Warden's Rambles - May 2011

Hello all.

Hope you have enjoyed April’s sunshine, the school holidays, Easter break and are looking forward to the Royal Wedding.

The Easter Farmers’ Market was a bustling affair this month with eggs, Lent bonnets and an egg hunt for the youngsters and young at heart.

I have also attended the Village Hall Management meeting, Parish Council AGM and have been invited to the ‘Street Party’ at Capel Primary school. In addition I was honoured to be asked to present the awards at the Bowls club AGM, well done to all those winners and thank you for the warm welcome.

Crime

There have been a number of incidents in the area involving theft of metals, highways equipment and a domestic burglary in a rural location.
It also seems old style post boxes have become a target for unscrupulous thieves so if there is one near you please keep an eye out and report anything suspicious.

Speeding

I have received a number of comments from residents about speeding on New Dover road, Old Dover road and Capel street. I have monitored this myself and shared my findings with Kent Police including the number of people (including locals) choosing not to wear seat belts and using mobile phones whilst driving.

Dog Fouling

The situation with dog fouling has improved markedly this month so I would like to say thank you to those responsible owners for clearing up after their dogs.

Scam

Kent trading Standards have received reports of an unsolicited text which claims the Government has introduced a ‘Debt Settlement Order’, which claims to help people struggling with debt to wipe it off. To apply you are requested to text back ‘OK’. To stop further texts coming through you are requested to text ‘STOP’.
There is no known scheme called the ‘Debt Settlement Order’ and even replying ‘STOP’ may cost you money and will let the sender know that your number is legitimate. This could open the door to more unsolicited texts.

Cold Callers

Please be aware of cold callers selling or ‘gauging interest’ at your door. I have stopped some callers this month and forwarded their details to Trading Standards and Kent Police. I can supply door stickers ‘no canvassers or cold callers’ if required.

General

For those who missed the spectacle of the helicopter placing the new top on the Hougham mast this month we are now a step closer to receiving our digital signal.

Any comments concerning the village can be raised on the numbers below.

Paul James – Kent Community Warden 07977 981994

Gretel Stevens – Police Community Support Officer 07772 226209

Police non urgent 01622 690690

Crimestoppers (can be anonymous) 0800 555 111