Community policing is still top of the agenda as the warden service steps into a new role.
Although the number of wardens looks likely to decrease, the ‘policing family’ will continue to grow following Government announcements of additional funding to provide significantly more Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) nationally. Locally, this will be reflected by more PCSOs taking on the role of high visibility patrolling and providing community reassurance, while the wardens re-focus their efforts on environmental crime and quality of life issues.
Richard Homewood, chairman of the Safer Hastings Partnership and Executive Director for Environment and Safety at the Council, said:
"Despite the reductions in the number of wardens, residents can be assured that high visibility patrolling will continue on the streets of Hastings and St Leonards. It is extremely disappointing to have to reduce the number of wardens, particularly as they have done such a good job and been so well received by the community."
From April wardens will take responsibility for handing out fixed penalty notices and take on the challenges of tackling environmental crime, such as vandalism and graffiti, issues which can drastically damage quality of life and affect communities.
Last year, Hastings and St Leonards was declared a Together Action Area because of the great working relationship between the Council, police and other Safer Hastings Partnership members.
This approach to tackling crime means partners can share resources and the workload over a wider area, with more patrols than ever.
Chief Inspector Ken Taylor, from Sussex Police, said:
"The visibility of policing in Hastings and St Leonards has greatly increased over the last two years. This is what the public wanted and they were right. Crime is down and according to surveys, people feel safer. This reduction in warden numbers must not be seen as a threat to that. Police and PCSOs will step up their patrol contribution and the wardens will be freed up to tackle the issues they were originally employed for. The police and the wardens will continue to work together to make Hastings and St Leonards a safer place to live, work and visit."
Mrs Duggan, of Hastings, who was presented with a cheque for £100 by Chief Superintendent Dick Barton of Sussex Police.
Mrs Duggan’s name was picked after she completed the Safer Hastings Partnership crime survey in the autumn edition.
Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, officially launched the new Hastings Area Transport (HAT) scheme on January 19.
Below, Left to Right: Manager Chris Cousins, Michael Foster, Alistair Darling, Councillor Godfrey Daniel
Seven buses, including three new ones, are operating in all areas of the town providing a Dial-a-Ride and Community Transport Service particularly for people who are less able or without access to a car or a bus service. The buses are also available for hire by groups.
Councillor Godfrey Daniel, Hastings Borough Council member for transport, said:
"Schemes like the Dial-a-Ride and Community Transport Service are invaluable in a town as big as Hastings and we hope to see these services grow and become widely used. They are easy to access and will certainly provide much needed transportation. A good example of this is how the Evening Bus Service connects the Conquest Hospital with the Town Centre with communities such as those living on the West Hill"
Anyone wanting to find out about the scheme, book a ride, or become a volunteer driver, should contact the HAT office on 01424 424583
Would you like to see improvements to cycling facilities in Hastings? More cycle paths, safe bike lockers and bike racks, better and safer routes to school, work and around town? Hastings Urban Bikes (HUB) is a new, independent cycle group whose aim is to campaign for better cycling facilities in Hastings and St Leonards, and to link up with other cycle campaigns in Sussex to create a wider bike network. HUB will also be holding cycle training days for children, organising family and fun rides, and generally promoting cycling in the town. Members will also receive generous discounts on new bikes and bike parts at local bicycle shops.
If you would like to know more please contact Nick Hanna on 01424 439352 or email: nick@nickhanna.co.uk
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This page last updated: 08/04/2005