--- In raynesparkandwestbarnes@..., richsdixon
<no_reply@y...> wrote:


> Hello


>


> I've just moved into Raynes Park (in between RP and Wimbledon
Chase),


> and just wondered about the safety of the area - i.e. areas to avoid


> late at night, pubs worth avoiding.


>


> Thanks in advance


> Richard




I really don't think you need to worry. There has been a bit more
violent crime around here recently - looking back through Sgt.
Anderson's crime sheets which I've forwarded to this board recently,
it seems to have been mostly in Grand Drive - but although we have a
lot of complaints about graffiti, and the usual burglaries and car crime,
I would have thought it was a relatively safe area.




Pubs - well, I think someone got stabbed in the backside in the
Junction Tavern a while ago (I tried to check the details on http:
//www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/search/display.html?nwid=75698 ,
but the Wimbledon Guardian website seems to be under repair), but I
think that's out of character. I never go in the place myself because
last time I looked, it never does food ; in any case, the Raynes Park
Tavern is nearer (though a bit smoky sometimes). I generally bypass
the Cavern, despite its appearance in last year's Good Beer Guide,
due to its resemblance (from the outside) to a Co-Op funeral parlour
and the preponderance (if you can judge by the cars parked outside)
of salesmen on their way home from work, and because I just can't
see the need for a Beatles theme pub in SW20 (it's probably not
heavily-themed these days, but it's the principle of the thing.)




Talking of Co-Ops, you may have seen we're getting a
Wetherspoon's soon on the site of an old Co-Op - not a very good
place for it, but if it puts one or two of the other pubs out of business
that'll be no bad thing.




Just search Google for "Raynes Park" and "pub" and you'll find a
selection of reviews (they're not linked off our website because I
reckon it would be free advertising).




Sounds like you live in the area covered by the Apostles Residents'
Association, who might be able to give you some more advice - sorry,
I don't have any contact details for them (can anyone else help, or
offer any other opinions about local safety ?)




Anyway, welcome to the area !