The Council have withdrawn the “community ranger” security patrols which have helped to reduced crime levels in the Westfield ward over recent years. Already reports of vandalism, at playgrounds which are no longer secured at night, are on the increase.
The Council decision came when the company, which held the contract for the patrols, went into administration earlier in the year. Although steps should have been taken to re-let the contract, this action was apparently delayed leaving a big gap in the security arrangements for Westfield. With the school holidays imminent – often a difficult period with instances of vandalism increasing – it seems that the playgrounds will be left unprotected.
Community Ranger patrols regularly top the poll when residents are asked how they would like to spend the £50,000 that Ward committee has available for improvements in the Westfield area.
We are very disappointed with the attitude of the new Council towards security. They need get on top of the problem quickly.