HIRA Report, April 2003

- Mon 17th Mar 2003

This month's report from Hayling Island Residents Association covers the topics of Police staffing levels, Parking at Schools and Summer Events.Meeting with the Police




At our March Committee Meeting, Sergeant Warry of the Hayling force came to talk to us about the new arrangements for Police cover starting on 31st March.




He started by explaining that Hayling was lucky, in that its general rate of crime was relatively low and had improved in recent years, partly because of the closure of some of the establishments that often initiated some of the trouble.




He felt that there was much more co-operation from current establishments, which were now more aware of their responsibilities and were keener to prevent trouble affecting their operations.




He explained that under the new scheme Hayling would be allocated six constables and himself as local officers, with unique responsibility for the Island. They would not carry out tasks elsewhere unless operational support was needed because of lack or total resource.




There would be two shifts per day each consisting of two constables between early morning (typically 0700) and late evening (2300 - midnight depending on circumstances). Night cover would be provided from the central resource at Havant. This latter would be deployed on a priority basis over the Division normally as a result of an emergency call via the 999 route or to support some other on-going task. Two bicycles are being purchased!




People should establish contact with these Island Constables to ensure that we make the best use of their presence.




150 extra constables are being provided across Hampshire and some of these will be added to the Havant Division and thus become available to deal with issues on the Island.




The committee adopted a ‘wait and see’ attitude towards the proposed changes, due to disquieting reports of concern by people close to the police.




Inevitably further questions were raised about various aspects of the police role on the Island.





There was considerable support for more attention being given to control of speeding on the Island, Church Road and the Seafront being particular areas of concern. However, it was accepted that this was the province of the traffic police, with the inevitable result that there was likely to be little enforcement on Hayling.




CCTV was raised and it was noted that the cameras on the bridge were not always operational, as is currently the case, although there was also discussion on the effectiveness of such resources. It was pointed out by Sgt. Warry that use of the bridge camera had been instrumental in putting the police on the right track in one of the most important recent crimes on the Island.




Sgt. Warry reminded us that the universal contact number for the Police (non-emergency) was now 0845 0454545.




We also reviewed the possibility of having a police equivalent of the First Responders but this was not received with any enthusiasm. However, Sgt. Warry said that the police were still keen to have as many people as possible joining as Special Constables so any young and fit members of the public who feel they might contribute in this area are encouraged to contact Havant police station.




Paul Fisher thanked the sergeant for attending and suggested a further visit, all being well from a Havant Inspector, as originally had been promised, perhaps at the AGM in October, to let us know how the new regime was performing after its initial settling-in period.




Parking at schools.




This topic was also raised at our committee meeting, the problem being the congestion at school entrances at the beginning and end of school. This of course has developed over the years due to the failure of pupils to walk and cycle to school for reasons we all know.




Apart from the gradual improvement in safe routes to school the present problem could be alleviated by better access being provided and better control of inconsiderate parking causing other people to be blocked in. At Mill Rythe this has caused drivers to cut across the verges and generally cause a nuisance.




Even where good parking is available a few yards away drivers often seem reluctant to walk even a yard more than they need.




We understand that Ted Gale is attempting to acquire additional parking at Mill Rythe and could well help to resolve some of the problems elsewhere. This would be greatly beneficial if he is able to achieve such improvements.




Summer Events.




The daffodils planted by the Lions and others may be over by the time you read this but they were a sure sign that summer will be here before everyone is really prepared for it. Numerous events will be held on the Island and these will be of interest to many people. These will require support by attendances and with organisation.




If individuals or groups wish to participate in these Island activities please contact the various organisations that interest you, their names are usually in the Hayling Islander or in the Directory.




Looking forward to the warmer weather




Tony Higham.

By forum user, Mat