Rob McAllister Bell Newsletter

Dear Residents

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year. I do hope 2025 is full of good health, happiness, and prosperity for you and your loved ones.

Over the Christmas season, I had the honour of representing Mossley Hill at the Remembrance Sunday service at Mossley Hill Church, where I laid a poppy wreath to honour residents and all soldiers who lost their lives during the war. I also participated in a community Christmas service, reading at Mossley Hill Church, and used my Councillor Neighbourhood Fund to provide the Christmas tree for the Mossley Hill Residents Association and the Mossley Hill Athletic Club. Their tree-lighting event was a joyful occasion, well attended by many local residents.

Additionally, I used the my Councillor Neighbourhood Fund to purchase thermals in partnership with Age Concern and John Lewis to support residents in need during the winter. It’s crucial that those most vulnerable are able to keep warm. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this support, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will pass on details to Age Concern, who will make the necessary arrangements.

Unfortunately, the reason for this letter so early in the new year is not a positive one. I am writing to raise awareness following a concerning incident of theft on Brodie Avenue that has been reported to me and appears to be part of a wider pattern affecting Mossley Hill and surrounding areas.

On 29 December, a local resident was approached by three workmen who claimed to be completing maintenance work on behalf of a neighbour. They suggested that the resident’s garden needed urgent attention and, after some convincing, took payment. During this process, a significant amount of money was stolen.

After highlighting this incident on social media, I was contacted by other residents who have experienced similar encounters. The three men in question included one with an Irish accent. They drove a white van with a trailer and branding suggesting they were offering tree care services. This has been reported to Merseyside Police, and I urge anyone who has seen or experienced anything similar to contact the police as soon as possible.

To help protect yourself:

• Always ask for identification and verify anyone claiming to represent an organisation or offering services.

• Be cautious of unsolicited visits or offers.

• If you are ever in doubt, inform the visitor that you are contacting the police.

I have included a door notice with this letter, which you can display to deter unwelcome callers. The notice states that you do not buy or sell at the door, require identification from visitors, and may have CCTV in operation.

I am working closely with Merseyside Police to address this issue, including additional walk-rounds in the ward to reassure residents. These individuals appear to target the elderly or those living alone. Please stay alert and check in on vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are aware of this potential risk.

If you notice anything suspicious, please do not hesitate to contact Merseyside Police:

• Dial 101 if you receive an unsolicited call that is causing you concern or you consider to be suspicious.

• Dial 999 immediately if you believe a theft is occurring or in the event of an emergency.

As always, if you would like to discuss this matter or any other concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Together, we can help protect our community.

Best wishes,

Robert McAllister-Bell

Mossley Hill Councillor