STUDENTS at Fort Hill school invited me in to take part in their BBC school news report that will be broadcast this week on the BBC website.

I was interviewed about youth crime, something I know that concerns a great many people, old and young alike, in Basingstoke.

Just like adults, young people want to see more uniformed officers out and about in our community and strict enforcement of alcohol laws prohibiting the sale to those under 18.

IN Basingstoke, we are fortunate to have a great number of excellent sporting facilities and three have been recognised to be of Olympic importance and will be put forward as training camps for countries competing in the London Olympics.

The facilities at Down Grange, Wellington Riding Centre and The Active Life Centre gymnasium are a credit to our borough.

ONE sport which is not yet recognised by the Olympic movement, but has more than 40,000 members in the UK, is indoor bowling.

I was pleased to be invited again to see those taking part in the Indoor Bowling National Championships at the Loddon Vale club.

This is already a sport recognised at the Commonwealth Games - perhaps London 2012 will go one stage further?

I WAS pleased to hear that Hampshire Police have stepped in to save the new "101" telephone number, which was set up to help improve the reporting of anti-social behaviour incidents.

The number was threatened with closure as a result of the Government's decision to cut its funding in Hampshire.

This means that Basingstoke residents can continue to contact 101 to report anti-social behaviour incidents that they feel need further investigation.

When an incident is reported, a case number will be given, which can then be used to follow up your query with either the police or the local council.

4:10pm Friday 14th March 2008

Print

Email this