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Warden jobs on the line
9:58am Thursday 25th October 2007
Comments (94)THE community wardens patrolling parts of Basingstoke and Deane are facing the axe.
The award-winning 20-strong team would be replaced and £120,000 redirected into five new police community support officers (PCSOs) under the proposal by the Conservative-led administration.
This is a blatant betrayal of the people of Basingstoke in terms of community safety
Cllr Sean Keating
However, the plan has already provoked a furious response from opposition Labour councillors, with one branding it a betrayal of community safety.
The wardens were introduced by the borough's then controlling Labour-Liberal Democrat administration in December 2003. They spend most of their time patrolling to provide visibility and reassurance to residents, but also report environmental issues and contribute to community development.
In 2004, Hampshire County Council introduced eight accredited community safety officers (ACSOs) to the borough with similar powers, but also enforcement powers to tackle dog fouling and people riding bicycles on pavements.
And in April this year, Hampshire Constabulary introduced 25 PCSOs into the borough.
If the proposal is approved, three wardens would move to the council's seven-member community development team and one support officer to its community safety team. The rest would face redundancy if jobs cannot be found for them.
Borough council leader Councillor John Leek explained: "The Cabinet believes residents would prefer to know they have PCSOs throughout the borough. We also think there's some confusion between PCSOs, ACSOs and community wardens."
He said the borough would have a say where the five extra PCSOs operated and they could be used borough-wide. Community wardens are limited to nine areas.
The wardens proposal is in a three-year plan the Cabinet will consider on Tuesday, and in a community safety and community development review for the sustainable communities overview committee on November 17.
Cllr Leek said the public and the council's partner organisations are being urged to have their say on the proposal and the three-year plan as a whole.
"We recognise anything in the three-year plan is open for consultation, and where the response is 100 per cent against we would have to re-decide," he said.
Wardens patrol in Buckskin and Kempshott, South Ham, Brighton Hill, Overton and Whitchurch, Bishops Green and Tadley, Bramley and Kingsclere, Winklebury, Oakridge and Popley.
The scheme received a national award for innovation in 2004 and a distinction in warden quality standard in 2005 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit at the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
The proposal being considered would save the council about £255,000 a year, with the rest of its £525,000 warden employee budget going towards the new community safety initiatives. Kingfisher and Sentinel housing associations provide an extra £50,000 towards the wardens.
Labour councillors have blasted the Conservative administration's proposal.
Labour leader Cllr Gary Watts said: "We think it will have a detrimental effect on community safety. It's part of ongoing cuts across council services."
Cllr Sean Keating, who extended the warden scheme to rural areas when he was the Cabinet member for community safety in the Labour-Liberal Democrat administration, said the PCSOs would not do everything the council wanted because they worked to a police agenda.
He said: "We go from a fixed arrangement to an uncertain one and I find that appalling."
Cllr Keating claimed that community wardens were an important safety influence at a time when the police were not responding to calls to the new 101 non-emergency number. "The police response in Basingstoke is appalling and that is what we will have to rely on," he said.
He added expansion of the community development team, which deals with health, youth and minority issues, would be no substitute for people on patrol.
"This is a blatant betrayal of the people of Basingstoke in terms of community safety," he said.
Chief Inspector Jill Baldry, Hampshire Constabulary's district commander for Basingstoke and Deane, was surprised by Cllr Keating's comments and invited him to meet her to discuss his concerns.
- The three-year council plan can be viewed at www.basingstoke.gov.uk or at the Civic Offices in London Road, Basingstoke.
Your Say YourThis is Hampshire
Millennium Volunteers, Basingstoke Voluntary Services says...
3:38pm Thu 25 Oct 07
Why! oh why? are they under threat of being axed again? After all the pride that BDBC has shown and boasted about in the Press about the success of the Community Warden Scheme.
The Wardens are a great asset to our area.So much positive and proactive community work is being achieved.
A few examples are:-
promoting "Mocktails" non alcoholic bar and involving young members of the community in volunteering.
Initiating and encouraging local people's involvement in events across the Borough such as "The Magic of Christmas"
Helping community groups set up e.g.Fort Hill School's soon to be.. Youth Club.
After school projects and holiday activities.
Youth and Community action groups.
Identifying areas of need and pressing for change.
Mediating and keeping the peace. By targeting the usual hotspots where young people meet up with friends.(Often seen as trouble makers)the wardens engage the young people into positive activities and encourage them to initiate new ideas. There is no confusion amongst the young people PCSO's and ACSO's mean "You're in trouble" and the Wardens mean someone who will listen, advise and not judge.
The Wardens have excellent working ethics and much, much, more.
Millennium Volunteers has worked with the wardens since the start of the warden scheme. Please, please don't rob the Borough of such valuable assets. Shelagh Harrold,Jaynie Lewis and Ruth Ayton. Millennium Volunteers
Clivey Buckman, Tadley says...
4:14pm Thu 25 Oct 07
Sara Petherick, Oakridge says...
4:29pm Thu 25 Oct 07
Jenny & Dave Pugsley wrote:To coin a phrase - how very dare they! The community wardens have bought nothing but good to Hampshire. They are a welcome dite in neighbourhoods - unlike th epolice! The trust they have gained whilst out on patrol is second to none - why oh why does the Government keep pulling the plug on schemes that work? I have been fortunate enough to work with a lot of the Community Wardens and can honestly say that they have triumped in their allocated areas - a few hot spots where community spirit was low, crime on the increase and antisocial behaviour a huge problem (we are all aware where they are) the figures speak for themselves - it has reduced where we have wardens - the figures speak for themselves. In time of crisis of problems in the community where I live I would rather deal with a Community warden who knows and cares about the area than frankly a "hobby with a hobby" or an Officer that never arrives. The Community needs to fight to keep them!! I for one will.
Why try to stop something that works? Community Wardens are a great help to everybody,they do a lot of good;it always seems that when something's working well,there's someone trying to ruin it.The Community Wardens should stay.
sara petherick, Oakridge says...
4:33pm Thu 25 Oct 07
Sara Petherick wrote:that phrase was " bobby with a Hobby"
Jenny & Dave Pugsley wrote: Why try to stop something that works? Community Wardens are a great help to everybody,they do a lot of good;it always seems that when something\'s working well,there\'s someone trying to ruin it.The Community Wardens should stay.To coin a phrase - how very dare they! The community wardens have bought nothing but good to Hampshire. They are a welcome dite in neighbourhoods - unlike th epolice! The trust they have gained whilst out on patrol is second to none - why oh why does the Government keep pulling the plug on schemes that work? I have been fortunate enough to work with a lot of the Community Wardens and can honestly say that they have triumped in their allocated areas - a few hot spots where community spirit was low, crime on the increase and antisocial behaviour a huge problem (we are all aware where they are) the figures speak for themselves - it has reduced where we have wardens - the figures speak for themselves. In time of crisis of problems in the community where I live I would rather deal with a Community warden who knows and cares about the area than frankly a \"hobby with a hobby\" or an Officer that never arrives. The Community needs to fight to keep them!! I for one will.
fight for your Community Wardens - they fight for you!
Carlos Tilbury, says...
5:03pm Thu 25 Oct 07
why oh why does the Government keep pulling the plug on schemes that work?
Like to point out that this is a council idea, not a government one, this council is the third richest in the country, lending money to banks and other councils, their track record is dreadful with many stupid ideas, from this one to the proposed flats on Gresley and the cutting down of a tree because its in the way of a cctv camera.
Start getting to Council meetings and ask questions, its ok moaning on here but people must start taking action, your the voters and they are acting for you, but it seems to me they are acting for themselves.
Simon, Winklebury says...
6:30pm Thu 25 Oct 07
If there is confusion about the roles then sort it out...it's a bit drastic to sack 20 people. The wardens do no end of good work that goes unnoticed it may not get the headlines every week but if there was a choice I for one would keep them.
pari, says...
7:06pm Thu 25 Oct 07
If somebody could please point out the logic of sacking 20 extremely experienced committed people working within nine of the most socio-economically deprived areas in the Basingstoke & Deane Borough making the most incredible differences, for wait..... 5 extra plastic police officers that can be deployed anywhere across Hampshire!
Well done BDBC that makes senses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carlos Tilbury, says...
7:21pm Thu 25 Oct 07
Your so right, we're lucky in Overton, not only do we have a warden who I chatted to one night, but we also have a first class beat officer, Pc Richard Baldwin and his fellow officers have done so much for the village and get total respect and support from us.
So much so, once my knee is sorted out I will join as a special.
Any form of uniformed person on the ground is great, and they do more than just walk the streets.
If you want to send emails to any of the councillors then goto the BDBC and look up the councillors where you'll find all their contact details, i.e phone, email and addresses.
tom, south ham says...
7:46pm Thu 25 Oct 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
7:51pm Thu 25 Oct 07
Andy, Basingstoke says...
11:33pm Thu 25 Oct 07
And guess what, in May 2008, all 60 councillors will be up for election!
If the community wardens are out of a job by then, they should stand against the councillors who took their jobs away, starting with John Leek, Leader of the Council, followed by the members of his Cabinet. With their track record in the community, 20 ex-wardens would do a better job of running the council than 20 Tories.
Julie, Buckskin says...
10:34am Fri 26 Oct 07
Getting rid of the wardens now will negate any good that they have managed to do over the last few years, especially in the more deprived and problem areas of Basingstoke and the surrounding villages. A handful of PCSOs are not going to be able to cover the same areas anywhere near as effectively.
Give it 6 months, and their absence will be obvious. The decline will be rapid in my opinion.
Another crazy idea from a council who hasnt got a clue about real life in Basingstoke!
Voter, 379-941 says...
12:43pm Fri 26 Oct 07
Is there any way of forcing an early election on this and other recent matters?
lesley, basingstoke says...
1:39pm Fri 26 Oct 07
And isn't it interesting that the Conservative councillors have been against the wardens from the very start and now that they think they're in power thay can get rid of them - sorry Cllr Leek but I think it's time you and your party started living in the real world.
Toby, Basngstoke says...
1:42pm Fri 26 Oct 07
mike, Oakley says...
1:52pm Fri 26 Oct 07
spider, popley says...
1:59pm Fri 26 Oct 07
The Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been promoted by all the political parties,
Furthermore, all parties have been singing the praise.
Community wardens are our Neighbourhood Watch, they report, at the same however, they talk to people and have gained the confidence of the community.
I would like to see a debate between Community wardens and Councillors as I strongly believe Community wardens are far more informed about the problems then Councillor that represent the Community.
The public can then decide who will be made redundant.
Now theres a thought, dont you think?
Carlos Tilbury, says...
2:06pm Fri 26 Oct 07
Its time for them to see what ill feeling they have towards themselves.
Carlos Tilbury, says...
2:53pm Fri 26 Oct 07
I've pasted Cllr Leek's email address please feel free to send him your thoughts.
cllr.john.leek@basin
gstoke.gov.uk
spider, popley says...
5:14pm Fri 26 Oct 07
Decisions made at Local level affect us more so than those made at Westminster.
Since taking office our Council has ignored public opinion, their policies are without doubt, naive and counterproductive.
Its a case of, the blind leading the blind.
Our Council like many others are shielded by a safety net of spin.
Local councils make local decisions; therefore, they are responsible and should be held responsible.
Furthermore, blaming the Government for bad decisions is just political spin.
I often wonder how this administration would react to the days of Thatcher when Councils were caped more time than Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore.
michael, basingstoke says...
6:10pm Fri 26 Oct 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
6:19pm Fri 26 Oct 07
There is a cabinet meeting on tues 30th where we can all air our views, you have to get a question to them by midday monday via email, then you can attend the meeting and ask your question and have YOUR say.
I urge people to to take part in this meeting, and the call in meeting for "Gresley Rd" will be on the 7th of Nov possilbily at the new hall in Oakridge.
The more people that get involved the better, we the voters have to put the pressure on, the ground swell starts with us.
The cabinet meeting is a good place to ask about the situation with the Wardens, you can also tell them what great work they do for this community.
with held, Brighton hill says...
10:02pm Fri 26 Oct 07
darren hawke, south ham says...
10:18am Sat 27 Oct 07
Caz Winkle, Overton says...
12:13am Sun 28 Oct 07
I think the wardens do a fantastic job! I always feel safe and re-assured when i see their camera vans driving down the road.
jane, Popley says...
10:10am Sun 28 Oct 07
Replace them by giving our local council tax payers money to the County Council for the Police to engage 5 people, without us having any control on where they go or what they do.
Replace the wardens that we can put where needed with specific tasks to support the community and controlled locally. Oh and lets call it a consultation but put the savings in the forward budget cause we not going to listen anyway, unless 100% of people are opposed.
Wardens are not law enforcers; they are not Police, PCSOs or ACSO's. The wardens do a completely different job seen by many as a friendly face that you can talk to without fear. We all want more Police, but at the expense of the Warden Scheme is wrong.
They support and work with the Police and law enforcers but are not there to prosecute but to advise, help and stop things getting to where the law needs to be involved.
Most of the money spent on wardens will be cut, seeing only 5 PCSOs to cover the same ground as 20 wardens. The money will be slashed out of the budget because the Tories have always disliked the Warden Scheme and it has been on their hit-list of staff cutbacks. When the scheme was originally launched the Tories called the wardens Glorified Litter Pickers.
When Popley had a reduction in crime that was directly attributable to the work of the wardens we not only saw their value, they proved their effectiveness. Do rural Tories know about Basingstoke town estates?
Bonzo, Local says...
10:39am Sun 28 Oct 07
They may not have the high profile of the regular police force but their presence is a valuable asset.
jamie burns, wolverhampton says...
3:29pm Sun 28 Oct 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
4:14pm Sun 28 Oct 07
Its time for these councillors get of their a*ses and start to show themselves in the areas that they will effect and talk to them face to face, but then again I have more of a chance of becoming miss world than seeing that happen!
Jamie welcome to the forum of stupid Tory ideas, hope you find it interesting.
I've said it already, but there is a cabinet meeting on Tue's and I plead for more people to turn upto these meetings, its important you do, if you dont then these crazy ideas will be passed, look at the last couple of weeks, the possible axe of these warden, the cutting of the tree, Gresley Rd and now the tiles at the swimming pool.
What next?
spider, popley says...
5:35pm Sun 28 Oct 07
Therefore, a complete boycott of all Council meeting would get more publicity.
Furthermore, we do live in a democracy; therefore people should lobby their Councillors and their views should be heard, from their Councillor
Samuel Baker, says...
7:46pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Caz Winkle wrote:Actually that is the PCSO's.
I think the wardens do a fantastic job! I always feel safe and re-assured when i see their camera vans driving down the road.
Rather than critiscising the fact that they don't see the wardens work in their area - this is probably because there isn't a scheme in your area. They do a phenomenal job - I should know, I did my work experince with them. Their work is truly fanastic and anyone who critises them for not doing anything needs to serioulsy reconsider and realise what a huge impact they have on the lives of so many people.
Sara Petherick, says...
11:10am Tue 30 Oct 07
o.uk
lesley, basingstoke says...
12:26pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
1:06pm Tue 30 Oct 07
www.petitiononline.c
om/wardens
I might be wrong, but I think the meeting is tonight to decide the Wardens, meeting is at the council offices at 6.30pm, please come along and see how the Cabinet in action.
Sara, oakridge says...
2:02pm Tue 30 Oct 07
singstoke.gov.uk
Carlos Tilbury, says...
2:08pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Yes its an open meeting just turn up, but you cant ask any questions, but I guess that they will all be covered by the councillors, please if you can attend then come along, I'm going, its a chance to see the cabinet at work.
Questions had to be in by midday yesterday I believe.
But it will be interesting to watch, could be a very fiesty meeting, have you been to one before?
Sara, says...
2:23pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Sara Petherick, Oakridge says...
2:29pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
2:29pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Sara, Oakridge says...
2:55pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Everybody email Councillor Leak - lets raise the game !!!
Carlos Tilbury, says...
2:58pm Tue 30 Oct 07
viva la revolution!!
Carlos Tilbury, says...
3:00pm Tue 30 Oct 07
l.com
Well done Sara, thats the action we need!
Paul, Basingstoke says...
4:14pm Tue 30 Oct 07
The Tory Council Leader argued in opposition that the Council had too many staff, well he is now ensuring that we are losing a lot of staff that provide excellent services.
I think there are two crucial points to consider. Firstly that the scheme has won the support of local people throughout the Borough. Secondly we should consider the 20 people losing their jobs. I feel for them. They have been part of a respected and well liked scheme that has won awards, and on the back of that success they are now going to lose their jobs for no good reason.
The Council can afford grandiose schemes that support the Cabinet's pet projects, but what about the hard work of council officers that make a difference to people's lives. We should be investing in our council staff, in the Council's Services. We should not be cutting back.
The first duty of a Council should be to improve standards and support the wardens to do an even better job.
The Labour/Liberal coalition made a conscious effort to expand the scheme because we wanted the whole Borough to benefit.
This shameless act of opportunistic cutting by the Tories will damage the reputation of the Council. It will hurt good people doing a good job. It is the wrong decision and the Tories should stop and U turn on this.
Sara, Oakridge says...
4:52pm Tue 30 Oct 07
leek his email as carlos stated earlier
is cllr.john.leek@basin
gstoke.gov.uk - they are going to be having a meeting re this tonight - please show your face at council offices - show you care!! we have the backing of our local councillors - lets do it!!!
Anon, says...
4:54pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Time is ticking for this Tory Council, what next for the chop?
spider, Popley says...
5:27pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Local Decisions affect local people, therefore we must have a say, furthermore, decisions at local level affect us more so than those of Government.
Our Council are totally irresponsible in their thinking, totally oblivious of the consequences of their actions.
Since taking office this dictatorship has provocted many people, most of whom would never involve themselves in Local politics.
Well done to you all and welcome to the murky world of Politics.
Carlos Tilbury, says...
5:31pm Tue 30 Oct 07
spider, Popley says...
5:39pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Good luck for tonight
lisa knight, beggarwood , basingstoke says...
6:06pm Tue 30 Oct 07
spider, Popley says...
8:42pm Tue 30 Oct 07
As a Popley resident I thought our Councillors Jane Frankum/Andy McCormick were brilliant,
It was noticeable that Cllr Heath still carries grudge against forums, he went to great pains to report the confusion on this forum as who Community Wardens are,
Sadly however, he failed to report the confusion we have for what our Council represents, the people, or political egos.
Furthermore, Cllr Heath started his two mins by requesting more coffee at the next meeting; I can only assume coffee keeps him awake.
On this and other forums there are grave concerns about the sacking of Community Wardens.
We do have a voice.
Carlos Tilbury, says...
9:52pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Cllr Heath's comments are as normal are not of this world, and as he is reading this forum then please read the comment from Lisa Knight who is in your ward!
If this council thinks that this is going to pass without a fight then your very very naive.
And if any Cllr wants a one to one meeting with me then drop me a line or give me a call, my contact details are at the bottom, also if anyone wants to get invovled in saving these warden then also drop me a line, we're gathering numbers and believe me we've got a possie already.
Cllr Tilbury asked Cllr Leek the following "Cllr Leek you said that if 100% of people are behind the Wardens then we can keep them?" Cllr Leek agree'd then Cllr Tilbury pointed out that Cllr Leek will vote against keeping them, so if 999 out of 1000 people wanted to keep them and 1 vote went against then we would get rid of them, Cllr Leeks reply was "if 100% of people want them then will might keep them" it seems they've made there mind up.
They really didnt want to discuss this issue tonight, but a meeting is planned for the 13th Nov, I urge people to attend and dont forget next weeks call in meeting on Gresley Rd.
carlostilbury@hotmai
l.com
01256 772010
07880705047
Carlos Tilbury, says...
9:57pm Tue 30 Oct 07
mark bardell, brightonhill says...
12:01am Wed 31 Oct 07
Cllr Phil Heath, Hatch Warren says...
10:37am Wed 31 Oct 07
The real campion of the community wardens!, says...
11:28am Wed 31 Oct 07
Everybody lets be their, first of all on november 13th and we will debate with these so called "sevants of the people"!
Then in febuary when the final decision is due to be made, lets gather at our civic office!! The one we pay for!! The one that should be making decisions for the good of our communities!!
Everyone that community wardens have ever worked for, given hope to, improved their quality of life when all other agencies were found wanting, I know for a fact there are thousands upon thousands of you.
Lets gather outside this building and stop another Valentines Day Massacre going down in the history books.
OurCabinetSucks.com, says...
11:39am Wed 31 Oct 07
anon, says...
11:42am Wed 31 Oct 07
Angry Kempshott Resident, Kempshott says...
11:43am Wed 31 Oct 07
voter, says...
11:57am Wed 31 Oct 07
Time you start listening to the voters, your party will cut these wardens, you've cut the dog warden to one, cut back on cleaning staff for the streets, cut the pest control staff and will not fund Neighbourcare, your a poor excuse for a council, the Lib/lab council wasnt perfect but at least they try, you got beakon status partly because of the Wardens which your happy to show off, but with out them you wounldn't of got it.
The fact these Wardens have been gagged to talk to the press about THEIR own jobs is shameful.
Time to drop this old style tory council, and drop Cllr Heath!
Another voter, Kempshott says...
12:16pm Wed 31 Oct 07
cllr Andrew McCormick, Representing Popley East, Basingstoke says...
1:47pm Wed 31 Oct 07
The loss of 20 Community Wardens would be a bitter blow for Basingstoke. I can only speak for Popley, which I have represented for the past 5 years.
I remember what it was like 5 years ago before we had Community Wardens: deeply embedded anti-social behaviour problems, nobody with the resources to tackle them, and families living in fear and who had completely lost faith in the authorities.
In their first year, Popley's Wardens, working in conjunction with the Beat Officers, cut crime in Popley by 28%, taking it from the highest crime estate in Basingstoke to one of the lowest, and from 125/400 arsons a year to a significantly lower rate.
They established a number of successful community initiatives (including a Christmas Carnival procession) and helped the people of Popley take pride in their surroundings to a degree not seen since the 1970's.
The Wardens were such a success they were given national recognition and the Council received Beacon awards based on their fine work.
Now all this is at risk. This is crazy. I am gutted.
Elmo, Reading says...
3:00pm Wed 31 Oct 07
Anto, Reading says...
3:42pm Wed 31 Oct 07
Cazza, says...
4:25pm Wed 31 Oct 07
spider, says...
6:07pm Wed 31 Oct 07
Cllr Heath posted after Mark, 10.37 today.
Therefore, Carlos and I RUBBISHED Cllrs Heaths comments.
Carlos reported the facts, very well
I on the other hand, was surprised that Cllr Heath started his 2 mins by telling the LEADER that he didnt feel well the day before, then requested more Coffee at the next meeting, he then when on to say that, there was confusion on this forum about Wardens and who there are.
Anto: Cllr Heath rocks, so does a sinking ship.
Simon, Winklebury says...
9:25pm Wed 31 Oct 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
12:06pm Thu 1 Nov 07
Counldn't help but give her the low down on how good the Wardens are, without them pointing out these issues then nothing would get done.
Poor Richard had to stand there and not comment as he's under this gagging rule by his powers to be, he did make some very valid points and explained what they have done in Overton, including running football days, educating about health and eating well and many other things.
I see this and the Neightbour Care issues have reached the local papers, lets make sure it stays there so we save these Wardens and the Neightbour Care Volanteers, I was at the meeting when the Neightbour Care staff where trying to put their point across, it was amazing to see one of the NC staff telling Cllr Leeks what she thought when she walked out, who ever that women was then good luck to you, much respect from me!
SAVE THESE SERVICES!
commonasmuck, says...
3:00pm Thu 1 Nov 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
3:42pm Thu 1 Nov 07
But as I see it, they are going to get rid of them, I think its a done deal, their not in the 3 year plan, but there is a debate about these great people on the 13th Nov at the council offices, and myself and many supporters urge people to come to the meeting to express their views on how good these wardens are.
jane, Popley says...
6:58pm Thu 1 Nov 07
spider, Popley says...
7:16pm Thu 1 Nov 07
Steve, infront of the computer says...
8:03pm Thu 1 Nov 07
We have the ACSO's who have limited powers to deal with people and they work for Hampshire County Council.
We have PCSO'S who work for the police. Again they have limited powers.
We have the police officers who have full powers to deal with things.
And finally we have the Community Wardens who have NO powers to deal with things and don't work past 9pm (WHEN HALF OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR HAPPENS)
And as tax payers we are paying for them all. Why should we be paying so many different people for one line of work.
It would be logical to invest this money into having more police officers out patrolling. This way if they come across a crime they can deal with it.
I know if I needed someone to help me about a crime I would be calling the police.
Julie, Buckskin says...
9:13pm Thu 1 Nov 07
Steve, We would all call the police about a crime. However the wardens DO have a very important part to play in community. If you dont have wardens in your area, I strongly recommend you research their actual roles. I have today asked the wardens for up to date statistics to be made public, but the stats for 2003 and 2004 clearly show their worth. That information is freely available through the Basingstoke and Deane Council website under 'community'. I would also like to point out that local housing associations foot a large chuck of the bill for the wardens - they will not be paying towards the new PCSO's so Joe Public will foot the whole bill and get a reduction in service.
cazza, says...
10:18am Fri 2 Nov 07
Paul, Basingstoke says...
12:57pm Fri 2 Nov 07
The issue of the budget and policy framework is that the Cabinet have decided what they are going to do, that is what is up for consultation.
It is not that the consultation takes places before the budget is drawn up. So the Cabinet have a position that they are consulting on scrapping the warden scheme.
This difference is important because if the Cabinet don't change their minds the budget will move forward as it is, therein scrapping the warden scheme.
The issue of multiple agencies is so important. The Community Wardens were created to deliver a positive community presence on our streets, dealing with environmental problems, community development and for example tackling the real issue of youth anti social behaviour. On all three counts they have done an exceptional job as part of a multi agency team.
The Tories are arguing that their are no performance indicators to show how good a job they have done, or rather none that they accept.
The ACSO's and PCSO's do a great job as well, but I think of them as 'specials', part time bobbies because their roles are not purely law enforcement. I think the Police would benefit from more officers, no one can disagree with that, but the idea that these agencies aren't working together is false.
The multi agency work done over the last few years to bring the Police, Housing Associations, Borough Council and County Council together has made a difference.
The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy is owned by all these agencies jointly and it has made a difference to how these agencies all work together, but it hasn't gone far enough. There is so much to be done.
So tinkering with the partnerships that have been working and need to work better in the future, just for political ends, seems to me to undermine all of the effort of a lot of good people.
It sends out the message that the Council is looking after its own political projects, and that partnership doesn't matter. I think playing budgetary politics with people's jobs is disgraceful. We can and should have an open debate on this. But, I fear that the lines have already been drawn and that the Cabinet will not back down.
Sadly over the last couple of years democracy doesn't always mean the people are listened to. I'm thinking of the Haymarket, Attwood Close, Gresley Road, opposing Alternate Weekly Collections to think of just four cases.
Politicians should start from the position that civic leadership is a lot more than we are seeing displayed at the moment. Civic Leadership is about representing the interests of the people and our Borough in such a way that keeps faith the people. We can and should have an open debate on these issues - lets have an informed democracy in Basingstoke.
cllr phil heath, hatch warren says...
2:39pm Fri 2 Nov 07
spider, Popley says...
3:07pm Fri 2 Nov 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
3:59pm Fri 2 Nov 07
And dont forget on the 7th Nov is the call in for the Gresley Rd development, that to is a meeting I suggest people get to, these meetings will show how a small number of people decide the future of this borough, and the fact that they hardly take any notice of the people who live in the area.
Time for change, time to dump these short sighted out of touch councillors, anyone who attends any meeting will be shocked at what goes on.
jane, Popley says...
10:15pm Fri 2 Nov 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
2:47pm Sat 3 Nov 07
I cant see anyone wanting to start their political careers on here, maybe your worried you might lose yours!
People are starting to understand that this Council is just doing what they want, these wardens do a fine job and have put much into their communities, and thats where the backlash is starting and from people who voted Tory, this hasnt got anything to do with party colours, this is to do with peoples welfare, something that you and your paty have seemed to have missed.
The council will not fund these wardens or Neighbour Care but are happy to spend £100,000 on an "image Consultant" for Basingstoke, this is an outrage and a complete waste of money, also its the way the people from Basingstoke and Deane where not ask their thoughts, the wardens just didnt appear in the three year plan!
If you think people are getting vocal now, think what will happen around election time, you might sit there Cllr Heath with a smile on your face now, but just wait, as you never know what lays in wait just round the corner!
spider, says...
4:45pm Sat 3 Nov 07
Its just wind, too much coffee.
Mydrum, Brackley Way says...
10:09pm Sat 3 Nov 07
quote
spider, Popley says...
11:50pm Sat 3 Nov 07
In Popley community wardens report what I call hot spots, this information is passed on to the community beat officer, and action is taken, they are part of a team that has worked well in Popley.
Furthermore, community wardens are wardens of the community keeping and eye on the elderly as well as the young.
Sacking community wardens and dog wardens just to safe a few £s is utter madness
Carlos Tilbury, says...
12:52am Sun 4 Nov 07
Spider is right, they are wardens, teenagers find it easier to talk to them as they know they won't get into trouble, and wardens and the eyes and ears, they also arrange activity days for the kids, but as they have been under a press gag for a long time then this doesnt really get mentioned, in fact their not even allowed to talk about losing their jobs! yes if a crime is committed you call the police, who wouldn't, thats what I've done recently.
You are also right that the police is underfunded and it should never be about money you are so right there, but thats been happening for years, at the moment I believe we have more police than we ever had, but its still not enough.
I'm not telling you who to vote for, I'm not taking sides, if this was a labour or Liberal council cutting the warden then I'd be fighting just as hard.
All I say is please look into what this council cabinet is doing, not just with the wardens, but other issues like, the dog wardens, street cleaning, pest control, non funding of Neighbour Care, spending £100k on a image consultant, Gresley Rd and the tiles at the swimming pool, you can find all the info on those issues on this website, these issues arent made up, they're all fact under the new three year plan of the Tory council, if you feel that the Council has done a good job then fair enough.
But I urge you and as many people as possible to get involved in local politics, it isnt as dull as you think, it can be a real eye opener.
There are alot of great people leaving messages on this site and I've not met many of them, in fact only one, but it does show that people really care whats going on, I know that we may never agree on some subjects, but when it comes to job loses for a great service then we must all stand and fight.
spider, Popley says...
12:20pm Sun 4 Nov 07
Therefore, sacking part of team that produces the final pass that leads to victory is a recipe for disaster.
Sara, Oakridge says...
2:08pm Mon 5 Nov 07
email me if you want to support sara@pro-masystems.c
o.uk
Sara, Oakridge says...
9:14am Wed 7 Nov 07
Carlos Tilbury, says...
10:32am Wed 7 Nov 07
Still here dont worry, I didnt hear this news, what happened?
The girls will be collecting names on Saturday at the top of town, the thing is if they submit 2000 names on one petition it only counts as one person in the councils eyes, so can everyone please write or email Jane Frankhum with your protests against scrapping the Wardens, but dont worry Sara things are still going on behind scenes.
Sara, says...
11:08am Thu 8 Nov 07
singstoke.gov.uk
Hi Carlos - thanks for reply - got a petition going myself at moment - so see how that goes
- might just get one person per sheet - will that then count as one vote????
jane, Popley says...
8:12am Fri 9 Nov 07
jane, Popley says...
10:42pm Sat 10 Nov 07
Karen, says...
4:04pm Fri 16 Nov 07
spider, Popley says...
3:40pm Sat 17 Nov 07
The Community wardens in Popley are part of a team that has improved the Community; therefore, its a pity they are not used all over the Borough.
Former borough mayor Councillor Tony Jones gave a thank you reception for the community wardens during his year in office
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Jenny & Dave Pugsley, Buckskin,Basingstoke says...
10:23am Thu 25 Oct 07