This week I questioned Home Office Ministers around the need for more police support in rural areas, such as the Hoo Peninsula in Rochester and Strood.
Many residents, particularly in Allhallows, have been in touch in recent months to raise concerns about antisocial behaviour in our villages and the lack of police support to deal with it. This is unacceptable for residents and these issues need to be quicly addressed so that parts of our community are not left to feel intimidated and afraid to go out.
Kent Police do a wonderful job in our towns, and in Medway they have been at the forefront of combatting criminal gangs and drugs, but our rural communities should not be left to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, responses to emergency calls have been slow and we currently only have one Police Community Support Officer for the whole Peninsula.
That is why I have been working with the local community and Kent Police to find out where more support can be provided to ensure residents can feel safe when going about their daily lives.
I am pleased the Minister has completed a tour of all the police forces across the country and I hope that there will be better understanding of the needs of rural communities. I will be continuing to work with residents, the Police and Ministers to make sure Medway has the best support possible without the risk of neglecting other areas.