Dear editor,
In my opinion our municipal police need to take an active approach in regards to the amount of trikes and quads on our streets and sidewalks. It has gotten to the point that it is not a safe or quiet town to live in any more, especially in the north west end of our community (Windsor). All of our complaints fall on deaf ears.
Many people have approached our town police and councillors with this problem and were told to find out where these violators live or take pictures of those trikes and other machines. Some residents took pictures and were told they were no good. Others reported where these violators live and still nothing was done. Imagine having to do these things! Why are we paying for four town police officers, if we the citizens are doing their work?
It makes me wonder why this little town has four uniformed employees. As our police force increased, so did our problems with trikes and quads. Why?
To think that the town council promotes the town of Grand Falls-Windsor as an age-friendly community. The majority of our citizens are senior people who would like to be able to walk their streets, drive their vehicles, safely and have some peace and quiet in their neighbourhoods. Especially when trying to listen to the radio, TVs, or having a conversation on their patios or in their backyards. Yes, there are times when you cannot hear the person across from you. Then there is the worry and torment about our grandchildren playing near the roads with these machines roaring back and forth, not only on the roads, but also on the sidewalks.
It seems to many of us that the only thing age-friendly in our neighbourhood is the friendliness that our council and municipal police afford the violators of our town bylaws.
During last winter, I was approached by one of our town police officers. In the meantime, a person on a snow machine was coming towards us on the street and the constable rolled his window down and jokingly told him he was going too fast. Myself and two other neighbours who were shovelling just in front looked at each other and shook our heads. No warning, no ticket.
Well, in conclusion, I am assuming (the Grand Falls-Windsor Municipal Police) is not taking an active approach to these violators in our town and doing very little in regards to enhance the spirit of good community living in regards to this out of control situation in Grand Falls-Windsor.
Kevin Whiffen
Grand Falls-Windsor
