[C]umbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall met members from the Abbots Vale Community Association in Barrow recently (5 April) to hear their views and any concerns they have about crime, anti-social behaviour and other policing matters that effect their community, and discuss what might be done to address them.
Peter McCall said: “One of my key responsibilities is to talk to – and importantly – listen, to the views of the public. Therefore I was really keen to accept the invitation to attend the Abbots Vale Community Association, as it was a great opportunity to reassure the public that I do listen to them. I was pleased to be able to go along and meet the tenants and residents, and hear what they had to say about policing in their local areas
“We had an excellent meeting, and those that I met from the community showed a real resolve and determination to work with the local police and PCSOs, who they said are doing a great job, which I was proud to hear. Abbots Vale is a thriving community, although there are of course some issues as there will be with most communities.
“However, at the meeting I saw first-hand a great example of the community getting ready to roll their sleeves up and help, a real ‘We – Not They’ spirit which we must support. For my part I will continue do what I can, be it providing grants to local groups or commissioning local services, to empower communities to do this. Together we will work to keep the area safe for everyone.”
Barrow Councillor Kevin Hamilton said: “On behalf of Alf Hadley, Chairman of Abbots Vale Community Association, and myself, we would like to thank Peter for attending the association meeting and explaining to the membership the role of the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, and answering all of the questions put to him.
“The Abbots Vale Community Association have worked alongside some fantastic neighbourhood Policing Officers including all PCSOs over the years with a special mention to PCSO Iain Richardson. The Association is looking forward to working in partnership with Peter McCall the Police and Crime Commissioner.”
