PACT meeting Thursday night

A well attended PACT meeting (partners and community together) on Thursday night centred around two main issues, one, irresponsible cycling on pavements, footpaths and at night with no lights and two dog poo. Both received considerable attention from the residents who attended and whilst I feel strongly about both issues it does show that our concerns about being affected by crime in all it's forms have diminished greatly over the last five years. Getting back to the two issues, Police have been made aware of our serious concern about pavement cycling and they tell me they have issued warnings to offenders and will continue to act where they see potential danger to pedestrians and cyclists. As far as dog poo is concerned this is endemic right across the Borough with our officers pulling their hair out as to why this disgusting activity appears to be on the increase despite campaigns in particular hot spots. My view is that we will not get the message over that this is unacceptable anti- social behaviour by passing the buck to PCSO'S or street wardens to deal with the matter. It is communities that should be setting the standards for their areas and irresponsible dog owners made aware that allowing their animals to defecate without the owner picking up and taking home will not be tolerated. I voiced this view only to be countered by the Chairman who went into 'elf and safety' mode advising any seventy year old not to approach two skin heads with pit bull terriers in case they attack him/her. This highly and unnecessary exaggeration highlights my point, our communities have retired behind front doors because of and encouraged by this rhetoric with the result that we see today. Our communities are ours, we should set the standards and be forthright in seeing that they are adhered to by direct intervention when possible. I am going to suggest that we create dog poo free zones just like our Homewatch zones with similar posters.