Local voices, safer neighbourhoods: a day in Somerset 

Last Friday (23 January), I spent time in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge and Bridgwater, meeting local leaders, community organisations and residents to hear directly about local priorities and how we can work together to keep communities safe. 

Listening to communities is central to my Police and Crime Plan. Strong neighbourhood policing, early intervention and effective partnerships are essential if we are to prevent harm and build public confidence. 

Neighbourhood policing and community safety 

I began the day meeting Cllr Mike Faye, Mayor of Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Town Council. We discussed a range of community safety concerns, including police visibility, shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, illegal parking and seasonal pressures. 

I was encouraged to hear about the positive impact of local police patrols and the excellent engagement of a PCSO working closely with residents and schools. Visible, locally focused policing is vital in tackling antisocial behaviour and ensuring communities feel safe and supported. 

Supporting communities and preventing harm 

I then visited Sedgemoor Community Partnership at Moorland Community Hall, where I met with Chair of Trustees Roger Keen and about 30 residents from the local area who relished coming together on a weekly basis to learn new skills, participate in different activities and connect around local issues. What struck me was the incredible range of people there – all with different backgrounds and experiences, supporting each other and strengthening their local community.  

During my visit, I also saw the Charity’s Pantry Project, a food bank that currently supports around 100 families every week. Support like this is critical in helping people through financial hardship and reducing pressures that can increase vulnerability to crime and exploitation. 

Residents shared concerns about drug-related activity, antisocial behaviour on local estates and speeding in residential areas, alongside the growing impact of the cost of living. Community-led organisations like this provide vital early intervention and prevention support. 

Investing in young people and reducing violence 

I ended the day at Young Somerset in Bridgwater, where I learned about their work supporting young people through alternative education, mental health services, youth work and employment opportunities. This kind of early, targeted support is essential in preventing violence and helping young people thrive. 

Turning listening into action 

What I heard throughout the day will inform my ongoing work with Avon and Somerset Police, local authorities and community partners. Keeping communities safe means focusing on prevention, partnership and visible neighbourhood policing — and I remain committed to delivering the outcomes that matter most to local people.