Tattenhall & District Parish Council

PROJECT RURAL MATTERS

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Page last updated  18th April 2008

COMMUNICATION UPDATE FROM INSPECTOR PHIL HODGSON

What is Project Rural Matters?

Project Rural Matters is a community safety initiative operating in the rural areas of Chester District.  It aims to involve communities, and in particular volunteers, in helping to tackle local issues such as antisocial behaviour, youth nuisance, road safety, crime prevention and other similar problems which affect peoples' quality of life.

Project Rural Matters operates within the Chester Community Safety Partnership and includes Cheshire Constabulary, Cheshire County Council, Chester City Council, Cheshire Community Council and Cheshire Fire Brigade in its work.

Why is Project Rural Matters Important?
In Chester District the perception and fear of crime is high - even though actual crime figures are low compared to other parts of the North West and across the Country.  There is also real concern about anti-social behaviour (such as public drunkenness, vandalism and youth nuisance).

The relative isolation of rural areas can increase this fear and concern.  The changes in police practice and resources means that the traditional village "bobby" is not a realistic option today, and communities will continue to be served by police teams covering a wide area for the foreseeable future.  This means that police officers are more reliant than ever on local information and local knowledge from the community to enable them to efficiently cover the wider rural area.   It is widely accepted that community safety is not only the responsibility of the police but needs the involvement of local people and communities.

Project Rural Matters, by encouraging community involvement, helps:

• The police to provide greater reassurance and support to rural communities
• Residents to work with local police.  Homewatch groups and other agencies to help tackle crime and quality of life issues.

How Can You Get Involved?
Volunteers can get involved in all sorts of ways. If you are interested in making a difference in your community and would like to find out more about Project Rural Matters please contact:

Derek Bowker
Project Rural Matters Co-ordinator
c/o Cheshire Community Council
96 Lower Bridge Street
Chester  CH1 1RU
Tel:  01244 354116
Fax:  01244 401036
Email: derek.bowker@cheshirecc.org.uk

Some Of The Ways That Volunteers Can Make A Difference:

1.  Project Rural Matters Vehicle
A high visibility Project Rural Matters 'people earner' vehicle has been provided to support the day to day activities of Project Rural Matters offering an additional high profile presence in the community.

Project Rural Matters Volunteer Drivers can provide positive community safety messages, advice, information and leaflets at local events (fetes, summer fairs, community meetings etc.) and to facilitate youth and other initiatives with a community safety theme.  In addition, the vehicle may be available for other community transport needs, again using the volunteer drivers.

2.  Ward Co-ordinators and Ward Contacts
Volunteers in the community are needed to gather information on local community safety issues and concerns, and pass them onto the Project Rural Matters Steering Group via the Co-ordinator.

3.  Helping to Spread Community Safety Messages To Your Community and Beyond
Volunteers are always needed to talk to groups or attend community activities and events.

4.  Your Ideas!
We are always looking for ideas to help spread the word about community safety or to help tackle community safety issues and concerns.  You can help by becoming a volunteer or contacting the Co-ordinator if you have any ideas.

What Volunteers Can Expect From Project Rural Matters
All volunteer drivers will be vetted by the police and should have less than 3 points on their licence.  In addition, all potential volunteer drivers will undergo a driver assessment course.  All other volunteers will be given the opportunity of attending fire safety and basic first aid courses.  Other training will be available in the future, depending on what volunteers need to be effective in this important role.  Ward Co-ordinators and Ward Contacts will have regular contact with the Co-ordinator, peer group support meetings and other training, if necessary.

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