The East Area Committee on 28th January had three major items on the Agenda, all of them concerning Romsey.

1. Police Priorities

After considerable discussion, it was decided to continue with the priorities of the last quarter.

1. a) Tackling the supply of Class A drugs in the area.

The police have had considerable success in preventing members of London gangs invading and setting up franchises in the area.  The gangs’ preferred method is to sit in someone’s home (“paying” them with drugs) and using that as a base.

“Operation Hexham” counters this by establishing and maintaining a strong, supportive relationship with vulnerable people and making regular visits to check on their welfare.   There is also close co-operation with the Metropolitan Police Gangs Unit.

1. b) ASB in the Petersfield and Mill Road Area,

The Public Spaces Protection Orders on Petersfield Green, Mill Road Cemetery and Ditchburn Place Gardens have had the desired effect of moving the street drinkers on from these places.  There has been some displacement to other parts of the area, especially near to Parkside Pool.

Labour Councillors were very keen to point out that the police have not stopped ordinary citizens from having a picnic with alcohol – as though anyone would be trying to picnic in December or January!

1. c) Speeding and anti-social cycling.

Some cyclists objected to the title, pointing out (correctly) that some car-driving is very anti-social with over-taking on the up side of Mill Road railway bridge as a particular example.

There have been a number of police speed checks in the area, often targeting places identified by residents’ “speed watch” groups.   This is a good way of using the limited time the police can spend on this to best advantage. If anyone would like to get involved – email CambridgeSpeedWatch@cambs.pnn.police.uk

Councillor Catherine Smart said, “I felt very strongly that we should keep this emphasis on speeding as the 20mph signs have just gone up.  There is now less confusion about the speed limit so it is a good time to ”bed in” the lower speed limits.”

2. Environmental Report.

Among the actions taken by the City Council teams over the past three months :-

Great Eastern Street play area has been deep cleaned, removing graffiti, litter, dog fouling and cutting back the vegetation.

Moves to stop dog-fouling on various places including Romsey Rec and Coldhams Common with early morning, daytime and weekend patrols.  These will continue for another quarter.

Enforcement work to stop people leaving their bins on the streets.  Over 230 properties in Romsey and Petersfield were identified.  When spoken to, 77% of people move the bins.  Action will continue where this does not happen.

29 cases of fly-tipping in Romsey were dealt with, including 9 on Thoday Street and 3 on Ross Street.

Councillor Catherine Smart enquired why a litter bin had not been provided at the junction of Wycliffe and Brooks Road as she had requested in the Autumn. Since the meeting, the bin has been installed.

Councillor Catherine Smart comments, “bins left out, graffiti, fly-tipping and dog-fouling may be the “small change” of civic life but they contribute, or rather detract from, our pleasure in living in Romsey.  If you know of something that needs dealing with, please get in touch with me.”

3. Ridgeon’s Site – the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance.

This was exhibited and discussed. The consultation period continues till 29th February.

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