Yesterday Stephen Metcalfe, local
MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, held a meeting with PCC Nick Alston
and Councillors Little and Wootton to discuss tackling pervasive local crime
issues.
At the top of the agenda was the
issue of dogging in the redundant A128 loop near to Pear tree lane – a problem
that has caused great upset to local residents.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “I have had
a number of constituents contacting me about the wholly inappropriate and
illegal practice of dogging in the redundant A128 loop near to Pear tree lane.
I can entirely understand why it has caused such great upset and would like to
congratulate my colleague Cllr Sue Little for all she has done to tackle these
problems. It has been going on for too long and something must be done to stop
it.”
“We are determined to tackle this
problem and I will work closely with PCC Nick Alston, local Councillors and
Essex Police to ensure that residents are free from this scourge on the
community.”
Cllr Sue Little said: "It was
a delight to welcome the new police crime commissioner Nick Alston along with
our MP Stephen Metcalfe into my ward. Our discussions were fruitful with a real
commitment from Nick in helping the police to become more effective in dealing
with residents issues in our rural community. It was really refreshing to know
our voices are being heard and action being taken."
The meeting also covered policing
issues in the areas of Bulphan, Orsett and Horndon-on-the Hill and proved a
productive means of pooling local knowledge to fully understand the problems
affecting residents in the area.
Stephen Metcalfe added: “It is
great to be able to work with an elected and accountable Police Commissioner to
tackle local crime issues. Mr Alston is committed to improving policing and
cutting crime in Basildon and Thurrock and I obviously fully support these
objectives.”
“I look forward to seeing real
improvements as a result of this meeting and sincerely hope that residents will
start noticing a difference in the near future.”