Notes of Doddinghurst Neighbourhood Watch meeting
Tuesday 5th October 2010

1. Welcome

Bill Reid welcomed Diane MacVeigh and Ben Felton

Diane will work with Bill and Colin to get Neighbourhood Watch going in Brentwood.

Ben Felton is our new local Police Sergeant. He has moved to us four weeks ago from the Metropolitan Police in East London and lives in Colchester

2. Apologies for Absence

Maggie Cooper

Emma Clark

Peter Froebel

Jim Smith

3.Matters arising

No reported matters arising from the previous meeting.

4. Constitution for Doddinghurst NHW

Bill Reid handed out copies of a suggested Constitution and invited comments and corrections. The Constitution is needed so that we can correctly hold monies, both existing and any future donations. Bill invited further comments within the next seven days. Peter Fisk will then update and correct the Constitution and we will plan to sign it off at the next meeting.

Within the meeting, Robin questioned the wording about restrictions known criminals. Bill will take advice on what can be used here.

After some discussion, it was agreed that the AGM should be in May to tie in with a financial year ending March.

5. Finance

Robin reported that we currently have £269 (less a bill submitted by Bill at the meeting). Colin still has £500 for use in the whole of Brentwood, but until there is a constitution we cannot open an official bank account and hold this money on Brentwood's behalf.

Colin reported that there has been a suggestion of purchasing a night vision monocular for use by Brentwood NHW. It could be useful to local Police in identifying nighttime trouble makers. Harlow Community Safety Partnership has bought two for farmers around Harlow. Farmwatch locally have one. If this was bought by the Police, then perhaps our PCSO could borrow it. Were it possible for the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) to buy one to be held at Brentwood Police Station then our PCSO could have access to it. Colin is sure that the CSP will not be able to fund it, but will ask Tracy Lilley. In any case he recommends that we should do fund-raising ourselves as a means to improve our visibility.(N.B if running a prize draw, alcohol must not be offered as a prize). We can use the nation NHW charity registration if necessary.

Robin wishes to resign as treasurer now that there is pressure for NHW to become more formal. The next meeting will be his last in this role. Colin reported that there was general feeling that current NHW members do not wish to be involved in a formal organisation.

6. Speed Watch

Jim Smith had forwarded statistics from the last meeting. Peter Fisk currently holds the equipment, but has been slow to book sessions due to the poor weather with slippery roads. Ben volunteered to ensure that a police officer would be present at the next session if Peter Fisk liaises with Dave Creckendon over the next dates. Bill reported that we have to make better use of our speed gun – at least three sessions a month to justify retaining our camera.

Additional speedwatch volunteers are needed – if only to help us accurately see and record number plates vehicle makes and colours as we had difficulty with this at the last session. Paul reported that, driving during the last Speedwatch session, he was warned several times by other drivers flashing their headlights.

7. Smart Water

Bill reported that when we have the new recruitment session on 20th October we will be advertising SmartWater at that time. We have very few units left of the current batch.

8. Street Coordinators

Bill reported that we still haven't covered the whole of the village. Valerie will be seeing a lady who may be able to help out tonight. Priory Mead is now covered.

Colin explained that the street co-ordinators should look after neighbours in their local local patch; report anything unusual; keep an eye on properties where folk are known to be on holiday; that are showing signs of problems such as papers stuck in doors, milk piling up on doorsteps; and report any such items to the police if necessary. Bill should be informed, but there may be urgent cases where the street co-ordinator needs to tell the police directly.

9. Crime update

Ben reported that he has become aware since joining the local force that Doddinghurst has a problem. With antisocial behavious and particularly with arson. He has put extra patrols in place. They have arrested one youth and plan to arrest another, not with the hope of getting a prosecution, but at least making the youths aware that the police are present. If problems continue, he will get the dispersion zone re-created. The dispersion order was not properly advertised last time. This time it would be.

10. Recruitment

The next recruitment session is on 20th October in the Junior school grounds

11. Junior NHW

Next session Tuesday 20th October. It will be run by Emma Clark and Paul Birkinsteed whilst introducing the volunteer members of NHW.

12. Budgens/camera

Bill reported difficulty in getting to talk with Budgens manager about redirecting their camera. Ben reported that Budgens have agreed to turn their light off at night to discourage the youths collecting outside – but can't currently find the switch.


13. Ring Master Replacement

Bill reported that Kent now have their system running with outputs on Text, Email and 'phone. The hoped for arrangement to allow Essex to share this is still not established.

14. Meeting date in November

Bill will be absent on 2nd November. The November meeting will be chaired by Peter Froebel if he is happy with this, otherwise it will be delayed until 9th November if the room is available or cancelled.

15. Any Other Business

Bill talked about the proposals to honour people who have given particularly valuable service throughout Essex. Nomination forms will be available shortly. Please respond quickly.

Peter Fisk will take photos after the meeting for anyone who wants NHW ID badges and forward them to Colin.