Scores of people took the opportunity to chat with Community Safety Partnership, Police and Safer Chesterfield staff at an event organised in the town centre last week (Thursday September 25).

Information, advice and safety devices including purse chains were handed out by staff, who were based for the day in a vacant Low Pavement shop unit close to the Beetwell Street car park entrance.

Around 60 of the people who called in at the shop completed the Vision Survey – a questionnaire designed to find out people’s opinions on Police visibility and to express their thoughts on crime and anti-social behaviour in the area where they live.

The police will be analysing the anonymous responses to these and will use the comments made to help shape the way they deliver their services in the future. 

Marsha Mann, Safer Neighbourhoods Officer with Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership said: “People had lots of questions and comments which we were able to help with. The day also provided an ideal opportunity to tell people who the members of their Safer Neighbourhood teams are.

“Many visitors to our temporary shop were interested to know when their local Community Forum meetings are, as these are attended by Community Safety Partnership organisations including the police and give people a chance to talk about issues in their local area with the people who work there.”

The purse chains which members of the Safer Chesterfield team on duty in town centre car parks helped to explain and fit were a popular give-away at the event. Funded by the Community Safety Partnership and the Police, these ensure purses can be secured in handbags and also reassure those using them.

The Safer Chesterfield Town Centre team is due to meet again on Thursday (October 2) to discuss the event, what went well and what aspects need revising. It is hoped that a second similar event can be organised for the weeks running up to Christmas.

The dates and details of Community Forum meetings can be found on Chesterfield Borough Council’s website, www.chesterfield.gov.uk