Getting back to the beat

ONE of the purposes of the Torbay Community Development Trust is to try to get the voices of local groups and local people heard by decision makers in the Bay.

We particularly support the local Community Partnership network to voice residents’ concerns. There are 15 Community Partnerships across the Bay – one for every area.

They are voluntary groups run by people who live or work in the Bay who want to improve the quality of life in their local neighbourhoods. Remarkably the Partnerships have been in existence since 2004 – when they grew out of an initiative set up by the police to link Neighbourhood Beat Managers to local residents. The meetings were so successful that the Partnerships’ remit was extended to all activities in the neighbourhood – not just police issues. It is with some irony therefore that the groups now find themselves campaigning to retain some form of Neighbourhood Policing in the Bay. We all know cuts to statutory budgets have had a major impact on all of our public services, and nationally the police have been particularly hit. This, coupled with the emergence of cyber and other crimes has left the Force with major resourcing challenges. One area that has seen a reduction is the Neighbourhood Policing Teams. The Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have had a substantial reduction. These officers were the link with the local community – the eyes and ears on the beat – the reassuring presence that made the fear of crime reduce across the Bay. There has always been a need for balance in our predominantly urban area between Bobbies on the beat – and those dealing with our ‘Night Time Economy’ – but we did seem to achieve a balance. Now that balance has been thrown up in the air and a new policing plan for the area is coming forward. We need your help to make sure we get the best possible outcome for our residents. The Partnerships will be discussing plans with the Police and Crime Commissioner, senior police officers and Kevin Foster MP on October 19. We need your input – what policing is needed in your area? Have you noticed recent changes? How could the police link up with the community? Please email your thoughts to the following representatives by Monday, October 8. Let’s see who we can get back on the beat!

Each area is followed by an email address. Brixham: Sally.lord@talk21.com; Barton and Watcombe: Steve.Darling@torbay.gov.uk; Blatchcombe: David.Thomas@torbay.gov.uk; Churston, Galmpton and Broadsands: chair@cgbpartnership.co.uk; Clifton and Maidenway: ian.doggett@torbay.gov.uk; Cockington, Chelston and Livermead: lanscombehouse@aol.com; Ellacombe: Phtysoe@gmail.com; Goodrington, Roselands and Broadsands: anthonyrayner@protonmail.com; For Hele and Lower Barton: traceycabache@torbaycdt.org.uk; Paignton Town and Preston: goodringtonactiongroup@hotmail.co.uk; Shiphay and the Willows: darren@darrencowell.co.uk; St Marychurch and District: patbish@gmail.com; Torre and Upton: fhamilton@hotmail.com; Torquay Town Centre: williamtaylor2@blueyonder.co.uk; Wellswood and Torwood: rjrawson@btinternet.com

Alternatively please call 01803 212638.