Feedback From Our Last Issue

After the last issue and with the launch of the website, we have again had a lot of positive comments about both formats. However, one comment was made on the website and although the newsletter team have responded, we’d love to know what you think too:

“We moved to Bristol just over a year ago from a northern big city. We have been dismayed at the level of crime. Never before have I been afraid to walk alone after dusk or feel afraid just walking to work (through Southmead). In just 15 months I have seen more broken- in and burnt-out cars than in my whole life and had to report more incidents to the police than ever before. I applaud efforts by the community to bring people closer together but doubt whether this will impact on the levels of crime.” – anonymous, via the website.

Although you are undoubtedly experiencing crime first-hand and this naturally affects the way you feel about our area, we would urge you to take a more positive approach towards creating a safer community. Building a sense of community spirit, pride and cohesion does positively impact on crime figures, so community events, the newsletter, after school clubs, etc are worthwhile. Also, the way people behave towards others in the street does affect how 'safe' the streets are: if we all timidly rushed from one doorway to the next, of course the streets would belong to those hanging about in gangs. Crimes such as vandalism and assault are much less likely to occur in a busy street than a quiet one. Lastly, reporting crime is a very important part of this process, so keep doing it. Without witness statements, convictions don't happen, and without a clear picture of criminal activity, the police and local authorities stand no chance of making an improvement. – Editor’s response.

A final word from us, we have experienced quite a few problems getting this issue of the newsletter together, largely due to IT issues. We’d like to thank Henbury Library, Learn Direct Centre (especially Janis and Eve) and Henbury Court Primary School for supporting Marianna in getting the paper version together. The newsletter is new for pages-longer (from 8 pages to12 pages) due to increase in articles and additional potential advertisements.

If you would like to give us an article or your input for the next issue please send your email to mariannapaf@hotmail.com or contact us before the 10th of October .