PM salutes Rotherham crime fighters

ROTHERHAM'S community safety team was given ten out of ten when they paid a visit to see Gordon Brown.

Steve Parry, the borough councils' Neighbourhood Crime and Justice manager and Jackie Roper, a Community Safety Officer, were invited to 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister to celebrate the success of the town's Community Crime Fighters Programme.

They were joined by Maltby Town Councillors Carol and Keith Stringer who were also picked out for their work in the community.

Dave Richmond, director of Housing and Neighbourhoods, said: "I think it's absolutely brilliant that staff from Rotherham have been recognised for the excellent work that is done in the borough.

"Steve and Jackie might have been the ones to go to number ten but they are the tip of the iceberg and a wide range of other staff should feel proud of the recognition that they have helped to achieve.

"Well done Steve and Jackie, and well done everyone involved."

Last November Rotherham was given Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Area status by the Home Office in recognition of its work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. The aim of the scheme is to make the justice system more transparent and assure communities that their rights are being protected through a dedicated team of staff.

In Rotherham, monthly Partners and Communities Together meetings are held in each of the seven Safer Neighbourhood Team areas and Community Payback schemes are run for offenders.

A Policing Pledge has been launched to help victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour receive the support they need.

The town also has more than 70 Community Crime Fighters who have been trained by the Home Office to engage with residents living in their areas.

Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, cabinet member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, said he was delighted to see Rotherham recognised on the national stage.

"This is another fantastic example of the kind of work that goes on every day in Rotherham," he said. "To be invited to Downing Street to celebrate our achievements is recognition