Baydon Village News

Baydon Police Surgery -  7^th September 2009

A Police Surgery led by P.C. Jeremy Batchelor (Batch) and PSO John Mills was held in the BYPA Hall on Monday (ie 7^th September). The meeting was well attended and the public raised questions relating to speeding, parking and illegal immigrants.

Batch has been working in the Marlborough area for 8 years and more specifically around the Baydon area for the last 3 years. He said that fortunately there is very little crime in Baydon, the obvious being road traffic problems.

Occasionally, he said, illegal immigrants could be found wandering in the village, as Membury Services are the first stop for trucks bringing them in. They pose no threat, he added, but are sad cases. They are usually picked up by the police and taken to Swindon. Undesirables are very quickly sent back, children under 15 are sent to a centre.

The village is being used however as a drugs drop off from Reading. Although the main dealer was arrested and imprisoned, his son has been spotted visiting the Red Lion car park. If, stated Batch, something looks suspicious it probably is. The best advice is to phone the police. 999 is the number to call if a crime is being committed, even if there is doubt still call the number. For minor issues or advice the village can phone 0845 408 7000, text or e-mail the local police team.

The main issue of speeding in the village was discussed. Mr Bryan Harber asked if physical obstacles such as a chicane were best for slowing down the traffic. Mr Harber also said that as a school governor he was aware that the village had parking problems during school hours. PC Batchelor said that he would ensure that there was more police presence for a time during that period to talk to parents.

Mr Tony Prior asked about Community Speed Watch. It was explained that Baydon was a Community Concern site. It had the right to put up camera signs and be visited by the police camera van occasionally. However Community Speed Watch meant that the village monitored speed themselves and provided evidence. They unfortunately had no power to fine but the evidence will generate a letter from the police to the offender. If the village claims Community Speed Watch status it will lose the camera van visits.

Batch admitted that he thought up the idea of sticking 30mph labels on the refuse bins, and actually went into Swindon to have them printed. Some now say that the sign should have been triangular (warning) but he sees no sense in having them reprinted or replaced.

Mrs Debbie Moxom asked that there be more police presence in the village particularly for the sake of the children. Batch replied that it was up to the village to direct the force to specific needs. PSO John Mills also suggested that the school children come and visit the Marlborough Police Station.

P.C. Jeremy Batchelor can be contacted by email:-

jeremy.batchelor@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk or by using the box provided in Baydon Stores. PSO John Mills said he would also receive texts on his mobile 07969 501963.

The Police Surgery then ended just before 8pm, ahead of the start of the scheduled Baydon Parish Council meeting.

By Barbara Furber

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