Policing priorities in Wallington

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 1st May 2004

Brake: organised a meeting with the Police to identify residents' concerns and their views on policing priorities

Last week Mr Brake organised a meeting with the Police, a number of local Councillors and a small number of residents' association representatives and residents to identify residents' concerns and their views on policing priorities. The results of the consultation are going to be submitted to the review of Sutton's Crime and Disorder Strategy.

The meeting took place in the Red Cross Centre, Marlborough Court, Cranley Gardens, Wallington on Wednesday evening, 28th April 2004.

There was broad agreement over the policing priorities:

• Tackling anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and graffiti

• Increasing the police and uniformed presence

• Improving the police response to telephone calls and better follow-up after incidents

A small number of specific issues were also identified that needed to be addressed;

• Reducing the availability of drugs in certain establishments

• Identifying sites for youth shelters that are both safe and will not cause concerns amongst local residents (youth shelters could if they are introduced provide young people with a safe and covered place to congregate

Mr Brake raised the issue of speeding in London Road

In spite of the small attendance, the meeting was considered a success and will be followed up by a further meeting in the St Helier area. This time, local residents' associations representatives will be invited as well as St Helier residents.