The Safer Neighbourhood Group met recently, with PC Tony Hayes and a number of residents attending. Peter Harris was elected Chairman of the SNG for 2012-3.

PC Tony Hayes said that crime had been at a lower level. The camera which has been in place on Station Road has reduced crime in this area. Generally crime was down on last year which is welcome and he thanked all those involved, including members of the public. There is evidence that criminals are travelling to rural areas to commit crimes.

There has been a clamp-down on cars not displaying a current tax disc. Vehicles can be removed to the Pound and the owners charged £100 for the offence and storage.

The freeze on the recruitment of PCSO’s has been relaxed and 50 new Officers will be employed in the County. There is no indication that Southwell will be a beneficiary.

The speed camera operation carried out by local residents, has been a success on Church Street. It is important that other teams can be organised. To this end a letter will be sent to all Safer Neighbourhood and Neighbourhood Watch groups asking for volunteers. Full police training will be offered. It was agreed that the Safer Neighbourhood Group should try to get copy space in the ‘Bramley’ which has a large circulation in the area.

A resident reported that a Transit style van has been driven on to the Co-op car park at night and thieves stealing the charity clothing which people have been donating. Pc Hayes asked that any person seeing this type of theft should ring the 999 emergency number and a car will be dispatched.  On no account should a resident become physically involved as these thieves can be dangerous. If possible, the registration number and description of the vehicle should be taken.

A recent traffic jam was caused by a large lorry coming along Westgate on to King Street, and turning up Queen Street. The driver then lowered the tailgate and unloaded pallets for a local shop. Traffic built up past the Saracen’s Head, blocking traffic from turning right down Church St. Attempts to direct heavy lorries on to King Street from  The Burgage have been tried, but the drivers are thwarted by private vehicles parked illegally in the loading bays and on yellow lines.

It was agreed that a request be made for Traffic Wardens to be on duty more regularly than three days a week and that the hours on site should be varied. Drivers know when to obey the law and when they can get away with it.

The next meeting of the Safer Neighbourhood Group will be held at 19h00 on Sept 4 at the Old Court House, The Burgage, Southwell.