2005/6

I attended 115 parish meetings last year and umpteen meetings at County Council, both as a group leader involved in County policy at an early stage and on several working groups, notably older persons panel of health scrutiny and school transport.
Local Policing
I have been vociferous this year seeking improved policing in our rural areas. As leader of the Independent Group at County Council, I called for a proper level of rural policing to be ring-fenced and have had a series of meetings with all of the "top brass". It seems we have some success at last. We have a ring-fenced minimum policing level in each area in addition to the emergency coverage and the Anti-social behaviour teams at NKDC. Our Chief Superintendent, Elaine Hill has assured us that these front-line community police will not be hived off to Lincoln, nor onto paperwork, but will remain active in our villages and we will have their phone numbers. The number of police at Bracebridge Heath covering our area has risen from 8 to 12, a substantial increase. In addition, the County Council and District Council added funding for Police Community Support Officers. We shall need to make sure the promised improvements arrive and are maintained, but I do see this as a big step forward, spear-headed by our area.
Following objections, there is now further consultation on the police going regional. Having ring-fenced community police is the best way to counter a drain that might otherwise occur towards urban areas.

Please continue to report all crime, to demonstrate our need. Please contact me if you would like to be involved in supporting Neighbourhood Watch or the new "neighbourhood panels".