Freedom of Information Request- Answered!

There has been much talk over the Summer following letters that were received by some residents of Wolverhampton covering issues that relate to law and order along the 'walkways' that link Coppice Farm Estate and Ashmore Park. There has been a lot of speculation and I am told a lot of bad feeling engendered by this speculation.

I have been requested to find out what has taken place and what is actually happening. Below is a letter that was sent by Willenhall Police which sets out their tactics for dealing with the problems. In that correspondence they inform residents that they work very closely with their colleagues from Wednesfield.



This is the letter that has been distributed.





Willenhall Police letter as supplied by Wolverhampton Council;



"Dear Resident,



Experience shows that anti social behaviour can be linked to seasonal trends and in an effort to tackle anti social behaviour for this forthcoming summer season we intend to apply to the council to consider gating measures



Geographically coppice Farm lies adjacent to Ashmore Park Wednesfield and historically there have been clashes between youths from the two estates,



The local police work very closely with their colleagues from Wednesfield to target known trouble makers but because of the open plan manner in which the estate is designed it is difficult to monitor disruptive elements who are intent on causing damage and disturbance on Coppice Farm.



For a number of years the police and local councillors have discussed the possibility of gating off some of the walkways to control access to the estate at times of the day when anti social behaviour is most prevalent. Evenings and weekends are good examples of such times.



The residents must be aware that to introduce gating measures is a complex and legal minefield but although difficult is not impossible. One of the elements we must show is that the local community actually want to introduce such measures and for you to share your experiences of anti social behaviour to give the application authenticity and local approval.



The for key locations being considered are:



1 Snape Rd

2 Bucknall Rd

3 Ecclestone Rd

4 Reynolds Walk.



I would be grateful if you would take the time to complete the details overleaf and return to P. C. Elwell."



As Secretary of Wednesfield North Labour Party I have been urged to find out what is happening and what action Wolverhampton is taking to support this initiative by Willenhall Police.







I therefore wrote a 'Freedom of Information ' request to Wolverhampton. here is that response.






Wolverhampton City Council said :- I can confirm that no agreement has been made to close off any walkways within the Coppice Farm area and there is no proposal by Wolverhampton City Council to do so.
Walsall Police conducted their own consultation exercise without prior notification to this department, nor would it seem, without consulting their colleagues from Wolverhampton Police. A copy of their consultation letter is attached for your reference. I don't have details of which streets/properties were covered by their letter drop.

As there is currently no proposal to close any walkways, no cost will be incurred.


I am not aware of the 'greenways project', it is not something I have had any involvement with. If you are able to provide more information about it I will try to find out who is managing the project and what its current status is.

I am not aware of any consultation with businesses but, as I said before, I don't know the extent of the exercise undertaken by Walsall Police.

Walsall Police Officers have now undertaken to consult their colleagues in Wolverhampton.

I have provided the above information to the best of my knowledge and once again, apologise for the content in my previous reply.

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint, please write to:

Amy Hardiman
FOI & Corporate Complaints Coordinator
Wolverhampton City Council
Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1SH
amy.hardiman2@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Phil Bateman said "I HOPE THAT THIS CORRESPONDENCE WILL GO SOME WAY TO INFORMING RESIDENTS OF THE CONFUSION THAT IS TAKING PLACE BETWEEN THREE DEMOCRATIC ORGANISATIONS. IT APPEARS THAT THE POLICE HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR. THE LOCAL CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS NEED TO WORK A LITTLE HARDER TO INFORM RESIDENTS OF WHAT IS ACTUALLY TAKING PLACE."