Lots to do at community fun day

Quad bikes, a bouncy castle and a BBQ – just some of the attractions on offer at a community fun day in Colchester later this month.

The event, organised by the Colchester North Neighbourhood Policing Team, will also include a fairground ride and face painting.

Police community support officer Julie Miller said: “It’s going to be a great day out, there is so much going on. Kids can try on old police uniforms at the Essex Police Museum stall, as well as have a look around the Essex Air Ambulance.”

 It's going to be a great day out, there is so much going on.
PCSO Julie Miller

Visitors can also try their hand at driving the Essex Police
simulator.

The simulator was created from an Essex Police Interceptor Subaru Impreza GB270 car which was involved in a police incident and could not be repaired to the standard required for operational use.

Essex Road Safety Partnership funded the conversion and the simulator is now used for police pursuit training and to educate young drivers, who are traditionally hard to reach.

PCSO Miller said the event had been organised as a way of raising funds for the Myland and Highwoods Community Crews. Both groups encourage young people to take pride in their area and are led by PCSOs and Colchester Borough Council’s Street Wardens.

“The crews continue to go from strength to strength and they’ve given us the opportunity to get the kids involved in some really fantastic projects, like working on community gardens and litter picks,” explained PCSO Miller.

 The crews continue to go from strength to strength and they've given us the opportunity to get the kids involved in some really fantastic projects.
PCSO Julie Miller

“Any donations received at the fun day will go towards the Crews so that we can continue to projects and schemes for the young people.

“The other aim of the fun day is to bring all of the residents together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. It also gives them the chance to find out more about the other agencies involved, such as Essex County Fire and Rescue Service who are bringing along a vehicle.”

The event is taking place at Colchester Rugby Club, Mill Road, on Thursday, August 12, between midday and 5pm.

For more information, contact PCSO Miller at Ipswich Road police station on 0300 333 4444.