Category: police & crime

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Candidates for May 2024 Elections

Statements of Persons Nominated for 2024 Elections

Elections 2024 City & Police Commissioner

The Returning Officer has advised of the following nominations for these elections:

Lexden & Braiswick Ward – Colchester City Council

Name of CandidateHome AddressDescription (if any)Reason why no longer nominated*
ARMITAGE Sandy(address in Colchester)Labour Party
BAMFORTH Roger Edwin1 Granville Close, Colchester, CO6 3LQGreen Party
STEVENSON Thomas Alun(address in Colchester)Liberal Democrats
WILLETTS DennisThe Retreat, Wood Lane, Fordham Heath, Colchester, CO3 9TRConservative Party Candidate
*Decision of the Returning Officer that the nomination is invalid or other reason why a person nominated no longer stands nominated.

Dated Thursday 5 April 2024
Pam Donnelly
Returning Officer

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for the Essex Area

Name of CandidateHome AddressDescription (if any)Reason why no longer nominated *
FOX Adam Daniel(address in Essex Police Area)Labour and Co-operative Party
FRANKS Kieron Anthony(address in Essex Police Area)Liberal Democrat
HIRST Roger Charles(address in Essex Police Area)The Conservative Party Candidate
TILBROOK Robin Charles WilliamQuires Green, Willingale, Essex, CM5 0QPEnglish Democrats – “More Police – catching criminals!”
*Decision of the Police Area Returning Officer that the nomination is invalid or other reason why a person nominated no longer stands nominated.

Dated Friday 5 April 2024
Pam Donnelly
Police Area Returning Officer

Photo ID Required to Vote

Don’t forget you will need approved photo ID to vote! Check what is acceptable at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id.

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Environment & Highways – 8th February 2024

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th February 2024 with topics including:

On 8th February 2024 the E&H Committee discussed speeding issues & a possible trial with police to address them.
  • Paper recycling used at Newbridge Mill Farm,
  • Litter issues around Uncle Kams Fish & Chip shop,
  • Possible involvement in a speeding control trial,
  • Tree Planting, and
  • Handymen’s report including:
    • Replacing some saplings that had been disturbed,
    • Litter picking,
    • Truck repairs went well,
    • Highways preliminary sweep of Argents Lane.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 8th February 2024 at 4.30pm in SC Mtg Rm

Members present:Cllrs Katie Pulford (KP), Harry Stone (HS), David Short (DS) and John Gili-Ross (JGR) (via Zoom),
Also present:No members of the public

1.     Welcome & Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllrs Manya Barrow and James Owers.

Continue reading “Environment & Highways – 8th February 2024”
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Bike Theft on the Increase

Bike Theft on the Increase – How can you protect yours?

Bike Theft image in the style of John Constable generated by AI

Bike theft in the Colchester area increased by 26% over the past month. Although the figures for bikes stolen from West Bergholt/Eight Ash Green remain low (only one theft last month) please remain vigilant and make sure that you keep your bike secure at all times.

Below are a few reminders of how you can reduce the risk of having your bicycle stolen.

1. Locks

A high-quality robust lock is the first line of defence. Choose one that is made of hardened steel that cannot be easily cut or broken, avoid flimsy cable locks that are easy to cut. Also try using multiple locks of different types to make it more challenging for thieves.

2. Securing at home

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Stroll with a Patrol and other News Updates

Essex Police Invite you to Stroll with a Patrol.

Other news items in this update include:

Stroll with a Patrol

Essex Police - Stroll with a Patrol

PC Dex Adams, the Colchester Community Safety & Engagement Officer, invites you to join a patrol.

West Bergholt is one the first of dozens of locations where residents are being invited to join a patrol. They will be coming to West Bergholt at 6 pm on 7th May 2023, where you can join them at Orpen Hall.

The hour will start with a ‘Street Meet’ for those who wish to speak to the patrol but not join them on it. This is a really great opportunity for you and the local residents to come along, speak to, raise issues and get to know the community policing team that are responsible for our area.

Reporting a Crime

Related to the patrol, we have had a link shared with us for reporting crime to the police, click here if you want to use it.

Community

Your Annual Meeting – Will you be attending?

The Annual Parish Meeting might be hosted by the Parish Council but it is very much YOUR meeting. 

Continue reading “Stroll with a Patrol and other News Updates”
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Christmas Crime

Father Christmas
Father Christmas might not be the only guest to surprise you

Christmas Crime

Not everybody makes the same preparations at Christmas, some are planning to take advantage of the season with some Christmas Crime. Essex Police have previously offered the following advice:

With the Christmas holiday season almost upon us, now is a good time to remind ourselves to take steps to make sure our Christmas isn’t spoiled by criminals.

It creates opportunities for criminals.   The hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around, the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day. We might also be more trusting and generous at Christmas when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own causes.

So what can we do?

The advice below is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready.

Out Shopping

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Do You Have Time To Spare?

Time to Become a Community Special Constable?

Spike did and he doesn’t regret using it as a Special Constable:

Recruiting Community Specials

The parish has a low crime rate but does suffer from occasional antisocial behaviour and parking issues, along with sporadic rural crime.  West Bergholt Parish Council are supporting Essex Police to increase local and visible policing in their area. 

Community Special Constables are more focussed than Special Constables, they dedicate their voluntary service to the area that matters most to them – their town or parish. In return, the local council will pay the allowances and expenses of their officers and they’ll have a say in the issues that their local Specials deal with.

If you already know you are interested then apply online:

What Are Community Specials?

Continue reading “Do You Have Time To Spare?”
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Halloween – Fun or Fear?

Halloween imagery

Essex Police are concerned that while many enjoy Halloween, some might not.  Also, below, is news of a Colchester Business Opinion Survey. If you run a small, or a large business, you might want to check it out.  First of all, though, what do Essex Police have to say about Halloween?

Halloween

Halloween is a fun and exciting time for many but some people can find it unsettling. It’s often a busy time for police too.  This Halloween they would like to remind everyone to think of others and be considerate around those not taking part. They say that they will take a robust approach to anyone causing problems.

Continue reading “Halloween – Fun or Fear?”
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Road Closures & Fear of Crime

Fear of Crime

CBC's Fear of Crime Survey

Colchester Borough Council have launched a ‘Fear of Crime’ survey. They are keen to understand people’s feelings around public safety, and whether residents have either been a victim of, or fear becoming a victim of crime. Fear of Crime means different things to different people, this could include:

  • not feeling safe in the community,
  • fear of burglary, or
  • possible violent or physical harm.

The survey takes about 10 minutes of your time to complete and will help them learn about experiences in the area. The survey is open until 19th September.

Road Closures

There are two upcoming road closures:

  • Newbridge Hill – 11th September, and
  • New Church Road – 22nd September

More details below:

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Highway Code changes on 29th January!

Road priorities in the Highway Code change on 29th January

The Highway Code has eight new rules and major updates to 49 existing ones with effect from 29th January 2022.  The biggest single change, and one well worth getting on top of now, is who has priority.  Others to revise include Overtaking, Roundabouts & Dutch Reach.

Priorities

New junction rule in the Highway Code

The new rules include a ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ which gives priority to the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists & equestrians.  The most significant new rules are:

Rule H1

Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.

Continue reading “Highway Code changes on 29th January!”
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Do you want to be heard & other news

Do you want to be heard?

If you think that your views are not being heard then read on. Other news also about:

Attributes of a good Parish Councillor
What makes a good councillor?

So, do you have strong views on what’s wrong with the village or feel that you are not being heard?  Do you think the Parish Council could…

  • take more account of views like yours?  
  • do more about climate change?
  • address the needs of your ‘demographic’ (race, age, gender etc…)?
Continue reading “Do you want to be heard & other news”
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