The Rusthall Village Association held its first official meeting Wed 26 August in the St Paul's Church building. Ninety three people attended and many of that number joined the Association.

A Crime Reduction Inspector from the West Kent Police, Liz Jarvis of the Borough Council and Terry Hughes the Anti Social Behaviour Coordinator were present. They provided a lot of much needed information.

The 2003 Anti Social Act was explained in great detail by Terry Hughes. Harassment, alarm, distress, verbal abuse, criminal damage, vandalism, noise nuisance and threatening behaviour in large groups were mentioned [www.together.aov.uk check it out).

Several of the businesses in the High Street, plus many residents, have fallen victim to totally unacceptable actions by a destructive few of our citizens. Q. What can we DO about it all?

Village Co-ordination is it possible? Calling Youth Groups, Neighbourhood Watch Groups and Individuals. Report ALL incidents, giving names and descriptions where ever possible to the people named above at the Town Hall and the Police. It is necessary to provide hard, court proof evidence, in writing and by phone

Be alert, and report ALL incidents. Provide names where ever possible. Eventually, those responsible will be identified and presented with an Ant Social Behaviour Order, breaches of which may incur a 5yr prison term. Identification is essential before the law can be enacted.

At the close of the meeting there was a good question and answer session. It is important for ALL to attend and SPEAK UP

Together, as a community we can help each other overcome this destructive 'culture'.

Membership fee £3.00 per annum and the first financial year will be from April 05 to March 06.

Enquiries Mrs: J. Blackburn on 01892 546520 or email: jennyblackburn@tinyonline.co.uk .

The Rusthall Village Association is for ALL who reside in Rusthall. Through it you have a voice, your concerns will receive attention.

The Rusthall Village Association was formed to provide the village with an official voice, through which its concerns may be made known. If it is to be the success we all hope it will be, it needs many interested keen members. In the meantime, we promise to do our best for the village.

Incidentally, a Warden solely for this village has been applied for to the KCC, we were informed of this fact during the meeting by Liz Jarvis.

A Suggestion and an Appeal.
An idea was put forward regarding the organisation of games and activities for youngsters on the Common next Summer. Sincere actions by a team of volunteers, may help to prevent the up and coming youngsters from developing the destructive traits too obvious at this time. Perhaps 'Zone', or Venture Scouts and Guides could provide some ideas here?

Talent Sharing Volunteers.
You have talents, would you like to share them? Volunteer helpers in various capacities would be most welcome. Ideas would be welcome too.

Invitation.
Is there any group within the village who would like a brief mention in the RVA Messenger?

Take Heart.
The RVA was informed that although we have suffered many unpleasant incidents, on a national average the actual figures are encouraging. Only one in eleven thousand of our residents have been personally affected, that is according to the information provided at the meeting.

The Vast Majority of Our Youth Are Great.

October Meeting. [Details below]
The Committee are hoping to invite a representative from the Highways Dept: of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to come and talk to us about parking and traffic calming in the village. Please come along and have your say. Your opinions count

Did You Know?
Are you a young person having difficulty proving your age? Help is available via the Proof of Age Scheme, this is a voluntary scheme for people of 16+ For more information contact Trading Standards @_ 01622 221016.

Read the Rusthall column in the Courier, leaflets, posters and notices in shops for any announcements prior to the next publication of the RVA Messenger.

Incidentally have you noticed RVA has received a wide press exposure recently?