Promoting Neighbourhood Watch at Asda

Cllr. Parker joined our local beat officers at Asda, where they promoted Neighbourhood Watch to residents. In Empress we have set ourselves the task of trying to get 100% coverage in Empress Ward of Neighbourhood Watch (A key ambition of our newest and youngest ward councillor - Gareth Lyon). We are really keen to do this, not just because of the safety benefits, we see neighbourhood watch as building community cohesion too. Looking out for our street. And if we can get every street looking out for each other, we can build a town looking out for each other.

Cllr. Parker and PC Bev Woodhead - stopping and searching an empty trolley heading into Asda

PC Lee Jeffers questioning an applicant for a nobbly knees contest.

We need neighbourhood Watch Co-Ordinators for your area - it does not take much time - but is an invaluable community service. Please contact us for details.

http://www.mynhw.co.uk/training-kits.php

Back to University

Just got back from a fantastic week at University (London South Bank) studying for my post graduate certificate in Local Governance. I really have enjoyed the experience and learnt such a lot. Just wished I had had the opportunity to do this course when I was a new councillor instead of the old "has been" I am now. Still, better late than never, as they say.

The course takes us through the theory and practice of local government, covering local democracy and leadership, policy making and regulation, and finally service delivery. I have completed the first module on democracy and leadership, and am now getting into policy and regulation.

Has the paint dried for you yet?

It may sound a little heavy, but as a practitioner of local politics this is all very good stuff, and is demonstrating and showing me that there is much work to be done in order to better engage with local people.

Bikes everywhere

Had a closer look at the OYBike System today when Andy Dawson of the Company came and gave Cllr Parker and I a demo. Note: These bikes are shaft driven, so do not have a chain.

It did look relatively easy to use and free if you use it for just 30 minutes. You book it and release it using your mobile phone. The cost of setting one up is £20,000 per annum for 20 bikes - including 10 docking station. Sponsors please. We easily thought of 10 docking areas: 3 railway stations, 4 shopping centres, Council Offices, and 2 Colleges.

My trial of the OYBike did not go well, I was stopped outside the house, for not checking behind and not making clear hand signals by the local constabulary and pulled over. I did however, remember to put my left foot down instead of my right when stopping. Thankfully, I was not riding on the pavement and avoided a fine (The WPC that stopped me would definately not have given me a caution!!)

What do you think? Should Rushmoor set up a bike network?

Would you rent a bike?

Cost to you the user:

Up to 30 minutes FREE

31 minutes - 1 hour £2

over 1 hr - 2 hrs £4

over 2 hrs - 3 hrs £6

Over 3 hrs - 24hrs £8

See www.oybike.com

Look out for the Pope

Year 1981

1. Prince Charles got married

2. Liverpool crowned Champions of Europe

3. Pope Died.Year



Year 2005

1. Prince Charles got married (again)

2. Liverpool crowned Champions of Europe (again)

3. Pope Died.



In the future, if Prince Charles decides to re-marry or Liverpool needs another European crown
... please warn the Pope!

Farnborough IQ

Tonight Councillors had a little tour of the Borough, which I personally thought was a bit of a waste of time, however, some of the new councillors probably found it informative. And being the positive soul I am, I did see something beautiful and learn something useful.

1. The Farnborough Airfield Balloon Hanger is beautiful:

2. I learnt the following useful fact: Farnborough Business Park (now called Farnborough IQ) has a bike rental scheme. Now this should be expanded.

Would you use a local bike rental scheme if it was available?