Crime Statistics for Rushmoor

(1) Violence against person (2) Robbery (3) Burglary
Apr 05 - Mar 06 (1) 2,159 (2) 45 (3) 377
Apr 04 - Mar 05 (1) 2,460 (2) 39 (3) 241
Apr 03 - Mar 04 (1) 2,225 (2) 40 (3) 301
Apr 02 - Mar 03 (1) 1,272 (2) 45 (3) 194
The Borough has seen an increase in assault by 70% over the last 3 years
Robbery has shown no change and burglary has increased by 94%

(4) Theft of a vehicle (5) Theft from a Vehicle
April 05 - Mar 06 (4) 195 (5) 530
April 04 - Mar 05 (4) 325 (5) 514
April 03 - Mar 04 (4) 302 (5) 448
April 02 - Mar 03 (4) 306 (5) 411
Car crime has shown a decrease in vehicle theft of 36% but an increase in theft from vehicles of 29%

Taken from: http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk

This weeks planning applications in Empress

Case Number: 06/00629/FUL
Erection of a single storey front and rear extensions
68 Prospect Road Farnborough Hampshire GU14 0EE
Mr And Mrs Hogg
c/o DJ Green And Associates
25 Worsley Road, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey. GU16 9AS
Phone: 01276 505969
Rushmoor Case Officer: Evan Keating

Case Number: 06/00632/FUL
Extension of existing porch with pitched roof and installation of dormer windows in front, side and rear roof elevation to facilitate loft conversion
15 Salisbury Road Farnborough Hampshire GU14 7AN
Mr And Mrs R Ward
c/o KF Design
85 Alexandra Road, Farnborough, Hants. GU14 6BN
Phone: 01252 370399 TONY LITCHFIELD
Rushmoor Case Officer: Nick Cobbold

Case Number: 06/00634/TPO
Felling and removing one Scots Pine tree in front garden
49 Prospect Avenue Farnborough Hampshire GU14 8JT
Mr R Mogge
Rushmoor Case Officer: Ian May


Case Number: 06/00642/FUL
Erection of a first floor extension over existing garage
48 Pierrefondes Avenue Farnborough Hampshire GU14 8NH
Mr And Mrs Cullum
c/o Mr P Morley
6 Chesilton Crescent, Church Crookham, Fleet. GU52 6NZ
Phone: 01252 622535
Rushmoor Case Officer: Sarita Jones

Conservative Group Meeting 2 Oct 06

Welcome behind the closed doors of the Conservative Group Meeting. We always have this meeting the Monday before full Council to discuss the topics to be agreed or debated. It is also a chance for the Leader (far right above) to discuss issues with all Conservative Councillors in an informal setting. It is chaired by Cllr Masterson (2nd right) who is chairman of the Group and a post that cannot be held by a member of the Cabinet.

In this meeting we can have an open and frank discussion about any Council or political issue - all in total confidence. So it is an important meeting for Cabinet members and backbenchers like myself. Cabinet members can test ideas, and backbenchers can express concerns and opposition to a variety of issues.

So in this meeting I can and do raise issues that concern you, that I think the whole Group should hear rather than just a discussion with another councillor. So in this particular meeting I raised amongst other issues alternate week bin collection ... again!!

I am bound to keep confidence about Group discussions so I will not report what was said. Which is right. We need times when we can talk frankly and without the constraint of public scrutiny - and all the political Groups enjoy this.

Suffice to say, that the Council leaders are very aware of the strong feeling over this issue.

Concept 2000 - New application progress

I have just recieved a letter from Concensus Planning who are assisting with Fairview New Homes planning application. They have said that they will be submitting an application late November time, after considering comments raised by residents at the public meeting they held on the 13th July this year.

Following the application, there will be an exhibition of the new proposal at St Peter's Hall on 11th December 2006 from 2pm to 8pm. Representatives from Fairview and Concensus Planning will be there to answer questions.

I will post on the blogg the link to the application details when it comes in.

I oppose 2 week Bin Collections

The Cabinet have agreed (Tuesday afternoon 26th Sept 2006) to go for a pilot scheme covering 20% of the Borough, this is likely to be early in the New Year, I have been told by one senior officer February. The 20% will cover a range of dwellings so it is highly likely a part of Empress will involved. The pilot will last for 6 months concluding in the Summer. The pilot will be accompanied by an intensified education campaign in order help maximise the success of the pilot. The result of the pilot will then be evaluated and a decision will be made whether the scheme should be rolled out Borough wide. During the pilot period I will be insisting they monitor use of the already busy Council Tip. I am also dissappointed they will not use the pilot period to evaluate other options like collecting a smaller bin every week.

I personally think this is ill conceived, and am aghast we are going to experiment on 20% of our residents! In my opinion we could have phased in a much gentler yet effective plan to tackle this issue, keeping residents positive about the Council and working in partnership rather than this rather abrasive approach. I remain hopeful that some sensible approach will be found that is practical and of real environmental value.