Colchester City Council is pleased to announce the success of its latest Residents' Panel meetings, held to talk about community safety and the cleanliness of the city.
Two Panel meetings in April saw active participation from residents, reflecting the community's dedication to enhancing safety and cleanliness throughout the city. With panel members able to ask questions about these services that will feed into a community safety action plan.
Andrew Tyrrell, Head of Public Protection walked residents through the Colchester Community Safety Partnership (CSP). The CSP, a collaborative effort involving local agencies and community members, continues to play a vital role in identifying and addressing community safety issues. Through initiatives outlined in the Annual Partnership Plan, crime reduction efforts have yielded promising results, with an overall decrease of 8.7% in the past year. Although partners know there is always more they need to do.
During the Q&A session, panel members raised issues ranging from police responsiveness to drug-related concerns and the need for accessible information on who to contact when they have an issue to report. The Council assured residents of ongoing efforts to address these concerns, including increased police visibility and improved communication strategies.
Additionally, Rosa Tanfield, Head of Neighbourhood Services, outlined the Street Care and Safety team's priorities for the next two years, emphasizing the Council's commitment to maintaining clean and safe public spaces despite financial challenges. Residents' feedback on issues such as litter management and public toilet accessibility will inform future service approach and changes.
Council Leader, Cllr David King, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the CSP and the Residents Panel, saying: “Our safety and quality of life is helped hugely by working with partners and listening to our residents. Colchester Community Safety Partnership is a great example.
"My thanks to our residents for their input on these issues and others, as together we look to respond to the issues of the day and help shape the future of Colchester. Their active engagement and constructive feedback are an invaluable resource, and we look forward to more such engagement, sharing and learning, united by seeking the best for our great city.”
As part of this month's panel, the council worked in partnership with Leisure World, Colchester Sports Park, Aqua Springs and the Mercury Theatre to offer members who attended a meeting the opportunity to win discounted and free visits through a prize draw.
The Panel is open to all residents in Colchester, aged 18 and over. Panel members are not required to have any prior knowledge or expertise to join, and members of minority groups are encouraged. Interested residents are encouraged to get in touch, with no obligation, to find out more. Please visit the council’s website for find out more: colchester.gov.uk/residents-panel or email residents.panel@colchester.gov.uk to join.
Two Panel meetings in April saw active participation from residents, reflecting the community's dedication to enhancing safety and cleanliness throughout the city. With panel members able to ask questions about these services that will feed into a community safety action plan.
Andrew Tyrrell, Head of Public Protection walked residents through the Colchester Community Safety Partnership (CSP). The CSP, a collaborative effort involving local agencies and community members, continues to play a vital role in identifying and addressing community safety issues. Through initiatives outlined in the Annual Partnership Plan, crime reduction efforts have yielded promising results, with an overall decrease of 8.7% in the past year. Although partners know there is always more they need to do.
During the Q&A session, panel members raised issues ranging from police responsiveness to drug-related concerns and the need for accessible information on who to contact when they have an issue to report. The Council assured residents of ongoing efforts to address these concerns, including increased police visibility and improved communication strategies.
Additionally, Rosa Tanfield, Head of Neighbourhood Services, outlined the Street Care and Safety team's priorities for the next two years, emphasizing the Council's commitment to maintaining clean and safe public spaces despite financial challenges. Residents' feedback on issues such as litter management and public toilet accessibility will inform future service approach and changes.
Council Leader, Cllr David King, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the CSP and the Residents Panel, saying: “Our safety and quality of life is helped hugely by working with partners and listening to our residents. Colchester Community Safety Partnership is a great example.
"My thanks to our residents for their input on these issues and others, as together we look to respond to the issues of the day and help shape the future of Colchester. Their active engagement and constructive feedback are an invaluable resource, and we look forward to more such engagement, sharing and learning, united by seeking the best for our great city.”
As part of this month's panel, the council worked in partnership with Leisure World, Colchester Sports Park, Aqua Springs and the Mercury Theatre to offer members who attended a meeting the opportunity to win discounted and free visits through a prize draw.
The Panel is open to all residents in Colchester, aged 18 and over. Panel members are not required to have any prior knowledge or expertise to join, and members of minority groups are encouraged. Interested residents are encouraged to get in touch, with no obligation, to find out more. Please visit the council’s website for find out more: colchester.gov.uk/residents-panel or email residents.panel@colchester.gov.uk to join.
Page last reviewed: 16 May 2024