Neighbourhood watch

I recently signed up to a local news app.

It allows communities to share news, exchange recommendations etc.

I was unaware of it until our village flooded shortly before Christmas (see above) and it has since become a useful source of information.

Yesterday, for example, after 30 hours of persistent rain, someone posted a warning ('immediate action required') with a list of roads that might be liable to further flooding.

(If only I had had this information before Christmas, but that’s another story.)

Sometimes though people can be a bit over-zealous. On Wednesday night a local resident posted:

Be aware I have just seen a man dressed in dark clothing wearing a head torch staring in to houses on [name of street]. He then sprinted off towards High Street. Not sure if it is anything untoward but be aware.

An hour or so later subscribers were updated as follows:

Hi Everyone,

Just to put all of your minds at rest, I was that said man walking my dog with the head torch. That is the only factually correct part of your message,

1. I wasn’t looking in anyone’s windows, I was on the footpath at all times. By virtue of having a head torch on my head it will point in the direction I look.

2. I jogged off with my dog. I haven’t been able to sprint for ten years but thanks for the compliment.

I have to admit it wouldn’t be the smartest move in the world doing something dodgy or untoward with a bright flashing light on my head.

The definition of stupidity that would be.

The amusing thing is, all this took place in the road where I live and although the two posters identified themselves by name I have absolutely no idea who either of them are - and we've been living here for 21 years!