PCC joins residents’ push to clean up troubled Southampton streets

Residents of the Inner Avenue and London Road areas in Southampton have received support from Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones to help deal with issues of ASB and drug related crime which are having a major impact on them.

It comes after the Commissioner was invited to meet Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur, along with residents Risha Joshi and Kash Chand, local councillors and police to discuss ways which would help them overcome the issues.

An extra Local Bobby is due to start in the area in the next few weeks, and the Commissioner has offered to jointly-fund a new Community Safety Officer with the City Council to carry out regular patrols, liaise with residents and gather intelligence.

Donna Jones said: “There has been a complex issue of drug taking and anti-social behaviour in the Inner Avenue area, but it was inspiring to hear today from Risha and Chand about the group action of residents and the proactive moves they are making within their community.

“We are already adding an extra Local Bobby to this part of the city, increasing police visibility and awareness as we aim to reduce crime.

“I am happy to join forces with residents as part of a multi-agency plan to improve the area, and I am hoping to work with Southampton City Council to provide a community safety officer to help the Inner Avenue area feel safer and bring more intelligence reports into police.

“Working together with charities and other partnership organisations is vital to make this part of Southampton safer and I will be looking into other ways we can help people living and working in this area.”

The meeting followed action from residents, including starting community groups and sending a petition to Satvir Kaur MP from more than 50 people asking for urgent action. The Southampton Test MP organised for the residents to meet with police, ward councillors and the YMCA to discuss their concerns, ahead of this latest meeting with the PCC.

Risha Joshi, one of the residents, said: “When we moved to Inner Avenue last year, we felt disconnected from the local community. It’s been heartwarming to see a simple WhatsApp group bring residents together, give them a voice and inspire positive change. With the support of our MP, local police and the council it shows what is possible when people share a desire to make things better.”

Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur said: “I’m pleased that our collective efforts mean there is now an extra Bobby on the streets for this area, with plans being explored to have a dedicated community safety officer too.

“We also are making it easier to report what is happening on the ground, so that offenders can be targeted and dealt with more effectively.

“Special thanks to local residents Kash and Risha for being such passionate advocates for their community.”

Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Bevois Ward Councillor and Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Leisure, said: “Residents have been raising concerns about antisocial behaviour and drug-related crime in the Inner Avenue area for some time, and Bevois councillors have been working closely with them and local partners to address these issues.

“While residents have reported improvements in some locations, there is still much more to do. I remain committed to working with everyone to help make this area safer.”