MORE than 100 residents turned out for a ‘Community Conversation’ with West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion to discuss issues affecting Stourport-on-Severn.
The consultation was held last Wednesday and was called by Mr Campion after he received an increase in correspondences into his office and saw comments on social media, along with hearing concerns raised by people at in-person engagements in the town.
The event took place at Areley Kings Village Hall and gave the public the chance to speak up, listen to and raise concerns with the PCC and senior officers from West Mercia Police.
So what are the main issues?
Among the issues raised were knife crime, anti-social behaviour, e-bikes and e-scooters, and police visibility.
Following the session, the PCC has contacted the Chief Constable to make him aware of the community feeling, whilst also calling for the force to deliver a cross-partnership action plan.
Mr Campion thanked everyone who attended the Community Conversation in Stourport, adding he heard and saw an increase in the number of concerns being raised.
“As the voice of the public in policing, I really value hearing people’s thoughts and experiences on the service they receive from their police force.
“This is then used to shape the decisions I make on the public’s behalf.
“I heard the Stourport residents loud and clear, so it’s now about ensuring those views and concerns shape the changes they want to see.
“That’s why I am committed to using the powers available to me to work with the Chief Constable to ensure the hardworking policing team is set up to succeed, whilst acting on the public’s calls to work with myself and the police to address their priorities.
“I want to reassure the public that work is already happening and it will continue to do so at pace over the next six months when I will return alongside the force to provide updates and review whether the residents feel progress has been made.”
The meeting was also filmed and is available to watch in full on YouTube by searching for ‘Stourport Community Conversation’.
