A local resident expressed his concern that they “have been bitterly disappointed” as the bypass facility failed to resolve the traffic problem.
The new traffic measures, introduced in West Blackwood last summer, have signally failed to persuade motorists not to use the narrow main street as a short cut.
George Livesey, of 16 High Street, West Blackwood said: “You still take your life in your hands when you try to cross High Street, the main road through the village. We all held out so much hope when the bypass opened, but we have been bitterly disappointed.
“These mad drivers make it so hazardous, especially for young mums pushing prams and loaded with shopping.”
The West Blackwood Residents' Association intend to monitor the traffic flow through the village for the next four weeks, and will report their findings at an extraordinary general meeting, which will invite representatives of Kirkbrook Council and the police.
The association hopes to be able to prove to the authorities the need for “Access only” signs at each end of the village and for frequent police checks to catch those drivers blatantly ignoring the restrictions.
The reason that bypass has succeeded in East Blackwood but not in ours, the association says because our main road is still the shortest route for drivers travelling between the western suburbs of Kirkbrook and the industrial estate and mainline railway station to the north, and the bypass route is an inconvenience for them.
Councillor Herbert Prescot, member for West Blackwood on Kirkbrook Council, said: “I share the residents' worries. My 12-year-old granddaughter was narrowly missed by someone careering down in High Street in a Porsche.”
Richard Gough, chairman of East Blackwood Community Association said: “I can quite understand how Bryan and his members feel about this. Personally I am prepared to support their campaign and I feel sure many of our members would do the same.”
(318 words)
Thursday 31 December 2009
Tennis courts to be replaced with horrifying car park
A tennis champion urged “the courts should be maintained” after the local council revealed its plan to turn the tennis courts into a car park.
Upbrooke Tenis Club, with its five municipal tennis courts on Northgate Way, is facing to be replaced with a car park for 200 vehicles, including coaches.
Jeanette Brooke, Women's county tennis champion said: “I learned to play on these courts and with the general reduction in sporting facilities of all types in the area, it is vital the courts should be maintained and their use promoted effectively.
"Tennis is a great way to fitness for people of all ages.”
The club, unusually having its tennis facilities so close to the business and shopping centre, is due to celebrate its centenary this year but is now horrified by the council's plan.
They campaigned at the shopping centre to gather supporters' signatures, and so far have already obtained nearly 900 responses.
Supporters who added their names for supporting Upbrooke's petition are those from all sporting interests, or who are worried about the nature of the development and the loss of sports facilities.
Sir Rodney Anstruther sold the courts to the council last century aiming for “pursuit of pleasure and recreation.”
Andrew Anderson, 26, of 16 Ebony Avenue, Upbrooke said: “I'm really a football fan but I was happy to sign the petition.”
Councillor Roland Laurence, chairman of Upbrooke Council's planning committee said: “We are a responsible planning authority and we have to consider all the option.
“With the growth of Upbrooke as a regional shopping centre, there is increasing pressure on parking space.
“Use of the courts has declined considerably in recent years and we know that Upbrooke Tennis Club now has fewer members than at any time except the Second World War.”
(322 words)
(Completion time: 46 min)
Upbrooke Tenis Club, with its five municipal tennis courts on Northgate Way, is facing to be replaced with a car park for 200 vehicles, including coaches.
Jeanette Brooke, Women's county tennis champion said: “I learned to play on these courts and with the general reduction in sporting facilities of all types in the area, it is vital the courts should be maintained and their use promoted effectively.
"Tennis is a great way to fitness for people of all ages.”
The club, unusually having its tennis facilities so close to the business and shopping centre, is due to celebrate its centenary this year but is now horrified by the council's plan.
They campaigned at the shopping centre to gather supporters' signatures, and so far have already obtained nearly 900 responses.
Supporters who added their names for supporting Upbrooke's petition are those from all sporting interests, or who are worried about the nature of the development and the loss of sports facilities.
Sir Rodney Anstruther sold the courts to the council last century aiming for “pursuit of pleasure and recreation.”
Andrew Anderson, 26, of 16 Ebony Avenue, Upbrooke said: “I'm really a football fan but I was happy to sign the petition.”
Councillor Roland Laurence, chairman of Upbrooke Council's planning committee said: “We are a responsible planning authority and we have to consider all the option.
“With the growth of Upbrooke as a regional shopping centre, there is increasing pressure on parking space.
“Use of the courts has declined considerably in recent years and we know that Upbrooke Tennis Club now has fewer members than at any time except the Second World War.”
(322 words)
(Completion time: 46 min)
Monday 28 December 2009
Environmental scheme revives national significance
A councillor praised an environmental scheme initiated by the Rotary Club to mark its diamond jubilee for being running up to 60 years.
The project aims not only to restore a 170-year-old hide in Holme Park Wood, on the western outskirts of Ilworth, but also to initiate archaeological and biodiversity surveys of the wood and work to improve public access to the hide.
Andrew Nicolson, Ilworth Council's Countryside and Conservation Manager said: “This is a wonderful project that has our full support. We shall use the Rotary project as a springboard to setting up a Friends of Holme Park Wood group.”
The last remaining stone-built hide erected by Victorian naturalist Sir Henry Swire, who also built up other six hides in the wood, but all except this one have long since been demolished.
The site has national significance because of Sir Henry's groundbreaking work as a naturalist both in this country and abroad.
He recorded 123 species of birds from his six hides as well as travelling to other parts of the world in a bid to find out more about the natural world.
The club will be working with the curator to bring new emphasis to Sir Henry's contribution to public' knowledge of the world's fauna.
Environmental officer Bill Ivanson for the Rotary Club of Ilworth said: “As I live near the wood, I have long been aware of the last remaining bird hide, which is in a very dilapidated condition.
“When the club asked for ideas for an environmental scheme to martk our diamond jubilee, I had no hesitation in offering this as a project.”
Rotarians will work closely with local schools, community groups and Ilworth Countryside Conservation Service to help with the work.
Colin Moran, head teacher of Holme Grove Junior and Infants School said: “A scheme such as this will provide tremendous impetus for a whole series of school based projects."
(321 Words)
(Completion time: 52 minutes)
The project aims not only to restore a 170-year-old hide in Holme Park Wood, on the western outskirts of Ilworth, but also to initiate archaeological and biodiversity surveys of the wood and work to improve public access to the hide.
Andrew Nicolson, Ilworth Council's Countryside and Conservation Manager said: “This is a wonderful project that has our full support. We shall use the Rotary project as a springboard to setting up a Friends of Holme Park Wood group.”
The last remaining stone-built hide erected by Victorian naturalist Sir Henry Swire, who also built up other six hides in the wood, but all except this one have long since been demolished.
The site has national significance because of Sir Henry's groundbreaking work as a naturalist both in this country and abroad.
He recorded 123 species of birds from his six hides as well as travelling to other parts of the world in a bid to find out more about the natural world.
The club will be working with the curator to bring new emphasis to Sir Henry's contribution to public' knowledge of the world's fauna.
Environmental officer Bill Ivanson for the Rotary Club of Ilworth said: “As I live near the wood, I have long been aware of the last remaining bird hide, which is in a very dilapidated condition.
“When the club asked for ideas for an environmental scheme to martk our diamond jubilee, I had no hesitation in offering this as a project.”
Rotarians will work closely with local schools, community groups and Ilworth Countryside Conservation Service to help with the work.
Colin Moran, head teacher of Holme Grove Junior and Infants School said: “A scheme such as this will provide tremendous impetus for a whole series of school based projects."
(321 Words)
(Completion time: 52 minutes)
Friday 25 December 2009
Cathedral authorities in a bid to improve community facilities
A councillor confirmed the cathedral authorities will have council's full support for its refurbishing arrangement and praised its outreach projects such as helping young people to fulfil their potential.
Eddingham Cathedral authorities was in a bid to gain £4million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its first step refurbishment as well as the services it will offer to the community.
Councillor Mrs Olive Marchant from Eddingham Council cabinet member for education said: “The cathedral authorities will have our full support in developing and extending their outreach projects. The Wilberforce Centre has a supremely dedicated team of workers who have already done great deal to help young people outside mainstream education.”
The amount of expenses used to the community improvement depends directly on the fabric of the building.
Disenchanted or alienated youngsters acted as vandals to attack the building frequently.
On Friday nigh a gang of four youths pushed in a 1920s stained glass window so it shattered on the cathedral floor.
This latest incident, which will cost the authorities more than 2,000 to put it right, is only one of a number that have occurred over the past few weeks.
The authorities believe such youngsters need the right encouragement to become good citizens, which is one of the objectives of their outreach initiative based at the Wilberforce Centre in Smythe Street, Eddingham.
The Cathedral have submitted a bid to the HLF for £100, 000 with which they plan to kick-off the major revamp.
The Fund has already awarded £3.3billion to projects that open up the nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy.
Rev Nigel Bankes, director of the Wilberforce Centre said: “We have already made various attempts to establish worthwhile contacts with some of the young people who gather in the cathedral precinct but a more concerted effort is required, backed up by improved facilities at the centre. We hope these will come with the Lottery Fund project.”
(320 words)
(Completion time: 62 min)
Eddingham Cathedral authorities was in a bid to gain £4million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its first step refurbishment as well as the services it will offer to the community.
Councillor Mrs Olive Marchant from Eddingham Council cabinet member for education said: “The cathedral authorities will have our full support in developing and extending their outreach projects. The Wilberforce Centre has a supremely dedicated team of workers who have already done great deal to help young people outside mainstream education.”
The amount of expenses used to the community improvement depends directly on the fabric of the building.
Disenchanted or alienated youngsters acted as vandals to attack the building frequently.
On Friday nigh a gang of four youths pushed in a 1920s stained glass window so it shattered on the cathedral floor.
This latest incident, which will cost the authorities more than 2,000 to put it right, is only one of a number that have occurred over the past few weeks.
The authorities believe such youngsters need the right encouragement to become good citizens, which is one of the objectives of their outreach initiative based at the Wilberforce Centre in Smythe Street, Eddingham.
The Cathedral have submitted a bid to the HLF for £100, 000 with which they plan to kick-off the major revamp.
The Fund has already awarded £3.3billion to projects that open up the nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy.
Rev Nigel Bankes, director of the Wilberforce Centre said: “We have already made various attempts to establish worthwhile contacts with some of the young people who gather in the cathedral precinct but a more concerted effort is required, backed up by improved facilities at the centre. We hope these will come with the Lottery Fund project.”
(320 words)
(Completion time: 62 min)
Silton bogus organic food crackdown
The Soil Association encourages local residents to “report dubious traders”, who duped shoppers for selling “not genuine” organic food.
Sidston Trading Standards Department has launched an inquiry into the sale of ordinary labelled as more costly organic products.
A spokesman for the Soil Association said: “We would ask people to report dubious traders, either to us or Trading Standards. Shoppers should be able to have confidence in all the genuine traders in organic produce, whether it is vegetables, fruit, bread or meat.”
Organic meat can sell for up to five times as much as obtained from an animal which has been reared using conventional methods.
For example an ordinary chicken worth £2-£3 can sell for £10 - £11 if it is labelled as organic, and beefsteak can be sold more than £29 per kg as organic while £10 - £15 per kg for ordinary ones.
But most shoppers have no way of telling if they have been duped.
A spokesman for the Trading Standards Institute said: “We have believed for some time there are some strange things happening in the organic food market. The problem is that it is very difficult to see any physical difference organic and conventional meat.”
The inquiries will begin this week with visits to markets where meat will be removed for testing using the new system devised on behalf of the Food Standards Agency.
Spot checks will be continued on a regular basis and traders suspected of fraud will be brought before the courts.
They face fines of up to £5,000 for each offence if they are found guilty.
Lawrence Platt, an organic beef farmer at Westfield, a village five miles from Sidston said: “I fully support this campaign and there are some of us who can point the finger at traders we believe might be trying to pull the wood over the public's eyes. They deserve whatever they get. It's a scam that must be stopped.”
(321 words)
(Completion time: 50 min)
Sidston Trading Standards Department has launched an inquiry into the sale of ordinary labelled as more costly organic products.
A spokesman for the Soil Association said: “We would ask people to report dubious traders, either to us or Trading Standards. Shoppers should be able to have confidence in all the genuine traders in organic produce, whether it is vegetables, fruit, bread or meat.”
Organic meat can sell for up to five times as much as obtained from an animal which has been reared using conventional methods.
For example an ordinary chicken worth £2-£3 can sell for £10 - £11 if it is labelled as organic, and beefsteak can be sold more than £29 per kg as organic while £10 - £15 per kg for ordinary ones.
But most shoppers have no way of telling if they have been duped.
A spokesman for the Trading Standards Institute said: “We have believed for some time there are some strange things happening in the organic food market. The problem is that it is very difficult to see any physical difference organic and conventional meat.”
The inquiries will begin this week with visits to markets where meat will be removed for testing using the new system devised on behalf of the Food Standards Agency.
Spot checks will be continued on a regular basis and traders suspected of fraud will be brought before the courts.
They face fines of up to £5,000 for each offence if they are found guilty.
Lawrence Platt, an organic beef farmer at Westfield, a village five miles from Sidston said: “I fully support this campaign and there are some of us who can point the finger at traders we believe might be trying to pull the wood over the public's eyes. They deserve whatever they get. It's a scam that must be stopped.”
(321 words)
(Completion time: 50 min)
Tuesday 22 December 2009
EcoBin containers launched to recover street litter
Community recyclers organiser confirms “the containers will be highly visible that the man or woman in the street can't miss” and it will help recover the street litter across the Ardingham district.
From this week special recycling bins are to be placed at points in Ardingham town centre for the collection of newspapers, cans and plastic bottles prior to a full scheme implementation across the district.
Steven Gills, Cash for Trash organiser said: “We work closely with the council on various waste issues but it is a brilliant idea to raise the profile of recycling in this way. The containers will be highly visible and will be placed in locations that the man – or woman – in the street can't miss.”
The organisation, who work in partnership with the council, will locally collect and bale the materials emptied from the bins using a 7.5 tonne caged tipper vehicle.
The EcoBin containers are made by Cambrol Ltd and each contains a 240-litre wheeled bin.
The new bins will be launched at 11am on Friday in Ardingham Market Square by Councillor Bryan Davies.
He said: “For the past year council neighbourhood patrollers and enforcement officers have had the powers to issue on-the-spot fines to those who drop litter. While this had had an impact on the problem, how much better if trash can be turned into cash to benefit the wider community.”
The bins will mainly be sited in busy shopping areas to maximise the amount of street litter that can be captured.
Additional locations have also been identified where high volumes of street litter are generated, such as railway stations, bus stations and local parks and recreational areas.
Mrs Yvonne Hensby, proprietor of The Starlight Takeaway in Market Square said: “Recycing bins won't solve the problem of discarded food but if it does something to reduce the numbers of plastic bottles and cans that get thrown away in The Square, it will be great.”
(325 words)
(Completion time: 49 minutes)
From this week special recycling bins are to be placed at points in Ardingham town centre for the collection of newspapers, cans and plastic bottles prior to a full scheme implementation across the district.
Steven Gills, Cash for Trash organiser said: “We work closely with the council on various waste issues but it is a brilliant idea to raise the profile of recycling in this way. The containers will be highly visible and will be placed in locations that the man – or woman – in the street can't miss.”
The organisation, who work in partnership with the council, will locally collect and bale the materials emptied from the bins using a 7.5 tonne caged tipper vehicle.
The EcoBin containers are made by Cambrol Ltd and each contains a 240-litre wheeled bin.
The new bins will be launched at 11am on Friday in Ardingham Market Square by Councillor Bryan Davies.
He said: “For the past year council neighbourhood patrollers and enforcement officers have had the powers to issue on-the-spot fines to those who drop litter. While this had had an impact on the problem, how much better if trash can be turned into cash to benefit the wider community.”
The bins will mainly be sited in busy shopping areas to maximise the amount of street litter that can be captured.
Additional locations have also been identified where high volumes of street litter are generated, such as railway stations, bus stations and local parks and recreational areas.
Mrs Yvonne Hensby, proprietor of The Starlight Takeaway in Market Square said: “Recycing bins won't solve the problem of discarded food but if it does something to reduce the numbers of plastic bottles and cans that get thrown away in The Square, it will be great.”
(325 words)
(Completion time: 49 minutes)
Survey reveals public fear towards crime
A Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in Yeltham praised the survey “went far beyond anything of this sort attempted locally before” to reveal the fact that the public's fear towards the increasing crime.
The findings show 68 per cent of respondents worried about their car being broken into while 72 per cent were afraid of being burgled.
Gerald Parkins, chairman of the Lupsham Estate Community Association, Yeltham, said: “As a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator as well as association chairman, I welcomed this survey, which went far beyond anything of this sort attempted locally before.”
In order to reduce pensioners' fear of being robbed at their doorway while answering strangers, the Yeltham Neighbourhood Watch Federation and Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel have decided to organise a bulk purchase of 1,000 door safety chain, which will be fitted free to the front doors of pensioners who want them.
Jeffrey Steele, chairman of Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel, said: “The Neighbourhood Watch Federation had our full support for this survey, which was the most thorough of its sort ever undertaken in Yeltham.
“It highlighted the fears of some of our widely varying communities and has allowed us to identify one particular problem where we believe we can help.”
Some residents also expressed their concern on vandalism, noisy youngsters hanging about on street at night and creating problems, as well as fear of being attacked and robbed when going out alone after dark in their own community.
The survey was undertook by the Federation in conjunction with Crime Prevention Panel.
The Federation links the 474 Neighbourhood Watches and each co-ordinator has responsibility for a Watch covering, which means about 9,500 householders are members.
Chief Insp Aantony Wardell, of Yeltham Police, said: “We shall be studying the results of the survey with considerable interest. Fear of Crime, as distinct from crime itself, is also an important issue because this can impact equally on people's lives. It is important to allay unnecessary fears.”
(325 words)
(Completion time:62 minutes)
The findings show 68 per cent of respondents worried about their car being broken into while 72 per cent were afraid of being burgled.
Gerald Parkins, chairman of the Lupsham Estate Community Association, Yeltham, said: “As a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator as well as association chairman, I welcomed this survey, which went far beyond anything of this sort attempted locally before.”
In order to reduce pensioners' fear of being robbed at their doorway while answering strangers, the Yeltham Neighbourhood Watch Federation and Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel have decided to organise a bulk purchase of 1,000 door safety chain, which will be fitted free to the front doors of pensioners who want them.
Jeffrey Steele, chairman of Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel, said: “The Neighbourhood Watch Federation had our full support for this survey, which was the most thorough of its sort ever undertaken in Yeltham.
“It highlighted the fears of some of our widely varying communities and has allowed us to identify one particular problem where we believe we can help.”
Some residents also expressed their concern on vandalism, noisy youngsters hanging about on street at night and creating problems, as well as fear of being attacked and robbed when going out alone after dark in their own community.
The survey was undertook by the Federation in conjunction with Crime Prevention Panel.
The Federation links the 474 Neighbourhood Watches and each co-ordinator has responsibility for a Watch covering, which means about 9,500 householders are members.
Chief Insp Aantony Wardell, of Yeltham Police, said: “We shall be studying the results of the survey with considerable interest. Fear of Crime, as distinct from crime itself, is also an important issue because this can impact equally on people's lives. It is important to allay unnecessary fears.”
(325 words)
(Completion time:62 minutes)
Thursday 17 December 2009
Cameras expansion in a bid to clamp down crime
A council officer reassures the local residents “need have no fear that Big Brother is watching them” and the latest CCTV expansion in Oveston is only to boost community safety.
Ten high-resolution cameras are set to be installed in Gradham town on Friday in a bid to clamp down anti-social behaviour, increasing violence and rowdyism.
Neal Simmonds, Oveston Council's CCTV controller, said: “The resident of Gradham need have no fear that Big Brother is watching them and there will be no intrusion into their private lives.”
Andrew Slator, chairman of Gradham Chamber of Trade, said: “We have been plagued by young hoodies and gangs of shoplifters and we hope the cameras will help deter and detect the culprits.”
The system will be used in conjunction with the police and help alert control room staff to shoplifters or anti-social behaviour, triggering an immediate response from the council's patrollers and policing team.
The cameras can make sure lone females' safety at night by enabling staff in the control rooms to oversee their walk on the street.
It also enables operators to spot accidents and arrange a necessary action when seeing someone has been taken ill and collapsed.
Chief Superintendent Francis Collison of the Oveston Police, said: “Throughout the district about 90 arrests are being made every month using CCTV. We expect the rate of arrest in Gradham town centre to go up as a result of the new cameras – so troublemakers, drug dealers and criminals should be warned.”
Doug Elmsall, chairman of Gradham Licensed Victuallers' Association, said: “Landlords and club owners have been struggling in the face of growing public order problems and we need all the help we can get. Let's hope those willing to make trouble will now think twice.”
The system was launched in Oveston town centre in 1998, funded by a Home Office grant and donations from local businesses.
(311 words)
Ten high-resolution cameras are set to be installed in Gradham town on Friday in a bid to clamp down anti-social behaviour, increasing violence and rowdyism.
Neal Simmonds, Oveston Council's CCTV controller, said: “The resident of Gradham need have no fear that Big Brother is watching them and there will be no intrusion into their private lives.”
Andrew Slator, chairman of Gradham Chamber of Trade, said: “We have been plagued by young hoodies and gangs of shoplifters and we hope the cameras will help deter and detect the culprits.”
The system will be used in conjunction with the police and help alert control room staff to shoplifters or anti-social behaviour, triggering an immediate response from the council's patrollers and policing team.
The cameras can make sure lone females' safety at night by enabling staff in the control rooms to oversee their walk on the street.
It also enables operators to spot accidents and arrange a necessary action when seeing someone has been taken ill and collapsed.
Chief Superintendent Francis Collison of the Oveston Police, said: “Throughout the district about 90 arrests are being made every month using CCTV. We expect the rate of arrest in Gradham town centre to go up as a result of the new cameras – so troublemakers, drug dealers and criminals should be warned.”
Doug Elmsall, chairman of Gradham Licensed Victuallers' Association, said: “Landlords and club owners have been struggling in the face of growing public order problems and we need all the help we can get. Let's hope those willing to make trouble will now think twice.”
The system was launched in Oveston town centre in 1998, funded by a Home Office grant and donations from local businesses.
(311 words)
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Newly installed cameras bring safety to our town
New cameras will be installed in Gradham town centre in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour, reduce crime and boost community safety.
The ten high-resolution cameras will bring a greater level of security to Gradham, in the Oveston district, where there have been increased levels of drug dealing, violence and rowdyism.
Andrew Slator, chairman of Gradham Chamber of Trade, said: “ Town centre crime in Gradham has been of increasing concern over the past couple of years. We have been pushing for some time to get these cameras installed and we are delighted they will be up and running this week.
“We have been plagued by young hoodies and gangs of shoplifters and we hope the cameras will help deter and detect the culprits, who have been costing traders a great deal of money.”
The new system will be used in conjunction with the police. During the day the cameras an alert control room staff to shoplifters, anti-social behaviour, or triggering an immediate response from the Council's Neighbourhood Patrollers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.
It can also make sure local residents' life safety, pick up on things such as lone females walking on her own at night, as well spotting accidents and arranging rescuing action.
Chief Superintendent Francis Collison, Divisional Commander, Oveston Police, said: “Throughout the district about 90 arrest are being made every month using CCTV.
“We expect the rate of arrest in Gradham town centre to go up as a result of the new cameras – so troublemakers, drug dealer and criminals should be warned.”
Neal Simmonds, Oveston Council's CCTV controllers, said: “The CCTV system will only be used to enhance community safety, reduce crime and the fear of crime, and deter anti-social behaviour.
“The residents of Gradham need have no fear that Big Brother is watching them and there will be no intrusion into their private lives.”
(313 words)
(Completion time: 41 minutes)
The ten high-resolution cameras will bring a greater level of security to Gradham, in the Oveston district, where there have been increased levels of drug dealing, violence and rowdyism.
Andrew Slator, chairman of Gradham Chamber of Trade, said: “ Town centre crime in Gradham has been of increasing concern over the past couple of years. We have been pushing for some time to get these cameras installed and we are delighted they will be up and running this week.
“We have been plagued by young hoodies and gangs of shoplifters and we hope the cameras will help deter and detect the culprits, who have been costing traders a great deal of money.”
The new system will be used in conjunction with the police. During the day the cameras an alert control room staff to shoplifters, anti-social behaviour, or triggering an immediate response from the Council's Neighbourhood Patrollers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.
It can also make sure local residents' life safety, pick up on things such as lone females walking on her own at night, as well spotting accidents and arranging rescuing action.
Chief Superintendent Francis Collison, Divisional Commander, Oveston Police, said: “Throughout the district about 90 arrest are being made every month using CCTV.
“We expect the rate of arrest in Gradham town centre to go up as a result of the new cameras – so troublemakers, drug dealer and criminals should be warned.”
Neal Simmonds, Oveston Council's CCTV controllers, said: “The CCTV system will only be used to enhance community safety, reduce crime and the fear of crime, and deter anti-social behaviour.
“The residents of Gradham need have no fear that Big Brother is watching them and there will be no intrusion into their private lives.”
(313 words)
(Completion time: 41 minutes)
A thief steals a ring for the sake of love (second copy)
A thief broke into an elderly couple's house stealing a ring to propose to his girlfriend.
David Squires, who resides at 21, Spring Avenue, Upper Southwood of Newtown, was accused of stealing a ring from an old couple's house at the Garden Drive area at 12am Sunday morning for winning his girlfriend's love back.
Judge Simmons, from the Newtown Crown Court said to the defendant: “You must be one of the most stupid, simple-minded, reckless human beings it has ever been my misfortune to see in my court.”
Mr Squires and Ms Donna, aged 20, were childhood sweethearts and have formed their romantic relationship over the last 12 months.
The couple had lived together in Mr Squires home in Newtown before Ms Donna returning back to her family home in Midhampton followed by a serious row.
While Mr Squires on his way to Ms Donna's house at 11pm Saturday night hoping to convince her to give their relationship another go and make his proposal, he thought it would be nice if he could bring a ring to show his honesty.
The 22-year-old then got off at Flowerhaven around 11:45pm and selected Rose Cottage as his potential target nearby.
Mr Squires forced to open the back door using a Swiss Army knife and padded around downstairs for a while.
He then went upstairs and using his own torch singled out a chest of drawers, from where he found a jewellery box containing a ring, then he took the ring and made his way off it.
Prosecutor David Self said: “This was a despicable, dishonest and dishonourable crime. It is our contention that Squires was fairly-well equipped to carry out this crime before he even left his hourse in Newtown.
“This was, therefore, a premeditated, planned and callous act carried out by a man who has absolutely no regard for property and personal privacy.”
The defence Ms Jessica Land said: “It was not premeditated and he only committed it in the mistaken belief that it would win him Donna's love.
“He was driven by love, not dishonesty.”
(347 words)
(Completion time: one hour and an half)
David Squires, who resides at 21, Spring Avenue, Upper Southwood of Newtown, was accused of stealing a ring from an old couple's house at the Garden Drive area at 12am Sunday morning for winning his girlfriend's love back.
Judge Simmons, from the Newtown Crown Court said to the defendant: “You must be one of the most stupid, simple-minded, reckless human beings it has ever been my misfortune to see in my court.”
Mr Squires and Ms Donna, aged 20, were childhood sweethearts and have formed their romantic relationship over the last 12 months.
The couple had lived together in Mr Squires home in Newtown before Ms Donna returning back to her family home in Midhampton followed by a serious row.
While Mr Squires on his way to Ms Donna's house at 11pm Saturday night hoping to convince her to give their relationship another go and make his proposal, he thought it would be nice if he could bring a ring to show his honesty.
The 22-year-old then got off at Flowerhaven around 11:45pm and selected Rose Cottage as his potential target nearby.
Mr Squires forced to open the back door using a Swiss Army knife and padded around downstairs for a while.
He then went upstairs and using his own torch singled out a chest of drawers, from where he found a jewellery box containing a ring, then he took the ring and made his way off it.
Prosecutor David Self said: “This was a despicable, dishonest and dishonourable crime. It is our contention that Squires was fairly-well equipped to carry out this crime before he even left his hourse in Newtown.
“This was, therefore, a premeditated, planned and callous act carried out by a man who has absolutely no regard for property and personal privacy.”
The defence Ms Jessica Land said: “It was not premeditated and he only committed it in the mistaken belief that it would win him Donna's love.
“He was driven by love, not dishonesty.”
(347 words)
(Completion time: one hour and an half)
Thursday 10 December 2009
A thief steals a ring for the sake of love
Court Reporting (from NCTJ press release sample):
A thief broke into a resident's house stealing a ring for the sake of love.
David Squires, who resides at 21, Spring Avenue, Upper Southwood of Newtown, has been suspended a two-year jail sentence after the trial.
The 22-year-old was told to be suspended for a period of one year.
Judge Simmons, from the Newtown Crown Court said to the defendant: "You must be one of the most stupid, simple-minded, reckless human beings it has ever been my misfortune to see in my court. "
Mr Squires was charged with theft on the 20th October, 2008.
Mr David Self, from the prosecuting team, said the defendant took the 11pm night bus on Saturday from Newtown, and then got off at Flowerhaven at around 1.45pm.
He then walked a short distance from the bus stop to the Garden Drive area, and chose Rose Cottage as his potential target.
Mr Squires forced open the back door using a Swiss Army knife, and then found a jewellery box containing a ring in the upstairs bedroom which belongs to an old couple by using his own torch.
He then took the ring and made his way off it.
Ms Jessica Lang, from the defending team, said that the reason for Mr Squires to steal the ring from the old couple's house at the Saturday night is because he desperately wanted to win his girlfriend's love back.
Mr Squires and Ms Donna, aged 20, were childhood sweetheart and have formed their romantic relationship ove the last 12 months.
The coupld had lived together in Mr Squires' home in Newtown before Ms Donna retured back to her family home in Midhampton, because of a serious row.
While Mr Squire on his way to Donna's house for making his proposal, he thought it would be nice if he could bring a ring to show his honesty.
Therefore he had the idea for finding a ring to propose with, and he admitted his action was wrong and crazy.
(333 words)
A thief broke into a resident's house stealing a ring for the sake of love.
David Squires, who resides at 21, Spring Avenue, Upper Southwood of Newtown, has been suspended a two-year jail sentence after the trial.
The 22-year-old was told to be suspended for a period of one year.
Judge Simmons, from the Newtown Crown Court said to the defendant: "You must be one of the most stupid, simple-minded, reckless human beings it has ever been my misfortune to see in my court. "
Mr Squires was charged with theft on the 20th October, 2008.
Mr David Self, from the prosecuting team, said the defendant took the 11pm night bus on Saturday from Newtown, and then got off at Flowerhaven at around 1.45pm.
He then walked a short distance from the bus stop to the Garden Drive area, and chose Rose Cottage as his potential target.
Mr Squires forced open the back door using a Swiss Army knife, and then found a jewellery box containing a ring in the upstairs bedroom which belongs to an old couple by using his own torch.
He then took the ring and made his way off it.
Ms Jessica Lang, from the defending team, said that the reason for Mr Squires to steal the ring from the old couple's house at the Saturday night is because he desperately wanted to win his girlfriend's love back.
Mr Squires and Ms Donna, aged 20, were childhood sweetheart and have formed their romantic relationship ove the last 12 months.
The coupld had lived together in Mr Squires' home in Newtown before Ms Donna retured back to her family home in Midhampton, because of a serious row.
While Mr Squire on his way to Donna's house for making his proposal, he thought it would be nice if he could bring a ring to show his honesty.
Therefore he had the idea for finding a ring to propose with, and he admitted his action was wrong and crazy.
(333 words)
“Get your hands dirty” on wildlife protection
Wildlife Trust encourages local residents to “get your hands dirty” and says to be involved in a wildlife protection project will be a rewarding experience.
The organisation, with 25 years experience in working with protecting all types of vulnerable wildlife – plants as well as birds and animals, aims to help secure the future of many important habitats and species.
Mrs Isobel Travers, a nature reserve volunteer, of 16 Park Road, Valeham, said: “I didn't have any experience when I volunteered, but I was given all the training that was needed. It's been a really wonderful experience and I now understand what nature reserve management is all about – and it means being willing to get your hands dirty!
“The People at the Wildlife Trust are really dedicated to what they do and they deserve the support of the Whole community.”
As some of us recognise that cemeteries are an important part of this picture, next month, the Trust will launch a Living Churchyards Project through which the organisation will undertake biological surveys, and provide advice to people who manage churchyards, and burial spaces throughout the area.
David Endwright, Valeham Council's Cemeteries and Crematoria manager, said: “Our cemeteries contain much of the district's history but it is also good to have them recognised as an environmental and wildlife resource. One of our staff has been designated a liaison officer to the Wildlife Trust, with whom we are only too happy to co-operate. "
In order to carry out these work, the Trust is now recruiting volunteers and it would like to hear from anyone who might be interested and who has the appropriate skills, especially botanical knowledge.
At the same time, the organisation also have volunteers vacancies in other areas of activity, from the Running Wild project, fund raising, office work to publicity.
For more information please go to their website at www.valehamwildlifetrust.org.uk or call them on Valeham 876998.
(318 words)
The organisation, with 25 years experience in working with protecting all types of vulnerable wildlife – plants as well as birds and animals, aims to help secure the future of many important habitats and species.
Mrs Isobel Travers, a nature reserve volunteer, of 16 Park Road, Valeham, said: “I didn't have any experience when I volunteered, but I was given all the training that was needed. It's been a really wonderful experience and I now understand what nature reserve management is all about – and it means being willing to get your hands dirty!
“The People at the Wildlife Trust are really dedicated to what they do and they deserve the support of the Whole community.”
As some of us recognise that cemeteries are an important part of this picture, next month, the Trust will launch a Living Churchyards Project through which the organisation will undertake biological surveys, and provide advice to people who manage churchyards, and burial spaces throughout the area.
David Endwright, Valeham Council's Cemeteries and Crematoria manager, said: “Our cemeteries contain much of the district's history but it is also good to have them recognised as an environmental and wildlife resource. One of our staff has been designated a liaison officer to the Wildlife Trust, with whom we are only too happy to co-operate. "
In order to carry out these work, the Trust is now recruiting volunteers and it would like to hear from anyone who might be interested and who has the appropriate skills, especially botanical knowledge.
At the same time, the organisation also have volunteers vacancies in other areas of activity, from the Running Wild project, fund raising, office work to publicity.
For more information please go to their website at www.valehamwildlifetrust.org.uk or call them on Valeham 876998.
(318 words)
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