Force is wrong to say town is safer (From Warrington Guardian)

Force is wrong to say town is safer

A HIGH profile member of the Winsford community is furious that Vale Royal Borough Council is claiming the town is a 'safe place to live'.

Mike Kennedy, chairman of Grange Residents' Association, has slammed an article in the borough council's newsletter, Vale Royal Reporter, as 'misleading'.

Mr Kennedy believes the comments made by the council's community safety partnership do not reflect the real crime situation in the town and blames this on a lack of communication between the council and the community.

He asked: "Why were we not asked for our views on community safety before they ran the article?

"I really think it is time to drop the Community Safety Partnership tag as it is severely misleading."

The article highlights the 'best ever' crime figures in Vale Royal.

Mr Kennedy said: "The community is still very fearful of crime and anti-social behaviour, with good reason, and experience this daily, but do the police and other agencies?

"According to the latest press releases we all feel reassured, but I am not aware of anyone who feels that way.

"After all the fine words and meetings I have attended recently, nothing has changed.

"A safer Winsford? We would very much like one but we certainly don't have one yet."

Vale Royal community policing inspector Brian Roberts said he was saddened by Mr Kennedy's criticisms.

He added: "I have the utmost respect for Mike and the other members of the residents' associations in Winsford.

"It is important that we record crime figures and that we the police and the Community Safety Partnership are set challenging targets to achieve reductions and detection in all criminal offences.

"The problem with crime statistics is that when they are poor we will be criticised and when they are good the public will be suspicious of them."

Vale Royal Borough Council's community safety manager John Roberts said:

"It is simply not true to say that local views have been ignored.

"Whether Mike Kennedy likes it or not the fact is that crime is reducing - and has been doing so nationally since 1993."

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk