Thanks again to everyone who came to the AGM last week. If you couldn’t make it, here’s a few notes on what you missed from the police and Friends of Coney Hall Park. They spoke alongside your committee members.
The police
We heard from Inspector Pryal and Police Sargeant Phillips. Inspector Pryal explained that they’ve:
- Carried out a successful operation dealing with local robberies.
- Issued 58 warnings to people travelling by train without a ticket.
- Started planning an operation to tackle motor vehicle crime.
- Been trained to use three new speed guns.
- Been much more visible on Hayes high street.
- Worked with local head teachers to help protect students from crime
- Worked with local shops to encourage them to provide safe areas where school children can go if they feel threatened or have been a victim of crime. The shop keepers will look after them and call the police if they need extra support. Shops involved in this scheme display a sign in their window.
Inspector Pryal took lots of questions from the floor from concerned parents. She explained that the police are working with local head teachers, South Eastern Rail, British Transport Police and police from adjacent boroughs to tackle criminals who travel in and out of Hayes station and target local school children.
There was a lot of discussion about re-introducing barriers to Hayes station. While the police and local councillors support this, it’s up to South Eastern to implement it. Currently they have no plans to go ahead despite the revenue they are losing, as evidenced by the police. The discussions about this are ongoing. Don’t forget that if this is an issue that you feel strongly about, you can contact South Eastern yourself. You can also write to your local politicians and councillors for free.
Inspector Pryal went on to explain how important it is to report any crime, however small. The number of reported crimes helps the police to better understand where they should be focussing their resources. She also stressed how important it is to report anything that looks suspicious or out of the ordinary, as it contributes to the bigger picture in ongoing investigations. If you see people hanging around or feel unsafe, let them know.
If it’s an emergency call 999, otherwise call 101 for non-emergency enquiries, or report activity online.
Remember, your local Safer Neighbourhood Team also have a website, which explains what they’re working on and how you can contact them, or meet with them in person. The police are also hiring officers and police community support officers.
Coney Hall Park
We heard from Dave Cooke, representing the Park Langley Club. He explained that they have taken over the running of the tennis courts in Coney Hall Park. While the scheme is called ‘Tennis for Free’ annual membership is £25 per household. Membership gives you timed entry into any of their available courts, and your slot can be booked online.
Alison Regester, from Friends of Coney Hall Park explained that The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) together with Bromley Council put the running of the tennis courts out to tender. Park Langley Club won the tender, and this was the only way the courts would be refurbished. This wasn’t a decision made by Friends of Coney Hall Park. She also explained that the work to refurbish the courts had taken longer than expected due to bad weather, and tennis courts across the country being refurbished at the same time, resulting in competition for resources. Friends of Coney Hall Park did successfully campaign for the courts to become more accessible for those with wheelchairs or buggies.
Alison also explained more about the multi-use games area which will be located on the area of hardstanding between the pavilion and Layhams Road. The existing seating structure will be replaced, the area re-surfaced, with three sections of fencing and a goal area, suitable for both football and basketball.
It’s designed to be used by a small group of youngsters, who want to play with friends, and they believe that that young adults would benefit too. This location is the furthest point from any housing, aside from the one house on Layhams Road, who were consulted and had no objection.
There are also plans for table tennis tables in the park, which will be free for everyone to use, and a ‘learn to ride’ cycle track.
Finally Alison also shared the news that there is now a defibrillator in the park, which has been donated by a generous benefactor.
Local councillors
The local councillors said they:
- would look into whether it would be possible to get concessions for certain people to join the Tennis for Free scheme. They agreed that putting the maintenance and admin for the tennis courts out to tender was the only way the courts could be made safe.
- will look into the possibility of rumble strips or other traffic calming measures to stop the speeding traffic by the school
- are trying to get the police base in West Wickham opened and to get the Safer Neighbourhood Team a vehicle. There is no timeline for this as yet.
Councillor Josh Coldspring-White said that he is looking into setting up a rail and bus user group. If anyone is keen to get involved, follow the link to contact him directly.
Other opportunities to meet the police and your councillors
Hayes Residents association will also be holding a public meeting with the police and local councillors soon. We’ll post more information when we have it. In the meantime, keep an eye on their website.