The EVA page has been updated with dates for all EVAs in 2010, and the previously advetised dates for upcoming NAG meetings in 2010 have been confirmed.

You can also download a PDF copy of these dates for reference here: NAG & EVA dates 2010 (232 kB, PDF)

NAG members will already be aware that there has been a discussion recently about combining the Safer Reading forums and Neighbourhood Action Groups, to establish better streamlining of resources and to provide a better service to residents.

Below is the document outlining the proposal for how a newly merged Safer Reading/NAG system could look. It is at this stage a discussion paper which has been drawn up following discussions between partner agencies, predominantly the police and Reading Borough Council.

Developing Community Safety - Locality Working in Reading

A presentation of this proposal was given at the most recent NAG meeting, and feedback was generally positive. However, it is important that feedback is sought from as many NAG members and interested parties as possible, so please have a read through the proposal and send you comments to us at katesgrovenag@hotmail.com

Feedback will be collated and passed back to the Safer Reading team. At present, the Safer Reading and Neighbourhood Police Teams are working to a provisional timetable of the final decision being made shortly after the new year, with the new structure going ahead from April 2010.

London Irish mascot 'Digger' will be teaming up with the Katesgrove neighbourhood team and pupils from Katesgrove School to take part in an Environmental Visual Audit.

The popular Irish Wolfhound will join the team and pupils on Tuesday 24 November, as they go around the neighbourhood making a note of the things that can damage the appearance of the area, such as graffiti, damaged street furniture and litter.

Once the audit is completed, the police and partner agencies, such as Reading Borough Council, will work to resolve the issues that have been raised.

Tracie Simpson, head of PR and Communications at London Irish Rugby Club said:

“We are very pleased to be supporting the Environmental Visual Audit with the pupils at Katesgrove Primary School and the Katesgrove Neighbourhood Action Group.  Caring for the places where we live is very important and London Irish is looking forward to playing its part in helping to keep the Katesgrove neighbourhood look its best.”

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Rod Holmes: “I am delighted that Digger will be joining the team and the pupils on this important job.  The Environmental Visual Audits are a tool that we use regularly to try to improve the appearance of the area as things like graffiti and fly tipping can have a really negative impact. The support of Digger, London Irish, and the children from Katesgrove School, will undoubtedly raise awareness of this valuable work.”

The EVA starts at 10:30am, meeting in Katesgrove Primary School Playground off Katesgrove Lane.

As advised last week, our next NAG meeting is this Thursday 19th November, and will be held at the Hilton Reading hotel on Kennet Island (Drake Way, Reading, RG2 0GQ).

There is limited 2-hour parking at the hotel for non-guests, so if you are planning to drive, please arrange to car share wherever possible. If you are stuck for transport, please contact us ASAP via katesgrovenag@hotmail.co.uk, as Thames Valley Police are able to provide limited transport places if arranged in advance.

The meeting begins at the usual time of 7pm.

The latest police update from PC Stacy Bancroft for the Katesgrove Neighbourhood has been posted to the Thames Valley Police website:

Excerpt is © Copyright 2009 Thames Valley Police.

The next EVA for the Katesgrove area is on Tuesday 24^th November, covering area 2 (Katesgrove Primary School and surrouding areas).

Children from both Katesgrove Primary and New Christ Church schools will be in attendance along with special guests from LONDON IRISH Rugby Club (Digger, their mascot has confirmed his attendance). Meet at 10:30am in Katesgrove Primary School Playground off Katesgrove Lane.