Drink and drug issues are put before panel
Libby Simpson, Council Parking.
A NEIGHBOURHOOD policing team pledged to resolve issues brought up during the inaugural town centre neighbourhood panel meeting on Wednesday.
A handful of residents met with the central neighbourhood policing team and representatives of South Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.
A number of issues arose, and beat manager Pc Simon Wright promised to make them a priority for his team.
Drink and drugs was a hot topic, with neighbours living in the Bluegate and Riverside areas of the town telling of dealing out in the open.
Peter Clawson, of Riverside, said: “There’s drugs on both sides of Welham Street now. We watch it happen so we know.
“The drinkers have another bottle bank now, and it’s called my hedge. It’s absolutely full.”
Mr Clawson also reported illegal parking in Welham Street, as well as littering.
He said: “There’s an increasing amount of litter, we don’t know where it’s all coming from. It’s been absolutely disgusting.”
A resident in the Bluegate area said she was fed up of seeing vomit on the pavements, caused by boozers staggering out of the Blue Pig pub, and also dog owners not picking up after their pets who have gone to the toilet in the St Wulfram’s churchyard.
Other problems brought up were blocked drains in Elmer Street North and Brook Street, which area highways manager Mark Heaton vowed to look into.
Mr Heaton also told residents a 20mph speed limit would be in force in the newly regenerated Market Place and Westgate, with Pc Wright stressing he hopes the speed bumps in those areas would put a stop to boy racers speeding along there.
At the end of the meeting, a number of town centre residents volunteered to be panel members for future meetings.
The panel, chaired by Libby Simpson, will meet again in three months’ time to discuss progress on points raised.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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Comments
There are 2 comments to this article
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CJM1
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:02 PMFurther to the points raised at the committee I had a meeting recently with Chief Inspector Housley and raised the issue of open drug dealing in the street in the area around Oxford Street, Cambridge Street and along the River Witham and that this is a concern to residents in the area. The police are taking action. I am monitoring police progress on this issue and will be holding regular reviews with Chief Insp Housley.. Regards Clr Charmaine Morgan
CJM1
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 11:57 AMIt is good news that a new panel has been set up for the Town. It is a pity that Town Cllrs have not been invited to join the Panel. We could share information and avoid duplication of effort given our residents live in or use the Town Centre. I have been doing work with Community Police Officers, SKDC Community Safety Officers and local residents which could be referred to the meeting. It is particularly important if we need to prioritise police resources or get a more holistic view of issues given there is a risk that tackling a problem in one area can result in moving it to another. For example, by tackling anti social behavioural and public drinking issues at St Wulframs Church we had an increase in issues by the River Witham near the bridge at College Street as public drinkers just moved further out of town. Regards Cllr Charmaine Morgan
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