Dear Sir,
I would like to correct Cllr George Gray on his remarks in the Newton News stating that all Wards have a police attendance at PACT meetings.
Greenfield Middridge Ward for the last four years has been attended by PCSO Mike Welch because either there has not been a PC available or the PC has been on other police work.
Mike has gone over and above his duty to make sure that all information needed by the local residents has been given and answered fully and correctly either at the meeting or the following day. which sometimes did happen.
The crime figures have been given and discussed. Many drug related crimes have been sorted and anti-social behaviour is at its lowest. He has liaised with the schoolchildren and attended Greenfield School meetings to gain trust of the young people and helped to take many off-road bikes etc. out of use. His continuous hard work earned him a “WOW” award and he is now training to become a P.C.
We had a meeting last week with our new PCSO, Scott Hodgson, wihout a PC. and who was just as helpful as our previous PCSO.
I chaired the previous Neighbourhood/Residents meeting at the Horndale Club and carried on as chairman of the PACT meeting at the Evangelical Church and always make sure it is advertised every month.
When the three streets leave Greenfield/Middridge and becomes part of West Ward in May I hope to have a regular PACT meeting in the Silverdale area.
I have worked successfully on several occasions with PCSO Gavin Laycock and would welcome working with him again with or without a PC.
I do not want criticism from Counc Gray for responding to his remarks as surely the best way is to just get on with helping residents, putting your trust in the PCSO. They will always find out the answers they cannot give at the meeting and pass information back to you as soon as possible.
Cllr Dorothy Bowman.
