The neighbourhood policing group came to talk and listen to the people of South Abingdon at the Family Centre. They have already been out and about talking to people and doing surveys to find out what is most important to local people – NOT what the politicians set as the next police target.

Local people talked about what they saw as things that most concern them. Things like:
Speeding Cars
Bullying
Under Age drinking
Not enough for young people to do
Anti Social Behaviour
Off road motor bikes

There was no problem coming up with ideas. Then we were given red (most important) amber (next important) and green (next important) post-it notes to vote for the most important issues we wanted the police to concentrate on. The results are shown here by the area Sergeant. This evenings results were:

Anti Social Behviour
Not enough for kids to do
Under Age Drinking

This is broadly in line with other forms of consultation – where criminal damage also figured. The police will publish their results soon. A Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) has already been set up so that police, local councillors, and local people can work together on solutions. After all the police on their own cannot provide more for young people to do.

One result of this consultation program is that the police have dispersal powers to break up groups of people involved in anti social behaviour. The dispersal order covers the area within the red line between the hours of 17:00 to 06:00, and the blue area around Southern Town Park between the hours of 22:00 to 06:00.