West Mercia police, Ludlow and Clee unitary councillors, along with Ludlow and Shropshire Councils, are launching a new initiative to tackle low-level crime across the Ludlow area. The Safer Ludlow project also aims to help people feel safer in their homes and when they are out and about in the town. The project will also encourage local businesses to improve their security.
Councillors will meet weekly with council officials and police officers to discuss any issues with crime and antisocial behaviour around the town. Other agencies, including housing associations and health services, will join the team when their expertise and knowledge is needed.
Safer Ludlow will also be organising regular drop-in sessions in local venues. These will allow people to chat informally with the police, councillors and officers about any problems they are having.
Inspector Rob Thomas from West Mercia Police says:
“This is about local policing – the police and our partners working with residents to identify and tackle issues of concern across the neighbourhood. Ludlow is a low crime area but what crime does occur can make people feel unsettled. We aim to link together those organisations and people who are working to keep Ludlow safe. We also want help residents and visitors feel safe and enjoy being in Ludlow.”
Andy Boddington, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North, says:
“The police alone cannot address all community safety problems in our area. Poor street lighting, security issues on housing estates, noisy neighbours and street environment issues are matters that may need to be referred to the councils. That’s why we have set up a new partnership to ensure that problems get referred to the people best able to deal with them.
“We also want to give local people informal access to the services that can help them. Many people don’t want to ring 101 or make a formal complaint to Shropshire Council about antisocial behaviour. But they do want the police and councils to know that there is something they are concerned about.”
Vivienne Parry, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow South, says:
“I’m glad we have got this going. A lot of people, particularly the elderly and people with mobility problems, don’t feel confident out and about at night and sometimes during the day. I think it is really important that we hold drop-in sessions where people can talk to the police, councillors and officers in an informal way. Our first public event will be at Helena Lane community centre over lunch.”
The first Safer Ludlow drop-in session will be at Helena Lane community centre from 12 noon on 27 September. Everyone is welcome to drop by and have a chat with police officers and councillors.