Stoke St Mary Parish Council Minutes.

14th November 2001.

The Parish Council meeting was held on November 14th in the Chapel. Following various burglaries, the Community Policeman - WPC Audrey Butt had been asked to attend, partly to help in setting up the Neighbourhood Watch scheme again, and partly to make suggestions as to how to make our homes more secure. She suggested leaving lights and the radio on, and padlocking outhouses etc if at all possible, in general making it as difficult as possible for the burglars. It was unanimously agreed to continue being involved with local planning applications. Although several charities had written asking for consideration when charitable donations were discussed, it was agreed to give the chapel £500 towards their repair bill as the chapel was not just a place of worship but also a meeting place within the village. Public discussion took place regarding the availability of transport needed by the car-less in the village. A regular weekly detour by the Shuttle Service seemed to be the most practical and the Chairman agreed to look into the possibility. Highways were also discussed. Atmos had been made aware of the deplorable state of Broughton Lane in particular. Mrs Clark agreed to raise the subject (at the school Governors meeting) of the volume and speed of the cars driving through the village when delivering and collecting children from Thurlbear School. The Community Voluntary Service - Eileen Wyn (Tel 333403) is the contact for individual disabled travellers. Registration is necessary and a charge is made. The next meeting was arranged for Wednesday 20th February 2002.

PC Audrey Butt, the Community Beat Manager for Stoke St. Mary attended the meeting. She is attempting to find residents who are willing and able to be additional co-ordinators for the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. More details of what would be involved will be available as volunteers are found. Initially what is needed is for volunteers to contact her and for a suitable date, time and venue for a meeting to be organised. The proposed scheme is of obvious benefit to all the residents and a means to helping us all to combat crime. Neighbourhood Watch is one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention initiatives ever, Behind it lies a simple idea and a central value shared by millions of people around the country.