Lib Dems invite the police and crime commissioner to address the city council on policing in Gloucester

Councillors will next week debate a motion by the Liberal Democrat opposition on Gloucester City Council over its concerns about anti-social behaviour and petty crime in the city.

If approved, the council will invite the newly elected police and crime commissioner for Gloucestershire, Mr Chris Nelson, to address council on his plans to reduce anti-social behaviour in the city.

The motion asks council to agree that increasing the number of police officers and PCSOs patrolling in Gloucester to cut anti-social behaviour and reduce crime is an objective the council could support.

The Lib Dems are asking that a letter be sent to Gloucestershire’s PCC, from the three group leaders inviting Mr Nelson to address council in open session on his plans to improve community policing in the city of Gloucester, allowing for a question-and-answer session from elected members following Mr Nelson’s address to council. 

Cllr. Jeremy Hilton the Lib Dem group leader who will move the motion, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour across the city was a manifesto pledge of ours. It would mean the city council and the office of the police and crime commissioner working more closely together to reduce such incidences across the city. That’s why we would like to invite Chris Nelson to address members of the council. To discuss his plans, especially how he intends to put more police on the beat and reduce anti-social-behaviour in half.

“Already I have met Chris Nelson two times since the election to discuss the problem of street drinkers and anti-social-behaviour on London Road in my ward. We now have an action plan which the police and council are working through.”

Howard Hyman (Lib Dem – Elmbridge) who is seconding the motion concluded: “This is an opportune time to bring this motion. Hate crime is on the increase. We have a high level of anti-social behaviour and burglaries.

“The police are stretched. Despite this, Gloucestershire Constabulary does a remarkable job.

“As the City Council, we share a responsibility to the citizens of Gloucester and we need to hear from the PCC on how his office is performing at a time of uncertainty and change.”