REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has met with local police chiefs to discuss residents’ concerns following recent tragic incidents in the town.
The meeting, with Inspector Lee Page and Superintendent Mel Paley follows growing alarm at an increase in violent crime and a corresponding rise in public concern.
Besides the dreadful murder of Ian Kirwan, a young person has been attacked in the town while a second suffered knife wounds to his face in another incident, this one near Woodrow.
Police say that in these latter incidents suspects have been identified and arrests have been made while investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile police have also increased patrols across the town and enhanced their partnership working with British Transport Police on the railways.
This has recently resulted in one person being arrested for possession of a knife, who was Redditch bound.
Discussions are also being held with the borough council on the reintroduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order for Redditch town centre to crackdown on anti social behaviour.
“Thank you to Inspector Lee Page and Superintendent Mel Paley for meeting with myself and Coun Dormer to discuss community concerns following recent tragic incidents in Redditch,” said Mrs Maclean.
“I’m reassured by the work our local police have already been doing to tackle knife crime and county lines gangs.
“This work will be intensified, and the police have my full support.
“I continue to be grateful to our brave officers for everything they do to keep us safe.”
Coun Dormer added: “The council is working closely with community groups and the police – all of whom are doing great work to keep our communities safe. We will continue to do everything we can to support this work and to reassure residents.”
