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Sturminster Marshall

Village News

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August

Apart from a few minor incidents, the village has enjoyed quite a peaceful period during the last two months, hence the absence of a contribution to Bridge magazine during that period. During July, the Stour Ward suffered only five crimes of which two related to criminal damage, one theft from an unattended car, one criminal assault and one of a domestic nature. It would seem that the regular appearance of PC Andy Watkins and his Support Officer Neal Rooke on their beat in the area is having positive effect.

The recent increases in fuel costs has created a potential for a rise in the incidence of the theft of fuel from motor vehicles, a matter of which car owners and those using heating oil should be aware. Dorset Neighbourhood Watch is currently investigating suitable locking devices for oil tanks and car owners are advised to park their cars in such a manner that their filler caps are as inaccessible as possible i.e. adjacent to a wall or fence.

PC Watkins advises that both he and SO Rooke are now qualified to carry out surveys on domestic properties and to advise on suitable security measures. Should you feel that your property would benefit from a survey to cover such items as locks, chains etc., stop either of them during their beat and arrange a booking.

A new initiative proposed for the village is POPS, a partnership designed to assist older members of the community by linking them with the Police, Fire and Rescue, Trading Standards, Utility Companies, EDHA, the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Homewatch, the Mackrell Charity and the proposed Youth Action Group. The ultimate aim is to establish a “virtual gated community” in which inhabitants of the village will be able to remain independent whilst enjoying the benefit of knowing that they have easy access to agencies from whom they can obtain assistance in time of need. Ultimately it is hoped that younger members may be encouraged to form a “buddy” relationship with some of the older persons and to assist them with their problems. For those interested, a meeting is to be held on Wednesday 17th September between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs at the Old School Hall next to the Red Lion public house. Come along and find out how it is hoped the system will operate.

A meeting of the PACT Panel will be held on Wednesday 3rd September at the Old School Hall at 3.00pm This will be an open meeting which all residents will be entitled to attend and to raise any issues, either personal or which they feel require attention for the benefit of the village. During the following week, such items raised will be considered by the Panel and from those, a permitted maximum of three will be selected for attention. PACT Panels have the support of national government, in which case you may be assured that attention will be given to your case.

On Saturday 13th September a Car Boot/Table Top Sale is to be held at the Memorial Hall from 10.00 – 13.00 hrs. The purpose of the event is to advertise the benefit of registration with the Homewatch movement. Whether you have items to sell or would like to spot a cheap bargain, come along. Sellers may reserve a car space or table at a cost of £5.00 by telephoning 01258 858878 and proceeds will be in aid of improving the Sturminster Marshall Homewatch movement. Hopefully other groups will also take the opportunity to advertise their activities by booking a table and displaying their services to the village. In parallel with this event, Sturminster Marshall Homewatch is hoping to increase its membership by shortly embarking upon a series of three one-monthly newsletters for distribution to each household in the village at no cost. Each will contain items of news together with practical tips on home and personal security which it is hoped will contribute towards a safer and more peaceful way of life for all. The ultimate aim is to encourage greater membership of the Homewatch movement which will involve an annual subscription of £1.00 per household. Members will receive a regular newsletter and immediate emailed notification of any unlawful activities occurring or likely to occur in the village. At the moment we need to increase the present membership which stands at approximately 60 members.

Overall, it is worthwhile mentioning that there are many well intended people regularly working in groups for the good of Sturminster Marshall. Make a point of finding out who they are and give them reason to feel that their efforts are worthwhile by offering your supportive interest. Most of them will be found mentioned in the back inside cover of The Bridge magazine.

Geoff Thomas - Homewatch Coordinator
Tel: 01258 858878 EMail