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With the local government elections behind us, we welcome Ian Ollis as our new Ward Councillor. Ian can be reached at 881-6016 or emailed at ianollis@lantic.net. His office is on the 4th floor, A Block, Region 3 Offices, West Street Sandown. He says, “I would be happy to meet members of the community and assist them where possible.”

VERY IMPORTANT WAKE UP CALL 
The next issue of the Crier will contain a full statement, but we are sharing some our concerns with you in advance. The CRA is critically short of that most valuable of commodities – people power. Two long-serving members of the Executive (one of whom has been involved for 15 years) are considering stepping down. The tireless chairman has more than once appealed to our community for a replacement, notwithstanding that in terms of the CRA constitution his term should have expired after three years.
It would be a sad, sad moment if, due to apathy, the CRA had to disband or curtail its activities to a bare minimum. Our 2006 challenge to you is – what can you do to ensure that this doesn’t happen? For over a year we have asked for residents to come forward to assist with the portfolios of town planning, environment, traffic and security... and the chairperson’s and secretary’s position… Make your mark! Leave a legacy that your children and others will thank you for.
Act today! Contact John Turpin at 011 325-4547 or email jrturpin@mweb.co.za.

1. SECURITY/TRAFFIC
Crime statistics are showing us that after a questionable January the two suburbs had a reasonably quiet February. In March, however, there have been several housebreakings and robberies. The common view is that small gangs are operating in the Parkview Precinct and the Senior Superintendent is making all attempts to confront this problem. Police visibility continues to be a priority and this will continue for some time. 

In addition road blocks have been set up by the Reservists from Parkview together with the professional police zeroing in on taxies going down the wrong side of the street to reach their destination. This usually occurs when taxies turn off Jan Smuts and use Craighall Park and Craighall as a ‘rat run’. A recent three-day road block on Westminster Avenue resulted in no fewer than 18 taxies being given serious spot fines! Unfortunately we can’t say that we’ve solved the problem as it will be a matter of time before they return to their bad habits. This means that we as an Association will persevere by holding ongoing discussions with the Parkview Police. 

The Chairman has continued with organising a roster of residents patrolling our suburbs accompanied by police members. Our thanks to those who have volunteered to carry out this project which is a good example of community policing.

An ongoing reminder – report any suspicious persons in your street or in your vicinity to the Police - use 10111 when making contact with the Police. 

2. TOWN PLANNING
Development plan for our area (RSDF/LDP): the professional town planner engaged by the CRA has been asked to put pressure on Council officials for their comments. We will keep you informed on this important matter.

Sub-divisions continue apace. We urge you to read the notices that are legally required to be affixed on the outside of a property and check that a developer is not trying to sneak in something else! Object if you’re not happy about the developer’s intentions. In this respect, a proposed development in Portland Avenue could be approved, in spite of many objections. As this may set a most unwanted precedent, a letter has been written to the appropriate MEC – a copy of this letter is attached for your information. As with security and other matters – you have to persevere!

Spar has bought the adjoining property and intends to use this as access to the store and for parking. Check the notice on the wall.

Thanks for your interest – and thanks too to the many residents who have already paid their 2006 subscription fee.