Last updated at 15:15, Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Presentations were recently made at St Peter’s Hall, Woodhouse to three different organisations all working in the South Whitehaven Neighbourhood Management area, they demonstrate the diversity of projects that the Initiative supports.

PCSO 5190 Andrew Blaney approached the partnership for funding to purchase a Pro Laser III Speed Gun, after residents of the Woodhouse and Mirehouse Estates had raised concerns over the safety of some of the roads and the dangers of speeding vehicles. Working closely with Joanne Walker (Neighbourhood Manager) and PC 472 Phil Carter, who had previously set up a similar project in Cockermouth, enquiries were made with Cumbria Constabulary’s Road Policing Unit (RPU) as to the most suitable device for the communities need.

With the use of the Pro Laser III Speed Gun, Officers in Whitehaven will be able to pro-actively target speeding vehicles in the South Whitehaven Area. Those who contravene a speed limit could be given the option of either a Fixed Penalty Notice or attending a Speed Awareness Course. The future operations will hopefully educate drivers to the dangers of excessive speed and the consequences of driving above any set speed limit.

PCSO 5167 Simon KANE said ‘’ This is an excellent example of local residents being able to identify and engage with their local Community Officers to address problems and issues affecting their environment and quality of life’’.

Amanda Butterworth, on behalf of Sunbeams Carer & Toddler Group was delighted to receive funding to Sunbeams has been running for 26 years and is held on Tuesday mornings (term time) 10 – 11.30 am at The United Reformed Church in the Market Place, Whitehaven. They offer crafts, play time, story and song time and also healthy drinks and snacks for the children and a cuppa for the parents/carers.

The funding Sunbeams are receiving from Community Pot will be used to purchase toys, painting equipment along with mats and carpets for the class. It will also be used to purchase a new toddler size table and chairs for the children to sit and have their snack in preparation for going to nursery and school.

Amanda Butterworth said “Sunbeams is a lovely group and all the children and parents/carers enjoy the class so much, these new items will make the class a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy. Many thanks go to SWNM Community Pot for making this happen.”

Another very important local group to benefit was Whitehaven and District Community First Responders Association, the funding provided by the South Whitehaven Neighbourhood Management Programme, will be used to purchase extra defibrillators, pagers, and approved emergency service high visibility uniform clothing for the team of active Community First Responders currently attending 999 calls in our area. The group are pleased to welcome 6 new, qualified members to the team who will shortly be given clearance to go 'live' and respond to urgent calls for assistance.

First published at 14:52, Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Published by http://www.southwhitehavenlocal.co.uk