Next PACT meeting on 10th January 2012

Dear All...please note that our next quarterly meeting is on 10 January 2012 at our normal location at the Bath Guildhall...see you there and feel free to invite your neighbours too. Merry Christmas everyone and may 2012 bring you health, happiness and prosperity....From the office of your humble Chair, Mandana.

The Official Abbey PACT web link in 2012?!!

Dear All After a fruitful meeting with our Media Relations officer Simon, today, at the Bath Police station, we agreed that a more user friendly website link is in order. We will try our best to achieve this in the new year... In the mean time feel free to click on the present link below:- http://avonandsomerset.police.uk/LocalPages/BeatPACT.aspx?bid=14

Next PACT meeting @ Guildhall 12th Oct 2011

BATH CITY CENTRE RESIDENT & BUSINESS PACT MEETING Wednesday 12th October 2011 Start at 18.30 Brunswick Room The Guildhall, High Street, Bath AGENDA 1. Welcome and introductions - Mandana Sharifi (chair) 5 min   2. Feedback and discussion on priorities voted at  January’s meeting 40 min  1. Street drinking Lead - Police / Sgt Richard Durnford 2. Taxi Marshal hours to be amended to accommodate an 0400 finish Lead - B&NES Council 3. Motorcycles parking for free in the City Centre Lead - B&NES *Bus gate on Dorchester Street Lead - B&NES *Vehicles parking on pavements Lead - B&NES 4. Crime Figures and updates 10 min  5. Discussion and vote on new priorities  20 min  6. Conclusions and date of next meeting 5 min   YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM   0845 456 7000 SSNBATHCITYCENTRE@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Thomas Jefferson's predictions has come to fruition!

Have you ever read the former US President Thomas Jefferson's manuscripts? He rightfully predicted the world economic downfall and how to repair it!..World leaders need to do a little reading and wisen up! I just hope David Cameron has read his Twitter message from me couple of nights ago! The World Leaders need to take note before communities in every major city protest against their respective government due to lack of economic growth and potential increase into double digit unemployment stats! I urge World Leaders to READ & LEARN from THOMAS JEFERSON before it's too late!

Gang related crimes? Not in my city!

I am pleased to report that gang related crimes have steadily declined in the last 12 months. Congratulations to our community who have fearlessly &/or anonymously reported antisocial activities hence helping our boys in blue to do their job more efficiently and our government in supporting local social youth clubs and charities. Here's to unity in the commUnity.

SquatShops... What next?!!!...

We have a situation in our city center that we need to nip in the b***...as you may have seen and heard thru news, there are squatters who have taken over a certain empty retail store and more may follow!...Our present council (Gov) needs to sort this out pronto! and we as a community need to continue to air our views at the next CityCentre PACT Forum to prevent our city from reflecting a third world country that has no governing discipline. Please do attend our next PACT meeting on 12th October at the Guildhall and air your views and suggestions.

Grand Central Station at Orange Grove?

Many residents have been viewing their concerns about tourist buses congregating for hours along the Weir/The Empire Building and Orange Grove as though it was Grand Central Station!!!... not only for constant congestion of the roads but also pedestrians crossing having to dodge the dangers. Many of the city centre residents including myself have recommended that the tourist buses should congregate at the Avon Street car park and the Riverside Coach park...simple as that...now all we need is council to take note of this common sense approach....let us know your thoughts today and or attend our next PACT meeting on 12th October at the Guildhall.

Voters intimidated in Walcot Ward ?!!!

I am saddened to inform you that whilst i was on the campaign trail around Walcot Ward, many voters confided in me 'off the record' how they were intimidated by certain candidates who we won't name and shame as there's ongoing investigations as we speak...however if you too have experienced such behaviour in your ward, we would highly recommend you inform us in confidence.

SnowHill meeting review

Firstly I'd like to thank Pc's Martin holliwell and Pc Paul king for giving me a ride back and forth to the meeting this evening. The Walcot PACT meeting attendance may have been small but full of spark. Good synergy from the residents, business owners and associations. Together we are going to make much headway. All it takes is people who care about their community. Many issues were brought up about the ward and I'm sure with endurance and passion I don't see why we can't resolve many of those concerns. Stay tuned as I personally will be seen more often in the area specially in respect to youth concerns.

Join me in bringing Walcot Ward's concerns into light

Through unity in the community we can make our voices heard even more quickly. I met hundreds of residents in the Walcot Ward area yesterday over the span of five hours. We need to stop talking and start taking positive action for what we want developed or improved in the area. Feel free to contact me if interested in joining me for the next visit.

Will a Free Key Ring open your doors to intruders?!

A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:: There is a syndicate of criminals presenting themselves as sales promoters who are giving free key-rings holders at petrol stations or parking lots. The key rings have a tracking device chip which allows them to follow you. Please don't accept them. They select their seemingly well-to-do potential victims and if you accept, then you will be in for their tricks. The key holders are very beautiful & hard to resist accepting but remember you may end up paying more than a key holder would cost, including the risk to your life. Please advise your family members as well.

Your voices have been heard!

WE DID IT!!! I am pleased to inform the residents of London Road that Dominos Pizza late night hours have now been withdrawn due to numerous letters received from the local residents who were concerned about late night disturbance and potential drunken antisocial behaviours. Here's to Council working for the residents of Bath!

Anyone for PIZZA at 5am??!!!

Dear Residents...what are your thoughts about Dominos Pizza in Bath wishing to extend their opening hours until 5am?! I understand that many of you are totally against it...let your voice be heard if it effects you too...contact us today and we will forward your concerns to council.

Water Problems?!!!

A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:: Police are warning people across the force to beware of bogus callers, as criminals take advantage of the increase in burst pipes and water mains caused by cold weather. Over the last week, a number of offences have been reported to police across the force where bogus “Waterboard” and Dyno-rod officials have tricked their way into homes before stealing cash, purses and wallets. Darren Taylor, acting sergeant on the Bristol Doorstep Crime Team consisting of police and Trading Standards officers, said: “Offenders have been knocking on doors, unfortunately targeting elderly and more vulnerable people, and claiming they are fixing water leaks and burst pipes in the road. “A common theme in these offences is that victims are being told that there is blue dye in the water, and they need the victim to run the kitchen taps to check the system. “If someone knocks on your door and you hear these things, alarm bells should start ringing. “There is no longer a Waterboard – it is a term used only by bogus callers. Water companies also never put dye into the water. “Since the formation of the Bristol Doorstep Crime Team and Avon and Somerset’s work to tackle doorstep crime with the national Operation Liberal, we have reduced distraction burglaries and rogue trading offences by around 60% in the city. “In turn there has been a substantial increase in the number of crimes being detected with more offenders being identified and locked up than ever before. “We want to further drive down these offences and warn people of what to look out for so that we stop people from becoming victims in the first place.” The Bristol Doorstep Crime Team is a partnership between Bristol CID and Bristol City Council Trading Standards. This joint enterprise has been investigating distraction burglary and Rogue trading in the city for 18 months. Acting Sergeant Taylor said: “If you are visited by someone requesting access and you have not reported a water leak then do not let anyone into your home. “You do not need to run your taps. “Be wary of unknown, unscheduled callers – just because they have a plastic id card and a boiler suit it does not make them genuine. “A genuine official will understand and will happily make a future appointment or provide credentials to confirm their identity.” If you believe that you have seen or been visited by these offenders then please report it to the police on 0845 456 7000. If you have any information that may help catch these offenders call 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Top tips for staying safe Always make sure visitors to your home are who they say they are by asking to see their identification. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus. Always use a number from your utility bill or a phone book. 'Water Boards' no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers. Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them - distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you while another sneaks in through the insecure door. Always close and lock the back door before answering the front door. LOCK: Keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home. STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked any back doors and taken the key out. Look through the spy hole or the window to see who it is. CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. CHECK: If someone who looks official calls at your door, always ask for their identity card; do they look like the person on the card? If you do not have a chain, ask for ID to be put through the letterbox and remember there's no such thing as the water board. Visit the Force website on www.avonandsomerset.police.uk where you can also sign up to receive local news and alerts, Crimestoppers appeals and job details, direct to your inbox – on http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/Interactive/

Are you a litter bug?!!

Many issues that where in the last meeting have now been resolved including Anti-littering stickers that have now been placed on bins all over the city and the fines being issued to litter bugs! Keep Bath Beautiful. Other issues noted where violence on the elderly rose by resident Mr Blake. Bus diversions and traffics tackled by Cllr Terry Gazzard who graciously explained the issue and that he will be raising the topic at tomorrow morning's Council meeting. I have also personally spoken with heads of the two bus companies back in November and they are willing to attend our next meeting to address any issues the residents of city centre may have...more later...Mandana (Mandana photoed with city centre associate officers Richard and Andy)...see you all at the next meeting on 13 April 2011 @ The Guildhall, Bath UK

Come one, come all !

Bath PACT Meeting today at 6:30pm Guildhall. If you care about your city, your community, your business or job, we would highly recommend you attend our public meeting at 6:30pm at the Bath City Guildhall. If one wants to see change, then one needs to be the change hence attend and let your voice be heard by the city council and Police departments. See you all at 6:30pm. Mandana Chair for Bath City Centre PACT Meeting.

Enough is Enough!

Stop The Violence Concert participants Corvin Melody, Miss Mandana Sharifi, Lenky Boy, Anwar Wales, Zenji San Ingham, Mrs Mitra Johnston, and Detective Constable O'Neil Swaby at Ruth Seaton James Centre, Bermuda. (Photo by Glenn Tucker,Reporter: Jessie Monez). A British community activist would like communities in Bermuda and Bath, England to brainstorm together to come up with ways to curb community violence. Mandana Sharifi, a resident of Bath and organiser of an anti-violence group called Stop the Violence (STV), was in Bermuda this month to organise a community anti-violence rally held at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts. The rally included performances by local artists such as Zenji San Ingham and Shine Hayward. Ms Sharifi lived and worked in Bermuda 15 years ago, and her sister, Mitra Johnston, still works here and runs an auction firm. “Compared to the Bermuda of 15 years ago, Bermuda has changed a lot,” said Ms Sharifi. “I am quite disheartened by it. In Bath, I am chair for the Partnership and Community Coming Together (PACT) group. “It is a forum set up by the police, council and residents. Our top priority is preventing and reducing antisocial behaviour.” She said that violence was a problem in certain parts of Bath as it is in Bermuda, although offenders tended to use knives rather than the guns often used here. “The violence is not in the city centre,” said Ms Sharifi. “It is beautiful there because we have CCTV cameras. That is what prevents a lot of crime. Criminals get caught immediately. “We have the most cameras in the city compared to any other city in England. They are all turned on and monitored. It absolutely helps.” Ms Sharifi is currently campaigning for UK’s Conservative party to be counsellor of Walcot Ward, one of the most deprived areas in the city. She thought the answer for Bermuda’s problems was to install more CCTV cameras, and also for the police to be more vigilant. “The police, I believe, if they are not already vigilant, they need to be a bit more strong armed with the criminals,” said Ms Sharifi. “It is kind of a vicious cycle from what we have experienced in England. “People experience violence on the street then they go home and put domestic violence on their spouses. Then the spouses become stressed and maybe lay a hand on their kids.” She said increasing poverty, and also violence in the media was partly to blame for rising levels of violence in Bath and Bermuda. “Families don’t eat together anymore,” she said. “There is poverty and people have to go out and work several jobs. Meanwhile their kids are home by themselves. “They maybe get attracted by the Big Brother which is not good for them. The kids are lured into a life which is very quick, fast and very short. Economy definitely plays into that and lack of social assistance. “I think the media need to be more vigilant about what they put on the television. Maybe put things with violence on later in the evening. “Even some of the cartoons are very violent. They highlight being bad and naughty. Adult programming should be put on after 10pm. The music companies also need to be more vigilant.” She said one of her group’s aims is to set up a trust for victims of violence in Bermuda whether it be domestic or in the community. “Some people may not qualify for financial reimbursement through the normal procedure,” she said. “In this case, as long as you have a court, doctors, police or hospital report there is no way they shouldn’t qualify. Exempt companies are assisting. “From a lovely small island we are going to see some positive things coming out. “We are hoping to twin with Bath, England to possibly set up the PACT meetings here, so we can help each other’s communities come up with solutions.” Ms Sharifi’s sister said she was very concerned about the increase of violence in the Bermuda community. “It is the holidays and we don’t want to see any more killing and violence,” Ms Johnson said. “Enough is enough. Enough families have suffered. Enough children are without parents. “A small Island like this we used to have so many tourists here to enjoy the friendliness and relaxed living style. In the past, the tourists were coming here to run away from all the big city wildness. “Now they are scared to come here. Everyday in the news there is someone gunned down. It is ridiculous.” For more information go to the website www.stvtrust.org or cityofbath.blogspot.com.