This is insane

 The government policy of enforcing a 20% cut in policing costs at these times of unrest is insane.

Whilst I can understand that if our debts are going to be paid we all need to accept a reduction in our standard of living, however the unrest that is evident in the country needs a lot a good relaxed policing that treats upset people in a way that helps them come to terms with our predicament.

The minute that the police show signs of being fallible humans reacting to stress will be the time when society frustrations will begin to explode. One of our top requirements if we are to function as a "Big Society" will that excesses are dealt with firmly but sypathetically.

The situation that we had last year with many of our Ulverston police force being required to travel  to hot spots of rioting in our cities will inevitably have led to stress as our police struggled to cope.

If our police are expected to become supermen and women who knuckle down and deliver whatever the demands, then we will have a breakdown in their ability to function. There is a lot of determination amongst the police to do a good job which is being undermined by their working conditions. Sadly their ethos does not allow them to campaign vociferously. Thus our politicians (that's you  Cllr James Airey and MP Woodcock and Farron) need to be well informed about what is happening in order put our views forward effectively. A visit to the 'coal face' would seem to be indicated rather than leave it to stilted public meetings for communication.

Despite reading time and again the statement that I should make my views known, it took me a long time to find the questionaire below

The police questionaire on front line services is here

http://www.cumbria.police.uk/about-us/our-surveys/public-consultation-on-police-front-counter-services

I found it a very biased consultation with great skill needed to put my views across - this leads me to question its reliability as an expression of our real views but rather the kind of 'put up job' the public has come to expect of government 'consulations'. Which is why so few can find the energy to respond.

Writing to our County Councillors and MPs seem to me to be far more effective. With email this is so simple, it's a mistake if we don't.

Dangerous parking - the sequel

Mr. Dellow,
                I am PC----(name given) and I am currently working in the community office at Ulverston Police station. PS (Police Sergeant - name given) passed me your e-mail and a link to your blog about the vehicle you witnessed parked at the roundabout at the bottom of Soutergate, Ulverston on 28th June 2011.
Thank you for the enlarged photograph which enabled me to see the vehicles registered number. I have carried out the relevant checks on the vehicle and I have spoken to the registered keeper, who was using the vehicle at the given time and date. The keeper of the vehicle has been given advice about their parking and also appraised of parking offences the police can and will deal with.
The keeper of the vehicle has been warned regarding their use of their vehicle at this time.

I hope this is satisfactory?

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me via any of the details below.

Regards

(name given)

To which I responded:

"Brilliant.

I hope you were met with a little glimmer of recognition that parking at this location was not desirable.

If so this would be far more than I was able to obtain.

My opinion is that if we can get the public supported by the police making their views heard in a quiet firm and rational way we will encourage the few in  Ulverston who show little regard for others to change - a little.

By contrast I fully agree with your Sgt that I do not want to encourage an emotional antagonistic approach to lawbreakers in Ulverston.

A difficult line to walk.

Thanks

Geoff Dellow"

For your consideration

Do we approve of the actions of our police and those of the students.

At least with Youtube we have access to footage that allows us to make our own minds up.

Mr DNA - rest assured.

This is what started it all - for me a red rag to a bull - when this sign was left over three months without repair in our main square.

I'm finally informed that the DNA samples and other evidence in connection with my 'Straighten that Sign' activity, have now been destroyed.

And that's without hassling them.

However they've certainly taken their time - for which the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Officer writes:

"I apologise to you again for the delay in dealing with your request"

So that's sorted, let's move on to the Tomlinson case and get that sorted in the limelight and not brush it under the carpet.

An extremely serious issue - police beware.

The advice to charge PC over Ian Tomlinson death ignored.

Police watchdog and pathologist favoured tougher line than CPS as Tomlinson's family accuse authorities of cover-up



Every policeman should be outraged at this decision. It brings the whole police force across the country into disrepute. An essential ingredient in policing - Trust - will be severely eroded.

There has been dismay at the level of support - in the tens of thousands - given to the Raoul Moat Facebook pages which continue to pop up. This illustrates the level of anti police feeling there is in the country.

We need to feel that we can trust our police.

Police, like those of our Ulverston Police force, some of whom I know as great and caring guys, will suffer in the long run as a result of what happens over this Ian Tomlinson case.

We all need to campaign like hell to reverse this decision.

Another couple of letters to MPs are called for!

DNA and the police

Still no sign of my DNA samples being returned.

These were taken on April 24th following my action to straighten the parking sign outside Tesco which resulted in the sign snapping at the base (Click the label DNA). This action was taken in reponse to the inaction of the County Highways to replace the sign in spite of repeated requests over a three month period from our Mayor.

This makes it two months since they were taken. Their return was promised the following week following the police's decision not to press charges for criminal damage.

I don't plan to kick up a fuss but just wait and see how long it takes for them to fulfill their promise, given at the time, that thes samples would be returned.

Gone are the wonky lines outside Tesco

Now just a small hole!

A return to sanity .

Great feeling of relief in spite of an hour in the police station "helping police with their enquiries".

An enlightening introduction to police paperwork, finger printing, mug shot, DNA sampling and a recorded interview.

Update:

Yes the leaning sign outside Tesco has now gone.

I attempted to straighten the sign with a stronger cable (my second attempt) very early Saturday morning with the result that it snapped instead of straightening - always a possibility - it was clearly unstable and this could have happened any time. It was done with practically no one around.

I made sure the least police time was spent on this event by informing them immediately and went down to the station to make a recorded statement and be processed - something that takes over an hour.

The reason I did it is that I was totally frustrated by the inaction by the County Council to rectify an eyesore in such a prominent place which had drawn complaints from the The Mayor and Town Council.

In the event I believe the sign should have been taken down immediately it happened . It could have then been replaced quickly with a wooden post using the existing hole at minimal cost. This could then have been replaced when time permitted.

This I believe will be the best procedure for the future. Though it's unlikely to happen again!

I believe the Town Council should have the power to take action it considers appropriate immediately even though that may incur a small cost to the rate payer.

The present system insults our town and conveys the message that no one cares about the town when in reality, a lot of us do, but we can do nothing except operate illegally. The Law needs to change.

In the mean time, in similar circumstances, I shall do the same except that I will act faster if it appears that no immediate action is evident. ie action within a fortnight.

The phrase "in similar circumstances," is absolutely crucial. Each case must be considered separately. I am NOT advocating taking the law into our own hands in all but a minute number of cases.

I think the Town Council should have the power to effect repairs if it so decides. I would then cease to act illegally and I would lobby the town councillors for action. Unfortunately they appear powerless, so then I feel the need to take action myself.

I don't know about you but . . . .

I've had enough of looking at this wonky sign for the last two months!



What message does it send out?

A job that could take just five minutes to straighten.

Who's the SLDC councillor for this area - Jamie Samson Conservative.

How about Colin Williams Labour, the Town Councillor - I would have thought he would have had it fixed!

I'm minded to give SLDC two weeks to fix it - or else - someone may have fixed it themselves!

What do you think - a couple (three - I'll direct the traffic) of us with a rope?

Or do we need a tug-of-war team.

What are the bets it can be done by a 75 year old on his own ?

It's amazing what strength you get when you get all excited!

B & Q donate bulbs to Barrow and some come to Ulverston's public places.

These 540 bulbs need planting as soon as possible!

Passed on to us by the Ulverston Community Police Officers they are heading for Ulverston Pulci places.

The location is up to you.

At the moment the idea is to focus them on Mill Dam Playground where they will be followed up with plants grown from seed. Some will also go in the Gill Banks planters!

Want to get involved ? They could perhaps go in a patch of ground near you!

What the police are up to

Worth a look

This is a way of communicating with the police - what do you think?

Police districts
Click on South at the bottom and then Ulverston

Town Ward
General anti social behavior relating to inappropriate use of motor vehicles

In line with our policing pledge, we are tackling the issues which you have said are the community priority. We have stopped drivers who use their vehicles inappropriately. We have served legal notices on repeat offenders. Ignoring these warnings will lead to a further sanction which is having their vehicle confiscated. A number of drivers have been stopped in and around the town and have been dealt with for speeding and noisy exhausts. Some drivers received warnings for bad driving.

North Ward
Priorities for this area have been identified by residents as speeding vehicles and inappropriate parking in Soutergate, Ulverston

You said to us that inappropriate parking and speeding vehicles on Soutergate is the number one community priority.
We are making regular visits to the area, sometimes with the council traffic enforcement officers. We are checking the speed of cars in the community and giving advice to drivers.
In line with our policing pledge we will respond promptly to complaints in this area.
We will keep you updated at the Town Council meeting and through this newsletter.

Central ward
Youth Anti Social Behaviour
The main priority for the community has been identified as youth nuisance / disorder particularly in the area of Croftlands play area

In line with our policing pledge we are responding promptly to reports of young people drinking and behaving in an anti social manner around Croftlands Play area Central Drive. We are carrying out high visibility patrols in the area to speak to the residents and young people who are in the area. Particularly during and after construction of the new Multi Use Games Area.

South Ward

The wards of Central and South are low crime areas. During the month of October there was decrease in the number of anti social behaviour calls compared to the month of September. There was only one reported crime for the area which was damage to a vehicle on Lime Tree Road. In line with our policing pledge we are maintaining close contact with the victim. Anybody with information about this offence is asked to contact us.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local youths for making Halloween and Bonfire night trouble free events and an enjoyable occasion for the community.

In association with Young Cumbria and Lakes Leisure, football sessions are being provided for local young people until March 2010.

East Ward
Anti Social Behaviour – We asked the residents who told us that groups of youths hanging about and playing football in the streets made them feel intimidated and worried especially in The Byron Street and Towers Street Area.

In line with our policing pledge we will respond promptly to any issue you identify as a number one community priority. We are also working with partners to find longer term solutions to the problems you have identified.
A Multi Use Games Area and a children’s centre has been built and is available for all residents to use in a Safe Comfortable and convenient location on the estate.

West Ward
Priorities for this area have been identified by residents as anti social behaviour around Meeting House lane/Swarthmoor Hall/Springfield Woods area.

In line with our policing pledge we are making regular visits and patrols in this area, and we will respond promptly to complaints which we receive.
We will keep you updated with our progress at the meetings which we attend and through this newsletter.
If you would like to discuss this issue, please contact Helen Madden on the above contact details.

Your views on the police

Very few people seem to have a good word for the police which in my view is grossly unfair. Personally I have been very impressed with Ulverston police.

Now those who have some area that they would like improved have a genuine chance to have their say.

SDLC Cllr Mark Wilson wants to hear your views. There are only a few cllrs that really impress me. Mark Wilson is one and James Airey is another. Both are relatively new in their jobs and possibly for that reason are keen. Mark has been an SLDC Councillor for just over a year and James, a County Councillor for a few months.

Mark Wilson is working hard for those in South Ulverston who are caught in a depressingly run industrial area, by bringing in the local MP , Hutton who should be trying to impress on behalf of a beleagured Labour Government.

The minute James Airey was elected, he took action to make known the sad state of Victoria High School to the people right at the top. I hope to be able to report back on further action he is taking after a meeting with him next week.

Sadly, we in Ulverston haven't been well represented by decisive people in the past at County Level and at District Level the representation for the most part has been pathetic. Jayne Kendall has certainly done plenty but the Cllrs seem to just sit back and not give her much guidance so that there have been some glaring mistakes like the Ulverston Web site which is still abysmal, the design of the County Square which could have been a lot better and the dreadful situation of the useless Stockbridge Car Park at a time when good well signposted parking is essential to the town's future.

As often happens with a tired mind, i have rambled on. the main point is to tell Marl Wilson your views on the Police. I believe this bit of energy won't for once be wasted.

Police activity in Ulverston

An excellent report in the Evening Mail of the police work in Ulverston was sparked off by Gary Fine of Cross Lane, South Ulverston.

It really does make an impact if you attend the Town Council meetings and voice your concerns. That and writing to you local councillor are well worth the effort. The more of us that write and speak up , the more likely are they to do something.

I noted that the MUGA was referred to by the police as offering alternative activities for young people. The People on Croftlands could be kicking up a fuss about theirs which is already nearly six months overdue and may get done by the end of the year.

Contact Norman Bishop-Rowe on this one- email n.bishop-rowe@southlakeland.gov.uk from "Your local councillor in 10 seconds" on the menu here on the right. He's the one responsible.

A chance to talk to a police chief

Meeting in the Coro tonight

Doing - here in Ulverston

If one agrees that the problem is with the way the civil servants get entrenched in their views then one way is to open up dialogue with the public.

This could lead to greater job satisfaction as long as the public didn't keep thoughtlessly slagging them off.

One example of this is with the police force. Very few people have a good word for them. Yet I have found that they are a really good set of guys trying to do a very difficult job. Granted there will be some that aren't as enthusiastic as we might expect. But just imagine being in a job when one gets continuous hassle and very little appreciation. Ever since I've given them some appreciation on this blog I've got on well with them and I now regularly get excellent honest 'off the record' communication with them. This is not because I've been easy on them with the things I've said occasionally.

In the long term I find I build really healthy relationships by giving honest reactions to people (this is not seen by most as the way a good politician operates but then I'm trying to be true to myself and not an imitation of someone else). I try to tell people exactly what I think and this is includes giving praise where it is due.

So back to improved communication.

First we have to get the officers to give us truthful answers to our questions. Many avoid contact unless you persist.

Second we could encourage the public to communicate directly with them. At the moment we leave this to our councillors but often they do a very surficial job and are manipulated by the officers. The officers are often laying down policy not the reverse.

The way I've decided to do this is the form smallish very localised groups that come from an identifiable area. Having tried this once I found we got a group of talkers who wanted to sit and dream of what could be done but not actually do much.

So I'm now tackling the group formation differently. Get together a group of doers rather than talkers. This doing can be anything and my interest is pottery. I already run three weekly groups of potters in my workshop and they are great people. Potter of course is a demanding thing to do particularly if one is being creative and trying new things. There are plenty of frustrations when the product isn't up to expectations - it may fail at the first hurdle and crack in half as it dries!

With this practical craft it encourages risk takers and whingers quickly stop coming.

So a new group is being set up in a community centre without the dreaded grants, so people have to pay small amounts for themselves which will ensure that the group continues. Having got one group going it is hoped to form a second and a third in different areas of Ulverston.

Having got doers together, I'm hoping that these people will have views that they want carried out for their areas and one or two will want to represent the group at local government level as independent thinking people. They will gradually learn which officials to contact to get things done and reap the reward of things actually happening.

It's a long term strategy and it will be fun to see what happens. There are other groups of doers amongst us of course - the largest probably are the gardeners with their allotments.

A great scare crow!

So far they are managed by the council but they could claim more ownership of their work and set up independent self help groups. Something I'm just getting to find out about.

So it is to be "doers of Ulverston work together" but not necessarily 'unite' as that implies that they will all want the same thing.

That was a long post - how did you cope.

With my main contact with people through doers, you can perhaps understand my lack of enthusiasm for people who just talk especially in the early hours on their computers. As I've said before I write this for my own benefit - it helps me sort my thinking out and sometimes spot where I'm going wrong!

I sometimes make contact with another doer too!

Roxy review

I have now talked to an increasing number of people regarding their experiences of what happens at, and in the nearby streets to, the Roxy in the early hours when they hold an event.

I have forwarded to Gary Robinson my concerns. Yet even after this, it would appear that the behaviour last Saturday night (30th May), Sunday morning, was as bad as ever.

If anyone else would like to share their views here or privately by email, they are welcome. I would especially like to hear from you if they are ready to make a signed statement.

Drugs

The discussion on the lower pages has made me go back to basics regarding my beliefs.

I'd appreciate your help in sorting these out with your reactions to the following because my actions will be dependent on these beliefs.

We all take drugs - well possibly one in a million doesn't.

Tea and coffee are drugs; herbal teas are drugs. We take others quite readily for illnesses.

The drug that causes the most concern in Britain is alcohol.

All drugs affect the behaviour of our body.

Alcohol has the property to help us relax. Some people cannot relax without it.

It leads to people's loss of inhibitions; they behave in a way that would not normally be their natural behaviour when they are "under the influence".

Encouraging people to drink excessively is irresponsible because as soon as they start losing their inhibitions, they can't see why they shouldn't drink more and more . . The result can be damage to themselves, to property and to other people.

If the result of activities in an establishment leads to people coming onto the streets out of control and this arises from them drinking too much (something they might well deny), we have a problem. More seriously people who are "not under the influence "- bar staff may allow them to drink.

If there are very rare occurrences where the Police have to be involved outside then this is understandable. If however Police are regularly required to bring order to irresponsible people then the establishment is not working as we would wish.

When people come out on the streets at times that non drinking people are around in quantity (during daylight) then these have a great influence on the behaviour of the less responsible. However when irresponsible come onto the streets in the middle of the night when the majority are in bed and the only other people that are around may be other irresponsible people. Then we a looking at "trouble". The only solution that we have then is the sober authoratitive Police.

The latter can do an excellent job but cost the taxpayer a lot of money especially if the have to operate regularly in the middle of the night. With limitted resources of cash there can be other work that we may want the police to do - in the day time.

Thus I conclude that if certain activities in the town regularly lead to irresponsible behaviour in the night then those activities should be stopped.

The onus is on the establishments - no one else.

Gary Robinson on the new Roxy venue.

The follow recounts a phone conversation with Gary Robinson of the Canteen in Barrow and now the Roxy Music/Arts venue.

This call was made to Gary "out of the blue" yesterday (Saturday 9th afternoon)

His initial reaction was resentment that someone was apparently phoning to tell him his job and what he should do in what was "family time".

My urgency was to catch him before the Saturday night gig so that he could start that night, aware of the views of several people that I have been in touch with in the last few days. (Having stated that it was family time, it was difficult to get Gary off the phone once he had started - he is good at arguing his point of view as those that heard him at the public meeting will know.)

On Feb 5th I posted an article very much in favour of this project. Now I have severe doubts.

On some points during our conversation, I found him unconvincing.

He argues - and he is welcome to correct me here - the following:

He is following the rules and doing all he can and if there is bad behaviour then this is because of the type of people he is dealing with.

He believes it is early days and it will take a while for the irresponsible behaviour to be weeded out by excluding these people from entering the venue.

He is paying high wages to ensure that expert staff are employed to deal with any behaviour problems. He also feels he has a good working relationship with the police.

For my part I ,and many others, look at the situation very differently.

What impressed me about the description of what was to happen with Gary at the Roxy was that something of benefit was going to happen in the town and that there was a need for responsible people to have a venue open till 3.00 am where they could enjoy live music along with an occasional drink. Furthermore the Roxy could become a venue were the artistic interests in the town could be focused and developed.

What has happened so far does not encourage this optimism.

It is essential to me and many others that access to alcohol until late does not lead to drunken behaviour by people that have lost their inhibitions and control of what they do.

At present what is happening sends out messages to me and others that people with too much alcohol inside them are being turned out on our streets in the early hours. People who show little concern for others.

Gary cannot in my opinion duck this issue. It can be argued that the behaviour is linked to drink. This is happening inside the Roxy and is thus the responsibility of those behind the bar. The Roxy must quickly establish itself as a place that will attract the responsible people who go to enjoy good , live music and not the irresponsible who go to drink.

Gary Robinson has total responsibility for the way in which his venue is run and it must quickly become a place for the former.

If the latter take hold; I and many others will join together to force the venue to be closed.

I suggest that a change of direction needs to be implemented quickly. The whole appearance of the venue both outside and in, needs urgent attention in my view. The quality is nowhere up to the standard of the former Buffers at the station and that had its problems.

Your views as always are welcome. I trust that the Councillor for this area - Jamie Samson - with his interests in the licensing committee of South Lakeland is monitoring the situation closely.

Roxy concerns

What started as a good idea for Ulverston shows signs of turning sour.



This is the view as one approaches the Roxy this Saturday morning.



And this is what is found on the door step.

Not the images that convey responsible behaviour the night before when this new music venture was in action.

Neighbours across the main road are already reporting a deterioration in the noise levels coming from this venue and these images tell their own story.

Suspicions that excessive drinking here would be condoned are being confirmed.

The management will have to take a firm approach and not serve alcohol to people who abuse their nighbourhood. It is the man behind the bar that needs to take action. Profits from beer sales must be secondary to this place being a benefit to Ulverston.

At present the signs are not good and I am seeking an interview with the promoters. Now is the time for a firm approach to be taken or they will have Ulverstonians turning against them.

Which view do you support?

At attempt to disperse young people with high pitch sound using a device called a Mosquito by Appleby Police or

Help Create a Bright Future for Cumbria's Young People with a Penrith based charity that promotes partnerships between the community and schools using "Creative Ambassodors".

The first is funded by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and is being used to tackle anti-social behaviour problems at an Eden sports club. The Mosquito works by emitting a high-pitched buzzing noise that causes discomfort to young ears, usually under the age of 25, but cannot be heard by adults.

Some would see this action as negative and aggravating the problem with young people and alienating them from society. It is seen as being discriminatory towards the young in the same way that the was done against the Jews or even towards old people.

Do the people in Appleby believe that it will help solve a problem ; simply move it on elsewhere; or even worse aggravate the gap between young people and those older.

EDINBURGH is set to become the first place in Scotland to ban this controversial device .

It is not known how many may be around Edinburgh, but deputy education leader David Beckett said the proposed ban would send a message to would-be buyers that it is not welcome in the Capital.

The campaign has won the support of human rights groups including Liberty, whose director, Shami Chakrabarti:

"What type of society uses a low-level sonic weapon on its children? Imagine the outcry if a device was introduced that caused blanket discomfort to people of one race or gender, rather than to our kids," she said.

“These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving,” Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, the Children's Commissioner for England told the BBC. “The use of measures such as these are simply demonising children and young people, creating a dangerous and widening divide between the young and the old.”

On the other hand Creative Ambassadors are seen by others as encouraging young people to be positive.

" The regeneration of Cumbria depends on motivating and raising the aspirations of its future workforce.

To meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world, today’s young people need creative talent, enterprising attitudes and the confidence to develop innovative ideas and practices to address the needs of the future."

To find creative practitioners around Ulverston click here - there are lots!

Which approach do you favour?

My visits to the Town Council over the past 18 months suggest that there is only one councillor that attempts to engage with young people. The rest suggest that this is someone else's business and there is no sense of urgency to see projects through.

Is it surprising that they get angry?

What are your views?

Liberty and Kent County Council are against the Mosquito

G12 and demonstrations

It was reassuring that the world leaders saw the need to come together and agree action. The proof will be in the pudding - and we would be fools to expect anything in the future other than hardship.

What I found really good was that no matter how hard the press and the police conveyed the message that there would be problems with demonstrations; there were only minor ones with one guy smashing a RBS window followed by a wrecking invasion of property (no doubt there were more that I didn't see). The sad thing was that those nearby didn't manage to stop this mindless emotional outburst - but they clearly tried.

It was good to see Joe Public getting involved. Let's hope this display of community involvement continues when they get home - I'm all for it !