New team to make Northumberland a safer place

Posted by The Journal on Aug 4, 09 09:20 AM in News

A new team to tackle crime, disorder and drug misuse has been set up in Northumberland.

The Safer Northumberland Partnership (SNP) replaces the six separate district or borough-based crime and disorder reduction partnerships which were in force prior to April this year.

It is a multi-agency group involving Northumbria Police, the county's fire and rescue service, the county council, the probation service, the primary care trust and other organisations.

Partnership chairman Coun Ian Lindley said: "We will work together to prevent crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse within our county.

"We will use experience, knowledge and innovation to challenge perceptions and identify solutions to issues that can have a devastating effect on our communities.

"The overall goal is to maximise the wellbeing of all communities.''

The SNP will work at a local level through seven problem-solving 'meetings' which will identify any emerging issues in their respective areas, and seek appropriate solutions.

Northumberland's chief fire officer and director of community safety, Brian Hesler, added: "Northumberland already has an excellent reputation for partnership working, especially when it comes to crime reduction and community safety.

"We intend to build on this, and improve the quality of life in the county by ensuring local needs are met and service delivery remains at the very highest level."

Chf Supt Steve Storey of Northumbria Police said: "This new partnership represents an excellent opportunity for the police and our partners to work with the community to make Northumberland an even safer place to live, work and visit.''

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