Regular readers will be aware of the Community Forums that happen around the Island on a regular basis.
They provide an opportunity for local residents to meet with the Safer Neighbourhoods team and express their concerns.
Following the October meeting in Upper Ventnor, the Safer Neighbourhoods team tells us that dealing with anti-social behaviour will remain a number one priority, despite a reduction of incidents across the Island compared to this time last year.
Sergeant Richard Stapleton, who leads the South Wight team at Ventnor Police Station, said: “Anti-social behaviour in Lowtherville Road was no longer identified as a priority by those attending the forum. The team dealt with the problems reported earlier this year by issuing warnings to those involved in rowdy behaviour. However, we are never complacent.
“The latest forum highlighted criminal damage to bus shelters in Newport Road as the next top priority for us in Upper Ventnor. The team will be increasing patrols in this area, and I would encourage local residents to report suspicious activity by phoning 101.” (or 999 for emergencies)
The next community forum for Upper Ventnor is due to be held in 2010. We’ll let you know once we hear of the time and place.
If you can’t make it along to one of the Community Forums, don’t forget that the South Wight team organises regular ‘street mapping’ consultations and beat surgeries every month.
Godshill
PCSO Pete Downing holds a neighbourhood surgery at School Crescent in Godshill on the first Tuesday of every month between 9.30am to 10.30am.
Wroxall
PCSO Pete Downing holds a neighbourhood surgery at Wroxall Community centre on the first Tuesday of every month between 11.00am and 12.00pm.
Ventnor
PCSO Pete Downing holds a neighbourhood surgery at Ventnor Library on the first Tuesday of every month between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.
Whitwell
PCSO Chris Urry holds a neighbourhood surgery at St Rhadegunde Church, Whitwell, which incorporates the village Post Office on the fourth Friday of the month between 10.30am and 11.30am.
Niton
PCSO Chris Urry holds a neighbourhood surgery at Niton Library, High Street, Niton, on the fourth Monday of the month between 12.00pm and 1.00pm.
Chale Green
PCSO Chris Urry holds a neighbourhood surgery in the cafe at the village stores in Chale Green on the fourth Monday of the month between 10.30am and 11.30am.
Image: Altemark under CC BY-SA 2.0
