Your chance for online chat with S Glos police chief

People living and working in South Gloucestershire have the chance for an online chat with the man in charge of local policing later this month, says the Avon and Somerset Police website.

Chief Superintendent Andy Francis is the South Gloucestershire Police District's commander. He will be available for a webchat on the police website between 6.30 and 8pm on Wednesday November 26 2008. C/Supt Francis said he hoped local people would take the opportunity to log on and have their say.

He said: "We are working really hard to make sure our priorities reflect the needs of local communities. We know people are concerned about anti-social behaviour and we're tackling this with Safer South Gloucestershire and other partner agencies.

"We are using high-profile patrols of hot spot areas, talking to the young people we find there and their parents, and making good use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and Anti-Social Behaviour Contracts."

But C/Supt Francis stressed that the most important resource for police was local people.

He said: "It's vital that people get involved. The key to making our neighbourhoods safer and stronger lies with the residents. We need them to tell us about the problems that concern them the most – and help us find lasting solutions.

"One of the best ways to do this is to come along to your neighbourhood's Safer Stronger Community Group meetings, held regularly in a local venue. Details can be found by visiting www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/inyourarea

"The Government's recent 'Not in My Neighbourhood' week of action showcased a number of initiatives where local people have taken the lead and really made life better for everyone in their neighbourhood.

"Residents of a road In Filton have clubbed together, with the support of the neighbourhood team and Safer South Gloucestershire, to install lockable gates preventing access to the lanes behind their homes.

"This has helped to cut crime and make residents feel safer – but it could not have happened without the active support of the locals."

To make your point to C/Supt Francis simply visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk between 6.15 and 8pm on Wednesday 26th and follow the link.