REPORT TO PARISH, BRANTHAM WARD

MAY 2021

Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw

HRH PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH

The multiple tributes paid to Prince Philip hardly need adding to. A figure of 70 years of service to the nation has been mentioned, but considering his war service it's more like 80, and his contributions in many spheres were to the world. My only encounter, if it could be called that, with the Duke was during one of the multiple jubilees the Queen and he celebrated with us all. I think it must have been the Golden Jubilee when he and the Queen were driving through Ipswich to wave at the crowds. As their car rounded the Stoke Bridge roundabout towards Star Lane, I happened to be on the corner wearing a cricket hat and raised it to the Queen and Prince Philip. The Duke caught the movement and raised his Panama in return, and we both nodded in a small act of respect.

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Amongst the Babergh meetings held since my last report, Overview and Scrutiny carried out their annual review of the Western Suffolk Community Safety Partnership.

This is made up from Babergh, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk District Councils, Suffolk Police, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group and Ipswich and East CCG, the National Probation Service, Norfolk and Suffolk Community Rehabilitation Company and the Elected Members from all the councils involved.

The partnership works together to prevent and reduce crime and its effects and to promote the safety we all seek. When you read of 'County Lines', this is one of the bodies concerned with dealing with it. The criminal side of this is heavily focussed upon in the press, but it shouldn't be forgotten that it involves the systematic abuse and victimisation of vulnerable young people.

Another principal concern is over Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG). It IS very largely directed against women and girls, although boys and men can be victims too. We've all been reminded of this subject recently and it's sad to say that the multiple lockdowns have seen rises in incidents. It is to be hoped that the Domestic Abuse Act will raise standards and requirements in dealing with the effects of this behaviour and help support the victims further.

The WSCSP is one of those areas where the regular work goes on behind the scenes without much public attention, but the grown-up collaborative approach makes a lot of sense. Indicators are not just a police matter, but can be seen throughout the bodies involved, including the councils. For that reason, it's part of all our jobs.

COVID-19 CONTACT POINTS.

Gov.uk. / Babergh.gov.uk. / 0300 123 4000 / Suffolk.gov.uk/ tendringdc.gov.uk

HOME, BUT NOT ALONE on 0800 876 6926 is there to find volunteer support for anybody in need.

Nobody is invulnerable, Everybody is responsible. Stick with it Suffolk!

Try the Facebook Group for more up to date information. Getting out on the blue Claud Butler now for the SCC election, but seriously looking at battery power. Please stay safe. Contact me at need.

Alastair McCraw. 07812 564188 OR 07548 154296 [email protected]

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