Road safety, anti-social behaviour and rural crime are just some of the key issues which will be receiving further police intervention in the Thornbury area, following the latest increase in police numbers across Avon and Somerset. In the year to March 2023, there were 454 full-time equivalent (FTE) new police officers recruited by the Avon and Somerset Police, plus 45 officers transferred in from other forces.
In a recent visit to Thornbury with the local MP Luke Hall, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, Mark Shelford, discussed local concerns throughout the town and surrounding area, including police presence in local parks, tackling rural theft and trespassing on farmland and allotments, and tackling road safety concerns along Rock Street and rural villages.
In a meeting set up by Luke Hall MP, the Police and Crime Commissioner began the morning meeting with local campaigner and former Police Officer Joanne Shipp, to discuss efforts to set up a Neighbourhood Watch in Rockhampton.
Following the meeting, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that they will be working with residents to set up the scheme and enhance community safety in the village. Speaking after the meeting, Joanne said, “I have been the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Rockhampton for 27 years, after serving as a police officer with Avon & Somerset police for 10 years.”
“During this time I have seen many changes, communications have been enhanced by the use of email, observations have benefited greatly with the use of camera technology (ANPR) both in vehicles and static versions. The “Thin Blue Line” which I grew up with has been stretched to extremes especially in rural areas which is why I
believe the contribution I and other volunteers make to crime prevention cannot be overstated.”
Luke and the PCC also met with members of the Thornbury Allotments Group, to discuss police presence in the town and efforts to combat anti-social behaviour in the local area.
Luke Hall MP said, “Our Police and Crime Commissioner is proactively addressing local concerns in South Gloucestershire, and I was pleased to hear his assurances that Thornbury and our villages along the River Severn will continue to receive support from the local beat team.” “With an expanded rural crime unit and hundreds of new police officers recruited, our communities can feel safe and secure, and I would like to thank our local beat team for all their work and support in the area.”
Mark Shelford, Police and Crime Commissioner said, “I had the pleasure of meeting with MP Luke Hall last Friday to discuss concerns in his area. I also met some residents including a resident of Rockhampton Joanne Shipp who is setting up a Neighbourhood Watch in the village.”
“Residents expressed safety concerns around the pedestrianisation measures on the High Street, the increasing use of e-scooters and anti-social behaviour. These are all areas I am keen to understand and work with the local police and council to address.”
“Thank you to everyone who came along. Together we can tackle the issues and make communities safe.
