Community safety workers are good sports

STAYING safe and having fun will be the main themes of a two-day event happening in Buxton next week.

Organised by High Peak Borough Council and partners, the Cote Heath Community Days kick off next Monday (August 6) with multi-agency crime prevention visits to households, which will be given freebies including window and shed alarms, key fobs and purse chains.

The council will be carrying out high-visibility dog fouling patrols and warning owners of the health risks posed by dog mess, as well as the penalties for walkers who fail to clean up after their pet.

What is more, the council is to mark the occasion with a thorough street-cleaning operation.

The event continues the following day with an Olympic-style sports day plus sports taster sessions. The celebrations will run alongside an Olympicnic featuring free hog roast and vegetarian option. Revellers are encouraged to bring a rug and extra refreshments!

Local community groups and advice organisations will host stalls in Heath Grove Park while Derbyshire Fire Service will stage a smoke tent demonstration and challenge all comers to be a firefighter for the day.

Just for good measure, the council’s e-Bus and Derbyshire Constabulary’s mobile police station will be on hand for passers-by wanting information on a wide range of services.

Community safety workers will be handing out Immobilise leaflets urging residents to register their property so it can be returned if stolen and then found.

Finally, the fire service is to offer information on home fire safety checks and its handy van scheme, as well as visiting vulnerable and older householders to advise them on staying safe at home.

Events run from 9am to 5pm on Monday and from 12.30pm to 5.30pm the next day.

Anthony McKeown, executive councillor for community services, said: “This innovative engagement event will bring people together to have fun and enjoy exercise in the great outdoors.

“But it will also promote fire safety, help reduce environmental crimes such as dog fouling and littering, and raise awareness of vehicle crime. It will also turn the spotlight on volunteering opportunities and the excellent work of our many community groups”, he explained.