News from Tamara Bennett,
PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) for Wadhurst

Thefts
Wealden is currently experiencing a small but significant increase in thefts from garden sheds and outbuildings. Be vigilant to anyone acting suspiciously and report any concerns to Sussex Police. Lock any items securely inside the shed and mark any property with a name and postcode. Keep records of serial numbers and build a portfolio at www.immobilise.com.
Operation Crackdown
This is an initiative that is working well to identify and deal with drivers that are reported to be committing offences such as driving while using a mobile phone, speeding, ignoring a crossing or driving aggressively.
Please report any incidents of speeding/anti social driving, or abandoned cars via email on the Sussex police website www.sussex.police.uk or by phone 01273 642222.
Graffiti
Wadhurst has suffered a spate of graffiti recently. This has been photographed and put on the Tagwatch scheme for identification.
Local Meetings
Tamara is conducting Street Meetings each month, where local residents can meet to discuss topical issues, recruit for Neighbourhood Watch/Farmwatch or just to get to know their local PCSO.
Blog
Please take a look at the blog each month for more updates. www.sussex.police.uk if you are on the internet or call Tamara on 0845 6070999 ext 20256

Say No to Cold Callers
Since 2008 Wadhurst has been a No Cold Calling Zone, meaning that uninvited doorstop selling is discouraged. Cold calling is often associated with crime. Call the Doorsteppers hotline to report any cold callers so that the police and trading standards can check them out.
DOOR STEPPERS HOTLINE 01323 418228

Kerbside Recycling at last
There is a government target for all households to have kerbside recycling of at least two different materials by 2010. Wealden District Council, the authority responsible for collecting waste in our area, is planning an expansion of kerbside recycling and Wadhurst is scheduled to be in the first phase of this latest scheme which is due to start next spring. Representatives from the Parish Council will be attending a meeting at the recycling depot at Uckfield at the end of September to find out details of the kerbside recycling scheme and how the changeover period will be managed. Bulletins will be published in the news section of the council's website www.wadhurstpc.info. In the meantime, please continue to use the extensive recycling facilities at the household waste site in Faircrouch Lane.

Action on Speeding
There have been renewed calls for a reduction of the speed limit to 20mph on the approach roads to the village centre and 30mph on Station Hill. If Wadhurst Parish Council had the power to implement these measures, they would have been in place years ago. The authority lies with East Sussex County Council Highways Department and the village has not met the criteria they have set. Although the Parish Council has installed a flashing speed warning sign on Cousley Wood Road and paid for extra speed monitoring sessions over the last few years, many residents feel that more needs to be done. There are several sites in the village currently being assessed for the village PSCO to use a speed gun and volunteer parishioners are keen to join in If you feel you would like to be involved please contact the PCSO.