John Stevenson recently met with Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, to discuss policing and safety in Carlisle and to accompany him on a walkabout in the city centre. They were accompanied by two local police officers.
Subjects for discussion included crime statistics, anti social behaviour, the night time economy, and modern policing methods.
Included in the discussion was the Safer Streets Fund Round 4 through which Carlisle has been successfully awarded £354,638.73, with matched funding of £181,250.
The main aim of this funding being to reduce ASB in the city centre and hotspot locations around the city, which will also have the benefit of improving feelings of safety in public spaces, especially for women and girls and vulnerable groups.
Speaking John said: ‘It was great to join the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall alongside local police officers, for a walk around Carlisle to discuss and see some of the great work they are doing and find out how I can help with their various challenges.
Having locally based police officers, who can listen to communities, understand and address local problems and help people feel safer is pivotal to successful policing in the city.”
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “We all want Cumbria’s residents and visitors to feel as safe as possible in their communities and that their concerns are being heard.
“It was a very informative walkabout to hear from two local officers who are tackling local crime and concerns on a daily basis and provide reassurance that the Police are doing everything in their power to protect the public.
“I’m pleased we were successful in gaining Home Office funding for Carlisle focussing on women’s safety at night (SWaN fund) and I’m sure the newest Safer Streets award will be beneficial too in deterring ASB and providing positive diversionary options for those involved.”