Chas, Nicky and Bob's correspondence under CCTV needs further dialogue and community action I think. I totally respect SGT Cathy Crease's response.
However having spoken to many neighbours in Mentone/Ramsay we share previous correspondents concern about the general appearance outside the Police Station. I reported a fight of two drunken youths outside the station door (which lasted ten minutes) and was threatened by the large gang outside for having done so.
Six others illegally entered the Scotmid rear compound to drink their alcohol haul. I reported this too and told Scotmid management
I have started avoiding the lane at the side of the station
It's the least safe place in Portobello right now
and as far as the largely drunk group are concerned
a total thumb nose (polite version) guesture to our local Police
Police Station at night
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michele
Has nobody told you? I thought everyone knew that the CCTV was there so that the police could make sure it was safe for them to go out. It also means they can check the queue before they go round the corner for their fish suppers. Another useful feature is the fact that the camera can rotate so that they can keep an eye on their cars that they have parked in Rosefield Avenue. 
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Guest
Sadly, rockingP’s account of disorder outside the Police Station is not an isolated incident. The nearby benches provide a convenient meeting point, with easy access to takeaway food and alcohol. While the primary function of the CCTV camera is obviously to ensure the security of the station itself, it must be able to monitor what is happening along a good part of both sides of the High Street and up Rosefield Avenue. Michele’s cynicism reflects the feelings of many local people I have spoken to but these are early days for the new policing arrangements in Portobello and I’m confident that the new Station Inspector will make a difference.
The CCTV camera in Rosefield is now live and local residents will be watching with interest to see what difference it makes. Predictably, the housing has already attracted some graffiti – a mixture of the usual tribal bravado and some tired references to ‘1984’. Brightons Residents Association has asked that the structure be painted green to blend in better and this is being considered. (Yes, I know this detracts from the notion of it being a deterrent but we need a balance.)
No-one actually wants CCTV but a growing number of people now see it as at least part of the solution. A number of initiatives involving young people are currently underway or under discussion. A Problem Solving Partnership has been set up recently to consider ‘youth issues’ in Portobello, involving representatives from all aspects of the community. The cynics will probably see this as another ‘talking shop’ but I’m assured that there is real money being allocated to youth development in the area.
Finally, thanks to rockingP for having the courage to report this incident. Too many people are prepared to turn a blind eye in our ‘I’m alright Jack’ society. Many kids persist in their anti-social behaviour because no-one ever challenges them and there are no perceived repercussions.
The CCTV camera in Rosefield is now live and local residents will be watching with interest to see what difference it makes. Predictably, the housing has already attracted some graffiti – a mixture of the usual tribal bravado and some tired references to ‘1984’. Brightons Residents Association has asked that the structure be painted green to blend in better and this is being considered. (Yes, I know this detracts from the notion of it being a deterrent but we need a balance.)
No-one actually wants CCTV but a growing number of people now see it as at least part of the solution. A number of initiatives involving young people are currently underway or under discussion. A Problem Solving Partnership has been set up recently to consider ‘youth issues’ in Portobello, involving representatives from all aspects of the community. The cynics will probably see this as another ‘talking shop’ but I’m assured that there is real money being allocated to youth development in the area.
Finally, thanks to rockingP for having the courage to report this incident. Too many people are prepared to turn a blind eye in our ‘I’m alright Jack’ society. Many kids persist in their anti-social behaviour because no-one ever challenges them and there are no perceived repercussions.
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Dave Connelly
- Posts: 258
- Joined: 18 Apr 2003, 15:31
- Location: Portobello
- Contact:
Bobs Right
Bob is absolutely right on this
Far too many people sit on their backsides and complain about whats happening and whats not happening in and around Portobello, rather than actually doing something about it.
Many other people hide their heads in the sand and just wish the problems to go away.
The truth is that the problem is here to stay, at least until the groups outgrow their poor behaviour, there will then be a brief respite until the next lot are old enough to take their place. Thats historically whats happened and I don't see any change coming.
What are your kids up to tonight ?
Lots of people complain about the trouble the kids are causing, not realising that its their own children who are making a nuisance of themselves. Parental Responsibility appears to be a thing of the past. Take control of your kids and maybe other folk will see a difference. Its not the fault of the Police that the kids dont behave. Its down to parents.
One more point
There have been many gripes about what the Police do and don't do recently when in fact the current Police service is grossly undermanned.
There has been about an EIGHT percent increase in the establishment of Police Officers over the last year or so and an EIGHTY percent increase in calls to the Police, according to press reports. Apparently most of the calls are non Police related or non urgent. What are the Poloticians doing about that.
The Police themselves had a complete restructuring recently and are now working on a system which grades calls according to their urgency. In my opinion the time wasters will waste no time at all in upgrading their calls by inventing more urgent situations to get a bit of attention, thus depriving the honest callers of attention when its really required.
Let me know what you think
Far too many people sit on their backsides and complain about whats happening and whats not happening in and around Portobello, rather than actually doing something about it.
Many other people hide their heads in the sand and just wish the problems to go away.
The truth is that the problem is here to stay, at least until the groups outgrow their poor behaviour, there will then be a brief respite until the next lot are old enough to take their place. Thats historically whats happened and I don't see any change coming.
What are your kids up to tonight ?
Lots of people complain about the trouble the kids are causing, not realising that its their own children who are making a nuisance of themselves. Parental Responsibility appears to be a thing of the past. Take control of your kids and maybe other folk will see a difference. Its not the fault of the Police that the kids dont behave. Its down to parents.
One more point
There have been many gripes about what the Police do and don't do recently when in fact the current Police service is grossly undermanned.
There has been about an EIGHT percent increase in the establishment of Police Officers over the last year or so and an EIGHTY percent increase in calls to the Police, according to press reports. Apparently most of the calls are non Police related or non urgent. What are the Poloticians doing about that.
The Police themselves had a complete restructuring recently and are now working on a system which grades calls according to their urgency. In my opinion the time wasters will waste no time at all in upgrading their calls by inventing more urgent situations to get a bit of attention, thus depriving the honest callers of attention when its really required.
Let me know what you think
even more on the subject...
So, there are concerns about the difficulties many portobello residents and businesses face due to yobbish behaviour of a minority of mostly youths.
I take the points that some have made about each of us having our own responsibility to deal with our own children and to report and try to assist when we see something wrong on our streets.
I found the comments of (Bob. Michele et al. ) interesting re not walking around the Ramsay Place at night due to yobs hanging around outside the police station being intimidating. I've experienced it myself several times. Ironically I began taking the back route to Scotmid in order to avoid Bath Street (in particular a tenement on the near top right hand side) to avoid abusive, threatening comments and behaviour which my children, partner and self have been subjected or witness to. I prefer not to take my children past youths and adults who are effing and c-ing the world and all those who might listen in the middle of the afternoon or early evening.
So, having avoided Bath St as much as possible for the last two years I now find that rowdy groups are hanging around the top of Ramsay Pl and High St. As a Mentone Ave resident I have to choose between the two routes should I wish to walk out at night. One of my fears is that with the establishment of CCTV the trouble will be re-directed to previously quiet(ish) streets out of the camera's gaze.
I'd be interested in knowing if anyone sees any mileage in forming some kind of neighbourhood watch system or residents scheme which might help all to feel more empowered, less isolates and more confident of support should there be incidents of violence, graffitti, harrassment etc?
I'd also be interested to hear what support the police can offer such and system in terms of its productive creation and management. Awareness and communication seem to be a useful step forward. I very much like a quiet life and do not want any cause to pursue but at the same time I'm not in favour of the 'I'm alright Jack' mentality where you're glad that it's not you being victimised.
I'd be interested to hear more about the initiatives and resources aimed at tackling these problems as well as the approach advocated by the new Inspector, Bob Wardrop (I think that's his name).
On a more positive note I have noticed more bobbies on the beat in and around Porty and have found this comforting. It may simply be that I'm on holiday and therefore noticing more but it's good to see and I hope that it continues.
Nicky
I take the points that some have made about each of us having our own responsibility to deal with our own children and to report and try to assist when we see something wrong on our streets.
I found the comments of (Bob. Michele et al. ) interesting re not walking around the Ramsay Place at night due to yobs hanging around outside the police station being intimidating. I've experienced it myself several times. Ironically I began taking the back route to Scotmid in order to avoid Bath Street (in particular a tenement on the near top right hand side) to avoid abusive, threatening comments and behaviour which my children, partner and self have been subjected or witness to. I prefer not to take my children past youths and adults who are effing and c-ing the world and all those who might listen in the middle of the afternoon or early evening.
So, having avoided Bath St as much as possible for the last two years I now find that rowdy groups are hanging around the top of Ramsay Pl and High St. As a Mentone Ave resident I have to choose between the two routes should I wish to walk out at night. One of my fears is that with the establishment of CCTV the trouble will be re-directed to previously quiet(ish) streets out of the camera's gaze.
I'd be interested in knowing if anyone sees any mileage in forming some kind of neighbourhood watch system or residents scheme which might help all to feel more empowered, less isolates and more confident of support should there be incidents of violence, graffitti, harrassment etc?
I'd also be interested to hear what support the police can offer such and system in terms of its productive creation and management. Awareness and communication seem to be a useful step forward. I very much like a quiet life and do not want any cause to pursue but at the same time I'm not in favour of the 'I'm alright Jack' mentality where you're glad that it's not you being victimised.
I'd be interested to hear more about the initiatives and resources aimed at tackling these problems as well as the approach advocated by the new Inspector, Bob Wardrop (I think that's his name).
On a more positive note I have noticed more bobbies on the beat in and around Porty and have found this comforting. It may simply be that I'm on holiday and therefore noticing more but it's good to see and I hope that it continues.
Nicky
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Guest
Nicky
Thought you may be interested to know that Rosefield residents are planning to set up a neighourhood watch scheme in the near future. We have canvassed local households and so far the response has been excellent. I'm sure Bath Street used to have its own residents association but I don't know if it is still active or not. Bernadette Heron used to chair it, I think. Maybe it's time to resurrect it. In any case what you will probably find is the old adage, 'if you want something done....' If you feel that a neighbourhood watch scheme would be beneficial in your area, why not start one? I would be happy to give you any advice or help you need.
Re. Ramsay Lane. Not sure if people are aware but there is a second CCTV camera at the rear of the Police Station which covers this area. I'm sure Michele will have a quip about what this one is used for!
Thought you may be interested to know that Rosefield residents are planning to set up a neighourhood watch scheme in the near future. We have canvassed local households and so far the response has been excellent. I'm sure Bath Street used to have its own residents association but I don't know if it is still active or not. Bernadette Heron used to chair it, I think. Maybe it's time to resurrect it. In any case what you will probably find is the old adage, 'if you want something done....' If you feel that a neighbourhood watch scheme would be beneficial in your area, why not start one? I would be happy to give you any advice or help you need.
Re. Ramsay Lane. Not sure if people are aware but there is a second CCTV camera at the rear of the Police Station which covers this area. I'm sure Michele will have a quip about what this one is used for!
Reply to Michele - good one - I actually thought their evening activities were more concentrated on the Chinese takeway.
But on a serious note - I saw a buch of teenagers only two weeks ago knocking seven bells out of a Black Wheelie bin yards away from the Station, the noise was deafning - a resident came out - but still waiting for the Police?? Silly me it was early supper time!!
But on a serious note - I saw a buch of teenagers only two weeks ago knocking seven bells out of a Black Wheelie bin yards away from the Station, the noise was deafning - a resident came out - but still waiting for the Police?? Silly me it was early supper time!!