Lib Dem pressure on 101 paying off? (Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats)

Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats <info@newcastle-libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dem pressure on 101 paying off?

November 27, 2009 3:20 PM
Originally published by Greg Stone

Lib Dem spokesman for Newcastle East Greg Stone has welcomed suggestions that Northumbria Police are to reinstate the 101 phone number for reporting non 999 crime and community safety issues, avoiding the need to remember police station direct numbers or complicated 0345 numbers.

The 101 pilot service for Tyneside was scrapped by the Government last year despite widespread support from the public, councils, and police forces. It is understood that Northumbria Police are seeking to restore this facility, but regrettably some of the effectiveness may be lost as this will be a police-only service, rather than a joined up approach combining police and emergency services with local authority services to tackle issues like grafitti and late night noise.

Greg said "I am glad Northumbria Police are seeking to reintroduce this service as it was well-received by the public and provided a much easier number to remember for reporting community safety issues. However, it's a shame that the effective partnership working that was supported under the old 101 service has been lost as a result of the Government's failure to mainstream the pilot scheme. I hope local authorities in the police force area can investigate ways to fully restore the service, as the collaborative approach is likely to have a far greater impact."