My friend Ben Adams for Staffordshire, Staffordshire's Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner came to visit Newcastle-under-Lyme yesterday.
Along with Councillors Stephen Sweeney and Gill Heesom from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Chief Inspector Phil Duffy (in undercover clothing, to make sure we got the real experience) from Newcastle-under-Lyme Police, I was happy to show him around the town centre. Ben was pleased about our new initiatives such as the street marshalls and extended CCTV, as well as the multi-agency work to enhance community safety.
We also spoke with three rough sleepers in one of the subways. Unfortunately it was apparent they are reluctant to engage with the help the council is offering them, but the (very impressive) council officer present spoke with them and let them know she would remain on their case and continue to encourage them to take up the support available.
Both for their own sakes (especially with winter coming) and for everybody else, I am determined to keep the pressure up on resolving rough sleeping. Similarly, I will keep pressing the police on the anti-social behaviour that detracts so much from the town centre.
I also raised matters that constituents had contacted me about, such as speeding on local roads and protests at Walley's Quarry.
Finally, Ben would like your say on policing, and fire and rescue, in Staffordshire. Let him know what you think here: https://staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk/get-involv…/have-your-say/
