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Hounslow Liberal Democrats |
LETTER: Policing in Brentford
June 21, 2005 12:00 AM
Dear Editor
In follow-up to your coverage of last week's crime meeting in Brentford, I feel there is a need to shed more light on what really took place.
Inspector Lindsey Hannigan appeared to be rather taken back at the number of people that had been invited to a meeting in the Lord Nelson pub and the strength of local feelings. Cllr Patrick Edwards meanwhile seemed to have little idea the local community felt so let down by Hounslow Borough Council as well as the police. The responsibility for the current situation must be shared. Cllr Edwards claim that he 'organised' the meeting also seems rather generous with the truth when so many local residents, including Robert Ayres, did the leg work and delivered thousands of leaflets before hand.
At the meeting itself some residents questioned whether they were getting value for money from their Council and reflected on whether they should break the law and start withholding tax equivalent to the cost of the local police service. The question was also raised as to whether they would have to hire a private security firm to feel safe in their beds at night. Cllr Edwards was challenged as to whether he was "with the people or with the police".
Brentford is unlikely to get a fair deal until the Greater London Authority recognises it as a Town Centre, with the policing needs of a Town Centre. Furthermore Hounslow needs a fair deal. Chief Superintendent Ali Dizaei must be supported by our local MP and councillors in calling for more police in Hounslow. The last London-wide agreement for policing gave Hounslow a zero percent increase in policing levels.
Since the meeting I have discovered that some months ago local residents put a petition to Cllr Edwards and Cllr Ruth Cadbury requesting secure gates at either end of Enfield Walk. Whilst I believe the proposed solution to stopping motorcyclists shooting by at night was excessive - a swing gate would be just as effective - there is no excuse for the lack of response the residents have received from their councillors.
At the end of the meeting Cllr Edwards formed a so-called 'cabinet'. This was presented as a way that the local community could hold him accountable. He has yet to clarify exactly what he is committing to deliver and by when. However along with many other local residents I will be keeping a watchful eye on how he moves the situation forward and supporting him as far as possible in doing this. Like Cllr Edwards I believe it is now essential that residents, police and councillors work together to find and implement solutions.
I am now supporting residents action to petition the Chief Superintendent for an increase in police for Brentford and would encourage anyone wanting to access the internet version to visit www.policebrentford247.org.uk
Andrew Dakers
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Brentford & Isleworth
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