Sam Townend for Bristol North West

Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir,
 
Can I applaud the actions of the police in relation to the raid on the Foresters Arms pub in Westbury-on-Trym which took place on Friday 13 June (Post, 14 June 'Police arrest 3 in pub raid').  Being resident locally I share the concerns of the resident you reported anonymously about intimidation and anti-social behaviour caused by a few drinkers, but regularly, at the pub.  I passed through the centre of Westbury as the raid was taking place and saw the impeccable conduct of Inspector Jackson's community policing team in keeping public order and the traffic flowing.
This is a classic example of community policing working well.  The raid was in response to information and concerns passed in meetings between the police and residents.  The police did not used to be so responsive.  It coincides with additional police community support officers  (PCSOs) starting work thanks to Labour councillors' policy of putting 43 more PCSOs on the beat across the City.  In the North, Westbury, Henleaze and Stoke Bishop will, for the first time ever, each have their own dedicated community officer, while other parts of the North:  Shirehampton, Sea Mills, Lawrence Weston, Henbury, Southmead, Horfield and Lockleaze, will get additions to their policing teams.  This will be reflected across the City and should result in more of this kind of coordinated action in response to residents concerns.
 
Sam Townend
Labour's prospective MP for Bristol North West
Henleaze