Community Police Meeting
The second meeting between the Willingham community and the police, to discuss the concerns of parishioners and to hear the police response to these concerns and their proposed solutions, has now been finalised. The meeting will be hosted and Chaired by the Willingham Parish Council and is scheduled to take place at 4:30pm to 6pm on Saturday 1st December at the Ploughman Hall, West Fen Road, Willingham. It is expected that the Police & Crime Commissioner and our Member of Parliament, Lucy Frazer MP, will be in attendance. The Agenda is as follows:
- 4:30pm Introductions by Willingham Parish Council.
- 4:35pm Presentation from District Councillors.
- 4:45pm Presentation from County Councillor.
- 4:55pm Police report on Actions raised at the last community police meeting held on 20th September 2018.
- 5:05pm Presentation by the Police & Crime Commissioner.
- 5:15pm Question and answer session with Lucy Frazer MP, the Police & Crime Commissioner, local police officers, District and County Council representatives.
- 5:55pm Meeting closed by Willingham Parish Council.
This is perhaps a good time to remember that the police need the support of our community to fight crime. Please ring 101 or use the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website (www.cambs.police.uk) to report crime or to provide information on incidents.
Home Security Tips for the Autumn
Now that the clocks have gone back and the days are shorter, the South Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood team have identified the following steps to help in deterring opportunist intruders, especially if you are away from your property for any length of time:
- Consider using lights on timer switches, leave lights on and/or leave a radio on to make your home look occupied (do not draw all the curtains).
- Secure entry and exit points and don’t leave windows or doors unlocked or ajar.
- Arrange for friends or neighbours to periodically check your property.
- Avoid leaving keys and valuables within view or reach of a window or door.
- If you have an alarm, make sure you use it (dummy systems are not recommended).
- Consider the security of sheds and outbuildings as these may be attractive to thieves looking for equipment such as chainsaws and lawnmowers. They may also be able to use your hand tools to break into a door or window.
- Register your property for free at immobilise.com to catalogue anything with a serial number, or upload photographs of more unique items.
- Visit the police website for more detailed advice (www.cambs.police.uk).
Dog Walking Field Update
The identification of a suitable dog walking field remains ongoing. Some landowners have already been approached regarding the selling or renting of their land (nothing suitable has been identified so far) and the option to use council-leased land on Meadow Road remains a possibility. Unfortunately, there is not going to be a quick resolution to this issue but rest assured that the council is actively looking for a suitable site and should parishioners identify a viable solution, the council will investigate accordingly.
South Cambridgeshire District Council Proposed Bin Changes
The SCDC are proposing to make changes to bin services by introducing a charge to households who want more than one green bin. The first green bin will remain free but additional green bins will cost £20 each from April 2019 and this will rise to £35 in following years.
Christmas is upon us
Following on from the re-introduction of a Christmas tree last year, the council is pleased to announce that there will be another one placed on the village green again this December. The Willingham Parish Council wishes all parishioners a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Dave Carlton