The past few weeks since my election as your first Police and Crime Commissioner have been rewarding and challenging in equal measure. I confidently expect that to be the pattern for 2013 and beyond, and I relish the opportunity to work for you — alongside the Chief Constable — to deliver efficient and effective policing.
I said in the run-up to the election that I believe the best way to target resources is to ask you for your opinions, problems and suggestions, because no-one knows their own community better than the people who live there. I wanted you to tell me how we could the job better, and I’m delighted that so many of you have contacted me directly. This sort of meaningful communication – with no bureaucracy to get in the way – can only be good for Lincolnshire.
I’ve done my best to visit as many parts of the county as possible to talk with groups and individuals, including volunteers, police officers and staff. My schedule for the New Year is already busy because I plan to travel many more miles to many more meetings.
An early priority for 2013 is to complete a policing and crime plan that will give you confidence in the future. And I refuse to be daunted by the fact that the Government is calling for more spending cuts. I am confident that we can maintain the strength of front line policing, while increasing the visibility of PCSOs, officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
As Commissioner I am responsible for the totality of policing in Lincolnshire. My experience so far tells me that, far from being an onerous task, it offers many opportunities to help transform policing. However, success depends to a great extent on your help and support. Together we can make a difference.
Before being elected as Commissioner in 2012, Mr Hardwick worked as a communications professional on newspapers, radio, television and latterly with Lincolnshire Police Authority. Throughout his career, he built up a wide experience of police and policing in the UK. He is passionate about Lincolnshire and about ensuring – with the Chief Constable – the effectiveness and efficiency of a force that has recently been praised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Prime Minister.
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Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) has confirmed plans to jet-wash blocked gullies in Leadenham following persistent flooding, which has left residents and businesses in constant fear of property damage during heavy rainfall.
The council intends to jet the A607 outside Leadenham Post Office as an urgent measure to mitigate ongoing flood risks, with a full clean scheduled for January. The announcement comes after a plea from Leadenham Parish Councillor Martyn Everett, who highlighted significant flooding along Sleaford Road.
A senior lecturer recently celebrated the news that East Midlands Railway will increase its train capacity on what he felt was an “overcrowded” service between Lincoln and Leicester.
Amir Badiee lives in Loughborough and for the past seven years has been commuting to his job at the University of Lincoln, but over the last two years he believes the train service has got worse. When he complained back in March he said he didn’t receive any response, but he believes his recent concerns aired in The Lincolnite helped to prompt a positive outcome.
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