Hi everyone,

We have been busy at Committee level trying to sort out the problems you have reported to us and slowly, slowly we seem to be getting somewhere.

A problem that you all seem to be experiencing is in contacting Colchester Police Station on 01206-762212 and getting a satisfactory response on dialling 999.

We have had a meeting with the Divisional Commander at Colchester Police and he informs us the difficulty is in prioritising the very large number of telephone calls that they receive. He is addressing this by getting together senior officers who will draw up a Priority response listing. Lets hope we soon see the results of this.

YOUTH
It was noticeable last year that, apart from during the long school holiday, young people have not been as much trouble as they were last year but there are still a few who spoil it for the many. If in your particular local area you are still having problems with nuisance youths, please take a note of their description and if they are local, their names and addresses, and pass this information on to the Borough Co-ordinator on 01206-513333 and this information will then be passed on to your local Community Policing Team. Believe it or not, they are waiting to hear from you.

PERSONAL SAFETY
We do see, every week, news reports of people having handbags, purses and mobile phones being snatched. Please take extra care, don't leave purses and mobile phones on the top of your bag, or on the bar in a Restaurant, Club or Pub. There is always someone about who is eager to relieve you of these items. Don't use your mobile phone whilst walking along the road, wait to make your call or text message until you are somewhere safe. For more information on this subject go to the Crime Prevention page of this site and download a copy of the Guide to Personal Security.

INFORMATION
We would like to thank our members who pass on Neighbourhood Watch information and the Crime Information Sheets. If you would like to receive this information by e-mail please contact Carole Dennis on colchestenw@hotmail.com and she will gladly add you to our e-mail service. The information is also available on this website ready to down load here.

BOY RACERS COLCHESTER TOWN STATION CAR PARK
Prior to his departure, PC Duncan Rumbelow was instrumental in forming a problem solving team to try and find a solution to the noise problem caused by the young people using this Car Park at night and affecting the residents in the Priory Street, St. Julian Grove, Nicholson's Grove, The Dell, Magdalen Street and Newtown areas.
This team consisted of PC Duncan Rumbelow, local residents, Neighbourhood Watch and our Ward Councillor Henry Spyvee. After a very lengthy meeting it was agreed that we would write to Mr John Simpson, Head of Street Services at Colchester Borough Council.

After many years of putting up with the sound of screeching car tyres, car horns and loud music coming from this site at night, Colchester Borough Council have agreed that the gate at the bottom end of the Car park (for a trial period) will be locked at 8.00 p.m. and re-opened the following morning. We do hope you have noticed the difference and if you have, perhaps you would like to write and give Colchester Borough Council a pat-on-the-back (even though this problem has been going on for about 4 years).

If you do notice that this gate is being left unlocked after 8.00 p.m. please contact Colchester Borough Council. Mr John Simpson on 01206-282601.

YOUR SAY
Many times we have asked you for your input to the Newsletter only to be disappointed at the poor response.
Are we wasting our time? Are we the weakest link? We need your feedback. It does not take long to send an e-mail to colchesternw@hotmail.com, a phone call 01206-513333 or a letter. What is your excuse are you really interested?

USEFUL INFORMATION
There are two booklets available from Angel Court, High Street which you might find useful. One is 'An A-Z of Council Services' and the other is 'An A-Z of Councillors'. These booklets contain a lot of information.

SCAMS
These continue so remain extra vigilant and do not become a victim. They are very lucrative ways for others to make money at your expense.

STREET WARDENS
If you have any problems regarding abandoned cars and Refrigerators, fly tipping, dog fouling, litter, discarded needles etc. do contact them and they will be only too happy to deal with it. They provide a valuable, fast and efficient service and they work closely with Neighbourhood Watch, so use them.

If you have any ideas for improving this Newsletter, please send them to CastleWard Neighbourhood Watch c/o 22a Northgate street, Colchester CO1 1EZ.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS CASTLEWARD NEWSLETTER