A Councillor's Comments - January/February 2005

It was mainly disturbing things at the December meeting of your Town Council, as PC Kevin Humble had bad news to report. There were 50 crimes reported in Soham since the November meeting; 21 thefts, 2 arsons, 14 criminal damage, 10 assaults, 1 affray and 2 harassments. The only thing not totally depressing was that nearly all the violence was domestic. Those given to violence in Soham keep it in the family. One arrest followed, the miscreant was caught on the CCTV cameras. Cambridgeshire Police received 193 calls relating to our town; Kevin emphasised that these calls are very important, even if the caller does not see instant action. They enable the police to build up an intelligence picture, which leads to the punishment of criminals. Two gangs of thieves who steal from cars have been caught partly through information received.

Lucas Oliver then briefed us on the work of the Cambridgeshire drug and alcohol team, who attack the major problems we have with drugs, both legal and illegal. They target young people and the community with information on the dangers of all forms of drug abuse, encourage treatment and help to reduce availability. Your Council is supportive of the team and other actions which will reduce the problem and is considering inviting Lucas to use the facilities of the pavilion to hold meetings targeted on different sections of the community to assist the team's campaign.

Your Council has just spent upwards of £2,500 to repair the well used skateboard park. Before the new paint was dry, it had been vandalised again. The Council is certain that the young people who use the park are not the ones who do the damage. It is not right that the harmless, if boisterous and noisy, fun of the many should be ruined by a few idiots. However, you the Council taxpayers cannot afford to keep throwing money away like this. It was decided that the park should be closed, with a notice placed on it saying that it is dangerous to use in its present condition, and to explore ways of providing the facility without constant expenditure.

Some good news at last. An artist in metal, Jon Mills from Brighton, has been commissioned to make some sculptures to enhance Soham. These will be placed at appropriate places around the Millennium walks and attempt to illustrate life in Soham through the ages. Rough sketches of what are proposed were presented and, given the very solid construction, would seem to be a great idea.

As I was on call that evening I was able to show the Council, Soham's MAGPAS Community First Responder Bag. The Council having helped to pay for this equipment was dully impressed. We, the First Responders in Soham, try to give a 24-7 service to the community, but there are only 5 of us. We need more volunteers if we are to succeed. Anyone can do it; it can't be very difficult if I can. Telephone MAGPAS on 01480 371060 if your are interested. Age no barrier.

Kindest Regards

Tony Hinsley
Soham Town Councillor