Promise to liaise (From Gazette Series)

Promise to liaise

KINGSWOOD Parish Council was reassured this week that crime in the village will be taken seriously by police.

At the council's monthly meeting on Monday night, new Gloucestershire Constabulary rural beat officer Tammy Rogers promised that the village was a high priority.

PC Rogers explained to the council that her role would include liasing with members of the community including the council, Neighbourhood Watch Scheme members and local farmers.

She said: "I want to be extra contact for the village.

"I want to know what the problems are in the village and together we can tackle them."

PC Rogers already makes frequent visits to the village in Gloucestershire Constabulary's mobile police van but hopes to become a more familiar face to villagers.

At the meeting Police Community Support Officer Paul Bowman also introduced himself to the council. He said that together with PC Rogers he hoped to combat the concerns that affected villagers.

Councillors spent sometime discussing several immediate problems that need addressing.

Cllr Paul Hemming, chairman of the parish council, said: "We do have problems with speeding through the village and with inconsiderate parking."

Both PC Rogers and PC Bowman took on board what they were told and suggested doing more visible patrols in the village.

PC Bowman said: "Speeders see an officer and slow down. I also hope to be visiting the schools to meet parents. I have also already introduced myself to several young people around the village hall, it's important in our job to familiarise yourself with local people and build up a rapport.

"You never know how many crimes you've prevented when you've been visibly present in an area and that is what I hope is going to happen here in Kingswood."

Cllr Hemming said the parish council looked forward to further consultations with PCs Rogers and Bowman.