Hi Folks

Well, here we are again into another year of the 21st century and what's in store for us this time. The opening of the New Year was really spectacular with the firework displays that could be seen for miles around. It's a pity the weather wasn't kind enough for some people when displays, organised by the local councils, had to be cancelled Never mind, we can't have everything now, can we.

On the home front, I'm sure many of you will have noticed the progress in the development of the doctor's surgery. It's really coming along fine. Perhaps, after its final health check, the summer may see it ready for opening, if not sooner. Once upon a time I had a lovely view from my kitchen window. I could see the Lingfield Farm pub and Macdonald's from there, and on the night-time, when they were both lit up, the view was absolutely picturesque, Unfortunately, progress stands in the way, and so do a number of big brown iron girders that are to be the new Health and Fitness Centre (Bannatynes, and yes I've spelt the damn thing correctly this time).

If you haven't seen the new construction work of the Lingfield Farm Countryside Centre, then get yourself there. I'm sure you'll be amazed at the transformation. There's plenty of opportunity to do all kinds of things there too, so watch out for posters and other advertising.

Safeway's Supermarket have been given the go ahead to develop their new store. If you would like to see the plans for this, pop in to Langdon Square Community Centre.

The laying of cables underground and the removal of the pylons is making progress further south of Coulby Newham/Marton areas. The organisation involved in this and a couple of residents 'from our community are working as a committee to monitor the situation. There will also be an information centre set up near the Arcadia Nursery, so if you are concerned about any issues, pop along and ask questions.

One of our strong, active, community/neighbourhood unsung hero, Mr Bill Field, and his lovely wife Elizabeth, are soon to leave us for pastures new. I'm sure you will know that Bill has been actively involved in many issues concerning developments in Coulby, i.e. the Residents Association, Langdon Square Community Centre, the Swimming Baths, Sunnyside Playscheme, handrails, the environment, bus services, the list is endless. Many thanks Bill for your caring and your devotion to Coulby Newham and your own Forum 3 Neighbourhood. We appreciate everything you've done for the community and you'll be a treasure that we will surely miss.

Now I'm sure you must have heard the saying and song, 'If you want to know the time ask a policeman.' Well, my advice to you is, if you live up hem in Coulby Newham, buy yourselves' a watch. You stand more of a chance winning the lottery than finding a policeman up here. Now Fm not plugging our hard working community bobbies down, I sympathise entirely with what they have to endure, working in low numbers, and it bothers me such that this so called New Labour government is not providing enough police officers in this country to protect the public, nor is it doing the same to protect its own work force. Whatever happened to the Crime and Disorder Act, whatever happened to Anti-Social Behaviour Act, whatever happened to the Zero Tolerance Act. Where these nice titles for reports to gather dust on shelves and does Zero Tolerance mean Zero none attendance, because that now seems to be the case when you make a 999 call, no one seems to come out unless it is top priority. Could someone please explain, when a 999 call is made for a vicious and violent assault and no police attendance is made, what exactly is the top priority 999 call. I always thought that into the 21" century with new technology and all that, things would get better. Perhaps I had my head in the clouds too.

Never mind, keep taking the tablets, and to Cleveland Constabulary, 'You're the weakest link.' Goodbye.

From your most despondent Secretary Geoff Wishart

Don't forget. If you have anything to say then send me a letter. OH! And please make sure it is political correct now won't you. We don't want to be upsetting our European neighbours by saying that SNOW is WHITE and CUSTARD is YELLOW now do we. Whoever called this little island Great Britain.

What became apparent at the meeting was that many people are confused by the law and have misconceptions about what we can do about 'anti-social' behaviour. Perhaps the following points will give a simple explanation of some of the issues.

Finally on the issue of young people I would like parents who are reading this to ask themselves 'Is my son and daughter causing problems?' Because a11 the children we have to deal with are someone's son or daughter.

With darker nights here and Christmas right around the corner
We would like everyone to remember the basic crime tips.....

Things aren't so bad in Coulby Newham but don't become complacent. Walk-in thefts are still occurring here. They don't just happen in the summer. Even if you are in the house keep doors & windows locked, unless they are within your view. One or two folk have been victims of dash-in and bag-grabs.
Car crime won't go away. It hasn't reached epidemic proportions but some older types of Vauxhalls have been either stolen or broken into. If your car is parked on the road overnight - do everything you can think of to deter the thief.
Garden ornament and equipment thieves are around again. If it can be lifted it can very easily disappear from your garden. Don't lose out to the thief get your valuable treasures post-coded. A lovely fawn ornament was stolen recently, so if you spot a stray Bambi whilst on your travels, please give Coulby Police Station a Ring, 326326.

SLEEP EASY