Rotherham councillor Alan Atkin in regret at CSE secret

Cllr Alan Atkin talked of the relationship between RMBC and South Yorkshire Police during a discussion on neighbourhood working.

He told how one recent community action partnership (CAP) meeting had been held in a police station because the usual leisure centre venue was unavailable.

Cllr Atkin told last Thursday’s (25) Improving Places commission: “We [usually] just get PCSOs. They do some great work, but you never see a copper.

“This was brilliant and we actually had the sergeant there. It was the best CAP meeting we’ve had. 

“I’m just critical because when we brought this new scheme in I was always saying: Why can’t elected members go to the multi-agency group meetings? We weren’t trusted.

“It’s always been the same with the police. They don’t trust elected members to keep secrets.

“I wish I hadn’t kept a secret in 2005. I would be in a very different place, the council would have been, but that’s a long story.”

Cllr Atkin was one of 30 councillors — four of whom are still sitting — to attend the infamous 2005 seminar on sexual exploitation.

Prof Alexis Jay said in her report five years ago that no-one who attended could say they were unaware of how serious the CSE problem had become in Rotherham.

After the 2014 report, councillors admitted they had known but were silenced from speaking publicly to protect police investigations.

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, cabinet member for community safety, said PCs should be at all CAP meetings unless otherwise agreed.