News Release
Morpeth residents share concerns
Dated: 12 Jul 2012
Residents in the Morpeth area have been asked what they think of the policing service they’re receiving from their local officers.
Throughout June Morpeth Neighbourhood Policing Team spoke to residents across the town and surrounding villages.
More than 100 people were asked about any concerns they had, so resources and plans could be put in place to resolve any issues.
Seventy of the 108 people officers spoke to said they were satisfied and had no neighbourhood concerns.
Of the 37 people who did have concerns, 17 were council related with the remainder involving police matters.
The greatest concern – highlighted by 12% of all residents spoken to – was speeding motorists.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Sharon Wilmore-Greaves said: "We try to speak to people on a one-to-one basis to find out what really concerns them in their community so we can look at the issues raised and find ways of resolving them with our partners.
"Speeding remains a priority and as part of Operation Go Slow, the neighbourhood team regularly monitors speeding in various locations as a result of residents’ concerns.
“This allows us to target motorists in the areas highlighted by the community, providing a high profile presence, helping to deter speeding and providing advice to drivers where appropriate.
“In the last month 13 locations were visited and 946 vehicles checked - seven were found to be speeding and issued with warnings."
Recently there have been two fatal and one serious road traffic accident on the A697 from the Morpeth A1 junction to Longhorsley.
Sgt Wilmore-Greaves added: “Drivers should reduce their speed and be aware of other traffic, particularly slow farm traffic, crossing the country routes during the summer holidays.
“Drivers should take notice of the road conditions and the additional hazards mud and surface water can create.”
Anyone with any concerns in their neighbourhood can contact police on 101, ext 69191, or visit the Northumbria Police website at www.northumbria.police.uk