Police meeting held with local groups, Luke Hall MP & Mark Shelford

Luke Hall MP hosted the Neighbourhood Watch meeting in Chipping Sodbury, alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Police, Mark Shelford. 

Those at the meeting also included groups from The Elms and Highfield Road neighbourhoods in Chipping Sodbury, Chedworth in Yate, and the village of Rockhampton. 

PCC Mr Shelford (Conservative) said Avon and Somerset is expecting to see 550 new police officers, with South Gloucestershire getting an allocation of the recruits.

Meanwhile, Mr Hall reiterated the ongoing need and support for more resources. 

He says he will continue to work with Mr Shelford to ensure the area receives its fair share of additional officers. 
 
Members of Neighbourhood Watch expressed concerns for public safety in their local area, particularly at night and in light of the South Gloucestershire Council’s decision to dim street lighting at certain hours to reduce costs.  
 
The Police and Crime Commissioner signposted groups to the ‘Street Safe’ app, designed for residents to report concerning behaviour, or areas where they feel unsafe. 

Incidents or areas are then picked up by the police to continue keeping streets safe. 
 
Finally, the discussion turned to the work being done to improve the relationship between Neighbourhood Watch and the Police. 

Rob Turner, Neighbourhood Inspector for Yate and Chipping Sodbury, thanked volunteers for the work they do to make the area safer. 

Savio Toson, Chair of The Elms Neighbourhood Watch said: “This forward-thinking event has improved the relationships between voluntary community groups like neighbourhood watch and our local community police team. 

“Sharing what we expected from each other to improve our community's safety meant I had something positive to share with the Neighbourhood Watch members and explain the way forward.”
 

Mark Shelford, Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I had the pleasure of meeting with Neighbourhood Watch Members and their MP Luke Hall as part of my Friday engagement activity.
 
“I would like to reassure residents that I have listened to these concerning issues and am working closely with the police and partners to address the issues. 

“I would also like to applaud the work of the Neighbourhood Watch and encourage them to connect with their local police neighbourhood beat managers. 
 
Luke Hall MP added, “It was a pleasure to host this roundtable, for an informative and progressive discussion on various areas of local policing. 

“Our Neighbourhood Watch groups do a fantastic job to serve our community and residents, and I thank them for all they do. 

“The opportunity to raise local issues, hear what work is currently being done to tackle these and share thoughts on various areas of policing was invaluable.” 
 
The event took place at Mr Hall's office in Chipping Sodbury on January 26.