James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, has praised the progress made along the High Street since the High Street Summit.
Joining DCI Neil Pudney on his High Street patrol along with local Councillor Jonathan Garston, James discussed a variety of issues concerning the High Street and how the partnership working between Essex Police, the Southend Business Investment District, and Southend Borough Council, has acted to resolve them.
The patrol included Alexandra Bowling Green following James' meeting with local residents about anti-social behaviour in the area. James was able show the police first hand the issues that had been raised with him at the meeting.
James said,
"The progress made thanks to the partnership working has been very positive. I appreciate that there is still work to be done but the beginning of the work has had an excellent affect thus far."
"Already we have seen a reduction in the visible amount of anti-social behaviour along the High Street and talking to shoppers they are very happy with this progress."
"The hard work of the Council, the BID and the Police is really paying off, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure this positive step keeps its momentum."
Local Councillor, Jonathan Garston said,
"I was delighted to join James Duddridge MP and DCI Neil Pudney on a visit to the Town Centre and surrounding areas.
It is essential Residents and visitors to our Town feel safe and over the past few months the feedback I have had is this is not the case."
"Speaking as a resident and elected Councillor for Milton Ward it was my experience that every time I used the High Street I would be approached in an intimidating way, with extra resources having been allocated to the Town Centre this does not happen as often."
"Of course more needs to be done but with various organisations working well with the Police and the Council I am confident we will see even more improvements”