I have been much engaged with Suffolk Constabulary this week.
Firstly at the Chilton Annual Parish Assembly on Tuesday evening, Inspector Paul Crick (pictured here with Babergh's Community Safety Manager, Paul Little) gave a brief talk about his role overseeing the Safer Neighbourhood Teams in Babergh. After this we experienced a realtime public consultation in which we were asked to vote on various matters regarding law and order in the District. The technology was quite advanced and we could see the results of our votes immediately. If you would like to see the replies I can forward a copy to anyone who can read an excel spreadsheet.
The results were interesting, but not altogether satisfactory, I suspect, from the police point of view! The message does seem to be getting through that, despite two murders in Sudbury recently, Suffolk is a relatively safe place to live. However, it was clear that the 22 or so people present did not believe that anti social behaviour had decreased over the past year, had not been aware of the presence in the community of Police Community Safety Officers, and are largely unaware of the responsibility of local councils such as Babergh to work with the police to reduce anti social behaviour.
I find this quite surprising given the increased emphasis on the Safer Neighbourhood Teams that has been seen in recent months, plus the excellent work that our own PCSO, Siobhan, has been undertaking in and around the Ward. However, unlike Acton or Great Waldingfield, Chilton does not have a ‘centre’ such as the School where Siobhan can be visible, and it does take time for initiatives to percolate into the public consciousness.
In this connection, on Thursday I chaired the monthly Babergh West Safer Neighbourhood Team priority setting meeting in Lavenham. This is a public meeting at which the public express their concerns about problems in the community and the police and other partners, such as Babergh’s community officers, report back on action taken to address issues raised at previous meetings.
A representative from Trading Standards at Suffolk County Council attended this time to discuss a problem that was raised in April concerning overweight lorries travelling illegally along Valley Road. Having visited the spot more than once the officer conceded that there is indeed a problem and further visits will be made and prosecutions pursued where appropriate.
Another issue raised, youthful drivers using the Homebase roundabout as a racetrack, was discussed. It was felt however that this was really an issue best dealt with by the Sudbury and Cornard Team, since the boy racers almost certainly come from the town and are generally known to the Sudbury police.
If you have concerns with regard to anti social behaviour or other related matters do consider coming along to the Priority Setting Meeting. You will find it interesting, meet other people with similar problems and almost certainly make some progress towards your problem’s resolution.
The next meeting will be in Boxford on June 17th at 7 p.m. All members of the public are welcome. The dates of further meetings can be found under Safer Neighbourhood Teams on the Suffolk Constabulary Website.
