Urged to work together

Everyone should work together to tackle problems in Balderton, a Safer Neighbourhood Group meeting in the village centre was told on Monday.

All sections of the community, including young people, the elderly, ethnic minority groups and those with disabilities, were urged to attend future meetings of the group.

The call came from Newark and Sherwood District Council community safety officer, Mr Neil Atkinson.

The head at The Grove School, Balderton, Mrs Patricia Head, said she would invite a representative from the student council to attend.

A youth worker would also be asked to give a written report on work in Balderton.

The public are also welcome.

Problems identified including burglaries by bogus workmen.

The Balderton beat officer, Pc Martin Stannard, urged people to contact the police if they thought a vulnerable person was being targeted.

“I don’t think we are seeing any more than in the past. It’s just out there,” he said.

“We are not always lucky enough to go through the door when advantage is being taken.”

Charity collection scams were also an issue and anyone with concerns was again told to inform the police.

Pc Stannard reported on progress regarding problems highlighted previously, including groups of young people who hang around on the streets.

He said there were increased patrols at areas where youngsters congregated, such as outside the Co-op store.

Pc Stannard said information from test purchase operations suggested youngsters were not buying alcohol, but some parents were supplying it to older children.

He said police had visited the families of young people caught with alcohol.

Pc Stannard said they were fining people illegally parking outside Tesco, on Main Street.

“People don’t listen to advice. The only thing people respond to is when they are ticketed,” he said.

The next meeting of the Safer Neighbourhood Group is on March 10 at the village centre at 6.30pm.