Dear Residents

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome three new officers to your neighbourhood team:

Pc 1987 Leigh Mann and PCSO 7358 Lian Rowcliffe who will be posted to Hampton, and PCSO 7360 Shirley Beswick who will be posted to Stanground.

All three will commence their duties with the team this week and will be much valued members to the team.  Please do not hesitate to contact them if you wish to discuss local issues or you would like them to attend and support any community events.

Just to keep you updated with contact names and areas of responsibility, your South East Neighbourhood Team contacts are:

Inspector Matt Snow - Southern Sector Inspector
Sergeant 192 Kirsty Hills (Stanground, Fletton, Woodston and Hampton)

Hampton - Pc 1987 Leigh Mann, PCSO 7329 Rem Kajzer and PCSO 7358 Lian Rowcliffe

Stanground - Pc 43 Rob Giffen, PCSO 7108 Tracy Chestnutt and PCSO 7360 Shirley Beswick (Meet the Park Farm team by clicking here)

Fletton / Woodston - Pc 101 Neil Fraser, PCSO 7262 Mohammed Haleem and PCSO 7040 Griffin.

Please feel free to contact your local team with any non-emergency matters on 0845 456456 4, extension 8816. If a member of the team is not available to take your call please leave a message and we will get back to you promptly.

Thank you

South East Neighbourhood Team

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Several more roads were suggested at the panel meeting tonight in the Fletton, Woodston and Hampton areas. The panel therefore agreed that Speedwatch should continue to be a priority for the next 3 months. I've agreed to coordinate the initiative for the Stanground/Fletton areas as the first group of trained volunteers are here in Stanground and completed two Speedwatch events on Monday, but it is hoped that there will be enough trained volunteers in the future to have additional coordinators for Woodston and Hampton.

Tomorrow (Saturday 18th) will see a planned day of action in Fen View by the council, the property landlord and other local forces and authorities. This will include speaking directly with local residents about their concerns and wishes, surveys of the area for future improvements such as landscaping and taking note of any repairs that are required. Efforts will also be made to encourage local residents to clear rubbish and unwanted items making use of the skips to be provided.

'Days of Action' are a relatively new idea set up to foster real relationships between local authorities, landlords and residents by developing community spirit rather than just a tenant/landlord one.

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We want to hear from you, even if you've never been a victim of crime. Have your say. complete our online survey, and help us to improve our service.

Julie Spence
Chief Constable

Following the South East panel meeting on 8th July, concerns were raised by residents and users of Stanground Community Centre of the number of youths congregating in the area, resulting in incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour. As a result of these concerns, this has been adopted as a panel priority.

In order that we respond positively and effectively to these concerns, a meeting has been arranged to discuss these issues and we would welcome attendance from local residents and users of the Centre to offer constructive feedback to assist us with this priority.

The meeting will be held at Stanground Community Centre on Wednesday 6th August at 1900 hours

Please support your local neighbourhood by attending if you have any issues you wish to discuss with your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

I look forward to meeting you on the evening.

Regards

Sergeant Kirsty Hills

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Dog Found - Portchester Close - 10th July 2008

PFNHW presents in association with Cambridgeshire Constabulary our fourth Property Marking Roadshow.

Visit our stand at the Heritage Park School Summer Fete, meet PCSO Jerry Marek, have your property marked and find out more about our Multi-Award Winning Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, Crime Prevention, Data Link, CitySouth Community Website, Smartwater & Immobilise.

Engraving of Bicycles & Garden Equipment. UV Marking of Mobile Phones, Car Radios, Sat Navs, MP3/4's, Ipods, Cameras etc.

(Please note - A disclaimer will need to be signed when presenting certain items for marking)

Look out for our banner

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We've had a quite a few worried residents contact us concerning the flats being built on Park Farm Crescent.

PFNHW welcomes all residents from all backgrounds and in order to help allay any fears and prevent future problems we thought it might be a good idea to discuss direct with Minster how best we can work with them to welcome the new residents to the area.

To this end we've been invited to a meeting with Minster and the new residents when the flats become occupied with an aim to promoting NHW and community spirit within the complex. Minster would like to assure residents of their commitment to managing the complex and residents responsibly and we'll do our best to ensure that they adhere to such commitments and that the new residents feel they are valued members of the community.

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Previously the responsibility of Persimmon, street lighting in Houghton Avenue has now been adopted by the City Council for repairs and maintenance. Please let us know if you spot one out or on during the daytime. The column on the green has been reported for attention.

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Whether you are for, against or undecided the proposed development doesn't come under the NHW umbrella therefore may we please steer you to our sister site where you can read the latest information, take part in discussions on the forum and vote in an on line poll.

Please click on the link below.

http://www.citysouth.org.uk/index.htm

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We've had a couple of reports about mail being delivered to the wrong addresses in Park Farm. Although it doesn't appear to be a huge problem it is obviously annoying and in these days of identity theft of much concern.

If you are experiencing this problem or indeed believe mail you should have received has gone missing please visit the Royal Mail Website for advice by clicking on their logo above.

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With the help of our local councillor Janet Wilkinson I've finally managed to contact the new developer of the land in front of the school - Premier Vision Homes. The plan to build flats is going ahead and work should begin in the next few months. The flats will be up for private sale and not rental although obviously a buyer may do so. The selling agent has not to date been agreed.

I've further requested in the interim that the waste ground receives some sort of maintenance because of the eyesore it has become and have been assured that the grass will be cut in the next week.

To debate the issue and see other residents comments please log in to our sister site forum www.citysouth.org.uk

Chris

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Alcohol

The police and trading standards have been cracking down on the illegal sale of alcohol to minors in Peterborough. The recent campaign has seen 134 premises visited. Of that 44 illegally sold alcohol to minors in the arranged sting operations.

Previous rates of illegal alcohol sales to minors were as high as 70% of the shops targeted but this has drastically reduced now down to about 20% with most shops operating the 'Challenge 21' campaign. Anyone who appears under the age of 21 is challenged by staff to produce ID proving their age. Without it the sale is declined.

Once an illegal sale is made the shopkeeper is notified and the Police and Trading Standards then decide on the appropriate action. Where shops refuse the sale they are sent a thank you letter.

Options available to the Police and Trading Standards

£80 fine served on the individual staff member.
Prosecution of the shop owner including a fine up to £1000 + Costs.
Change of Licence - Variation on the hours alcohol sales are permitted.
Licence Review - A ban for a specific period on alcohol sales
Revoke Licence - A total ban on alcohol sales.
The purchase of alcohol for minors by an adult will result in a fine of £80.

Fireworks

Test purchases for the illegal sale of fireworks to minors are being conducted by the police and trading standards.

Members are requested to be vigilant and report any concern about the sale of alcohol or fireworks to minors to either the Police, Trading Standards or your NHW Coordinator.

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A message reproduced with the permission of a Brodsworth Road resident

Just wondered if anyone has a small, black and white cat, white paws/tummy and noticeably a white 'blob' just off the nose about the size of a 5p piece?

It's just s/he is spending a lot of time with us as we tend to leave the kitchen door ajar to let out cooking smells etc and often find this cat in there raiding our cats food bowl or trying to get in our bin!! It doesn't bother us but just wondered as we wanted to make sure her owner isn't worried about her? (I say her as I think this cat is a she but could be wrong)

If you know who's cat this is please email by clicking here or log onto the CitySouth website using the link in the posting below.

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Illegal Parking around cashpoints and banks in the area - PCSO Stewart Smith
7th September 07

I have spoken with many residents in the Stanground and Fletton areas who have highlighted the growing concern of illegal parking near to cash machines and banks in the area.

There are concerns for peoples safety as the number of users of the machines and banks often park as close as possible causing an obstruction to other road users or pedestrians. I have also heard of incidents of people parking in bus stops and just 'popping' to the bank. This is unacceptable and is illegal.

The reports generally relate to two locations on Fletton High Street and The Parade, Lawson Avenue.

In both areas there are clearly marked parking areas that should be utilised and involve no more than a 30 second walk to the nearest cash machine or bank.

If you are seen causing an unnecessary obstruction, then a Fixed Penalty Notice will be issued costing you £30.00 and if the vehicle is causing an obstruction to a pedestrian crossing, this could mean a fine of £60.00 and 3 penalty points on your driving licence.

I would like to ask anyone who normally uses machines or banks in these areas, to please consider where you leave your vehicles. There are genuine concerns that an accident is waiting to happen. Fixed penalty notices will be issued in order to prevent and deter this activity from continuing.

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The number of robberies being committed in Peterborough has more than halved year-on-year, monthly figures have revealed.

There were 22 robberies committed last month, compared to 47 in August 2006, a fall of just over 53 per cent. There were also significant drops in total crime and the number of burglaries, vehicle crimes, violent crimes and incidents of criminal damage, but drugs offences increased.

Superintendent Nigel Trippett said: "It is pleasing to see we have achieved significant reductions in crime over the summer and this month's drop in robbery is outstanding. "The week of actions we have held with our partners have been particularly successful and the rise in drugs offences is due to the fact that we continue to target drug suppliers proactively. The operations to target dealers reduce the harmful effects drugs have on communities."

Figures for August 2007 - (June 2006 figures in brackets)

Total Crime - 1,934 (2,237)
Dwelling Burglary - 99 (123)
Vehicle Crime - 284 (363)
Robbery - 22 (47)
Violent Crime - 369 (427)
Criminal Damage - 409 (445)
Drugs - 56 (38)

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I have received reports of speeding cars along Coneygree Road, Stanground. I do know however, that it stretches further afield into neighbouring roads and is not just limited to these most recent reports.

Over the coming weeks there will be various methods used in order to combat speeders in Stanground.

One of which is the camera van that some of you may have seen recently on Coneygree Road. This will be utilised by various officers and will soon be seen all over Stanground, particularly in the areas as set out in the last Neighbourhood Policing Panel .

I would urge residents along there to take registration numbers or descriptions of serial speeders and if anyone has information as to the latest culprits to let me know through the e-cops service.

Note from Chris Harper

The other roads mentioned at the meeting were Lawson Avenue, Ellwood Avenue, Ramsey Way, Park Farm Way and Oakdale Avenue. If you are not yet registered on ecops you can pass information in confidence to your street coordinator or by email by clicking here.

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What would you like ? A discussion point with Janet Wilkinson - Your local councillor - 11th July 07

A 20-year-old unemployed man was fined £80 and ordered to pay £100 costs at Peterborough Magistrates' Court after a Police Community Support Officer saw him throw away an empty Grolsch beer can.

The offender was the first 'litter culprit' to appear in court after PCSOs were given powers to issue fixed penalty notices for littering earlier this year. The case was brought to court after he refused to pay the initial fixed penalty of £50 and the full penalty of £75, despite being given an extension of the normal 21-day 'concession' period.

Dipak Panchal, on behalf of Peterborough City Council, said that the offender and two other men were seen drinking from Grolsch beer cans as they walked along the street. The PCSO saw the offender and one of the other men use an over-arm action to throw away their empty beer cans.

When questioned, the offender protested that it was not litter and walked away. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice later at his home but had failed to pay.

Peterborough City Council has introduced a number of measures to combat littering and other environmental crimes. It has appointed a team of environmental wardens who, along with all PCSOs in the city, have the power to issue fixed penalty notices to people who commit littering, graffiti and similar offences.

PFNHW support this action and are keen to see more of this type of action here in Park Farm, maybe then those who choose to be selfish will get the tough wake up call that litter and graffiti are taken seriously here.

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Wow! What an absolutely cracking success our latest property marking day at Stanground Fete proved to be. Apart from the fantastic weather....

More than 150 Mobile Phones, 2 Mobility Scooters, 2 Cameras and 2 Ipods were UV marked.

20 Bicycles were engraved and over 100 Datalink Bottles were issued.

We also had many enquiries about NHW in general and 30 of our March Newsletters were snapped up by visitors considering joining our scheme or setting up one of their own.

We'd like to express our sincere thanks to Joe Dawkins from Cambridgeshire Constabulary for helping out all day at our stand with the property marking while offering advice to those interested in the new DNA Smartwater initiative and of course for bringing all the freebies.

If you missed the opportunity to have your items marked please get in touch either by email by clicking here or calling 07939 664788. Park Farm NHW Scheme offer this service free of charge.

Many thanks to EDF, LloydsTSB, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Age Concern, The Peterborough Evening Telegraph, Hereward Radio, Lite FM and Stanground Community Association for their help with advertising and their support and of course to Peter & Rick for all their help.

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A terrific amount of work has been going on today in Park Farm. PFNHW working together with PCC on a 'day of action' resulted in the following work being completed.

• Reinstatement and re-seeding of the grass verge in front of the post box on Park Farm Way.
• General Litter Pick.
• Estate Inspection by PCC in the company of Chris.
• Graffiti removal - Street Lighting Columns and Road Signs along Whittlesey Road.
• Graffiti removal by repainting of Horsey Toll Bridge.
• Graffiti removal by repainting of 7 BT/NTL turrets. (Park Farm Way, Portchester Close, Framlingham Road, Aydon Road, Kedleston Road)
• Graffiti removal by repainting of 3 rubbish bins - footpath to lake.
• Graffiti removal by repainting of dog waste bin - footpath to lake.
• Graffiti removal by repainting of the Anglian Water Compound nr the lake.
• Graffiti removal by repainting of the Green Wheel Mile Post nr the lake.

Future Action Areas Highlighted for Attention (PCC unless stated below)

• Thorn bushes along footpath in Childrens Play Park to be trimmed back.(Completed)
• Trees on Green Wheel at the bottom of Kedleston Road to be trimmed back. (Owner Query)
• Two fallen trees along the green wheel to be removed.(Owner Query)
• Reinstatement of the boundary fence around the childrens play park.(Completed)
• Removal of dead tree on walkway opposite childrens play park.(Owner Query)
• Removal of graffiti on Whittlesey Road Roundabout (Completed)
• Reinstatement of crash barrier near Whittlesey Road Roundabout.
• Graffiti removal or repainting of Transco Building nr Whittlesey Road Roundabout.(Completed by Transco)
• Graffiti removal by repainting of Traffic Light Control turrets outside Fenman Public House and opposite Pelican Crossing.(Completed)
• Grass Cutting of wasteland in front of the school. (Owner Query)
• Repainting of small Postbox Park Farm Way - Ramsey Road. (Completed)
• Consideration into the erection of permanent bollards or barrier to protect grass verge nr post box.
• Clearance of Rubbish from Drain Inlet to River (Bottom of Belton Road) (River Authority)

We now have the results of our recent survey which the group will discuss next week at our next coordinators meeting.

If there is something you'd like us to consider for action or investigation please let us know by clicking here.

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VEHICLE crime in Peterborough dropped by 35 per cent last month (April) compared to the same crime reporting period last year (2006).

Thefts of and from vehicles in the city were on the increase in Peterborough until city officers launched Operation Mulgrave - a covert operation using 'trap cars' to catch car crooks in the act. The trap cars were set up with satellite navigation systems and other property opportunist car thieves look out for and, when a thief struck, officers waiting nearby were able to arrest them almost immediately.

As a result of this operation some of Peterborough's most prolific car thieves have been arrested and put before the courts, vehicle taking has dropped by 42 per cent (50 offences this April compared to 87 in April 2006) and thefts from vehicles have reduced by 33 per cent (203 offences this April compared to 305 in April 2006). Criminal damage to vehicles has also decreased by 11 per cent (144 offences this April compared to 163 in April 2006).

Chief Superintendent Paul Phillipson, said: "These figures are testament to the hard work of officers and the community safety team involved in Operation Mulgrave, which has been and continues to be a very successful campaign to catch and deter opportunist car thieves. "Our community safety team has also been working very hard to increase public awareness on vehicle safety and security, putting up signs in 'hot-spot' areas, handing out literature and running road shows.

"Our reactive and detective teams continually monitor crime trends to respond quickly to emerging issues, such as the recent increase in vehicle crime. We have recently seen an increase in dwelling burglary - 155 crimes reported last month compared to 103 in April last year - although our detection rate for burglary has risen significantly thanks to some prolific burglars being caught be officers. We are also planning campaigns, including the use of a 'trap house' to catch burglars and bring them to justice.

"Neighbourhood policing teams will also be raising awareness about home and personal security to ensure homeowners are doing their utmost to deter thieves and stop themselves becoming victims of crime.

"Neighbourhood panels meetings also begin in earnest this month, so residents will be able to become more involved in setting the policing agenda for Peterborough and directing their neighbourhood officers to the problems they want tackling. If you have any views or concerns which you feel should be heard by the panel please attend your next local meeting on 26th June (more details to follow) or get in touch with your local panel member and chairman Chris Harper on 07939 664788 or via email.

"Crime figures do fluctuate from month-to-month and we see increases and decreases across the board. However, overall in Peterborough, crime is falling and has been for a number of years.

"Peterborough is a safe place to live, work and visit and we will be working hard to ensure that remains the case."

The latest performance figures for policing in Peterborough also reveal that shoplifting has decreased by 21 per cent (100 offences this April compared to 128 in April 2006); fraud and forgery has gone down by 33 per cent (71 offences this April compared to 106 in April 2006) and drugs offences have reduced by nine per cent (50 offences this April compared to 55 in April 2006), with a huge 70 per cent reduction in trafficking offences.

Robbery (business) has increased slightly this April compared to April 2006 - (five offences this April compared to one in April 2006); and robbery (personal) has also gone up by 11 offences (34 offences this April compared to 23 in April 2006).

The figures for violent crime show a mixed picture, with some violent offences increasing slightly and other areas decreasing. Overall crime is up by 4 per cent - 2,132 recorded crimes this April compared to 2,049 in April 2006.

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On Friday 5th May, I spent the day with a Schools Attendance Officer from Peterborough City Council.

Together we carried out a truancy sweep in Stanground.

During the sweep we found 3 male youths that should have been at school and were promptly escorted back onto the premises for the remainder of their lessons and exams.

It proved a valuable experience and we spoke to many mums and dads who mostly appreciated the work that we were doing.

These sweeps will continue throughout Peterborough as we continue to work with our partner agencies in trying to tackle and deter anti social behaviour and crime.

If anyone would like any advice or help in any aspects of truancy you can contact me on 0845 456 4564.

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This warning means that if the user is caught within the next 12 months, using any motorised vehicle in a way that causes alarm, harassment or distress to others - then that vehicle can be removed from their possession and may even end up being crushed.

We would like to ask all members to please remain vigilant as we realise this is a small dent in the numbers of these motorbikes that are in the Peterborough area but we will be doing our best to catch up with as many users as we can. So please carry on your vigilance against the users of the vehicles by reporting any sightings to us on 0845 456 456 4.

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PFNHW has ordered the first batch of SmartWater Property Marking Kits including an order for 2 Street Signs which will be displayed in Park Farm Way on the approaches from Whittlesey Road and Ramsey Way.

We'll be sending in another order soon. Don't miss out on the offer price of £22.50 each.

If you wish to reserve your kit please call Chris on 07939 664788 or email by clicking here

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We've negotiated a cracking deal in association with other active NHW Schemes and Cambs Constabulary with the manufacturer of 'Smartwater' for home DNA marking kits and together with the Police urge all members and non members alike to consider taking up this offer for a proven highly successful crime prevention initiative.

'Kits come complete with window/door stickers and advice on how to use the product. We'll even help mark your property if you wish.

If there is enough interest we'll also be funding the purchase of street signs in Park Farm which will advertise that this is a

'Smartwater Protected Area'

You can mark all the items in your house, garage, shed and car with the simple stroke of a brush. Potential thieves and burglars will likely go elsewhere as DNA marking is 'for life' and stolen property therefore near impossible to sell without proof of ownership. Where DNA marking is already in use huge reductions in burglary & thefts have been reported throughout the country.

All second hand and pawn shops in Peterborough are aware of this initiative and scan any item offered for sale with UV light. If they see its marked its unlikely they'll buy it unless the seller can prove ownership. All police forces both in the UK and many in Europe scan for 'Smartwater' whenever property is recovered.

You can view local stories regarding 'Smartwater' by clicking here or you can read more about 'Smartwater' by visiting their website by clicking here or on the logo above.

Absolutely no profit will be made by our scheme. The offer price is the price we pay.

If you're interested and want to reserve your kit or have any questions please contact Chris on 07939 664788 or via email by clicking here.

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We've received a letter from our MP Shailesh Vara regarding Nene Housing and their now confirmed commitment to Park Farm and an acknowledgement of our members efforts.

Click here to read the letter and Nene's promise in pdf format.

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Residents in Kedleston Road had complained to Nene regarding a badly vandalised fence at the bottom of Kedleston Road bordering with Aydon Road. The response from Nene was very poor so members asked the NHW scheme for its help.

We wrote to Nene to seek some reassurance of action while also alerting our MP to the issue. Last week Nene responded with apologies and an agreement to work with us going forward. Happily, and true to their word the fence has been replaced completely. We now have a personal contact within Nene and hope this close working relationship will continue to benefit all areas of Park Farm.

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The average wait has been reduced from 38 seconds to 17 seconds when ringing the 0845 456 456 4 non emergency number. In December 17,498 incidents and crimes were raised – 97.6% of calls were answered within the threshold of 30 seconds. In March 2006 the average waiting time was 3 minutes – now the average for December 2006 is 17 seconds.

This is partly due to the staff’s increasing knowledge of their duties, and no staff turnover in last 6 months, which has had a definite beneficial effect on their ability to provide a better service to the public. Texting crime file reference numbers to victims is also having a positive effect.

If possible the best times to call are still between 12-3pm and after 8pm in the evening.

If you have something serious to report then you should not wait for those times!

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Following the success of an earlier scheme, the Care & Repair Agency has launched a new Handyperson Service.

Disabled, elderly and vulnerable residents within the Peterborough area who may need a bit of help with small jobs and repairs around the house can now take advantage of his Handyperson Service.

The service is free of charge for labour, but clients will need to supply or pay for any materials required.

The Handyperson Scheme can help with a whole range of works - For example putting up shelving or curtain rails, repairing fences, fixing loose floorboards, kitchen repairs, small decorating jobs, minor plumbing problems and much more.

Work will be carried out by vetted contractors currently included on the Care & Repair Agency's list. For emergency repairs, contractors will try to visit residents within two hours. Non urgent jobs will be carried out within one week of the initial booking.

For more information about the scheme or to request work to be done, please ring the Care & Repair office on 01733 742682

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Just a very quick note to say thanks to all of those that have helped me over the passed twelve months. Not all of our quests have been successful but a large amount have, this is a great result for all of us.

For those of you that are already subscribing to E-Cops please encourage others to do the same, it is working well thus far and the more on board the better the results should be.

Lets keep the co-operation going into 2007. As I said in one of my early News Letters, we can't do it on our own. With your help and co-operation we can get a few more of those people that make our lives a misery in front of the courts. Once again thanks for your help, enjoy the New Year celebrations and we will see you out and about in Stanground.

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The new Environment Enforcement Officer Gavin Wade and I had a meeting yesterday and discussed the history and present issues that affect Park Farm.

Peterborough City Council are now employing more Environmental Enforcement Officers and Gavin will be responsible for the large area of Stanground, Woodston, Fletton, Hampton and all of the Orton Township.

Gavin's role will be to work with the Neighbourhood Police Team and other agencies including PFNHW and investigate reports of fly tipping, graffiti, dog fouling, fly posting and litter thrown from vehicles.

You can contact Gavin through the Enforcement Team on 01733 747474 or via your street coordinator.

Please try to have as much information as possible to hand when reporting an incident to prevent any delay in action. e.g. photographic evidence, car index numbers, descriptions of offenders, addresses, locations, poster details, dates and times etc.

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Dear Chris

Thank you ever so much for organising the litter pick on Saturday, it really is very much appreciated.

Perhaps you would pass on my thanks to all concerned. I like the photos on the website. It wasn't me who dropped the pickled onions - honest!

Best wishes,

Karen
Heritage Park Primary School

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Rick Seymour and Martin Pilarski log on to the Park Farm website. (1DL_5108) Picture: DAVID LOWNDES

The neighbourhood watch has produced great results, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and keeping the estate, in Stanground, Peterborough, free from graffiti.And now residents are being kept up to speed with the work of the watch via a new website which boasts security advice and links for visitors to report any concerns they may have.

It also gives information for neighbourhood watch members for each road on the estate.

The website went live on Friday and was the brainchild of neighbourhood watch member Martin Pilarski, who lives on Park Farm.

He said: "I thought the website would be somewhere to put information for the whole estate so that we can keep people informed with what we've been doing. We're hoping that lots of people will visit it."

Mr Pilarski said that he and other neighbourhood watch members have been overwhelmed by the success of their group, which was set up just after Christmas. He said: "It's been fantastic, we've already achieved so many things."We've had graffiti removed, have organised street patrols and have reduced anti-social behaviour.

"We've had lots of support from the police, and when residents have reported things to us we've been able to pass their concerns on to our community officer Helen O'Driscoll and to Southern sector Inspector Dominic Human, who has been very helpful and enthusiastic about everything we're trying to do for the estate."

Mr Pilarski also hopes the website will encourage more people to join the scheme, and showcase some of the good work that has been done.He said: "The graffiti has gone from throughout the estate and there's not so many groups hanging around.

"We've had extra patrols, and I think that people will be sleeping better at night.

"We're really surprised at how well the neighbourhood watch scheme has worked so far.

"When it started, there was a bit of a feeling that it was just curtain twitching, but we've really got into it.

"As a community, we've got a role to play in making this area a better place to live. It's not just down to the police, and we've all worked well on this."

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