FOLLOWING two recent burglaries in the village our local PC Charlie Dale reminded all residents to be cautious when opening the door to someone you do not know.

Representatives from utility companies and official agencies will always carry ID and if you are unsure you should check before allowing someone into your home.

Both Charlie and PCSO Vickie Hedges are launching a new initiative in the village to help the community. Every Friday from 2.30 until 4pm they will be available in Crossways Library in Old Farm Way.

During June they will be joined by Maria Millqvist from the Broadmayne Children's Centre. She will be available to offer support to parents and carers of children aged up to five in the village.

  • JUNE must be the month for new ventures in Crossways and Magna Housing is introducing a new service for all.

On the second Tuesday of the month (June 10 this month) they are running an open surgery at Crossways village hall between 2pm and 4pm.

You can pick up: leaflets, applications for housing or garages, termination forms, mutual exchange forms, or speak to a customer services officer regarding any enquiries you wish to make. For further information you can contact Magna services on 01305 216070.

RESIDENTS in the village have been surprised to find anonymous notes on their vehicles asking them not to park on the roadside.

Recently a well-meaning amateur traffic warden has targeted a hospital car that was picking up an elderly patient.

To make matters worse, when relatives were visiting shortly after they received a note as well. As there is no name given it is not possible to address the concerns direct but perhaps someone reading this column could mention it to the person who, through good intentions has caused a neighbour to be upset.

Whilst it can be annoying at times, cars may be parked legally along many of the roads in Crossways even if the owners do not necessarily live nearby.

If however parking is a danger to road users or pedestrians or breaking the law then it does become a matter for the police.

The same applies if a vehicle is untaxed or has not been moved for a considerable time. If this is the case then the best thing to do is contact Dorset Police on 22 22 22.

  • STALWART supporter of the village for many years is Mary Warschauer, who is indeed a remarkable character.

It is fair to say that the last few years have not been the kindest to her.

With an admirable determination and stubborn defiance of everything fate has thrown at her she is an example to many of us.

For many years Mary, a former parish councillor ran the senior citizens' club and her own natter and nosh' group at her home.

In the last year she has been diagnosed with an eye condition which has left her virtually blind and unable to do many of the things she was once able to do. In spite of this frustration Mary is looking to help others in the same situation as herself.

Now having to come to terms with the difficulties of everyday or mundane activities that were once straightforward Mary feels that a problem shared may be solved more easily.

Those who suffer with really bad sight receive considerable help from the hospital or dedicated organisations.

Those with partial sight or degenerating conditions can find life difficult or isolating as socialising becomes harder or even embarrassing So if you or a neighbour or friend and would be interested in joining a friendly social group then contact Mary on 01305 853081 and leave a message on her answerphone.