Colchester: Stroll with a Patrol returns for 2023

Colchester’s Community Policing Team are again inviting local residents to join them on foot patrols this spring and summer.

Following the success of last year's initiative, when more than 80 people joined patrols and 300 locals spoke to officers during the events, Colcestrians will get the opportunity to Stroll with a Patrol in every ward in the district.

There are 42 events scheduled on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at 6pm from now until the beginning of September.

The one-hour walks will be a chance for members of the public to get to know their local officers, point out any places they feel unsafe or highlight problems they feel need bringing to police attention.

Inspector Stuart Austin said his team want to build on the positive impact of last year and that officers will now be taking immediate action to solve the issues raised.

He said: “We want to reach as many people as we can. Last year was great as we were joined by local councillors and members of NHS neighbourhood teams, and we had lots of feedback from people locally.

“People told us about areas that were overgrown and didn’t feel as safe, so we worked with the council to solve that issue. We also did a lot of work to combat speeding.

“This year, we’re running on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, we’re visiting every ward again, and the officers will get to work on the problems they’ve been told about straight after the stroll.

“I’m really keen for the CPT to be visible and for people to know the faces and names of their local officers and build those personal connections.

“We want people to take us to places they feel unsafe and tell us what concerns them. It’s about giving people a voice in their community and bringing communities together with their policing team to solve problems.”

There will be a PC and a Police Community Support Officer at every event and once again they will be joined by partners from the local council, housing associations, the NHS and neighbourhood wardens.

Even if the problems raised aren’t the direct responsibility of the police - such as overgrown trees or lack of street lighting - Insp Austin said his team will help by using their links within the Community Safety Partnership.

He is also hopeful that the strolls will encourage communities to come together to discuss issues.

“It’s an opportunity to talk to your community and neighbours about your issues and find out what the police can do to help,” he added.

The events start tomorrow, Wednesday 19 April, in Greenstead at the Hunwicke shops.

 

Schedule (all 6pm starts):

April:

19th      Greenstead - Hunwicke shops

23rd      Queen Street - Cinema

26th      Highwoods - Oak Tree Coffee House

30th      Stanway - Stanway Community Hall, Villa Road

 

May:

3rd        North Station Road - Victoria Inn

7th        West Bergholt - Orpen Village Hall

10th      The Willows - shops

14th      Wivenhoe - Co-Op

17th      Tiptree - Tesco

21st       St James’ Primary School

24th      Mile End - New Co-Op

28th      St Michaels - Costcutter

31st       St Helen’s Chapel, Maidenburgh St

 

June:

4th        The Hythe Community Centre

7th        Head Street – Odeon cinema

11th      White City – Willow Brook Primary School

14th      Pretty Gate – The Commons Co-Op

18th      Priory Street – St James the Less and St Helen Church

21st       St Johns - St Christopher Road shops

25th      St Marys Estate - Balkerne Gate

28th      Greenstead Community Centre

 

July:

2nd       New Town - Wimpole Road Co-Op

5th        Colchester Police Station

9th        Great Horkesley Village Hall

12th      Rowhedge Village Hall

16th      Marks Tey Village Hall

19th      Old Heath - Speedwell Road play park

23rd      Christchurch - Creffield Medical Centre

26th      Great Tey Village Hall

30th      West Mersea - MICA

 

August:

2nd       Red Lion Walk

6th        Monkwick - Queen Elizabeth Way shops

9th        Castle Park - Castle entry

13th      Dedham – Co-Op

16th      Shrub End – Co-Op Iceni Way

20th      Sheepen Road - Starbucks

23rd      Mile End - Old Co-Op

27th      Leisure World

30th      Chapel and Wakes Colne Village Hall

 

September:

3rd        Layer de la Haye Village Hall

6th        Culver Square

10th      Abberton and Langenhoe Village Hall

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