I've now had a chance to discuss issues raised by the Post in it's article on children drug dealing on Hexham estate with residents, Police and Council officers and it appears as I feared that this sensationalist article does not paint an accurate picture of life on the estate.
It would not be appropriate for me to go into detail here about what the Police told me about the case or the circumstances aroudn it. However what we did agree is that more work does need to be done to ensure we have an active Police presence on the estate.
This is something that local people and the Lib Dems have long been calling for and the Police acknowledge that we are not there yet.
I have been campaigning some time to address this problem, with RBC, with a view to setting up a permanent base either on or near the estate. I am meeting officers shortly to try and speed this up.
I can report however, following discussions this week with RBC on the issues raised by the Post article on the ongoing work being done on the estate by RBCto reduce crime and reduce anti-social behaviour:
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The Neighbourhood Wardens actively patrol this area including carrying out block inspections and pass on any drug intelligence to TVP, the nuisance team and ASBAG'S - the wardens are also trained to remove discarded needles.
- The Youth Engagement Service is working on a number of projects based a Hexham Community Centre which have been very popular with local young people
- In conjunction with Groundworks RBC are looking at possible sponsorship of 6 local children from estate to attend residential outward bound/team building course. This work will be targeted at young people who have, for example, a sibling who is known within the youth criminal justice system.
- There are regular meetings of the Neighbourhood Action Group - local people have not identified drug dealing as being a priority issue to be dealt with (This is also reflected in the recent Hexham survey)
- The Nuisance Team is carrying out weekly Nuisance surgeries at Hexham Community Centre
- Tasking meetings are held every month, which the Nuisance officer & Neighbourhood Officer attend. This provides an opportunity of information sharing and discussing any concerns of individuals/areas.
- Joint visits are made with the Nuisance Team and PCSO or Neighbourhood officer as appropriate.
- An Anti-Social behaviour Groups (ASBAG) is held monthly, chaired by TVP
- Regular Estate Walkabouts are held involving local people, Neighbourhood officers and PCSOs
- There is CCTV on estate and we are working with TVP to highlight "hotspot" areas and to see if cameras are focussed on the 'right' areas.
It's fair to say that a few years ago the picture may not has been as rosy and Hexham estate did not get the attention it deserved by the Labour councillors for the area.
However, as a letter to the Evening Post acknowledged the active campaigning by the Lib Dems in the area has meant that the Council is now doing much more for local people on the estate, and the area is improving and will continue to improve, I am sure of it.
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