RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES are being reminded of a series of Safer Neighbourhood Forums which will be running in local communities across Reading over the next three weeks.
Six collaborative evening events will provide a face-to-face platform for those who live in Reading to have their say on issues of safety, crime and anti-social behaviour.
Attendees will be invited to give their opinions, ask questions, and suggest solutions to make the town safer for residents.
Officers from Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council, along with local Councillors, will attend all six events to discuss locals’ concerns with them and address crime and anti-social behaviour issues specific to their area.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “As with all urban areas Reading has its share of issues.
“The best way for us to take effective action to improve and resolve them is with positive communication and listening to input from the residents and businesses in our local communities.”
She explained: “Alongside our police colleagues we are working really hard to make Reading a safer place so that everyone can live, work and enjoy our town with confidence.
“To get the best results, we need to listen to our residents and businesses who know best what is happening in their local communities and what they think is now needed to make positive improvements.
“I’m urging everyone to come along, give us their views and let us know what we can do to enhance safety in their area.
“The Safer Neighbourhood Forums are a great opportunity to have your say and help us create a better, safer Reading.”
The six events are split into districts:
Oxford Road area residents and businesses in Battle, Abbey and Coley wards are invited to St Mark’s Church, Cranbury Road, on Wednesday, October 1.
Those north of the Thames, including Caversham, Caversham Heights, Emmer Green and Thames wards are invited to Emmer Green Youth & Community Centre, Grove Road, on Thursday, October 2.
Whitley residents are invited to Whitley Wood Community Centre, Lexington Grove, on Tuesday, October 7.
Those in Coley are invited to Coley Park Community Centre, Wensley Road, on Wednesday, October 8.
Redlands and Whitley residents are invited to Hexham Road Community Centre, Bamburgh Close, on Wednesday, October 8.
Those in the town centre and Abbey ward are invited to Committee room 4a at the Civic Centre, Bridge Street,on Thursday, October 16.