NHW Co-ordinator for this area - Robin Wright

Further details to follow.

Waldron Neighbourhood Watch - Contact Bobby Hamilton 01435 813965
NEWSLETTER No 95, SEPTEMBER 2008

I begin with the forthcoming Neighbourhood Watch Meeting at the Lucas Hall in the village. This year we have brought it forward to October 3rd at 7.30 pm to avoid the cold and dark that generally attends mid-November. We hope that, as a result, the journey out will be a little more accommodating for you. The Annual Meeting is the opportunity for those involved in Waldron Neighbourhood Watch to meet fellow residents socially over a glass of wine and some finger-food. But it is also the occasion when "business" can be raised by anyone with a concern for the peace and contentment of the village. We look forward to the attendance of representatives of the police, the fire and rescue service and the ambulance service. We are particularly interested this year in your thoughts on two issues which are before us:-

Speeding through the village: It is Sussex Police policy to deepen relationships with NHWs. One way this is being pursued is through the loan of radar guns to control speed on our roads.

Now, we know that speeding through Waldron village is an issue that generates strong feelings among some residents. For them, an NHW team equipped with a radar gun ould, if it is effective in reducing the speed of through-traffic, be a very acceptable idea. But the sight of a speed gun being pointed at you by a little knot of fellow Waldronites might not bring a smile to everyone's face. It is necessary? Is it welcome? We would like to hear what you have to say - as, no doubt, will Sussex Police in the shape of our local crime prevention and liaison officers.

Cold-calling: Shortly, the opportunity may arise for an "Exclusion Zone" in Heathfield, which could extend to Waldron. What is your view? Would you welcome a formal ban on cold-callers, making it both unlikely that they will bother you and easy to refuse them if they do? Or do you buy at the door and see a ban as unnecessary or heavy-handed? We would like to know.

If by any chance you cannot make the Meeting but wish to pass on your views on either issue, please e-mail Bobby Hamilton on arelaitch@btinternet.com.

Elderly residents who would appreciate a lift to and from the Lucas Hall can give myself or my wife Geraldine a call on 01435 865006.

Now to finish with three reminders. The holiday season is drawing towards its close. But there are always houses left empty, if only for the odd day. One of the little signs guaranteed to warm the cockles of any burglar's heart is a newspaper perched half-way through a letterbox. "Try here, mate" nicely sums it up. But it is simple enough to prevent. Just remind your newsagent that papers should be pushed fully through the letterbox and out of sight of prying eyes.

Now, a depressing and by no means rare sight in country lanes, including those around Waldron, is rubbish left by fly-tippers. These people are criminals, and we do not advise approaching them if you happen upon such a deed one dark night. Call the police. If, however, you merely encounter evidence of their having passed this way, it is Wealden District Council's fly-tipping hotline you should call. The number is 01892 602723. The Council will remove any rubbish dumped on the highway, in lay-bys, bus shelters, and on council property such as car and coach parks. But it will not remove rubbish from private land free of charge.

Lastly, if you do not yet receive our messages by e-mail but would like to, would you please mail Bobby your address. Naturally, the address list is only used for our own purpose.

Well, that's it for now. Keep safe, and I very much hope to see you on October 3rd.

David Yates

Neighbourhood Watch covers the areas of Cherwell Road, Springwood Road and Streatfield Road.

John Evans, Tel: 01435 862963