2015 arrived and we looked forward to what may be ahead. The events of the last week and a half have answered some of those questions. Locally the notable event was the shocking fire at the SODC offices and at two other premises in nearby locations. Many were fearful of the events of that night but, once again the Emergency Services came through. First of all the elderly lady most at risk was rescued safely. The fires were managed and extinguished by the Fire Service and the suspect for these crimes was quickly arrested and charged by the Police. A reassurance message was swiftly delivered to the public via all forms of media. It was good to receive an email from Superintendent Andy Boyd that I was able to share with other NAG members and to have posted on our facebook page for others to see.

 Those accessing our facebook page will also see that we have updated our heading to include a picture of the demolition of the first three chimneys at Didcot A. This is just one representation of the way that Didcot is going forward.

One of the ways forward is the continued expansion of Great Western Park and the occupation of those homes by our new Neighbours. I am pleased to say that there has been some movement in the recruitment of Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators which has been due in no small measure to one lone mum who has volunteered to become the Area Coordinator and who has singlehandedly created and delivered invitation slips to 500 homes on the development. The response could, however, have been better but we are forever hopeful.

If you are reading this article you will have a copy of the Didcot Review magazine or the Ladygrove magazine. Just remember that each month 3000 of these magazines are produced and are hand delivered to 3000 homes by one man.

On the general crime front we heard that Burglary is down 40% which is excellent; however it has not gone away. Those that are being committed are opportunist and result from ground level windows left ajar when the occupier was out. BE AWARE!

The other question is Did no one see whoever dismantled and took away a full size Trampoline from the front garden of a house in Little Langlands during the day a few weekends ago?

Reports coming in to us from around the area suggest that children and families are being put at risk by drivers who drive far too fast in places such as Great Western Park and Kynaston Road. Be sure that these issues will be on the NAG agenda at our meeting on February 5^th.

Also on the agenda will be issues around public safety concerns due to increases in traffic and hold ups due to road works at the Milton interchange, the continued Bridge Works at Foxhall Road and the issues with the Jubilee roundabout.

The NAG will also continue in its efforts to help with addressing the problem of Litter. The national press and local press have carried stories recently to show how unpleasant our towns and countryside are made by this problem. There is clearly a problem with the way that some people leave litter and there is certainly a need for greater education. Your ideas around this and other topics would be welcome. Just join us on our facebook page and post us your views.

Trevor House

Chairman