Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 07/01/2004 16:00

Police and various agencies will conduct a daylong sweep of local neighbourhoods in Bodmin tomorrow to help clear up problems that reduce residents’ quality of life.

Officers will join forces with representatives from Cornwall County Fire Brigade, the Arson Task Force, North Cornwall District Council, Devon and Cornwall Probation Service, Crimestoppers and the DVLA to carry out the Community Action Day.

The team will be visiting various communities to discover the specific problems that have a negative effect on day-to-day life. In particular, they will be clamping down on abandoned and untaxed vehicles and unsightly rubbish that poses a fire risk.

PC Sara Carthew, of Bodmin Neighbourhood Team, said the action day is part of an ongoing drive to improve the quality of life for communities in North Cornwall.

“The action day is about listening to the issues that matter most to the community and assisting where we can to make life better for everyone,” she said.

PC Carthew said there are many measures the public can take to help protect their vehicles from theft and to help reduce the risk of arson in their neighbourhoods.

Motorists should ensure their vehicles are locked and all the windows are closed. The keys should be removed and any valuables left out of sight and an anti-theft device fitted to the vehicle.

Rubbish should be disposed of responsibly and any bulky waste taken to the tip. Arsonists often target household rubbish so it is best to put it out on the morning of collection.

Residents are also advised to fit smoke alarms in their homes and fire officers will be on hand tomorrow to provide fire safety advice.

Chairman of North Cornwall District Council and Bodmin Ward Member, Tommy Denholm, said:

“We at North Cornwall District Council value the close working relationship we have with the Police, Fire Brigade and the other organisations that are involved in this campaign.”

“NCDC has already organised several very successful deep cleanse operations on council estates in the town and we welcome this additional initiative to improve the local environment. I am sure it will be welcomed by Bodmin residents.”