Review of Safer Neighoods and Area Forum Meeting

The most recent Area 4 (Church Gresley, Swadlincote, Woodville & Hartshorne) Safer Neighbourhoods  and Area Forum Meetings took place at Sharpes Pottery on 23rd September.

A summary of points can be found below:

Safer Neighbourhoods Meeting:

• New members of the Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team introduced themselves.  Sergeant Graham Summers is the new SNT sergeant covering all 6 areas.  Also introduced were new Gresley PC Kevin Cassidy and PCSO Lee Walker.  We have already mentioned Lee on the blog and would like to take the chance to welcome Kevin to Gresley.
• The year on year crime figures were down around 10% in Area 4 whereas most other areas saw an increase. This included a 5% decrease in non dwelling burglaries.
• An increase was noted in sexual crimes but these were mainly due to the actions of one individual who has been caught.
• More funding has been secured for better lighting at the skate park.  Funding was agreed to be put towards a Fire service cadet scheme.  A scheme to show youngsters the perils of prison called "Prison me - no way" has taken place in the districts secondary schools. There will also be a number plate security event at Toons Furniture shop on 15th October from 3pm to 6pm.
• Issues raised included parking issues on Belmont Street and around Church Gresley,  large and speeding vehicles around Coppice Side, antisocial behaviour around Gresley Old Hall.

Area Forum Meeting:

• Severn Trent Water Company were in attendance and were grilled by Woodville councillor Steve Taylor in relation to issues around Hartshorne Road following 2 years of unacceptable flooding issues.  In a lively debate there were several generic responses from Severn Trent and it was also noted that more phonecalls relating to an issue would mean a more likely prioritisation of response.
• Presentations were given by Kate Allies relating to the Swadlincote Townscape project and the  Environmental Volunteering project. Kate has recently been nominated for a lifetime award for out of classroom learning.  If you would like to nominate her, please follow this link http://www.lotc.org.uk/news-and-events/awards-for-outstanding-contribution-to-lotc/
• A presentation was also given by Adam from the Quad in Derby with a view to setting up a partnership with South Derbyshire to bring more cultural events to the area.

The next meetings will take place on 27th January at Swadlincote Town Hall.