Tuesday 14th January 2025
My first Community Day of 2025 took me to Charnwood, where thankfully the cold weather that greeted us all in the New Year finally relented. My first meeting of the day was with the new Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety at Charnwood Borough Council Lee Mansfield. Together we discussed Community Safety Partnership funding which is provided through my office, and Lee outlined some issues occurring in the nighttime economy which his team are looking in to.
I then met with Sarah Whannell, Director of Operations at Falcon Support Services, and members of her team at the Falcon Centre. Based in Loughborough. Falcon Support Services offer Housing Support, Recovery Support and Community Support and you can find out more about their work here: https://www.falconsupportservices.org.uk/services.
Sarah introduced me to two members of staff, who’s salaries are part funded by my office. It was great to hear about the positive impact they are having in the community and how they are helping people turn their lives around for the better.
Following correspondence with Cllr Daniel Grimley of Birstall Division, I took the opportunity to see for myself the parking issues he detailed on School Lane. I know that tackling problem parking is an important issue for many affected local residents across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. I will work with Cllr Grimley to find a solution to this issue.
While in Birstall, I met with many local business owners and managers to discuss crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as any issues they might be experiencing that I could assist with as Police and Crime Commissioner. Issues varied from anti-social behaviour late at night to shop lifting. I take business crime very seriously, hence why it is a key priority in my newly published Police and Crime Plan. I will follow up with the local policing teams where necessary to address the concerns shared with me by the business managers and owners.
I then made a quick stop at the local police station in Loughborough where I spoke to a member of staff on the front desk. I will be writing to the local Inspector to place on record my thanks to the local officers for their hard work during the recent flooding that has blighted the county. Our officers continue to go above and beyond to support local residents and I am grateful for their continued commitment to the people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
My Community Day concluded with a meeting with members of Shepshed Town Council following an invitation from Cllr Davd Northage. Councillors raised concerns regarding the perceived rise in litter and vandalism in the area over the last few years, as well as police visibility locally. I will share their concerns with the local policing team and will remain in contact with Shepshed Town Council to track progress.
Rupert Matthews
Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Posted on Monday 20th January 2025