Councillors' 'police escort'

John Cooper The Politics Show Wales

Public confidence in politicians has taken rather a battering in recent months.

But away from Westminster and Cardiff Bay some of Wales' grassroots representatives have found an arresting way to rebuild trust.

For two Caerphilly councillors, that has meant reaching out with the help of the local constabulary.

Police and councillors share a common aim

On Sunday mornings in Risca, whilst many people are enjoying an extra hour or two in bed, Councillor Dave Rees is making himself available to those he represents in a new and very different way.

Councillor Rees is partnered on his 'street surgery' beat by Police Constable Franca Sidoli.

If PC Sidoli is providing backup, it is not to cuff any angry constituents, but because the councillors and the constable share a common aim.

Cllr Rees said: "By going to the homes of our constituents that means young people, elderly, disabled people can have an opportunity to have a word with their police officer and councillor."

A commitment to constituents

In advance of last year's elections Cllr Rees and colleague Cllr Phyl Griffiths gave a commitment to be more visible to constituents and last September they started up a weekly street surgery.

Their desire to be more accessible was shared by PC Sidoli. Now every Sunday sees the councillors and the constable pound the streets delivering leaflets together.

PC Sidoli said:"We wanted to try something different. We engage with the community in a number of ways but this way we give out the leaflets in the morning.

"If they want to speak to us then they just display the leaflet in their window or their door and we go and visit them (in the afternoon) and try and tackle any issues they might have."

PC Sidoli argues that if this is not the only way Gwent Police is getting closer to the people it serves, then its a highly effective one.

She said: "There have been a number of benefits really. The local community are saying they are seeing their local police officer, we're engaging with them. Its just one way of engaging with the public.

"On the Gwent website the public have got access to my email, to a telephone number they can contact me on...so its just another way to get in touch with your local police officer."

Good idea for Wales

Adrian Webster uses the scheme and says he has seen a vast improvement in his locality.

Mr Webster said: "By going around especially with the presence of the police as well, youngsters that might be causing trouble have second thoughts when they realise that their neighbours could be discussing it in private within the next week or two.

"I think this scheme is a very good idea for Wales. Not just Wales. I think it could work throughout the country."

Such positive feedback is welcomed by those who came up with the idea.

Cllr Rees said: "Its all too often said that people only see their councillors when there's an election.

"Myself and Councillor Griffiths wanted to do something that's different and would make sure that wouldn't be said in Risca West."

The Politics Show for Wales, with Jon Sopel and Felicity Evans on Sunday at 11:00 on BBC One.

If you want to have your say, you can call 0845 300 90 10, or e-mail via the website.

... Or write to: The Politics Show, Room 1060, BBC Wales, Llandaff, Cardiff. CF5 2YO

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