Fancy an informal chat with the local police? They are a friendly bunch and every Wednesday will be in Costa Coffee in the village for an opportunity to meet with local people. The Police Neighbourhood team take a genuine interest in what’s happening in the area, so why not pop in and say hello hello hello.

Acocks Green Police are opening their doors this Saturday, 17th March, to give local people an opportunity to learn more about their local force.  See details below for a rare chance to see behind the scene in this listed landmark building.

Residents of Acocks Green are invited to the Police Tasking Meeting this Thursday. These meetings take place on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm. As well as local police, regular attendance is made by a representative from Birmingham City Council.  The aim is for the Police, residents and City Council to work together on issues and concerns of the people of Acocks Green.  Everyone welcome,  our local police want to hear from you!  The venue is Archbishop Ilsleys School,  entrance by Karen’s Estate Agents.

Everyone in the area is welcome to come along to our next Public Meeting and AGM.  It takes place at the Church Hall on Yardley Road, close to the Police Station.   The meeting starts at 7.30pm and usually finishes around 9pm.  The Guest Speaker is Mike Byrne – Librarian of AG Library and Local Historian.  He will be giving a short presentation on the history of Acocks Green.

The Local Police will also be in attendance to update the meeting.  There will be an opportunity to raise any concerns or issues with the Forum.

Refreshments will be served.

The alleyway that runs along the side of Cottesbrooke Junior School has been a subject of much discussion recently and we would welcome your comments and suggestions.

At the last Police Tasking Meeting on Monday 19th October it was discussed by local residents, the Police, Bari Aziz (Ward Support Officer) and representatives from the Neighbourhood Forum.  The concern raised is that of anti-social behaviour which has caused upset to nearby residents. There has been a campaign to try and get something done about night-time access to this route.

One idea is to gate the alleyway, locking it at night to deter the anti-social behaviour.  However this is logistically difficult to do; who would open and close it?  At what times would it be opened and closed? 

Another answer is to block the walkway off permanently.  Perhaps the school could take over the land as an extention to their playground?  The police have had many complaints over the years about anti-social behaviour at this site so they would be happy to see this walkway permanently closed. But this is not a solution for those who regularly use the cut-through.

It was concluded at the meeting that people who use the alleyway need to be consulted on such possible developments.  It has been in existence for over 50 years and is perceived by many locals, as a Public Right of Way.

What do you think?  Do you use this alleyway?  It is a useful shortcut to the no.11 bus and the shops for those people living around the Stockfield area.  Will closing it stop the anti-social behaviour?  The Neighbourhood Forum would like to hear your views.

Many urban areas have a network of alleyways and ‘cut throughs’ for the benefit of pedestrians.  Large housing estates often had many such shortcuts built into the design.  However this case is definitely not an isolated one.  The Ramblers Association, who campaigns on behalf of walkers recognises the  common concern.

Click here for article by The Ramblers Association about this subject.

If you have any thoughts or views on this alleyway or have other experiences related to ‘cut-throughs’ in Birmingham then let the Forum know.

The next Police Tasking Meeting – an opportunity for local people to meet up and discuss concerns and issues with the police – is on Monday 19th October  7pm at Acocks Green Police Station.   On the agenda at the next meeting is the anti-social behaviour taking place along the alleyway, beside Cottesbrooke Junior School, leading to Stockfield from Yardley Road.  Does this affect you?  Come along for a discussion on the best way forward.

Chief Superintendent Phil KayWe have received notification from the local constabulory of the new  Chief Superintendent Phil Kay, Commander of E3 Police Operational Command Unit, which covers our local area, The police have developed a set of local priorities based on the new Chief Constables vision and welcome meeting and speaking to local people about the issues that matter most.

In policing the area the priorites is to inspire the highest levels of trust and confidence in the communities they serve. In order to do this they have been asked to:

·         Always put citizens at the heart of everything they do

·         Better understand the needs of communities by genuinely listing to and engaging with them

·         Deliver a first class service all the time

·         Continue to reduce crime by transferring fear from the victims to offenders

·         Protect communities from harm

They have also introduced some changes that they believe will have a positive impact on our communities

·         They have introduced dedicated anti-social behaviour patrols to respond promptly to reports of ASB and address the issues contributing to it.

·         Relocated the Sparkhill neighbourhood team from Edward Road Police Station to Sparkhill Police Station, so they are based right in the heart of the community

·         Encouraging Police Officers to make far greater use of community bases resolutions in order to achieve the best outcomes for victims of crime

·         Invested in more Police Officers in frontline policing

·         From 7th September they will have reopened Front Offices at Woodbridge Road and Sparkhill Police Stations during the day to provide people with greater access to these local services.

The Neighbourhood Police will be available to discuss any concerns you may have next Monday, 15th June, 7pm at 2A Alexander Road, Acocks Green, just drop in.

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