Saint Joseph's Neighbourhood Watch   (Upper Norwood, London, U.K.)

Meeting held 8pm Thursday 4th. December 2003, at the usual venue
 

There were 22 people present:  Joan Burch, Russell & Gill Ashley-Smith, Henry Schneider, Tricia Whyte, Gilbert & Janet Payne, Robert Rose, Dennis & Alice Potter, Antonia & Edward Paul, Iain Fowler, Susan Hacker-Dix, Stephen Tarling, Ken Coales, Michael Ball, Eleanor Edwards, David Hoskin, Roah Blake, Hugh & Helena Somerton.

Apologies were received from: Ron Dawe, Janet Ikezue-Clifford, Pete & Chrissy Silver, Cyril & Molly King, Rob Kremis, Dr Singh, Mrs B Patel, Mr Parvez, Mrs C Jinadu, Mr D Blake.

PC Colin Herron also sent apologies.
 

Reports on Crime
    Russell welcomed everyone.
    As PC Herron was not able to come this time, we had no verbal police report. However, Russell now receives weekly email reports listing crimes in the Norbury Sector.  We can be pleased that none have been listed in our SJNW area. But, we should be aware of crimes nearby, and keep alert.
    One problem to watch out for is bogus callers seeking to gain entry to steal - e.g. claiming to be Gas or Water officials, or builders offering repairs. Also watch out for people seeking sensitive information.
 

Matters of Concern
Members were invited to raise anything of concern.

a) Bogus caller? A man claiming to be from British Gas, with some sort of ID, offered leaflets and asked questions for a form. When answers were refused, he snatched back the leaflets and left.

b) Recycling boxes - people had been seen looking through papers in recycling boxes. Be sure to shred documents with personal details like bank accounts. And avoid leaving the box out several days.

c) Ryecroft Road - Cars cruising round at 1am - possibly scanning the houses?

d) Crown Point - Mayhem at shops after school - this happened previously with boys from St Joseph's around 3.15, but this time it was at 4pm, when 15 older girls pushed their way into the shop, and there was difficulty ejecting them.

e) Norwood Grove Park - Notices say it will be locked at 4.30, but it is left open.  Toilets and other things get vandalised.  The Council are planning to abolish the Park Rangers (spending cuts).

f)  Arnull's Road - There have been no serious events around the bench, but some graffiti, and a few fireworks in the footpath.   There is, however, a litter problem - often caused by older pupils who have parked cars there, and come for lunch break.   Russell will complain to St Joseph's School.

g)  Street lighting - Russell wrote to the Council about lighting for the footpath. They replied saying it had been cut from this year's budget, but may be in next year's.   Concerning lighting in Ryecroft Road - the Council are aware that many roads have old style lights, and there is a rolling programme to replace them, with priority given to high crime areas (which may put us low on the list!)
 
 

Planning Applications

a) Crown Lane Traffic Improvements - Tricia commented on the proposals following the earlier consultation exercise.  Details of the plans are in the libraries, and comments must be sent very soon.
She was concerned that the plan for a cycle path on the North side of Crown Lane would appear to reduce traffic to one lane approaching Crown Point.
It was good, however, that there is to be a crossing for the new Crown Lane school.  Comment was made that the rebuilt school is funded by inclusion of 150 flats on the same site, which people were not aware of.   This could have serious traffic implications - is there space for parking?

b) Nursery in Gibson's Hill - this application for change of use of "The Homestead" has been made again.  The only changes are: reducing the number of children from 80 to 60, and no mention of an incinerator for nappies.  The application claims most staff and parents will walk there (!), and that arrivals will be staggered from 7am onwards, so it will not clash with the school start of 9am.   But members pointed out that the school is open from 7.00, registration is at 8.15, and many school pupils arrive early by car.
People wanting to object should do so now - the number of letters will make an impact.  The planning application is No: 03/04105/P The Homestead change of use.   Letters can be sent to Mr R MacLeod, Acting Head of Planning Control, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1JT. Details are on the Croydon Council web-site, under Planning Applications in Upper Norwood ward.
Cllr Pat Ryan, known to us, is chair of the Planning Committee - some members will speak to him.

c) Mobile Phone Masts  - The Conquering Hero Pub was asked to host a mobile phone mast - this can be done without planning permission if it is under 2 metres high.  It was for 3G - one of the masts that causes most health concerns.  The school had already refused. Local people ran a petition, and the pub turned down the idea.

d) Nursing home in Gibson's Hill - before excavating for their extension, they have to do a tree plan.
 

Keyholder database  Russell has received notice that the police have a new database of Keyholders for premises with a burglar alarm.  Householders with alarms are required to register with the police, recording who holds their keys. You must remember to phone and renew this annually (or pay £15 and get reminders).  Members pointed out that those with centrally monitored alarms are already registered.
 

Garden Party  So far we have had NO OFFERS to host the summer Garden Party.  Pete and Chrissie Silver feel that they have done their bit for the past 3 years.   What does it involve?  Opening the garden, and providing or borrowing chairs, and tables for food.
- people all bring food and drink to contribute
- our SJNW owns plates. Plastic cutlery is bought, and glasses hired from Sainsbury's
- Tricia suggested there should be a small fund to pay for these and any other costs.
- There can be a lot of clearing up to do at the end - volunteers should be organised to help.
Janet suggested that if no-one offers their garden, then we go to the White House.   This would probably mean we would have to pay a hire fee.
A DECISION ON THE VENUE (AND DATE) FOR THE 2004 GARDEN PARTY MUST BE MADE AT OUR NEXT MEETING.

Other Notices
Hugh Norwood Collins (founder of SJNW) had phoned Antonia.  He has various health problems, but is enjoying his new home in France. He wants to keep getting our newsletters.

IF YOU HAVE EMAIL – please email Russell (see address below), he will add your address to his list for occasional email circulation of urgent crime issues and Neighbourhood Watch updates.
 
 

List of recommended Tradespeople
For a copy of the latest update, please email Russell or call on him, or come to the next meeting.
 

Contact Numbers and Emails (full details in the printed newsletter)

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators:
Russell Ashley-Smith  Email: russell@sjnw.co.uk
Peter Silver,  Email: pete@sjnw.co.uk
Tricia Whyte

Police:
For emergencies always dial 999
To report matters of concern: PC Herron’s Mobile: 07909 535 822,  Email: colin.herron@met.police.uk  Norbury Home-beats Office: 0208 649 1103