Before Christmas I convened a meeting with Police, HDC and local licencees because of concerns raised on late night anti-social behaviour and related incidents. I am assured that the Police remain very focussed on disrupting activity, identifying and where appropriate bringing to justice those involved.
The police had dedicated resources in Horsham and a dispersal order in place over the weekend. Stop and searches were also carried out. Due to a combination of local and national plans there are now an additional 650 officers in Sussex Police. However there are constant demands on Police time and we need to ensure they are fully aware of local incidents. That is why it is critical for all incidents to be reported (via 999 or 101 as appropriate). Given my regular liaison with the Police and the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner it is also helpful to have responses to my Crime Survey (on www.jeremyquin.com).
Horsham has a deserved reputation as being a relatively safe area and we and the Police are determined that that is how it will remain.
I was delighted last week to visit Rudgwick Primary School and then hold a surgery in the village, preceding my usual surgery in Horsham. I also visited Turning Tides at their newly opened Roffey Place facility.
Roffey Place provides supported accommodation for those who are homeless. The site is incredibly impressive and is bringing multi-agency working to help resolve some of the issues behind why someone may be homeless.
The team are determined to help service users realise their life is more than being homeless and to build upon their interests and aspirations to help get them into secure accommodation.
Turning Tides also has a bus which tours the District providing a warm space, kitchen and washing facilities to those who are homeless.
Turning Tides are looking for volunteers to help at Roffey Place as well as volunteers to drive their bus. More information can be found here: https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/volunteering/
The Government is determined to tackle homelessness and its great that HDC was recently allocated £400,273 for this year and £418,856 for next through the Homeless Prevention Grant to continue to support important local work.