6 The Scene Thursday, September 16, 2010

● News in brief 

Police seek manover shop attack

Drop in hoax fire callsTHE number of hoax fire calls has dropped by a massive 65per cent in the last five years, according to recent figuresfrom Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS).

The figures show a steady decline dropping from 1489 in2004, to just 531 in 2009.

Assistant divisional officer Vernon Kendall said: “Hoaxcalls are a problem, as a service we deal with more than twoa day, but the number of hoax calls we get has beenreducing year on year.”

The service actively monitors hoax calls to the service ona daily basis and uses computers to flag multiple hoax calloffenders, whose phones are then disconnected.

“We recognise that the menace of hoax calls affects allpeople living within Essex and we are doing all we can todeter the hoax caller,” continued Mr Kendall.

“The hoax call problem not only costs money, it alsoconsumes valuable resources and it could potentially costpeople’s lives, because appliances are not available toprotect the public when and where we should be.”

Town history launchST JOHN’S ARC is to host thelaunch of a book which hasfinally been published after25 years in the making.

A Civic History of HarlowCouncil 1955-1985 is thework of Ron Bill who hasspent a quarter of a centuryresearching and writing hisextensive work.

The launch will be onSeptember 24 between2.30pm-7pm and will be

attended by former seniorofficers and councillors, aswell as people who wereinvolved in all sections ofthe new town.

Harlow MP Rob Halfonand Jason Cowley, editor ofThe New Statesman will begiving speeches at 3pm.

Voluntary groups, such asthe Civic Society and Friendsof the Museum, will also berunning stalls on the day.

ESSEX Police are looking toidentify a man who theywould like to speak to inconnection with an incidentof criminal damage at aHarlow betting shop.

Between 9pm-9.15pm onFriday May 21, a malecustomer caused damage toseveral television screens atCoral Racing, The Rows,after he lost his bet.

Anyone with informationis asked to call PC SophieBacon on 0300 333 4444 orCrimestoppers anonymouslyon 0800 555111.

Pitney Bowes gives school a holiday makeoverCHILDREN and sta from Sheering Primary School had a bigsurprise when they started the new term thanks to localcompany Pitney Bowes.

More than 40 sta from the Pinnacles-based businessgave up their time to revamp the school last month.

Work included gardening, removing an old climbing frameand painting sheds and fences. They also gave one of theclassrooms a fresh lick of paint.

Headteacher Julie Harvey said: “I feel really humbled thatso many people wanted to help our school and it will make areal dierence to how we start the new school year.”

This is the rm’s third project this year, after revampingthe playground at Berecroft and the High Wych Scout Hut.

Terry Kirkby, from Pitney Bowes, said: “It’s our way ofputting something back into the community. A cracking daywas had by all.”

Pupils from a Harlowprimary school hada chance to presenttheir road safetycampaign to MP

Robert Halfon on Friday.For more than a decade

Latton Green PrimarySchool has been calling foraction in a bid to get traficspeed reduced.

Pupils have to cross

the road near the schoolwith the aid of a lollipoplady, but along a stretch of Commonside Road wherethere is no trafic calming.

Headteacher LornaHandscomb, said: “There’s  been little improvementin this area and the roadis getting more and moredangerous.”

Debbie Bartram, a

governor at the RiddingsLane school, added: “Weare really concerned aboutthe speed of the trafic onCommonside Road andwant to make people awarethat there is a school here,so we are asking that peopledrive with care.”

Staff, pupils and gover-nors are hoping that MrHalfon’s visit will raise the

proile of their campaign,which involves the wholeschool and is named KeepMe Safe.

Mr Halfon said: “I thinkthe campaign is a greatexample of people powerand children power. I’ve been working hard with theschool representatives andpeople from the campaignand will continue to do so.”

Pupils aim to put brakes on speeders

News 164The number of acres covered

 by Harlow Town Park

www.scenerst.co.uk

Pupils present theircampaign to Robert Halfon

Pitney Bowes staff putin plenty of hard work

FTA

PRE-SCHOOLFOR CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 4.5 YEARS

Designated Building - Barn Mead Pavilion, Harlow

Crafts Room, Computer Room, Home Corner, Book Corner,

Storytime Area, Snack Area, Large Outdoor Space,

Lots of Activities and Choices Daily

9.15am to 12.15am - £8.00 PER SESSION & FREE IF YOU GET FUNDING

Come along for a visit, view the facilities and meet the staff

Call 01279 833861 FOR FREE PACK

www.ftaleisure.co.uk

Babies & Children ~ Small Classes for more attention

Classes held Monday to Saturday Daytime & After School

 What we also do

New Swimming Lessons Starting

Classes for all ages & abilities

FTA Kids Club ~ After School& Holiday Clubs 4.5yrs to 14yrs

 www.f ta le isu re .co .uk  

01279

833861