03/02/2008   D3/08   Downland

Youngsters learn to stop, look and listen at safety day

Stop, look and listen were the orders of the day at a road safety day at Baughurst on Saturday (February 3).

More than 60 residents and youngsters went along to the event, held from 2pm at O’Bee Gardens in Baughurst.

The mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Warwick Lovegrove, was guest of honour at the event, while police, firefighters and community support officers were all on hand to give road safety tips.

Youngsters were able to get a taste of what being a firefighter or police officer was like when firefighters and community support officers allowed them on board the fire engine and police cars. Meanwhile, younger participants were kept busy with balloon modelling and a colouring competition.

They were joined by Penny O’Bee, the wife of former mayor Bob O’Bee, after whom O’Bee Gardens is named.

The event was organised by the O’Bee Gardens Residents’ Association, Downland Housing Association and Basingtoke and Deane Borough Council after residents raised concerns about the speed of cars using the estate.

Anna-Marie Thornton, Downland resident involvement officer, said she was delighted that so many people had come along.

She said: “There was a great turnout. It was very good to see so many people, as well as the police and fire service. It proves that when the residents pull together it can make a real difference to the community.”

Penny O’Bee said: “It was a wonderful day. I know the residents in O’Bee Gardens very well. There is a real effort being made to make the area very community orientated. My husband would have supported it fully – he would have been there in the thick of it.”

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