New policing priorities announced for Rural Hitchin 

Speeding, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour are the key issues that the Rural Hitchin Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) will be focusing on over the coming months, following feedback from the local communities.

A public meeting was held on 27 September to enable local residents to air their views and discuss issues in person with local officers. Feedback was also submitted via OWL and 'echo' and this has also all been analysed.

The SNT are tasked with fixing short and long-term neighbourhood issues, which include issues such as anti-social behaviour. They work closely with local partners including North Herts Council to achieve this. The local priorities are reviewed every six months.

The new priorities for the rural areas around Hitchin are:

·      Speeding 

·      Fly-tipping 

·      Anti-social behaviour/drugs – associated with young people congregating in public spaces, car parks and parks. 

Neighbourhood Sergeant Guy Westwood said: "Once again we have been amazed at the level of participation in the priority setting process, by the local rural community. This consultation process is the best way for us to truly understand what matters to the communities we serve."

With your help we are able to effectively target our resources and my teams will now be working hard to tackle these issues and I hope that you will soon see a difference.

"Please do continue to use echo to let us know your views. It's vital that you tell us your concerns."