Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden visits Newark town centre for walkabout to speak with police, council, and public
Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has visited Newark to speak with officers, council staff, and the public about their priorities.
Gary Godden visited the town on Wednesday, March 19, for a walkabout around the town centre.
He was shown areas where safer streets funding had been used — particularly the new CCTV installed in the church gardens — as well as other crime-fighting improvements such as enhanced street lighting.
Mr Godden also stopped to talk with members of the public and market stallholders, to hear their views on crime and policing in the town.
The police and crime commissioner said: “The reason why I do the walkabouts is to talk people in the town, for them to highlight some of the issues and the work being done.
“We’ve brought in a new model of neighbourhood policing and seen how its been absorbed into the community — it’s new, it will take time for the public to get involved and for officers to build up their knowledge of individuals who are involved in crime, and develop those intelligence packages.”
While the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner-delivered Safer Streets funding — which has benefitted Newark and Balderton — will end in April, Mr Godden added that his police and crime plan outlines a range of new plans to support communities.
“It’s been really good to see the new CCTV cameras provided through Safer Streets, and the lighting and vegetation work which will allow the camera to actually see,” he added.
“Hopefully it will make sure it is a nicer place for people to congregate in this historical town.”
He was accompanied on the walk by a caseworker from his office; Newark and Sherwood District Council’s business manager for public protection, Jenny Walker; Chief Inspector Clive Collings; and officers from the Newark neighbourhood policing team.
Chief Inspector Collings said: “It’s really good of the Police and Crime Commissioner to give up some of his time for this walk around Newark, to meet staff and the public and get a picture of what people would like to see here.
“We will continue to listen to people in Newark and see what we can do to act on their concerns and we’re committed to ensuring Newark is the best environment it can be.”
