Three priorities were adopted at the April meeting. Attendees views, online survey data and opinions collected from face to face surgeries were used to decide what local police should focus on. ( A report on the last three month period, crime and ASB update can be found here)

1) Parking Cottenham High Street – A group of about 20 residents met with Sgt Paul Rogerson before the main panel meeting. A number of views and concerns were raised by residents. James Rowley from the Parish Council also attended and noted comments from residents. A working group is to be formed between residents, Parish Council and local businesses will be invited to attend. During the main meeting discussion continued about the issues caused by illegal parking. Residents drive ways are being used by Co-op and bakery customers, parked cars are also blocking safe access in and out of drive ways. General unlawful parking on yellow lines continues to be dangerous and makes the sharp corner difficult to navigate. An email and postal update will be sent to residents in the near future in regards to the working groups first meeting. (The panel were advised that marked police vehicles have been seen to park on yellow lines in this location. Specific occasions have been identified as Police officers responding to violent shoplifters. Residents are encouraged to ask questions about this, either on-line or by phone).

2) Road safety – Concerns were raised on-line about the A14 junction with Bridge Road, Histon roundabout. Motorists jumping red lights, using mobile phones and cutting up cyclists will be addressed. Parking in Herewood Close was raised by Histon and Impington Parish council, Sgt Rogerson is to meet with the residents group to talk about what more can be done.

3) Speeding – A new site was identified at the meeting via an online report, speeding out side Waterbeach Primary School was adopted as an enforcement site. Landbeach also complained about speeding through the village, but expressed that this is likely to improve in the short term as construction of the new cycle path starts. Work on Histon Road Cottenham will continue, but will be supplemented by speed enforcement on the High Street which was raised by attending residents.

Other matters raised.

– Damage to the cross keepers hut in Histon continues, this is linked to the graffiti series.

– Cllr Gymer asked if Police were planning to deal with year 11 leavers parties as they did last year. Insp Savage confirmed that this would be continued, year 11 leavers dates had been requested from all the schools.

– Attendees asked for police to consider increased patrols in green spaces, recreation grounds and parks as the weather improves. Histon and Impington Parish informed the panel that areas prone to graffiti were also showing signs of underage drinking and smoking,

– Oakington Parish Council thanked officers for their presence on the guided bus, this has gone down very well with residents and asked if it could continue.

– Cottenham residents expressed concern for a new group of young males who were causing a nuisance going door to door, running into roads and in one case bullying other young persons. Sgt Rogerson was able to update that he believed this group had been caught involved in anti-social behaviour and had also been reported to the educational welfare officer for truancy. PCSO Fuller is also working with families on Smithy Fen to help prevent further problems.

Next meeting:

The next Histon Panel meeting will be held on Tues July 9th 2013 at Cottenham Village college, 7:30 start. An online survey link will be posted here two weeks before the meeting.

In the mean time if you wish to raise other issues call 101 tweet us @southcambscops or email histon.npt@cambs.pnn.police.uk