February 2012 Bulletin

Forest fights back against rural crime

 

Thefts of farm machinery and other types of metal have been on the increase in the New Forest.  But now the Safer New Forest Partnership is fighting back by providing security marking kits for use by vulnerable residents or repeat victims in the community. 

 

The Partnership has purchased the SelectaDNA Trace kits in a bid to reduce the number of thefts from farms and also community buildings such as schools and halls.  The kits will be handed out by the Country Watch police teams to enable people to permanently mark any of their property with a special solution containing a unique DNA code.  If a marked item is stolen and recovered, police can analyse the code and trace it back to the registered keeper.

For more information go to www.communitysafety.newforest.gov.uk or contact Stephanie Bennett on 023 8028 5588 or email stephanie.bennett@nfdc.gov.uk

 

Say goodbye to 0845 045 45 45

 

Following the national roll out of 101 to all police forces in England and Wales, Hampshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 0845 045 45 45 will now be fully replaced by 101.  Residents should phone 101 for less urgent crime and disorder and for general police enquiries. 

 

For example:
° if your property has been damaged      

° if you witness anti-social behaviour
° when you suspect drug use or dealing   

° to report a minor traffic collision
° to give police information about crime in your area   

° for general advice and information on police matters     

° if you’d like to speak to your local police officer

101 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with calls costing 15 pence per call from landlines and mobile networks, regardless of the time of day or length of call.

 

New pioneering scheme to tackle empty homes

 

It is hoped that owners of empty homes in the New Forest district will come forward as New Forest District Council pilots a loan scheme to provide accommodation for families in housing need by bringing empty homes back into use. 

 

Under the new scheme, owners of suitable properties can apply to the council for a loan to repair or convert their property to a standard suitable for providing temporary accommodation for families in housing need. 

 

The homes will then be leased through the council’s Private Sector Leasing Scheme and the council will collect the rent on the property as repayment of the loan until which time it has been paid off and the owner is then free to rent to anyone. 
If you have an empty home and are interested in the loan scheme, contact NFDC’s strategic housing team on 023 8028 5577.

 

Have bus, can travel

 

Local charity Community First New Forest is reminding voluntary and community groups that it has a small fleet of minibuses available to hire locally.  The minibuses, which are all fully equipped and wheelchair accessible, and range from 10 to 14 seats, can be hired by any ‘not for profit’ organisation based within the New Forest.

 

Graham Hartless, Transport Manager, says “If you need to arrange transport for that special Christmas lunch or social event or to a meeting, we may be able to help.  Our vehicles are conveniently sited at four locations across the Forest so there should be one near you.  If you can provide your own MiDAS trained driver so much the better; if not, we may be able to supply you with a volunteer.  As we are a ‘not for profit’ organisation ourselves our hire rates are very affordable and we can also provide MiDAS training for your drivers if required”.

 

For further information, contact Graham on 01425 482773 or transport@cfnf.org.uk

 

Great British Fish and Chip Supper

Want to do something different?  Want to raise money where you live or work?  Want to eat fish and chips while raising money for charity?  Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 18 May 2012 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting the Spinal Injuries Association’s information and support services.

You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.  SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes.  Moe information can be obtained from Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350 or email fishandchips@spinal.co.uk Alternatively, visit www.spinal.co.uk/fishandchips

 

Planning

The Parish Council discusses all planning applications at each of its meetings – on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  Applications due to be considered at the next meeting can be found by clicking on Planning on the top menu on the Council’s website at www.copythorne.org.uk

 

Local policing

The local Safer Neighbourhood Team covers the parish of Copythorne as well as Tatchbury, Bramshaw, Brook, Fritham and Minstead. December and January crime figures have yet to be published but will appear on the Council’s website when available.

Meanwhile, PC Dee Faulkner continues to hold beat surgeries at various locations in the area.  These are held on the first Wednesday of the month as follows:  Minstead Village Shop (10.30 – 11.30 am);  Bartley Stores (12 – 1 pm);  Bramshaw Village Store (2 pm – 3 pm).  There is also a surgery every fourth Friday at the Trusty Servant pub in Minstead at 6 pm.

 

Parish Council

 

The Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 pm in the Copythorne Parish Hall (rear extension). Members of the public are very welcome to attend the meetings and speak on any matter of concern at the start of the meeting.

The dates of the next few meetings are:

 

Tuesday 14 February 2012                        Planning
Tuesday 28 February 2012                        Council
Tuesday 13 March 2012                            Planning

 

The Clerk to the Council (Mike Derrick) can be contacted at

3 Chichester Close,

East Wellow,

Romsey

SO51 6EY. 

Telephone and fax 01794 322080,

e-mail copythornepc@btinternet.com.  

 

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