Meeting with Jeff Cuthbert, Police and Crime Commissioner

On Friday I met with Jeff Cuthbert to discuss the policing priorities for Newport.

The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for Gwent Police Force’s budget and determining the precept, maintaining community safety and, importantly, setting the crime objectives around Gwent. We were keen to open a discussion on the force’s priorities and plans for Newport.

There is a determination on both sides to work together and speak on a regular basis about the needs of Newport and the capabilities and actions of the Police. It also provided an opportunity for me to convey the many views I heard from residents across Newport West about their communities and the Police.

Quite a number of people told me that they regularly experienced anti-social behaviour in their area, which in some extreme cases blighted their daily lives. I felt it was important that the Police and Crime Commissioner heard about those experiences and the views of local people while he considered the objectives for Gwent.

There was agreement at the end of the meeting that Jeff would attend a number of my local surgeries throughout the year. Details of the first sessions will be published soon.