The Town Centre Beat

Now the one-way system in the Town Centre is in place, one of the most common complaints we receive is of cyclists either riding on the pavements, without lights or cycling the wrong way against the flow of traffic. Apart from causing danger to other road users and pedestrians, all of these offences carry a £30.00 fine. Please pass this message onto your staff for them to set a good example to others.

Bye-laws are now in force, covering a wide range of anti-social behaviour and nuisance. Skateboarding on highways and pavements to the annoyance of other users falls within one of these Byelaws. These Byelaws are normally dealt with by Sedgemoor District Council but the Police may prosecute when necessary. Copies of the Byelaws may be obtained from Sedgemoor District Council at Bridgwater House.

On a more positive note, the Police have seen a dramatic fall in calls to Blake Gardens. During May to September 2001 we were being called to the Gardens on average five times a week. Over the last six months (October 2001 - March 2002) we have only been called six times. This is mainly due to working in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council who have reduced the size of various bushes and improved the overall appearance of the gardens. The Police also patrol on a regular basis.

Reported crime in the Town Centre has fallen, at one stage it accounted for over 50% of the Sector’s total crime, it is now down to below 20%. Two types of crime are still too high; theft from motor vehicles and assaults. All efforts will be made to try and reduce these types of crime. A recent survey showed that 30% of vehicles broken into were left insecure with property on view. Most assaults are drink related. In the near future a Bridgwater Pubwatch will be set up with some 24 licensed premises already signed up and others wanting to join. The end result will be people convicted of Assaults, Damage or Public Order offences being banned from all the Pubwatch premises for a certain length of time which can be from 3 months to a lifetime ban, depending on the gravity of the offence. Pubwatch will be invited to dovetail into a new crime partnership initiative that is being developed by the Town Centre Manager. I am sure that continued partnership working will help to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, making the Town Centre an even more attractive and friendly place to visit.

Sgt. Paul White

Tel: 01278 363330

Voice Mail 01823 363287 Box No 70474

"Two types of crime are still too high; theft from motor vehicles and assaults. All efforts will be made to try and reduce these types of crime".

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Townscape Scheme starts to make Impact

As widely reported, the new YMCA Foyer project at St Mary Street is underway and will be the recipient of the first large grant from the Bridgwater Townscape Heritage Initiative (T.H.I.) for a quality new building and architectural detail. This long-standing corner gap site will now be transformed into an important piece of townscape, which will contribute towards regeneration and promote investment confidence. The grant of £25,000 from the T.H.I. will be towards the cost of a natural slate roof, extensive lead work and natural stone detailing.

The Cornhill is identified as a Key building in the T.H.I. with particular potential for regeneration of the town centre. The District Council will soon be recommending the appointment of an architect to consider proposals for enhancement of the building including arrangements for public consultation. Progress will be reported as frequently as possible.

We are also working on material, which will be available shortly, for inclusion on this website, click here to be updated with news on the Cornhill and other T.H.I. projects as they evolve. If you would like to know more about the T.H.I. scheme or get involved please contact either:

Helen Tasker 01278 435490 or Mark Alcock 01278 435495

or by email

thi@sedgemoor.gov.uk

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