Police are thanking residents in Gurnard for their opinions in deciding the community’s priorities for the new year.

The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team carried out ‘street mapping’ surveys of the entire village towards the end of last year when officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) visited people’s homes to ask for their views on the area.

Sybil Lallow at home in Gurnard with PC Mark Thomas (left) and PCSO Steve Oatley (right) from the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team.

Acting Inspector Julie Cocks, who leads the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team, said:

“It was positive to note that 98% of the people who responded reported feeling safe in Gurnard. It was reassuring to read that many residents enjoyed living in Gurnard because it had a strong sense of community spirit.

“Among the residents responding was a 100-year-old woman, Sybil Lallow, who said she felt safe living in Gurnard, but had some concerns about parking and cold telephone callers. I’m grateful to residents of all ages for taking the time to give us their feedback because they are always at the forefront of our efforts to prevent crime. Working closely alongside communities remains the essential element to identifying and successfully tackling issues so people can feel safe and confident about where they live.”

The 359 questionnaires completed and returned to police revealed the following community priorities:

1.         Improving parking and reducing traffic congestion.

2.         Dealing with speeding motorists.

3.         Reducing dog fouling and associated problems with dogs roaming.

4.         Increasing the frequency of bus services.

5.         Improving street lighting.

The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team is working with the Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit to deter and detect speeding in Gurnard. Both local and visiting motorists face prosecution and education when caught breaking the law and endangering the lives of other road users.

Local county councillor Paul Fuller with Gurnard Parish Council is looking into the issues surrounding parking, traffic congestion, bus services and street lighting. The Isle of Wight Council Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer (ENO) for Cowes Jacqui Darby and the local authority’s dog wardens are responding to the issues raised about dogs.

Acting Inspector Cocks added:

“Police remain committed with our partner agencies to keep residents informed regularly throughout this year about the actions we’re taking and the progress we’re making in tackling these priorities. The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team conduct regular foot and cycle patrols in the Gurnard area so we are always keen to hear your feedback about any issues causing concern so our efforts are focused in the right places at the right times.”

The Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team is Acting Inspector Julie Cocks, PC Justin Pringle, PC Mark O’Sullivan, PC Mark Thomas, PC Minka Ball, PCSO Steve Oatley and PCSO Lisa Paul. More information is available online at www.hampshire.police.uk

They can be contacted at Cowes Police Station by phoning 101 or e-mailing cowes.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk