Seyi writes…

Good stakeholder relationships is one of my key strengths I am utilising in Forest Gate North. One key stakeholder relationship I have prioritised since being elected in May is with Newham Metropolitan Police. I felt this was important to build this relationship in order to work together in addressing ASB and crime issues (although we have the lowest reported crime figures as a ward in the Borough), outling a preventative strategy and sign posting to each other’s services.

In July I had a really good joint resident surgery with PC Toby March back . I picked up a few bits of casework but the majority related to crime and ASB which was great for PC Toby to hear and deal with straight away. Together we were able to advice residents on ASB issues and suggest preventive things they could do. PC Toby gathered more intel on ASB in particular areas of #ForestGateNorth. This is a continuation of a fruitful and productive working relationship with the Neighbourhood Police Team. Rachel, Ellie and I are thinking about holding future themed resident surgeries in the future and inviting the appropriate partner or Newham Council team along to provide efficient and quicker responses to resident.

Also in the Summer I went along to #OpShineKF Newham MPS Street briefing held by the Forest Gate North NPT  on Cruikshank Road, E15 to meet other officers, pick up intelligence from residents and learn more about what the police do in Forest Gate North. Their street briefings are brilliant! If you’re around on 17th December in the morning the NPT will be holding a Forest Gate North Police Surgery at Coffee 7.

I also went patrolling Forest Gate North with PC Toby to learn about the hotspot areas for criminal and ASB activity. It was very useful and calming to hear what work is being done by both Newham enforcement and Newham MPS.

I popped along to the Safer Neighbourhood Team meeting in September in Forest Gate and we’re encouraging another SNT in the West side of the ward.

One last key benefit of this working relationship has been our joint response to residents concerns. Recently residents have been raising ASB concerns on Leytonstone High Rd. Because of this great relationship I was able to call a meeting with the Housing Association, the police and enforcement and have agreed joint actions.