At 11:00am I meet Jane Willcox and Faith Watson from Harlow Council's estates and tenancy management service, and Robin Parkhouse from Essex County Council's highways department, on site at Longbanks.

We're reviewing the state of the paving in some of the alleyways in the estate, which is being badly cracked by cars being driven up them. In the past engineers have put up bollards to block access by cars - but, though effective, they don't look exactly pretty. Faith, who is taking over as the new housing officer for the estate, will write to residents asking them not to drive on the paving.

We also take the opportunity to walk round the rest of the estate, logging dumped rubbish and other problems.

Residents in Staple Tye can take part in an online community safety survey being run by the Safer Harlow Partnership.

The form only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and offers the chance to win £100 in a free prize draw. The closing date is Friday 13 January.

Tonight's meeting of the Staple Tye Ward Advisory Group has a guest speaker, Len Cleary from the Essex Fire & Rescue Service. There's a lively discussion about various fire hazards in the home, and how the Fire Service can help with prevention, not just putting out a fire after it's happened. We talk about the risks from overloaded electric points, dimmer switches, candles and tea-lights, and ashtrays. We're also reminded that in the event of fire, the important thing is to get out and stay out; even with a working smoke alarm, people have died because they stayed to try to douse the flames with cups of water.

The Fire Service will carry out free home safety visits and, where necessary, fit free smoke alarms. Priority is given to particularly vulnerable residents such as older people and lone parents.

• Do you have at least one smoke alarm per level?
• Are they both working?
• Do you have an escape plan?
• Do you test your alarms weekly?

If your answer to any of these questions is No, contact the First Safety Officer on 420841, or visit the Essex County Fire & Rescue Service web site.

A free Fire Prevention Handbook is also available from 08456 087 087, or you can view it online.

Have a very safe 2006.