Goodbye Adge

It seems like it’s been forever that PC. Adge Secker has been the beat manager in Twerton. In the time he has been here he has touched many people’s lives and made a real difference to people’s well-being .

Now all good things come to an end and Adge is moving on to new pastures and with retirement beckoning in 18 months or so who can blame him.

We would like to say a big thanks to Adge and wish him well in his new venture.

Now as one goes out we welcome PC Garry Peters who will be taking over in 16 days Time as Twerton Beat manager.

Don't Park on the Pavement

The issue of pavement parking has again been highlighted after an elderly Man fell an broke his hip navigating around parked Cars in Freeview Road Twerton yesterday afternoon.

On this occasion the gentleman was sat up in bed last night but will need an operation but a more frail person could have been killed.

It is clear that parking on the pavement is dangerous and should be avoided at all times, as this causes danger to pedestrians.

The Police in the past have turned a blind eye to some pavement parking but have now been asked to clamp on pavement parking and issue fines to those doing it.

If you park on the pavement and do not give enough space for a single buggy to get past then you are now liable to get a penalty notice on your car, so if in doubt don't do it.

We are working with the council Police and Curo to resolve some of the parking issues across the whole of Twerton and will soon be consulting residents on some solutions that we are developing.

In the mean time please do not park on the Pavements unless you want to be held responsible for someone being seriously injured or killed.

Illegal Parking Don't get caught

After increasing pressure from residents saying that they are fed up with some residents constantly parking on double yellow lines or across pavements both the Police and the Council have agreed to take some action.

The council who are responsible for illegal parking on the Highway will be enforcing the double yellow lines that are in place and persistent offenders will receive heavy fines, ( remember a double yellow line is enforceable if you park on a grass verge or pavement behind the yellow lines ).

The Police have reluctantly agreed to prosecute persistent offenders who are parking on the pavements in local roads, Some residents have already received warning notices about pavement parking so if they continue they are liable for hefty fines.

It has to be remembered that in Twerton we have many people with severe mobility problems or issues with vision parking on the pavement puts them at risk.

Please be considerate about how you park on our local roads to ensure that we all stay safe, particularly the vulnerable and young children.

Police round up for Twerton

People probably don't realise that on September 12th Pc Adge Secker will have beat the area beat manager for 7 years and in that time many issues have been resolved including a much reduced crime rate.

But as Adge will tell you the work continues until there is no crime in Twrton.

On the matter of Crime in King George's Road last week two female PCSO's were subject to an onslaught of verbal abuse and threats from a young male who has now been apprehended and charged.

As always if you see a crime or are a victim of crime contact the Police.

For a crime that has already taken place of to give information call 101

For a crime taking place or an emergency call 999

Nigel Penny moves on

Nigel Penny left with Tim Ball and PC Adge Secker

We would like to say a special that you to PCSO Nigel Penny for all the work that he carried out in the Twerton area over the years that he has been with us.

Nigel will be remember very fondly by Twerton residents for his constant smile and helpful friendly nature whilst carrying out his duties working alongside beat Manager Adge Secker.

Nigel always went that little bit further and as a dedicated fisherman he organised fishing trips in his own time for some of Twerton's youth.

It is our understanding that Nigel has taken on a new area in Radstock and we wish him well in his new duties.

Community speed watch (Twerton)

The Police are setting up a community speed watch scheme for Twerton for which volunteers in the community can then run.

We all know the roads where there is speeding traffic and we all moan about it, now let's pick up the mantle  and do something about it.

If you are interested in taking part in community speed watch then you will need to be trained and have a bit of time on your hands.

To find out more about this exciting scheme the either contact Pc Adge Secker at Bath Police Station by dialling 101 or contact Tim or Gerry and we will pass your details onto  Adge.

Anti Social Behaviour survey.

Working with the local Police in our community

Avon & Somerset Police are running an on line survey about anti-social behaviour and would like to hear your views.

You Can help by completing a few short questions?

http://www.consultation.avonandsomerset.police.uk/police/anti-social-behaviour 

If you're using a mobile or tablet you can tell them your views here

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5JK8HLJ  

All responses are anonymous and will help gather information about experiences of anti-social behaviour from different age groups and communities in Avon and Somerset.

Your views will help the Police to work with communities and their partners to reduce and prevent anti-social behaviour in our area.

The survey closes on Sunday February 9, 2014 so please hurry as their is only 5 days left on this survey.

Freeview Road

The Police have agreed to monitor the problem of parking on the pavements half way along Freeview Road and take enforcement action if needed. It is a shame that we have had to get to this point but as there are many people in the area with mobility problems and we need to put them first.

Cleeve Green

I have again asked Curo again to replace the Bollard that has been deliberaltely knocked out of the ground at Cleeve Green.

I would hope that the bollard would be back in place as soon as possible.

If you know of the person who caused this mindless vandalism will you please ether let the Police know on 101 or contact us directly.

This sort of vandalism causes increased bills.


By Councillor Tim Ball

Working with Our Local Police Redland Park visit

It was a pleasure yesterday to be out in Twerton with Local beat Manager PC Adrian Secker and PCSO Nigel Penny working to resolve issues affecting local residents.

I know that some of you may say seeing me Pictured oposite flanked by Nigel left and Adge to the right that they have caught up with him at last but that is far from the case.

Whilst up in Redland Park we met many locals who came out for a chat and to tell us about issues of concern.

One good thing that I learnt is that the motorcycle problems that we had in last year are a thing of the past.

The issue of the poor resurfacing was raised by several local residents pictured with myself and Nigel Penny.

I have now seen first had the problems that have been caused by the road humps with the poor finishing of the road surface.

I have now written to the Cabinet member of Highways asking for an investigation on why this has been left in such a poor state, and asking for the the contractors to come back and finish the Job.

I have also raised the issue of whether the contractor has actually resurfaced the correct area as the part of Redland Park that has been surfaced is not the area that I expected to see done.

The area leading to Redland Park behind Day Crescent is particularly bad and I was expecting to see this done instead.

I am hoping to carry out regular trips out into Twerton over the coming months with the Police taking with local residents.

by Councillor Tim Ball

Twerton Policeman gets top award

Congratulations to Twerton police officer Adge Secker who last night received Avon & Somersets Police beat manager of the year.

I remember Adge arriving in Tweron just over 5 years Go telling me how he was going to sort some of the crime issues in the area.

On Adge's watch we have seen a remarkable drop in the crime rate in Twerton taking it from one of the highest crime areas to one of the lowest, arrival and dismissal of the ill fated Pact meetings.

To put it quite bluntly Twerton has had a remarkable turnaround partly due to the organisation of Adge's team in crime reduction.

Well done Adge the award was along time in coming but worth waiting for.

On Saturday just to Celebrate Adge's success I will be spending an hour walking the streets of Twerton with our now famous beat manager.

We will be out and about between 12.30 & 1.30 pm so please stop us if you have something to report or just want a chat.

By Councillor Tim Ball

Twerton Pact meeting

The next Twerton PACT meeting will take place on Thursday 1st August at 7pm a St Michaels Junior School Newton Road,Twerton.

This is your chance to catch up with what the Police are doing locally and to raise any issues that are of concern to you.

Twerton Police turn to two wheels

Twerton beat Police officer PC Adge Secker has turned to two wheels in order to solve crime.

Adge has been cycling around Twerton for the last few weeks on his police duties speaking to local residents who seem surprised to see him approach without being noticed.

Adge new idea is not proving a hit with the criminal element as he is there before they know it.









By Councillor Tim Ball

Speed Checks Twerton

There seems to be confusion with some people believing that the Police do not carry out speed checks in Twerton and that the majority of people are speeding in their cars.

I have carried out extensive checks with the Police and have received confirmation that the primary routes in Twerton are checked periodically.

The roads that receive regular checks are Newton Road, High Street, Kelston View and the Hollow, the police have reported that since the introduction of the 20mph speed limits in the Twerton area by the Councils Liberal Democrat administration that mean speeds of vehicles have been reduced.

It has come to our attention that some one has been unofficially using an uncalibrated Camera in the Twerton area that does not accurately record speeds of vehicles.

It has to be pointed out very clearly that uncalibrated units used by untrained people are unreliable and can be distracting for motorists that could cause a danger to the public.

We are keen to see Speed limits kept to by all vehicles in the area and this is a matter of education as well as enforcement and that enforcement has to be left to the professionals and not done by well meaning amateurs.

However we are keen to hear from residents who have concerns about speeding motorists.

by Councillor Tim Ball

Can you help or do you need help

Royal Voluntary Service (formerly WRVS) are supporting Avon and Somerset Police by providing a dedicated personal telephone support service to people in their own homes.  Royal Voluntary Service hopes to soon extend this to personal visits. The initiative enables trained and vetted volunteers to provide:

. A confidential listening ear
. A friendly caring voice at the end of the phone
. Regular pre-arranged calls
. Information about local support networks and services
. Access to other Royal Voluntary Service services
. Support to feel more confident in your own home
. Support to be independent and active in the community

Royal Voluntary Service welcomes members of Neighbourhood Watch to join them in providing support and befriending to those who need it.  The premise of Neighbourhood Watch is about local people working together to create safe, attractive, friendly places to live. Royal Voluntary Service befriending initiative enables NHW members to get involved in reaching out to members of the community who feel isolated and sometimes vulnerable.

The service operates on a referral basis, so even if you aren't able to volunteer, you may know of people within your community who would benefit from the support that  the Royal Voluntary Service can provide.

Further information about the Royal Voluntary Service and the services they provide can be found on their website www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk 

For details about becoming a volunteer or to discuss making a referral, please contact Jenny Jenkins
Royal Voluntary Service Community Service Manager Bristol and Somerset
Mobile 07714 898656.

Police remider to stay safe and secure

The Police remind us that following a number of domestic burglaries in Bath where the offenders have gained entry through an insecure door or window, all householders are reminded to close and lock all doors and windows when leaving their house during the day especially during the warmer weather and at night.

Simple precautions can prevent incidents occurring so let's all try and be a bit more careful and mindful of leaving any properties unoccupied.

If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 101 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111.

Last nights Twerton Pact

I was as disappointed as others that turned up for the Twerton PACT last night that it did not take place due to unforeseen circumstances.

I am in touch with the Police and am suggesting that they organise another PACT meeting as soon as one can be organised giving sufficient time for residents to be notified.

Once I hear back from the Police about the new date I will publicise it.

Police Beat Surgery

Our local Police Beat Teams will be holding a surgery every month at Southside Youth Centre, Kelston View, Whiteway from 10am until 11am on the following dates:

Friday 17th May 
Friday 7th June.

If you have something local to discuss why not go along and talk to them.

Rogue Traders – Week of Action

The police are running a week of action on Rouge Traders in our area.

Rogue Traders are people pretending to be builders or “qualified” trades men or women needing to do 'urgent' repairs or sales people offering bargain products.

Rogue Traders often pressurise householders into making quick decisions to have work done, pay in advance for materials or do poor work at highly inflated prices.

They will often cold call on vulnerable households and deliberately overcharge for unsatisfactory goods and services.  This can include charging for unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately in order to obtain money, leaving work unfinished and intimidating householders.

Avon & Somerset Constabulary, as part of a national initiative, are engaging in a week of action to combat Rogue Traders and there are a number of operations and initiatives going on specifically in Bath & North East Somerset starting today.

During this week various proactive and community based activities will take place that aim to tackle Rogue Traders on the District.

For more information on Rogue Traders, Avon & Somerset website at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk 

Mini crime wave hits Twerton

If you can help the Police on any of these issues below please contact them on the local Police number 101.

On Monday 8th April between 10.00am and 7.00pm, unknown offenders have caused damage to the door lock of a property in Dominion Road, Bath.

Between Monday 1st April and Thursday 4th April, unknown offenders have gained access to the rear garden of a property in Freeview Road, whereby they have attempted to force a ground floor bedroom window.  No entry was gained.

During the afternoon of Tuesday 26th March, beat team officers attended Redland Park, Bath following the report of a nuisance mini moto being driven around. A local male was found riding the bike, which was immediately seized.  He has been reported for having no insurance, and should he be unable to produce the necessary insurance paperwork, the vehicle will be crushed.
Should you witness nuisance bikes in your area, please contact the police on 101.

On Monday 1st April at 3.30pm, damage was caused to a red Seat Ibiza in Sheridan Road, Bath.

If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 101 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111.  For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.