Below is an edited extract from a message sent out by myself to Whittlesey NHW on
my attendance as an Executive Committee Member of the County Association.
This took place on Saturday 22nd October.
Whittlesey NHW Group.
You will all be aware that our Police Station is closing at the end of October 2016.
It has been ‘closed’ for some time to members of the public.
I have informed those attending the last NHW meeting of developments. NHW Secretary/Webmaster Robin Sutton did a very good presentation to Whittlesey Town Council on 12th October, at that meeting the Police & Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite & the sector Chief Inspector also gave a presentation, how ever they left the meeting before Robin delivered his presentation.
I have had a lengthy discussion with Whittlesey Mayor Cllr Alex Miscandlon and asked him to re-iterate our concerns about the level of Policing in our area.
I met with the PCC Mr Jason Ablewhite who to be fair listened to my delivery without interruption – he ‘appeared’ very sympathetic to ‘Your/Our/My’ concerns and did address some in his presentation to the 80+ delegates/members at the meeting.
Better still at the end of the meeting I ‘collared’ Chief Superintendent Vicki Skeels, Local Policing Commander, Cambridgeshire Constabulary. She is the senior officer that was fully aware of our situation – she again was sympathetic and assured me that processes will be brought into effect this coming week for several of our concerns, (example PCSO Moll having to clock on/off in March) are being addressed.
Crime/Policing/Criminals have all changed over the last 5/10/20 years – Cyber Crime did not exist, the resources needed to protect vulnerable and young people has put an enormous strain on many services. I am not making excuses just stating some of the facts. Terrorism is a major issue and problem on resources – especially in a heightened level that exists.
This brings me to how important your role as members/coordinators of our Whittlesey Group – Police Stations themselves do not solve crimes, (Quote the PCC) but they do aleigh fears of crime and disorder. Cambs Police are not unique in closing down Police Stations – in many other parts of the country the same is happening.
Rest assured as your Chairman I am and will do all within my remit to be as vocal on protecting our community as possible and as always, if you have any concerns about your safety or that of your neighbours –
I along with Robin and John are here to help you if and when needed. Your group who you represent is one of the best groups in Cambridgeshire –
I can assure you. Robins website again is not one of the best – it is the best.
We as a community group need to be more resilient in reporting issues and concerns, without this – the Constabulary ‘think’ we are a NO crime area – and this is just not true.
Your next meeting is on Tuesday 15th November 2016 at Grosvenor House/Town Council Offices at 7pm Your committee look forward to seeing as many members as possible.
Neighbourhood Watch is free to join, there are no other costs, being a better neighbour is our aim within our community – why not join, come along to our next meeting – or contact me from my details at the top of the Toolbar Page.
With regards,
Roy Gerstner
Chair Whittlesey NHW Group.
