News : Roundswell & Sticklepath

Hi to everybody.

First on the list this time around is the forthcoming implementation of the new CIVIL Parking Enforcement Officers, which are to be under the direction of NDDC. With effect from the 5th May 2008 some of the parking offences – such as those that are enforced by yellow lines, plates/signs that warn of parking restriction, for example, single/double yellow lines, loading/unloading bays, parking in a taxi rank and residents parking permit areas will NO longer be a criminal offence and will be enforced by the local council.

From this date the Police will NO longer have the powers to issue any Fixed Penalty Notices – FPN’s for these offences. However we shall retain the powers to issue FPN’s against such offences as causing Unnecessary and Wilful Obstruction and other motoring offences.

Following on from my last article regarding cycling on the footpath. It has been pointed out to me by some residents, that some motorists are showing their annoyance against cyclists that are on the road by either sounding their horn or by driving too close to the cyclist. Firstly, may I remind those motorists that do perform these acts, that a cyclist is perfectly entitled to ride on a public road. Secondly, to carryout these actions can potentially be very dangerous and may lead to an accident happening as well as leading to possible further police action.

Remember that the use of the horn should only be used for one thing and that is to warn somebody of your presence on the road and not to be used as a rebuke. On a side issue and as a cyclist myself, when you are passing a cyclist, please allow approximately a six-foot gap, as this will allow for any “Bike Wobble” or cross winds. Pedestrians please be mindful, that when you are walking on a combined cycleway/footpath that you walk on the correct side and not in the cycle lane.

As you will see either for yourself, if you walk through the new bridge underpasses or in the local media, the Murals are well under way and hoped to be finished within the next couple of weeks. This project was able to go ahead with the combined co-operation of the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, Devon County Council but also some of the Art students from North Devon College. The project was started on the back of the successful Mural that was carried out on the wall of the Co-Op store in Sticklepath. It is hoped that the Mural will prevent any further targeting of the walls by graffiti.

It has been proven in other areas of the country that walls such as these are least likely to be targeted by unwanted graffiti. The walls will also further enhance the area for both the local residents and tourists alike. The murals and walls, once completed will be protected by a special coat of clear lacquer that will prevent any unwanted graffiti from being permanently displayed, as well as making it easy to clean off.

Just to let residents know, that there has been a slight area change within the Neighbourhood Beat patches. With effect from now, the Bickington Parish area, as well as Newton Tracey will become the responsibility of the Fremington Beat Officers which are PC Terry Hodgson and PCSO Dan Cornish. If you have any concerns or police issues and you live within the Bickington or Newton Tracey areas, please contact either Terry or Dan, on the telephone number below. Earl and I still remain the beat officers for the Sticklepath, Woodville, Roundswell, Lake and Tawstock areas.

And finally, I am pleased to announce the setting up of a new “Police Community Surgery” in the Roundswell area. This surgery will take place on the last Tuesday of each month, at the Roundswell Community Centre, near to the Sainsburys store, between 10.30 – 11.30am.

This will allow the residents of Roundswell and the nearby rural areas the opportunity to come and discuss with either PC Earl Napier or myself, in confidence any policing matters that they wish to discuss. This surgery will further enhance the Fremington Police Surgery, that takes place at the Fremington Parish Council offices on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month, also between 10.30 – 11.30am
We are hoping in the near future to set up an additional Police surgery in the Woodville area, which will work along similar lines. As they say “Watch this space, for further details”

'If you have been a victim of crime and would like assistance, please contact Victim Support on 0845 676 10 20.

Please find details of how to contact me below.

Regards Tony PCSO 30093 Charles Contact Telephone Number: 08452777444 Email address :Anthony.CHARLES2@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk Barnstaple Neighbourhood Beat Office