Police Up Beat About Ashmore Park

Following calls for action during December and early in this year by residents. Councillor Phil Bateman said today " The latest response I have had from Wednesfield Police is up beat and I am now publishing Inspector Jon Turleys comments. Insp J Turley writes- "We have continued to make the Ashmore Estate a Policing priority over January and February.

In essence we have seen a drop in recorded crime from the peak in December to what I would describe the usual levels in January and probably in February as well

A lot of work has been undertaken by all agencies involved including Cheryl Rock from the ASB Unit,Nick Moss from Wolverhampton Homes,Tess Meek from the Neighbourhood Office,and the Local Authority itself both through Cass Simpson and Parks and Lighting Depts.

A Domehawk camera has been installed in Bucknall Rd which has reduced the number of incidents reported to us.

The Local Authority has cut back shrubbery and repaired lighting as requested by Tessa.

Mick Pearce our licensing Officer is in regular contact with Top shops and its licensee.We are continuing to monitor these premises closely as they appear a focal point for a lot of what is happening.

The area has seen a considerable amount of Police patrol/presence and intervention over the last 6/7 weeks especially at weekends

It is apparent that the estate is a meeting point for youngsters from Ashmore,Coppice,Heathtown,East Park,Willenhall and Wednesfield.

Despite efforts from additional Youth workers targeted into the area from elsewhere by Cass I am not really sure we know what the attraction to Ashmore is although I have my suspicions

The majority of youngsters we stop are law abiding and respectful as I have told both you,Local meetings and anyone else who brings this matter up.

Police patrols have resulted in a number of arrests in the area,confiscation of alcohol,recovery of potential weapons,the return of some children to their parents,stop checks and letters of warning sent to a number of youths about their general conduct and congregating in numbers in the area.

This matter is, has and will be given additional attention and I believe that the number of calls to Ashmore about damage and anti social behaviour is reducing and will continue to do so."

Councillor Bateman added " I think that this statement is full of confidence, it is clear that there has been a lot of hard work put in by a number of agencies working in partnership with the police.

I am sure that this report will be well received by the majority of residents on the estates. In the meantime I will urge anyone who has information with regard to any criminal act to contact the police."