The QED Allotments Group welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Community Safety Strategy. We recognise that the Strategy has passed the consultation stage (see p. 4), and the comments that follow are therefore geared to making the strategy work in practice.

It would appear from comments on p. 5 that the objectives of the Strategy are geared to action planning for the three focus areas, none of which contain allotment associations which are active participants in the QED Allotments Group. Nevertheless, much of the Strategy is equally valid for other parts of the Borough, and these comments have been framed with the Borough as a whole in mind.

Objective 2.2: In 1997/98 the QED Allotments Group assisted the allotments association at Gore Road in its efforts to establish an "Allotment Watch" scheme. These efforts failed, in part due to a lack of positive response from the Kent County Constabulary, and no further attempts have been made to establish "Allotment Watch" schemes on other sites, despite their success elsewhere (including in our neighbouring Borough of Bexley). The QED Allotments Group will reconsider the introduction of such a scheme during the year 2000.

Objective 2.3: The QED Allotments Group publishes a Newsletter that is distributed to all allotment gardeners in Dartford, is available in the Foyer at the Civic Centre, and also reaches a considerable audience within and beyond the Borough via our website. At its next meeting the QED Allotments Group will consider including an article on the Community Safety Strategy and its implications for gardeners in the Spring 2000 issue of the Newsletter.

Objective 6.1: Burglary from allotment sheds (and indeed garden sheds in general) is a common (and under-reported) problem. While sheds can be made stronger and larger locks installed, there is a view that this simply encourages theft by giving the impression that there must be something of value inside. Irrespective of the security of the shed, however, there is merit in ensuring that all tools are stamped with the postcode to reduce their value to thieves, and that this fact is made known as a further deterrent. At its next meeting the QED Allotments Group will consider a bid for funds to finance postcode stamping equipment to be made available for use by all gardeners on and off the allotment sites to enhance security.

Objective 8.1: During the year 2000 the QED Allotments group will also consider providing advice on improving shed security, as well as methods of planting which enhance the security of sites and individual plots, without compromising public safety.

Objective 8.2: As a concluding comment, it may be of interest to note that these methods have been at the heart of the management policies employed at Dartford Road Allotments since the introduction of self-management in April 1992, and have been fundamental to the success of the allotments association in regenerating the site.

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