Clifton Park community starts sub-forum
The sub-forum committee do not only want to address or fight crime but want to be involved in community projects.
A SUB-FORUM or a community policing forum is a legal bridge between police and the community. The Clifton Park community in Gillitts have opted to start a sub-forum to strengthen the community, get to know one another, fight crime and work together to address issues concerning the area.
The sub-forum falls under the Hillcrest CPF umbrella.
Speaking to the Highway Mail, public relations officer (PRO) Allan Dyer said they held an annual general meeting on June 18 where the community voted for the committee members.
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Dyer said there was a big gap in their community, and most of the surrounding areas have their own sub-forums.
“This is a residential area and has businesses operating, and we have noticed it was starting to take a strain with people loitering around.
“There has also been the issue of filth as people have littered just anywhere – we want to upgrade the area so we don’t get people loitering around,” he said.
Another PRO, Brigit Filmer, said that as a community, they have various challenges or issues.
“We want to be more hands-on as, for example, there are streetlights that have not been working for months. We want to have public meetings and address things that affect our community.
The PROs highlighted that their forum will have accountability and transparency.
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“We will need donations to repair some things, and people need to know where their money is going, so we want community involvement so everyone can voice their opinions. We need to engage with one another, so if a neighbour faces a dilemma, we can be there for one another,” said Dyer.
“The recent floods are a perfect example – the sub-forum will help inform people of any damages and be able to assist where they can,” said Filmer.
She thanked the Hillcrest CPF for encouraging them to start this sub-forum which seems to be going in the right direction.
Clifton Park residents who wish to be put on the CPF sub-forum group for relevant community information can send a WhatsApp with their details to 079 313 9104.
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