection by fixing trellis on the top. This will collapse if someone tries to climb over it and the noise can be enough to alert your or your neighbours. Similarly, if you are planning to build a path in your garden or around your property consider using gravel. The noise made when this is walked on can alert householders to any approach.

Never leave spare keys hidden in your garden, garage or shed for children or family members. If hidden keys are found by an intruder and used to burgle your home you may find your home insurance is invalid.
Good lighting is an excellent way to deter intruders particularly by fitting exterior lights with dusk to dawn sensors. These are light sensitive and activate when it gets dark and turn themselves off when it gets light. Using low wattage bulbs provides a cheap and effective security measure for your garden.

 (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 (C)Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch 2011, Peterborough,UK E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS on FREEPHONE 0800 555 111 **** Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, an independent of police charity, will anonymously take and pass on confidential information on crime, knife crime and domestic violence. **** >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722&ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 http://tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Crimestoppers June 2011 - from Tim Edgley

June 2011 – Analysis

Number of successful intelligence leads this month  19

Number of successful intelligence leads April - June  45

Number of Most Wanted appeals April - June 7

Number of 2Way questions submitted April - June  5

Performance: April to June 2011 v April to June 2010

Number of leads received: 184 +17%

Number of detections: 45 +450%

Number of people convicted/cautioned: 34 +566%

Geographical Breakdown of Leads Received April to June 2011

All Divisions: 1

Central: 68

Northern: 51

Southern: 64

Numerical Comparison of Leads Received April to June 2011 with April to June 2010

 

Top Work


Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Northern Division have been spreading the Crimestoppers message by attending residents’ meetings, housing associations, hostels and similar establishments. Their Powerpoint presentation and short video encourages residents to contact Crimestoppers as an alternative to direct police contact.

An offender received 8 years imprisonment for an armed robbery on a Cambridge bookmakers following information from Crimestoppers. (Historical success not previously reported).

A persistent criminal was jailed for 4 1/2 years following Crimestoppers intelligence which helped link him to an aggravated burglary. The victim was a vulnerable member of the community and the stolen items had great sentimental value.

Crimestoppers intelligence helped lead officers to a two industrial units near Cambridge where cannabis was being grown. Over 250 plants were seized with an estimated value of £105,000.

2 pieces of Crimestoppers intelligence identified a property to the north of Peterborough where stolen plant was being hidden. Within 4 days a warrant had been executed and a JCB, stolen in Leicestershire, recovered.



(C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 (C)Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch 2011, Peterborough,UK E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS on FREEPHONE 0800 555 111 **** Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, an independent of police charity, will anonymously take and pass on confidential information on crime, knife crime and domestic violence. **** >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722&ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 http://tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Stanground Surgery NOT to close....says NHS Boss

Stanground Surgery NOT to close says NHS Boss...

New map showing new addition No: 36. Stanground Surgery as a Branch Surgery of New Queen Street NHSC

Dear Julian


Could you please post the attached email on th PFNW website.  Regards Cllr Brian.Rush

From: "Wightman Peter"   To: "'Cllr Rush Brian'"

Dear Councillor Rush


Further to my comments at the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and public meetings, I am pleased to confirm NHS Peterborough and NHS Cambridgeshire's intentions with regard to services provided in Stanground [Peterborough, Cambridgeshire].


(1) There is no intention to close the Stanground surgery. The map in the consultation document only shows the main surgery sites as a branch of the Whittlesey surgery, this site was not shown. I attach the map provided at the Scrutiny Committee showing the branch surgeries which includes Stanground.  >>>>


(2) The practice running the Stanground surgery (Whittlesey surgery) has applied for additional rental income to extend their surgery to meet future population growth. This practice's contract is held by NHS Cambridgeshire. NHS Cambridgeshire have approved the application.


The progress with the extension is now reliant on the practice successfully acquiring the neighbouring property. This property is owned by NHS Peterborough and includes dental services. In line with procurement guidance, NHS Peterborough is currently following a restricted competition process for the sale of the building, to include the provision of NHS dental services. One of the applicants is the GP surgery. We should know the outcome of this process by the end of the Summer.


Yours sincerely


Peter Wightman

Interim Director NHS Peterborough




.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 (C) Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch 2011, Peterborough,UK E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS on FREEPHONE 0800 555 111 **** Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, an independent of police charity, will anonymously take and pass on confidential information on crime, knife crime and domestic violence. **** >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722&ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 http://tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW