Neighbourhood police teams across the Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay areas highlighted the work they can do to improve life for local communities as part of Not in my Neighbourhood Week.

The focus of the week, held between 2 and 6 November, was on how teams are dealing with concerns about anti-social behaviour, covering problems relating to a range of issues including excessive drinking and speeding.

Speed checks

During the week, officers visited 27 different sites across the Canterbury and coastal area monitoring vehicles' speeds. More than 80 motorists identified ignoring 30 and 40mph limits will be sent letters warning them to slow down and highlighting the consequences of excessive speed.

In just 15 minutes beside the A290 through Blean, eight motorists exceeded the 30mph limit, one van driver even registering 50mph on the hand held speed monitoring device.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Myck Beddall, who did much of the speed monitoring, said: 'Many of these drivers in Blean have just passed a primary school, they are driving through a residential area with side roads meeting the main road and there are numerous signs advising that speed checks are made in the area yet they still do not feel that they need to slow down.'

Alcohol and drug awareness 

At Canterbury College and Canterbury Christ Church University police teams held briefings for students with advice about how to avoid the pitfalls of drinking heavily and taking drugs.

Activities for young people 

In Whitstable the neighbourhood police team joined forces with the local Sea Cadets and organised a display on the Tankerton Slopes showing young people and parents that there are organisations offering things to do in the town. The Sea Cadets meet several times a week for 10 to 18-year-olds and offer numerous activities in addition to sailing and music.

Posted on: 11 November 2009