Walking the beat helped police sort social issues
“WALK it and sort it” was the message behind a new scheme to stamp out anti-social behaviour in April 2004.
Residents of the Goseley estate, in Hartshorne, turned out for the first “Walk It and Sort It” event in South Derbyshire.
The event, which was organised by the area’s Crime and Disorder Partnership, gave members of the public a chance to show police, councillors, social workers and council officers the problems affecting their community.
The estate was chosen for the event because at the time it had suffered from various kinds of crime and anti-social behaviour.
South Derbyshire District Council’s anti-social behaviour officer, Sue Haslett, was joined by Swadlincote police’s area commander, Inspector Steve Fairbrother, and other officials to take part in the walk.
She said: “At least 12 residents came out to see us, and of the 400 fliers we sent out beforehand, 15 forms were returned.
“Issues raised by residents were fly-tipping, litter, dog mess and graffiti on signs. The main problem is the lack of youth provision in the village, and children playing in the street damaging fences and gardens.
“We visited the recreation ground in Mount Road to find out why they were not using it, and we discovered it is waterlogged and uneven.”
Inspector Fairbrother said: “The walk has identified a real need for facilities so that children can play safely without inconveniencing residents.”
Hartshorne ward councillor Roy Bell said: “The event was really worthwhile and enabled all the partnership agencies to get down to ground level and see the issues affecting people.”
Mrs Haslett, said: “I am working on trying to get the mobile youth facility here and will be looking into ways to raise funds to develop the recreation ground, as well as dealing with other issues raised today. However, there is only so much the council can do, and this illustrates that all parties need to work together to achieve results.”