YourLittleBitExtra


South Anston enjoys the benefits of an active Neighbourhood Watch scheme chaired by Bryan


Saunby. Formed late in 1994, the aims of the group are:


• To improve communication and co-operation with the police.


• To reduce the opportunity for crime to occur. • To improve the sense and feeling of security in the village. • To assist in the development of a community spirit.


• To extend membership to as many village residents as possible The group is now run by thirty eight volunteers who serve


as village co-ordinators. They meet monthly in the Loyal Trooper to discuss issues of local interest, with South York- shire Police in attendance if their duties allow it. Each month the police supply a list of crimes committed in the area and they also use a telephone alert system called Watchline to send messages to Neighbourhood Watch members through- out the region. The local team of volunteers helps to deliver a monthly


newsletter called Village Watch which is produced and distributed free of charge to over 900 households in South Anston and some areas of North Anston. This newsletter gives information about crimes committed over the past month, and also supplies warnings and information about bogus traders or other threats to the community’s safety.


A Safer Neighbourhood with Neighbourhood Watch Since the group was formed in 1994, crime rates have


fallen significantly in South Anston. Back then the vil- lage was suffering around eight burglaries and two vehicle thefts a month. Now a burglary is committed on average once every two months and the last recorded vehicle theft was in August 2009. Although it can’t be claimed that South Anston Neighbourhood Watch is the sole reason for this improvement, it must surely be a contributory factor, with the Village Watch newsletter being the biggest single influence on the reduction of crime rates. There are plans to form more Neighbourhood Watch


schemes in North Anston, which can only serve to strengthen efforts to fight against crime in the commu- nity. The NW team is very keen to reach more house- holds, which can only be achieved if more people are willing to volunteer their time to the cause. In particular help is required delivering copies of Village Watch. Due to retirements and ill health etc. some streets that once received the newsletter no longer do so. If you think you can spare an hour or so each month to deliver just a few newsletters please contact Bryan Saunby on 01909 565194. You really could make a big difference. Coverage is especially required on Aster Close, Begonia Close, Freesia Close, Lidster Lane, Mill Lane, Primula Close, Sheffield Road, West Street and Worksop Road.


Co-operative Support Would you like to begin to prepare for your own future


care needs in order to stay in your own home as long as possible? Do you know someone who needs care right now? When it comes to domestic care, do you want con- trol over who comes, at what time, what you require them to do, how they do it? Do you want to have some control over the recruitment of those who come to your home? We are setting up a co-operative. There is a long history


of co-operatives in England which goes back well over a hundred years. The principles on which they are based, and on which they are distinguished from other forms of business organisations, point to a concern for true democ- ratic control by its members. Any financial surpluses are returned to the members. There are no shareholders to take profit from people’s misfortune. There are lots of scare stories about elderly and dis-


abled people being isolated or having access to poor and impersonal care and support services. We are a group of over fifties and people with disabilities who have decided to take matters into our own hands. Our slogan is, “We are not going to wait; we are going to help ourselves”. When fully operational, our co-operative will comprise


of those preplanning for their future needs and people requiring services right now. What makes the project especially innovative is the fact that those employed to


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look after us will also be members of the co-operative, meaning that your carer will be a member of your organi- sation. We have over eighty members, of which ten are in


Aston, Aughton and Swallownest. Other members are in North Anston. We have received a much appreciated parish grant from the council and hope to receive innova- tion grants from Sheffield and Rotherham councils in order to employ a development officer to facilitate the setting up of operations during 2011. We will start with sitting, cleaning and bathing services.


It is hoped that future developments in the months and years to come will be an information function for handy- man and gardening services. Bulk buying of food and fuel are also possibilities. Joint transport facilities and social events could be provided as part of an overall philosophy of alleviating any member’s potential social isolation. Any retired person can become a member simply by


buying a £1 share. Membership for those employed is £4 maximum. Eventually a price for services will be fixed and members will pay on an hourly basis. If you would like to join or simply seek more information, ring Derek on 0114 287 8981 or email derekeastham@hotmail.co.uk. Derek Eastham


Chair, Co-operative Support contact debbie@yourmag.net or 07811 339282


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