Wednesfield Police Report Back

Correspondence has been received from Wednesfield Police station bringing cases that the police are looking into up-to-date. I have decided to inform residents of these issues.

Councillor Phil Bateman today said” I like the way that the new Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Armstrong, is going about his business. Some weeks ago he called all the local Councillors together and told us how he was going to police Wednesfield.

He took a bit of criticism from elected members in return that night. But since then he has been very up front in making sure that we have had real information on cases that have been reported.

I cannot fault him or his officers, and for the first time in decades we have a single point of contact at the Police Station, and Officers that are responding with real information that allows you to go back to constituents with the actions the police are taking. On the 23rd June I had this to say about Discarded Needles in an Ashmore Park Garage site “ Just a couple of days ago a young mother contacted me following the discovery of needles that had been thrown into her garden from a garage site following use by a drug addict[s].

My constituent was very upset as they have young children and were very concerned for their safety. I have reported the incident to Wednesfield Police but have not yet had a reply, the Director of Public Health on the other hand Dr Adrian Phillips has been in touch and Mr Mercer the Joint Commissioner of Substance Misuse Wolverhampton Primary Care Centre most certainly has. I have had a very full explanation of events and what the Primary Care team is considering. I have decided to print the correspondence in full because of the contents.”

Councillor Bateman went on to say "Now Wednesfield Police inform me that the Mother in question has been visited by the Police, they were the two local police officers who cover the patch. They have also been giving the area close attention while on patrol and they tell me that they do not believe the problem has occurred again. The police go onto explain that the disposal of needles in this way is something that has caused them concern, and they have told me that it is something that happens in other areas as well.

The Inspector who has written to me asks if Councillors can could look into the problem concerning the needle exchange scheme. I believe that the Drug Action Team is already active in reform of this area of provision, but I will contact them again about an update.
Wednesfield Police also tell me that an ABC notice has been served on a youth on Ashmore Park following identification, and the problem that he was causing with his anti social behaviour. Again the police are monitoring this person.

Following a complaint made to me, by other residents, police officers followed up the tip off about local children who were secreting themselves away fooling about and smoking illegal substances.

One person was arrested and others have received warnings.Again the police are keeping a close watch on this area. All in all the police appear to be doing just what residents want…..keep an eye on www.philbateman.com for further updates.

If you are interested in police and crime issues, on the front page is a drop down box. Click into this and pull down the Crime and police page to see all the issues that have been raised in Wednesfield North.”