Listening to community safety priorities across South Gloucestershire, Bristol, and Somerset
Last week, I carried out a series of community engagement activities across South Gloucestershire, Bristol, and Somerset meeting with elected officials to discuss community safety issues in their areas.
On Friday, I was joined by Claire Young, MP for Thornbury and Yate (pictured above) along with the local neighbourhood policing team in Yate Town Centre and surrounding areas. We spoke with officers about local policing concerns and explored some of the interventions being put in place to tackle challenges such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. It was reassuring to hear from the security team at Yate town centre that incidents of ASB and shoplifting have decreased in the town centre during the summer period.
I was also pleased to hear that a number of community safety activities, such as the youth festival, will be taking place in the area starting from Tuesday 5th August.
Next I gave a media interview to a reporter from Bristol 24/7, which took place at Key Café on Gloucester Road. Keep an eye on Bristol 24/7 for the upcoming feature.
Clare meeting with Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, and Jo Hayward-Melen, Staff Officer to the PCC
Later that day, I met with Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, at the Malcolm X Centre in St Pauls, Bristol. Our discussion focused on road safety, drug and alcohol-related issues, and other matters of concern to residents.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, I had the privilege of addressing the Cheddar Parish Full Council. I spoke about my role, outlined my police and crime priorities, and listened to councillors’ concerns regarding policing in the area.
Cheddar is currently facing a persistent and escalating issue with car meets and anti-social driving, particularly in the Gorge and nearby residential areas. These events occur regularly from Friday to Sunday and occasionally on weekday evenings, causing significant disruption to the community. I am hopeful that the coordinated multi-agency response now underway will help address these challenges effectively.