Bohemia Village Voice

Andy Hubbard

Andy Hubbard is the local street bobby, (police community support officer, PCSO) for Gensing, which includes Bohemia. He is assisted by police constable Bellhouse. Andy has organised and attended numerous meetings including a neighbourhood panel meeting in April at the YMCA in St Paul’s Road, a street meeting in Combermere Road, and a meeting at Heron House. The following subjects were raised by residents.
DOG FOULING – a combined police and council enforcement  operation was undertaken within the Gensing ward. This operation was not a success for the issuing of tickets but was hugely appreciated by the public who spoke openly of their support for such initiatives. Environmental Community Officer Sue Deadman said that in the Gensing area 19 fixed penalty notices had been issued and two which ended in court which resulted in a much heavier penalty being imposed. Contact Hastings Borough Council for enviro-crime like littering & dog fouling: 0800 085 4500 Email: together@hastings.gov.uk
DRUG DEALING – the police had recently executed several drug warrants in the Gensing area. The result of these were that several persons were arrested and a significant amount of drugs (of all classes) was taken out of circulation. Further raids are expected. Anti Social Behaviour hotline: 0800 0854 500 Email:  asb@saferhastings.co.uk
LONDON ROAD – a resident mentioned drug taking and dealing in the alley off London Road into Southwater Road. This information has been forwarded on, thank you.
WALLED GARDEN – to residents who called to say that drug dealing was taking place in the Walled Garden in Summerfield Woods, a big thank you. Several persons have been stopped in the area and a quantity of cannabis has been seized. Also the rangers have been contacted and will be replacing the locks on the door.
SPEEDING VEHICLES – At the YMCA meeting I displayed one of the portable hand-held speed cameras which was passed around for the residents to view. I am glad to announce that we can proceed with the speed management process. I will be inviting residents to come and observe whilst we conduct the checks – watch this space!!!
EMERGENCY VEHICLES – noise from emergency vehicles was raised by one resident who asked is it necessary? Well, yes it is. The sirens are designed to tell road users and pedestrians that an emergency vehicle is coming.  Sirens are only used  to get to the scene as quickly as possible.
MINOR CRIME – “Do we report minor crime?” was a question that I was asked and the simple answer is yes.  The police not only deal with crime after it happens but also watch for areas that appear to be getting targeted. This is so that we that we can deploy undercover officers, increase patrols at certain times and also use other specialized equipment such as the bait vehicle, for car crime.  We need as much information from you so that we can bring culprits to justice and even see an end to the problem in an area. So please call it in!!!
ALEXANDRA ROAD – residents who are frustrated with non-residents’ parking were advised by myself to contact the council. This is on the back of a meeting that I had with the parking management who stated that if residents wished to apply for restricted parking then they would listen to the requests.
SPRINGFIELD VALLEY ROAD – this was a big concern as it is poorly light and is used as a two-way rather than one-way street. Also it was mentioned that it attracts undesirables.  Cllr Lock and Matt West took the lead with this and will be looking into the lawful ownership of the property and road and will update me as soon as possible.
STOP CHECKS – There has been a decrease in stop checks this month in the Gensing area due to fewer incidents than last month. This may be due to several troublesome persons recently being on the receiving end of jail sentences. Here’s hoping!
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – Sussex Police wants to see a threefold increase in the membership of NHW. For more details, contact me.
Please note my new contact number: 07787 685 793.
Thank you,  PCSO Andy Hubbard, June 2009.