MEMBERS of the emergency services, along with county and district council staff joined together in Crediton recently in order to listen to views on crime and disorder as well as offering services and support.

A Community Action Day was organised by the Community Safety Partnership in the East Street area of the town.

Teams of staff including police, fire service, councillors and council staff knocked on doors in the area to seek the views of residents.

Referrals for advice and services such as security and fire safety checks, were also taken.

Around 250 households were contacted and information packs delivered to all those visited.

In the region of 70 householders were spoken to and the vast majority said they were happy with the area in which they lived, felt crime was low and that the police and council services dealt with issues appropriately as they arose.

The main issues raised were around inconsiderate parking and speeding vehicles.

More than 20 households signed up to "Community Messaging", which is a free service offered by the police that keeps the community informed of local crime trends and issues as they arise – more details are available on the police website or from Crediton Town and District Councillor Bob Wright on 01363 773566.

Cllr Wright said: "This is a way of really getting to know what issues may be concerning residents and gives them an opportunity to have their say.

"Residents can also benefit from advice from services that they may not have otherwise known about or felt confident in contacting".

Cllr Wright is also the Chairman of the Local Action Group of the East and Mid Devon Community Safety Partnership which meets regularly in Crediton.

This group consists of staff from agencies working in the area that have a responsibility or desire to help reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

They work together on projects, with communities, which may help reduce or prevent crime issues arising.

Anyone wishing to raise an issue of this nature living in Crediton or the rural surrounding parishes can contact Cllr Wright directly on the above number or the Community Safety Office on 01884 234997 if they have been unable to resolve the issues by contacting the police or councils directly.

A further Community Action Day is planned for late July when the Barnfield area of Crediton will be covered, and this will include a police surgery in the early evening.

Alan Quick