Police Chief Speaks

Councillor Phil Bateman today welcomed the comments made by Chief Superintendent Tom Duffin, after he had contacted him about the future of the Ashmore Park Police Liaison Committee. He said “I have ensured that Mr Duffin comments have been printed here in full. I am sure that the Liaison Committee will be pleased to receive the information that there is no threat to their Committee, and the police will attend.

Chief Superintendent Tom Duffin said
“We value the opportunity to talk to people in Ashmore Park about their area.
We are keen to work with local people and other agencies to reduce crime and
help make our city safer."

I can confirm that there are no plans to reduce the police attendance at this
forum. On occasions due to exceptional or unpredicted peaks in demand we may
be unable to send a representative to a meeting. Those occasions should be
very rare.

I have asked Inspector Turley to arrange for an officer to discuss the issue
of funding with members of the committee. I am not in a position to support
the committee financially but there may be opportunities to attract funds for
different pieces of work. Through your position in the City Council you may
be aware of opportunities yourself? If the committee is able to secure some
funding my view is that it would be better spent helping to make Ashmore Park
even safer.

Since 1st April 2003, there have been 56 fewer victims of house burglary
across the East of the City. We look forward to your support in helping us to
reduce crime even further.

Attempts are being made to find funding for the Committee.