Westfield Tenants and Residents Association

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Students from Bolton are supporting an ongoing campaign to cut domestic violence in St Helens.
The talented graphic designers offered to produce free campaign materials
for St.Helens Council, housing association Riverside and Helena
Partnerships as part of their coursework at the University of Bolton.

Their work will be featured in an exhibition at the Mash Art Café, in
Haydock Street, St Helens, from 19 to 28 January. The winning concept will be announced on opening night and feature in campaign material throughout the rest of the year.

Mash Art Café Manager Kevin Hood said: “The exhibition aims to raise
awareness of violence against women – challenging young people in
particular to recognise abusive behaviour and exploring different ways of encouraging victims to seek support.

“We’re delighted that we’re able to showcase a collection of such moving and imaginative imagery – which will then play a key role in the Safer St.Helens domestic violence campaign.”

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Family Intervention and Safer
Communities Councillor Sue Murphy said: “The involvement of the Bolton
students adds an important extra dimension to the campaign – with young people creating messages and images that resonate with their peers and hopefully lead to more people coming forward to seek help.”

Sharon Mackenzie, Service Manager for Vulnerable People at Helena Extra,
said: “Raising awareness is a key element of tackling domestic violence,
but young people can sometimes be hard to reach.
“We hope the work of the Bolton students will really speak out to their
peers as well as the wider community.
“Need help? Call Helena Extra’s 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 01925 220541.
For help or advice contact the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate on
01744 743 200.

Residents are asked for their views on which crimes are their biggest priority

St.Helens residents are being asked what crimes they think should be made a priority in their areas.

St.Helens Council, Merseyside Police and Community Safety Partners want to know what crimes are deemed a priority across the borough.

Every year St.Helens Council’s Safer Communities team ask residents to help identify the crimes which should be focused on by local agencies for the year ahead.

To do this simply visit www.safersthelens.org.uk or find us on
facebook.com/safer.sthelens to complete a quick poll.

Councillor Sue Murphy, Cabinet Member for Family Intervention and Safer Communities said:” We want to know what the issues are which affect St.Helens residents. The poll takes less than a minute and the results will be used to help shape our priorities and determines the best action. This will greatly help us to continue to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in St.Helens.

St Helens Council and Merseyside Police have issued a warning to residents
after bogus officials struck at several addresses in Parr.

A young female claiming she was having her head shaved for the Macmillan
Nurses charity conned residents in the Pennine Drive area.

Meanwhile in Winter Grove two men claiming they were carrying out
electricity checks on behalf of Helena Homes were refused access by a
suspicious resident.

A Home Watch Leader has today contacted police to advise a young female has
recently attended her home address in the Ravenhead area, again claiming
she was having her head shaved for charity.

All callers were NOT GENUINE.

The recently opened office situated on Corporation St will be holding an open day on WEDNESDAY 23RD NOVEMBER between 3pm & 6pm
The informal “drop in” style open day will give residents an insight of how residents can have an input in shaping the way Helena deliver it’s services. As a thank you, everyone who attends will receive a goody bag along with entry in to a prize draw for a luxury hamper. Free refreshments & snacks will be available.

Westra have joined with other groups across the country in lobbying government ministers and gathering petitions in protest to the “All in one benefit” that’s proposed in the Welfare reform bill. We have attended many conferences and discussion groups in reference to this and recently met with local MP Dave Watts to air our grievances. We would like to thank all residents who signed the petitions, and also Helena Partnerships for their support to groups wishing to make a stand. What did surprise us while collecting signatures was how many people did not realise how these proposed changes could affect them. With this in mind, we would like to hear from anyone who would like to know more. If we receive some interest we will be happy to arrange a meeting at our centre with an invited guest so you can be fully informed. If interested please call us on 01744 636743.

ABBERLEY CLOSE
Following several complaints from residents in this area about the increase in dog fouling, we contacted the Dog Warden. The following action will be taken, he has requested a clean up of the area by the Council, notices/stencils will be placed, and acting on information, dog owners who have been identified will be sent letters. Dog owners can collect dog bags from our office and can we remind you that a dog waist bin in situated on the ground opposite the Cricketers Arms.
CAMPBELL STREET
Residents who have been experiencing problems with huge conifers in this area asked for help in solving this issue. As these trees are situated on a private estate opposite, this has proved a difficult task to find out who is responsible for their maintenance. With the help of Cllr Almond we have learned that we could approach the Land Registry Office, as this would incur a cost, it was decided at a recent meeting that Cllr Almond would write to the residents in Hope Close to try and find out who they pay ground rent to. We are now waiting for some response and we will keep residents informed with any progress.
HAVELOCK CLOSE
Westra met with an official from the Council on Wednesday 26th October to inspect the road on Havelock close, following problems with the build up of rain water. Hopefully this will now be addressed shortly.

Residents are welcome to attend the inspections and the next one will take place on
TUESDAY 7th FEBRUARY at 1pm from WESTRA centre Lewis Street