Colchester seeks residents views on safety priorities

The Colchester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) is asking residents to tell them what they consider priorities in combating crime to help make the borough an even safer place.

Residents can help set the Colchester CDRP's crime priorities for the next year and understand the work the group have achieved over the past 12 months by attending a special event at the Town Hall on Wednesday 20 February between 10am and 1pm.

The CDRP is made up of Colchester Borough Council, Essex Police, Essex Police Authority, Essex County Council, Essex Fire & Rescue Service and Colchester Primary Care Trust who are all committed to working together to deliver the crime reduction plan.

Ian Vipond, Chairperson of the Colchester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CCDRP), said: "Making crime a thing of the past is more than just enforcing the law. Crime prevention and reduction is not the sole responsibility of the Police or Colchester Borough Council.

"It involves making every resident, community, business, partner agency and service part of the solution which is not achieved overnight. However, with our new Annual Partnership Plan for crime reduction and a safer Colchester the CDRP wants this to be the catalyst for more people and community groups to become involved in building community neighbourliness and mutual respect."

Councillor Don Henshall, Portfolio Holder for Business, said: "One of our aims as a council is to ensure everyone in Colchester has the quality of life expected of a prestigious regional centre and, working in partnership, highlights a positive proactive rather than a reactive approach to tackling crime."

David Hudson, Chief Superintendent, Essex Police, Colchester District said: "Here in Colchester we already have a great track record in crime reduction and promoting community safety.

"As a result we will continue to support the CDRP and its partners in delivering the partnership objectives over the coming year. Success is within our grasp with the continued commitment and energy which has become synonymous with the people who work and live in Colchester."

Questionnaires can also be requested by contacting Melissa Stark on 01206 717819 alternatively email peter.carrington@colchester.gov.uk