Worthing Borough Council

Allotment Watch Scheme

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01273 263143

parksandforeshore@worthing.gov.uk

In a joint initiative Worthing allotment holders now have the support of Worthing Borough Council and Sussex Police and in the newly formed Allotment Watch Scheme. Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Tracey Day from the Worthing Neighbourhood Specialist Team is managing the project, working closely with Sasha Bryson from Worthing Borough Council, and the Worthing and District Allotments and Gardens Association.

PCSO Day is actively encouraging local residents to report all suspicious persons or activity to Sussex police on either the 0845-60-70-999 number, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively PCSO Day can be contacted either via the Sussex Police website at www.sussex.police.uk . Allotment Watch signs will be erected at all the Council’s Allotment sites, and allotment tenants can have their equipment and tools security marked.

Cllr Bryan Turner, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment, endorsed the scheme by saying “Worthing Borough Council are always ready to work with other groups in the fight against crime, and I commend everyone involved for their initiative in this project.”

Cllr Roger Oakley, also shared his thoughts, "I was pleased to attend to the launch of the Allotment Watch. As a former local police officer and allotment holder and know how important  the allotments are to so many members of the community. Not only do they provide a source of enjoyment and produce, in these more difficult times I am sure they help the household budget go a little further. Furthermore they provide a great deal of social contact. They are a true community activity and will always have my support."

Terry Edwards from the Allotment Association said “Anything that can be done to prevent mindless vandalism and theft will be welcomed by us, and will help us to enjoy our pastime in peace”.

A clear message is being sent to all would be offenders that their behaviour will not be tolerated and that anyone foolish enough to ignore this warning will be prosecuted. This is another excellent example of the Borough Council working with local officers from the District’s Neighbourhood Specialist Team and the community to make their neighbourhoods safer places to live, work, visit and, in this case, relax.

Allotment Watch was launched on 3rd August 2008 at West Tarring Allotment Site. All Allotment Tenants were welcomed to come along to meet PCSO Day where she security marked their equipment. PCSO Day was also at the Chesswood Farm site on 5th August and at Humber Avenue on 6th August.

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