Community Safety Workshop 30th January 2018

This public meeting was organised by Redbridge Faith Forum (RFF) at Holy Trinity Church, Mossford Green, Barkingside to give local residents the opportunity to share views on what makes them feel safe or unsafe, discuss ideas on how to make them feel safer, and work with local services to identify and tackle issues of concern.

Residents had round table discussions about their concerns and perceptions of their safety in the borough whilst at home and also out and about.

The group discussions were then fed back to the meeting so everyone had the opportunity to hear what other groups had said.

There followed very informative and helpful presentations from three metropolitan police officers and a Redbridge Street Enforcement Team Officer.

Firstly officers John Humphrey and Mohammed Patel of the from the Redbridge Safer Transport Team.  The officers explain that the team regularly patrols bus routes and bus stops in Redbridge and also works to improve safety on the roads.

Onesimus Luto, Redbridge Enforcement Officer then introduced himself and explained the role of the Enforcement and Community Safety Teams in Redbridge Civic Pride’s department.

The officers work borough wide dealing with issues such as noise nuisance, licensed premises, overhanging vegetation, fly-tipping, dog fouling, highway obstruction unlit skips, untidy front gardens, litter, begging, spitting and urinating in the street.  They are able to issue on the spot fines for offences.  Problems can be reported online on the council’s website and by telephone to 0208 478 4679.  There is also a general enquiry line telephone 0208 554 5000.  The telephone lines are manned Monday-Wednesdays 8am to 10pm, Thursday 8am to 11pm and Friday 8am to 3am following day, Saturday 9am-3am the following day, Sunday 9am-1am the following day.

PCSO Kaser Aleem Faith and Community Liaison Officer introduced himself and explained his role within the boroughs of Redbridge, Havering, Barking & Dagenham.

All the officers then answered questions from the floor.  Councillor Bellwood reminded everyone that all residents have access to their ward councillors as well as their safer neighbourhood teams and encouraged residents to get to know them so that everyone can work together to improve the safety and wellbeing of residents.

Redbridge Faith Forum would like to thank the four officers for their helpful and informative participation in the event.

Please click here for a fuller report of the event including photographs.