On Saturday 25 January I took part in a public meeting at the Glenmore Centre in Shepshed, which had been helpfully organised by Cllr Christine Radford. Also on the panel were Jane Hunt, the newly elected Member of Parliament for the Loughborough constituency, and Cllr Joan Tassell.
Many of the issues that were discussed were more relevant to the MP or the two councillors. Brexit [of course] came up, but so did helping hedgehogs in the winter weather, planning issues, local schools, the Big Garden Birdwatch [details here] and a host of other issues. It was a humbling experience to be on the same panel as such an excellent Member of Parliament and two councillors who know their area so remarkably well. However we did get on to crime and policing as well. Of particular concern locally were the following:
- The status of the police station, located jointly with the Fire Station on Charnwood Road. There has been some talk that it might be closed or downgraded.
- Damage caused by trespassers and illegal campers. There was a desire for trespassing without permission to be made a criminal offence.
- The consumption of drugs in the village centre. Also the use of cannabis in private gardens where the smoke wafted over pavements and footpaths used by children.
- Speeding traffic - especially a problem in rat-runs used by motorists in the rush hour.
- Domestic violence, and how the police deal with it.
I gave an assurance that I would get back to those who raised the issues and will be seeking a way forward that might help to alleviate these issues for residents in Shepshed.
My thanks to Cllr Radford for arranging the meeting.
