24 March 2009, 09/60
Crime event hailed a massive success - and more are on
the way!
More than 150 people came along to the first ever ‘Face the
People’ crime debate - and it was a resounding success judged by
the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Local residents and interested groups came along to the special
question and answer session that was organised by the West
Lancashire Community Safety Partnership on 18 March at Edge Hill
University.
The packed audience were able to
listen to presentations on the health implications of excessive
drinking and the police’s enforcement role regarding licensing
legislation. They were then given the opportunity to ask questions
on these topics and other safety issues.
A panel of representatives from the Community Safety
Partnership, including West Lancashire District Council, Police,
Fire and Rescue, Primary Care Trust and County Council, were able
to provide answers and join the lively debates led by Dave Guest,
BBC North West’s Social Affairs Correspondent.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership, said:
"This is the first event like this
we have organised and it was a huge success, both in terms of the
numbers who came along and the quality of the discussions. The
feedback we have had has been very positive because people felt as
though they really had a chance to have their say and find out what
we are doing to tackle alcohol issues, crime and the fear of crime.
For example, we have the highest rate of alcohol-related hospital
admissions for under 18s in the whole of England, which not many
will have known. But we were able to tell people that we are
working behind the scenes to find out the reasons why and then will
take action! There is lots of fantastic work going on with the
different organisations to make West Lancashire an even safer place
and I think this was certainly reflected at the meeting."
Despite it being the very first one
of its kind organised by the partnership it attracted
record-breaking numbers and partners will be organising at least
one similar event every year.
Those who attended were also given
the opportunity to let organisers know what they thought of the
event, whether they would like to see it being held at different
venues and whether they though the style should be changed to
something like a drop-in session or road show. This is to ensure
that it is tailored to the needs of the community.
Cllr Ian Grant, Leader of the
Council, said: "Tackling crime and the fear of crime is one of our
biggest priorities because it matters so much to local people. This
is why this type of event is really important because it shows that
we take their views seriously and will try to do what we can to
improve their quality of life. The issues raised can touch the
lives of many people in the district. We are keen to shape future
events according to what residents would find most beneficial.
Watch this space for details and more events like this!"
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