I firmly believe that everyone in our towns should feel comfortable and safe – this starts with ensuring order and peace within our communities. Sussex Police do a great job keeping our streets safe, but there are always challenges for the police as they cannot be in all places at all times. As a Hastings resident, I know that some of our town’s major concerns are with anti-social behaviour and the disruption that it brings.
Amber with Sussex Police
Anti-social behaviour has been decreasing over the years, however there is no room for complacency: I have held many multi-agency meetings on anti-social behaviour where residents have the opportunity to raise concerns with local police and councillors. I want to ensure that the Police and Council have the tools they need to protect our public spaces from street drinkers, especially during the daytime. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been effective for preventing damage to areas affected by street drinking and it is a scheme that I am hopeful will cover more of the town in the future.
Amber and Katy Bourne on London Road in St Leonards
Last weekend I met with Katy Bourne, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner in St Leonards to talk about her plans for the biggest recruitment of police officers in 10 years. This is due to an increase in funding from the Home Office, provided by the Early Youth Intervention Fund. Ms Bourne told me that we will be receiving nearly £1 million in funding to help get young people on the right track in life. Coincidentally, this is something I set up during my time as Home Secretary with the aim to target crime early and get young people making the right positive life choices. I look forward to seeing this funding in action, and start correcting anti-social behaviour at the start of people’s lives.
Amber with Superintendent Jason Taylor of Sussex Police
Our new officers will certainly be welcome, but I need to help ensure our police forces are aware of the issues which matter most to our towns. With this in mind, I asked Superintendent Jason Taylor to join me in Linton Gardens, an area which I found out had been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour after surveying local residents. We discussed Sussex Police’s plans to improve these areas, and I am pleased they have taken such swift action. They have been working hard with the Business Crime Reduction Partnership and Substance Misuse Service to reduce anti-social behaviour within the town. I encourage any residents who experience anti-social behaviour to report it online at https://sussex.police.uk/contact-us/report-online/ or to call 101.
I wish all residents of Hastings and Rye a happy and safe Christmas holiday.
With best wishes,
Amber Rudd MP
Hastings and Rye