Environmental Visual Audits are one of the key ways in which the Neighbourhood Action Group helps to improve Katesgrove. Each month, a group of residents will tour an area of Katesgrove with officers from Reading Borough Council, usually accompanied by one or more of our PCSOs and our Neighbourhood Wardens.
Essentially, we walk through an area looking for things that bring the appearance of the area down: graffiti, litter, fly-tipping, junk left in gardens or footpaths, dumped vehicles, and the like. Everything we find is noted down by RBC and sent to the appropriate agencies for action. This doesn't just cover things on public land; things such as building refuse or domestic rubbish on private properties can now be dealt with by the council too.
Research has shown that a poor outward appearance in a neighbourhood increases the risk of crime, as it gives the impression no-one cares what goes on in their street. By taking action on these issues, the NAG not only makes Katesgrove a nicer place to be, but actively reduced the risk of crime.
Upcoming EVAs
Any resident is welcome to accompany us on an EVA. We meet at 10.30am, and an EVA typically lasts about an hour and a half. Upcoming dates are below; if you would like more information, please email katesgrovenag@hotmail.co.uk
- Tuesday 19 January 2009, area 1, meet at Whitley St opposite shops
- Tuesday 16 February 2009, area 2, meet junction Katesgrove Lane/Pell St
- Tuesday 16 March 2009, area 3, meet Junction Elgar Rd South/Waterloo Rise
- Tuesday 13 April 2009, area 4, meet at Waterloo Meadows
- Tuesday 18 May 2009, area 1, meet at Whitley St opposite shops
- Tuesday 15 June 2009, area 2, meet junction Katesgrove Lane/Pell St
- Tuesday 13 July 2009, area 3, meet Junction Elgar Rd South/Waterloo Rise
- Tuesday 17 August 2009, area 4, meet at Waterloo Meadows
- Tuesday 14 September 2009, area 1, meet at Whitley St opposite shops
- Tuesday 19 October 2009, area 2, meet junction Katesgrove Lane/Pell St
- Tuesday 16 November 2009, area 3, meet Junction Elgar Rd South/Waterloo Rise
- Tuesday 14 December 2009, area 4, meet at Waterloo Meadows
Past EVA reports
These public reports of our activity each month will give you an idea of the sorts of things an EVA will look out for.
2009
2008