Patrols Successful In Reducing Anti Social Behaviour In Redditch

Anti social behaviour in an area of Redditch has reduced after it became a priority for police patrols, a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting was told.

The Winyates meeting, which took place on Wednesday 18th January heard that concerns about anti social behaviour in the Winyates Centre had been raised at an earlier meeting in October.

However incidents had decreased as a result of patrols, and residents now felt much happier shopping in the centre.

Following Wednesday's meeting, Local Policing Officer PC Paul Kennedy said: "We want to reassure residents that patrols in the Winyates Centre will remain a priority for us. We are working with partner organisations and continuing to focus our patrols in that area."

The meeting also heard an update on plans by Redditch Borough Council to preserve the original Icknield Street, and plant a hedgerow on each side of the Roman road as it would have been in the middle ages. This will form a feature of the traffic island by Morrisons, through which the historic route passed.

Other points raised were litter and dog mess, and residents were told to note the description of owners and dogs, and the date and time of the offence and report it to the Redditch Hub so the Enforcement Officer could take action.

Concerns about work taking place off Colts Lane were also raised. Residents were reassured the land will be restored after energy company E.ON completes insulation work.

The issue chosen as a priority was about an unsafe surface in the Winyates Centre pedestrianised zone, and this is going to be investigated and repaired if necessary.

An update will be given at the next PACT meeting, which is on Wednesday 15th February at 7pm  in the Community Office.

PACT is an opportunity for residents to raise any concerns they may have and hear about what is being done to improve quality of life for people living and working in Winyates, and all are welcome.

Issued: Friday, 20 January 2012