Council's plan to tackle crime in Eastwood

A sergeant and three police officers, along with PCSOs, are patrolling on a daily basis as part of plans to overhaul and improve the area.

The patrols began on Monday and 24 hours later two men were arrested and a quantity of drugs were recovered.

The Eastwood Deal has been put together by Rotherham Borough Council with the aim of “improving residents’ quality of life by improving the local environment and reducing crime and antisocial behaviour”.

The plan has been in the pipeline for some time, said RMBC Cabinet member for waste, roads and community safety, Cllr Emma Hoddinott, and finally got off the ground after consultation with the area’s new councillors and other agencies.

Cllr Hoddinott said: “We wanted to make sure we had something that was sustainable and would bring about long-term change.

“It is in response to people’s concerns about antisocial behaviour, litter and landlords.”

Since July, when the deal was launched, the council has issued about 190 warnings on properties in the area that fell below licensing regulations, added Cllr Hoddinott, and Streetpride was “making a big difference”.

CCTV has also been upgraded with more snickets and alleyways now monitored and quarterly “super blitzes” will take place where chargeable bulky waste collections will be available for landlords and tenants.

The deal also includes early youth intervention work and support for families and vulnerable people to engage and contribute positively to the community.

Cllr Hoddinott said no extra council money had been put into the plans and only existing resources were being used.

The Cabinet member unveiled the Eastwood Deal to councillors at July’s full council meeting.

At the meeting UKIP’s Cllr Kath Reeder said men and women appeared to loiter around Eastwood and looked as if “they had no jobs”.

Cllr Reeder asked if the plans included “sending people home” who had been out of work for more than six months.

Cllr Hoddinott responded: “Sending them back to Eastwood? A lot of people consider Rotherham their home, they’re proud to have Rotherham as their home.

“And I am not into the idea of sending anybody somewhere when they consider our place to be their home.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “Over the next three months, the team will work with partners to provide targeted enforcement and daily patrols with the aim of reducing crime and antisocial behaviour.”

Insp Dave Struggles added: “We are committed to the Eastwood Deal and together with our partners, will continue to challenge those whose behaviour has a negative impact on the community.

“A sergeant and three police officers, along with PCSOs, will work in partnership with the local authority to use antisocial behaviour powers and legislation to help residents suffering at the hand of others.

“The team will provide visibility and engagement support to the diverse community within the neighbourhood and residents are encouraged to stop and talk to officers about any issues affecting them.

“By consulting with the community, we can aim to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the people of Eastwood.”

Insp Struggles advised people to still report crime by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.