1 November 2006
A huge clear-up operation is taking place in part of Chesham this week to help make it safer and more pleasant for residents and visitors.
Representatives from Chiltern District Council, Buckinghamshire County Council, Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service are joining forces with community groups, volunteers from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and local residents to take action against environmental issues in Pond Park.
The initiative began on Monday with the first of a series of school visits by community safety staff from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and police community support officers.
It reaches a climax on Saturday with a clear-up of fly-tipped waste, litter, graffiti and bulky items such as domestic appliances. There will also be an opportunity to pick up safety advice from police and fire officers.
Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Safety team, said: “Waste, litter and dumped appliances often provide arsonists with the fuel they need to start fires. These fires sometimes spread to adjoining properties, putting lives at risk.
“We hope this clear-up event will help brighten up the area for local people and provide fewer opportunities for people to start deliberate fires.”
The operation has been timed to coincide with Halloween and bonfire night festivities, with trading standards officers working to ensure that regulations for the sale, purchase and use of fireworks are adhered to.
The initiative forms part of the Community Safety Partnership’s commitment to Local Public Service Agreements (PSAs), which bring together agencies, the voluntary sector and the community to achieve results for local people.
The first PSA ran between 2002 and 2005 and helped reduce vehicle crime by 38 per cent and increased the number of people receiving treatment for drug addiction.
The second PSA contains shared targets, issued by the government, for reducing burglary, arson and domestic violence.
For further information about the clear-up operation, please contact Maggie Bungard at Chiltern District Council on 01494 732177.