Before the visit, Andrew visited Waterfoot Police Station, where he has recently re-opened the front-counter to the public, to discuss hot-spots and issues in the area.
Rawtenstall bus station workers and local residents explained how youths gathering in the area is impacting their daily lives. The Commissioner welcomed the positive approach from the local policing team who are keen to do more patrols at key times. The positive changes being made at Lancashire Police with the establishment of a specialist anti-social behaviour unit, more focus and resources into neighbourhood policing and more officers on our streets thanks to the Police Uplift Programme, where’re also discussed.
The role other partners, such as Rossendale Council and the bus operators were also discussed. Including introducing security staff at the key times to stop bad behaviour escalating in the first place and how having youth provision in Rawtenstall would improve the situation.
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden said:
“This visit emphasised why ASB is an issue that needs to be tackled collectively, not just by the police alone. Partners and police must work together to create pro-active solutions to the issue, including ensuring security staff are in place. A lack of youth provision, meaning young people have a warm, safe place to go is clearly a gap and could help to prevent trouble in places like the bus station.
“My hope is Rawtenstall partners can work together with the council and my Office to bid into my Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund next year and take inspiration from nearby Bacup. Bacup Family Centre successfully bid for £10,000 from my Community Fund meaning cash seized from criminals is now helping young people, with ASB dropping as a result.
“ASB is a blight on our communities and effects far too many residents on a daily basis – which is why cracking down on it is one of my number one Fighting Crime Plan Priorities. I will continue to support Lancashire Constabulary to catch those responsible and work with partners on longer-term solutions to tackle it.”
