Blandford PACT Celebrates First Birthday
September 2007 saw the introduction of the Blandford PACT process whereby the public are able to raise crime and safety concerns and have them addressed via a panel of interested parties including Police and Local Government organisations.
Since the introduction of PACT a year ago fifteen Issues raised by the public have resulted in the production of formalised Action Plans where many agencies invest resources in a coordinated attempt to tackle problems and ensure a safer environment for residents.
Problems raised to date have included, under age drinking, anti-social behaviour in specific areas and speeding in residential streets.
Although no one would claim the action taken provides a permanent solution, it does ensure the limited resources available are directed to where they may do most good. A recent limited survey of residents conducted by members of the Blandford Safer Neighbourhood Team showed that 20% of those questioned thought Anti-social behaviour in their area had been reduced with 63% feeling that the Police presence locally had increased. An even more encouraging statistic was that 93% of respondents thought the Police were actively tackling problems and 80% believed the Police service provided within the town was Excellent or Good.
Although there must never be grounds for complacency it does appear that by all agencies working in a coordinated fashion and the public providing vital information regarding problems we can together make Blandford an even safer area in which to live and work.
The next public PACT meeting will be held in the Corn Exchange at 7 pm on Tuesday 14th October when any resident with concerns is encouraged to attend and make these issues known. Action plans will then be developed and implemented over the following twelve week period.
Those who are not able to attend the next meeting in person can submit their concerns by writing to The Safer Neighbourhood Office, Dorset Police, Salisbury Road, Blandford BT11 7HR, by Email to oldtownsnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
All submissions will be treated in the strictest confidence.
More Information from: -
John Tory, Chairman Blandford PACT Panel, 01258 452919
PC Simon Evans, Blandford Police Safer Neighbourhood Team 01202 223006
Email: oldtownsnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk