Uttlesford public meeting discusses local, visible policing
Over 100 members of the public from across Uttlesford attended a public meeting on Thursday 2nd February 2017, hosted by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst. The meeting was held at Saffron Walden Town Hall and covered topics including local policing, the new police accommodation at The Lodge which is next to council offices, rural crime, cross border crime and the importance of engaging with young people.
Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said:
“Our meeting was well attended and I want to thank everybody who took the time to come along and share their views. There are obviously some significant concerns particularly around the visibility of policing in Saffron Walden and more widely in the rural community. This is a concern I share and is in fact the first priority in my recently published Police and Crime Plan.”
“I am committed to attending these meetings and intend to come back to Uttlesford later this year to review the progress that has been made on the key themes. Our communities deserve a strong and responsive police force and these public meetings serve to ensure we get this right.”
Key themes discussed at Thursday’s meeting, included:
• Visibility of police in the local community
• Impact of opening the Lodge next to the Council offices in Saffron Walden
• Accessibility of 101 services
• How the public can support local policing
• Rural crime such as hare coursing
• Crime that crosses county boarders
• Engagement with schools and young people
Mr Hirst added: “Getting out and about and talking with different communities across Essex is extremely important. I have been elected by the people of Essex to represent their interests so it is vital I take the time to hear how communities are feeling about policing in their communities.”
