Oak continues to grow

In the last North Jesmond Focus we were pleased to report a large increase in financial support for Operation Oak from Newcastle University. We can now report that Northumbria University has agreed to double its annual contribution from £4,000 to £8,000. Peter Breakey writes: " We have had a productive series of meetings with the universities. It was very helpful that representatives from the JRA (Jesmond Residents
Association) and GANRA (the Grosvenor Avenue Residents Association) were there too.

Their stories about the serious impact of night-time disturbance undoubtedly had a powerful effect. Since those meetings I have
been out on patrol with Operation Oak. It's clear that Oak is reducing crime but equally it seems clear to me that there is scope for making it more effective. We have therefore made some suggestions for changes. We will be working with the Police over the next few months to try
to ensure that the significant increase in resources is used to the best possible effect.