Spalding residents have their say on new high-viability police scheme

‘Excellent’ new police street patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour have been welcomed by residents -but they want to see more.

Following the launch of a £40,000 project, which aims to clamp down on Spalding’s issues, officers have been busy patrolling the area.

After a successful first three-months, PC Marcin Pelka and Sgt Matthew Swift of Lincolnshire Police, put out an appeal to hear from the public in order to gauge the response and gather feedback.

Some residents praised the scheme and police officers for their work.

Malcolm Chandler commented under the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Facebook page: “High profile policing is an excellent thing for Spalding.

“I am sure the town will benefit with a reduction in shop theft cycling on foot paths and e-bikes. A big thank you to Lincs Police.”

While Rich Decamps wrote: “It’s great to see visible police presence back on foot patrol in our town. I’ve personally seen them out walking several times recently, including dealing with an antisocial behaviour issue.

“Their presence makes a real difference and helps improve the safety and atmosphere of our town. Long may it continue.”

The new scheme has been funded by South Holland District Council and Spalding Town Board and is being delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire Police and the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Funding for the scheme has come from cash allocated to the area under the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative. The pilot aims to test its effectiveness with an opportunity to have a longer-term extension as part of the town’s investment plan, which will be submitted to the government later this year.

It aims to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and improve public confidence through a series of additional dedicated patrols and comes after concerns were raised that crime and anti-social behaviour puts people off coming to the town.

During the first pilot, officers stated they had noticed a decline in street drinking and received positive comments from members of the public.

The patrols currently take place across Spalding town centre — which operate from the bus station through Hall Place, Red Lion Street and the Market Place, as far as Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens. They target spots identified by residents and authorities as being more likely to suffer anti-social or criminal activity.

However, Iwona Konior believes officers should extend their radius and visit Stepping Stone Bridge – which links Park Road with Kings Road.

Iwona added: “There are often groups of people sitting on the steps at Stepping Stone Bridge, drinking alcohol and smoking weed. Sometimes it is scary to walk there even during the day.”

John Smith added: “Of course a police presence is beneficial but a continuous police presence is more beneficial.

“A walking route that includes side streets would reveal more groups of street drinkers, drug takers/dealers that need policing.”

One anonymous commenter on the LincsOnline website wrote: “Still nothing being done about illegal motor scooters, bikes on footways, or bikes jumping from road to footway and back again without looking – causing near misses, nor the hail of abuse when challenged.”

Some other issues raised by residents included street drinkers near Sheep Market, an increase in litter and concerns over bike safety through the town centre.

Sue Sharp wrote: “Start fining all the cyclists riding the wrong way down The Crescent and in the town centre. They are a danger to themselves, pedestrians and cars.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below…