Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, heard first-hand the concerns of local people in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday (Wed).
He held a supermarket surgery at Tesco, off Potteries Way, in the afternoon before answering questions at a public meeting at the YMCA’s Sky Lounge in Harding Road, Hanley, in the evening
The ‘Let’s Talk’ events were the latest opportunity for people to tell Mr Ellis first-hand about crime and local policing and their experience of the criminal justice system. People were invited to come along to discuss any concerns they had about crime, policing and community safety – without the need for an appointment.
Mr Ellis also paid a visit to a new community café which was launched earlier this year using money from the Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund, which sees 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures going back to local communities.
Penkhull Village Hall was given £6,023 to open the facility that works to reduce the fear of crime among older residents through interaction with young people there.
Mr Ellis said: “As always, the supermarket surgery and public meeting provided invaluable in hearing what local people really think about policing and the criminal justice system in their area.
“It was a great opportunity to find out what people in Stoke-on-Trent have to say with several different issues raised.
“I was also very impressed to see the progress being made at Penkhull Community Café using money seized by police from criminals. Places like this play important roles within local communities, helping bring people together and reaching out to vulnerable, isolated elderly residents.”
During the day, Mr Ellis also spent time with police officers and partner organisations discussing their work with vulnerable people including those with mental health issues at the Changes Wellbeing Centre.
