The South Glos Post

Police across South Gloucestershire say they worked hard with local communities to ensure a horror-free Halloween.

Across the district, officers visited local schools and youth clubs to talk to young people about ‘Trick or Treating’ safely and responsibly. The talks reminded youngsters not to go into people’s homes and explained that they could be arrested if someone’s property was damaged in a prank.

Police also gave out posters for people to display in their homes either welcoming callers or asking ‘Trick or Treaters’ to leave them in peace, through Neighbourhood Watch and to sheltered housing accommodation.

Local shop workers also played a part, refusing to sell flour and eggs to children in the run-up to Halloween at the request of neighbourhood teams.

The hard work paid off with the lowest number of 999 and non-emergency calls to Avon and Somerset police since 2008.

On the night, uniformed police officers were joined by Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and volunteers to provide a reassuring presence on the streets, while officers also patrolled in plain clothes.

Read on for details of selected incidents reported by the police teams »

Source: Avon and Somerset Police

The ‘new-look’ Thornbury library opens its doors again today (Monday 18th October) following a £10,000 face-lift.

Continuing its programme of building improvements, South Gloucestershire Council committed funds to the project which includes internal decoration, new shelving and seating, improved layout of the library including the provision of an IT learning suite and improved signage for the library.

Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: “We are committed to investing in library provision across the district and this mini make-over will certainly give Thornbury residents a much more pleasant environment to borrow books, DVDs and use the internet.

“We are trying to tie in these improvements with the work that is nearing completion on identifying what the options are in terms of improved library provision in the town going forward into the future, taking into account the tough public spending environment we are in. For instance, much of the updated fittings and furniture could be transferred if the library eventually moves.”

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

A ceremony marking the start of work redeveloping New Siblands special secondary school, Thornbury,  took place on Wednesday 6th  October.

Leader of the council, Cllr John Calway, Vice-Chair of the council, Cllr Sheila Mead, local members, headteacher Paul Casson, pupils, staff and representatives from the contractors Leadbitter all attended the event.

The £5 million scheme, funded by South Gloucestershire Council, will redevelop the former New Siblands all-through Special Educational Needs (SEN) school into a 45-place SEN secondary school for the 11-19 age group.

The project includes a new build extension with general classrooms and a sports hall, and the alteration of the existing building to provide specialist secondary facilities such as science, music, design and technology and art. It will also include a fully equipped sensory studio.

The new build extension is scheduled to be completed in July 2011. This will be followed by the alteration and refurbishment of the existing building and landscaping of the grounds, with full completion scheduled for early 2012.

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

Police are re-appealing for information after reports of a man exposing himself in Alveston and Thornbury.

An e-fit has now been released of a man police are hoping to talk to in connection with their enquiries.

The man was seen jogging near Down Road Park at about 5:15pm on Monday 5th July 2010. He asked two girls aged 12 and 13 if they would help him find something he had lost in the bushes.

The girls moved away, but the man then exposed himself, before running off when an adult entered the park with another child.

Police have carried out door-to-door enquiries in the area and are now investigating two other similar incidents on the same day in the Knapp Road/Grovesend Road area of Thornbury.

One man was arrested but has been released without charge.

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Source: Avon and Somerset Police