crime: It's official, crime is down in Oakley. In fact, it's down by 57 per cent compared with the same period last year.

APPROVAL: Has been granted by the borough council to install three street lamps in the Kennet Way play area, and this area has also been noted as the preferred location for a youth shelter, as requested by the young people in the village.

Consultation is going to be held with local residents over coming weeks, so please contact Pc Chris Brooks if you have any specific comments to make.

PARISH council: The next meeting of the parish council has been scheduled for next Thursday, at St Leonard's Centre.

The public session starts at 7.50pm with the main meeting at 8pm. All are welcome to attend.

Please see village notice boards on Monday for the agenda items.

A response from the local planning working party is being formulated in response to the recent planning application for 47 houses in Sainfoin Lane.

To find out more about this and to view all recent planning applications for Oakley, you can log on to www.basingstoke.gov.uk/planning and search by postcode.

DETOX: Our local health and wellbeing store, Healthy Living, is promoting a bio-energy detox programme which, among other things, can improve liver and kidney function and general circulation and metabolism.

Pop along to the shop on November 27 to find out more, or contact Denise on 783519.

JUMBLE sale: There is no sale this week at East Oakley Village Hall. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, November 13.

COULD the lady who left a message about the art club please call back?

CONTACT me: If you have any news items for publication, you can contact me via e-mail on Traceybowsh@aol.com, or call me on the number above.