02/06/2026
Thanks James for your hard work alongside partner agencies and Police.
WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP ST BARNABAS SAFE THIS SUMMER
Thankfully, anti-social behaviour across our area has remained at very low levels in recent times, following a huge amount of work with partner organisations and Cheshire Police. Sadly though, in recent weeks we’ve seen a rise in anti-social behaviour and low-level criminal damage in parts of our community.
This has included damage to a newly installed bench and litter bin, donated as part of a community project I’ve been working on alongside Guinness Housing, with fantastic support from local volunteers and children from Underwood West Primary School.
There has also been damage to private property, including fencing, as well as incidents involving damage to trees and other nuisance behaviour.
Some people may see these as minor issues or simply blame the school holidays, but these incidents do have a real impact. It’s disheartening for volunteers who give up their time to improve the area, and upsetting for residents whose homes and property are being damaged.
I want to reassure residents that, whilst I do not have direct enforcement powers as a councillor, I have raised these concerns with the Police Inspector for Crewe, our local Beat Sergeant, and PC Beresford to request additional patrols and support in the area. I have also asked the police and CCTV team to help identify and deal with those responsible.
In addition, I had already secured visits from youth support workers from Cheshire East Council and OnSide, the organisation behind Crewe’s new Dome Youth Zone, and I have asked for further local engagement and support.
Alongside this, I continue to work with other local organisations to provide positive activities for young people locally. This includes Wishing Well activity sessions on Leighton Brook Park during the school holidays, as well as Crewe Alexandra’s Premier Kicks football sessions every Wednesday evening from 6pm.
These activities are designed to provide safe spaces, positive opportunities, and constructive outlets for young people.
I’ve also successfully campaigned for and secured funding for new football goalposts at Leighton Brook Park, which should be installed soon.
I also want to make clear that local CCTV, particularly around Leighton Brook Park, will be used where possible to help identify those responsible for criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. Actions have consequences, and where offenders are identified, I will be pushing for appropriate action to be taken.
There is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour we’ve recently seen, and it is not something I will tolerate.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please continue to report incidents by calling 101 or reporting online. Whilst reports of anti-social behaviour may not always result in an immediate response, every report helps build a clearer picture of the issues affecting our area. If incidents are not reported, resources are often directed elsewhere.
Following recent changes to neighbourhood policing arrangements under the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner, local policing teams are continuing to operate under increasing pressure, including reductions in PCSO numbers across Cheshire and the loss of our local PCSO Jen Jolley. That makes it more important than ever that concerns in our area are properly logged and prioritised.
If you witness anti-social behaviour, please report it. You can call 101, report online, or use the anonymous Residents’ Voice survey if you would prefer not to give your details. The survey link is in the comments below.
Of course, if someone is at risk or property is being damaged at the time, always call 999.
Finally, if you have children, please take a moment to check where they are and what they’re doing. Knowing where they are, who they’re with, and what their plans are helps keep both them and our community safe.
Let’s continue working together to keep St Barnabas a safe, welcoming and positive community this summer.
