Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis spoke of his ongoing work, including plans to make policing more visible and transparent, at a Stafford and District Stroke Club meeting today (Tuesday 2 September).
Mr Ellis was a guest speaker at the club’s weekly meeting at Thirlmere Way Day Centre on Thirlmere Way, Stafford.
Updating the members, who have all suffered strokes, on his first 18 months in office, the Commissioner went on to take questions about a range of police and community safety related topics – followed by informal chats with a number of members.
Mr Ellis said: “Over the last 18 months what we have been doing is setting down the foundations for real change.
“As we look to make significant savings by doing things differently, my goals going forward are to maintain neighbourhood police officer numbers and free up thousands of hours of police time through vast improvements in technology.”
Talking after the event, Mr Ellis added: “This club gave me such a warm welcome – there is a real sense of community sprit here and it was good to debate and engage with people who are so passionate about where they live.”
Established in 1979 the club, which is a registered charity, meets every Tuesday (except Bank Holidays) and offers its members a day service including games, exercise activities, meals and days out. Recent trips have included a visit to Llandudno, North Wales, and a tour of the set of ITV’s popular soap opera ‘Coronation Street’ in Manchester.
Geoff Brookes, Chairman, said: “As we get older we do start to worry about crime and getting reassurance like this is fantastic. Personally, I found Matthew’s visit very interesting and I saw our members were very attentive too.
“I think if Matthew carries on achieving at the rate he has done so far, it’ll be another successful 12 months for Staffordshire Police.”
For more information on Stafford and District Stroke Club call 0303 3033 100.
