Chigwell Row residents gather to strengthen community bonds and fight crime!

Residents of Chigwell Row converged at a meeting at All Saints Church, Romford Road to discuss local community matters on Wednesday 15th January.

The meeting was coordinated by Wilson Chowdhry, PC Joanne Kerly, Vicar Paula Preston and members of the former Chigwell Row Residents Association in response to a desire to link local services, build community input and engagement and tackle crime together.

The meeting was presided over by Wilson Chowdhry a local resident, who introduced Vicar Paula Preston who authorised use of the church hall for the meeting. Rev Paula described a desire for the church to be more involved in the local community and opened proceedings with a short prayer.

L-R Wilson Chowdhry, PC Kerly and Vicar Paula Preston

Local crime was a major trigger for the meeting and led the initial discussion.  PC Kerly explained that Epping has two teams one with 5 officers and one with 7 officers, in addition to this a town centre team of 4 officers patrol during shop operating hours and can float between other teams in emergencies. PC Kerly advised visitors that additional officers were tro be deployed as part of a new commitment by British Government.  She agreed to share exact figures for future deployments at the next meeting.

PC Kerly described some inroads made by local police who had reduced burglaries from 53 incidents to 30.  However, vehicle theft had risen from 70 - 93.  Though these numbers cancel each other out as both have a difference of 23, PC Kerly had explained that in recent weeks sting operations had led to several arrests and hopefully this will equate to reductions in both crimes.  

Mr Chowdhry who had two cars stolen from his drive over the last 6 months asked about any joint police operations over the Met/Essex border and was advised monthly crime meetings are held between both constabularies. PC Kerly also suggested the use of faraday cases for modern keyless technolgy devices and stated that the police have some available - a warning was provided that these pouches can have a shelf-life. 

A worrying statistic was a rise in violent crime from 76 - 135 and though Mr Chowdhry was alarmed at the near doubling of such crime PC Kerly, believed this was due to a new reporting practice and enhanced response to domestic violence. 

Mr Chowdhry put it on record that he was worried that some of these figures were a result of the increase in events being permitted by Redbridge Council at Hainault Forest Country Park.  Two stabbings and mass antisocial behaviour linked to events have been reported by us previously (click here).

A short digress of the conversation to issues pertaining to events at the park led to an agreement by local residents to ensure that our group would be advised of any impending planning applications advertised on notices outside the park entrances.  Mr Chowdhry agreed to raise objections to aspects of future park events that would be to the detriment of local people. He also agreed to continue to challenge for improved security inside and outside the event and to inform Essex police of forthcoming events, for them to be able to prepare any response deemed necessary. Residents sought help in reducing parking burden during event days and Mr Chowdhry agreed to contact Essex Council to seek event day parking restrictions.

Concerns were raised about the speed of road users on Romford Road, Lambourne Road, Gravel Lane and Millers Lane. PC Kerly agreed to add these roads to a strategic list for impromptu speed gun operations.  

Mr Chowdhry agreed to speak to Essex Council to see if the speed camera on Romford Road could be moved to an area before the entrance to Woolhampton Way for safety of vehicles exiting.  Mr Chowdhry also agreed to seek a traffic survey of Lambourne Road near Chigwell Infant School especially as the school is seeking expansion to include primary aged children. Read more about the schools expansion and the consultation process (here)

Issues regarding reduction of speed to a maximum of 20mph, Chase Lane wheel-chair user safety and a review of the safety of existing parking provision considered against road width concerns are to be of paramount importance.

Concerns were raised about squatters at the disused Maypole Pub; however, one local resident confirmed the property had a sign that stated that the people residing in the pub were guardians for the building.  Local Parish Councillor Ravi Banot initially stated that attempts were being made to remove the squatters but then expressed that the guardians were residing in the premises with the expressed permission of the owners, when Mr Chowdhry pressed for a clearer indication of any trespass. Mr Chowdhry moved away from the subject at this point but has agreed to get some clarification from the owners for the next meeting.

Mr Chowdhry reported the permanent presence of drug dealers on Lodge Avenue and the car park of the Two Brewers Pub, Lambourne Road.  Police had been informed about the two locations by Mr Chowdhry while driving the local security vehicle organised by former Parish Councillor Roger Farthing.  Police were aware of the Lodge Avenue location but not the pub location.  This information will now be filtered down through the local police teams for investigation.

Mr Chowdhry then moved to a discussion on the potential establishment of a Residents Association. 

A group of local Parish Councillors than suggested that rather than begin a new association that people should join the Chigwell Residents Association that had been in operation for over 30 years.

Mr Chowdhry, asked how many local residents had heard of the more aged group but other than one other resident and the four councillors no-one else had heard of the ‘established’ group.  When a few councillors explained that there was an existing website, they were interrupted by a local resident who explained that the web presence did not help local residents -  they needed a group that would reach out to them regularly.  

A local councillor (Alan Lion) moved the conversation to forming a neighbourhood watch (NHW) and one local resident stated he was the coordinator but had not written a newsletter in four years.  

Mr Chowdhry asked for a show of hands for any residents desiring to join the aged Chigwell Residents Association, and two hands were raised.  When asked if residents would like to form a new residents association/NHW the room was filled with raised hands.

At this point to move things forward invited guest Lorraine Gibson, Tenant Participation Officer for Epping Forest District Council, was asked for a description of the support the council could provide.  

A small grant, a lot of advice and support was offered if we could find 6 local residents to support formation of the group who together would sign a new constitution. We successfully gained the requisite support and Mr Chowdhry has agreed to coordinate with the 6 once Lorraine sends across the contact list. 

During discussions a local resident raised the matter of the forthcoming consultation for expansion of Chigwell Infants School. Local residents were encouraged to attend and have their say (click here).

A next meeting date has not yet been discussed but a newsletter will be posted to every home, ensuring local people are informed of progress with the group and other salient local news.