Ashby Pubwatch group disputes Police Commissioner's claim that there is 'not a lot of crime' in town

By Graham Hill

28th Oct 2023 | Local News

Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews gave a favourable report about crime in Ashby town centre. Photo: Leicestershire Police
Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews gave a favourable report about crime in Ashby town centre. Photo: Leicestershire Police

Ashby's Pubwatch group has said it is concerned by remarks made by Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews on a recent visit to the town centre.

Mr Matthews posted a video of himself in Market Street last month on the X platform in which he gave a positive view of crime levels in Ashby following a visit last month.

But Monday's full meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council took a different view - and said Mr Matthews' comments were 'far from' what was actually happening.

A call for more accuracy was made - particularly from someone in Mr Matthews' position.

The PCC had said he was encouraged by the progress made, and the town's relationship with the police, adding: "So, there's not a lot of crime being reported, some anti-social behaviour and a bit of shoplifting, as well.

"The CCTV seems to be acting as a deterrent. The one person, who did report more serious incident, said the police were on the scene really quickly and dealt with it very effectively.

"So clearly the police here in Ashby de la Zouch are doing a job which is great.

"I'm going to take Ashby de la Zouch as a win."

A Pubwatch report was presented to councillors on Monday by Cllr Murrae Blair-Park.

Councillors were told that the chair of the group and colleagues had expressed their concern regarding the accuracy of Mr Matthew's social media post.

Town and District councillor for the Money Hill Ward, Murrae Blair-Park. Photo: Ashby Nub News

The group felt his comments that all was fine in Ashby did not reflect the current situation.

But the meeting also heard that no contact was made with anybody from Pubwatch, including the chair during his visit.

The posting referred to a meeting with councillors but Cllr Blair-Park said he was not informed of his visit as District and Town councillor for the Money Hill ward of which includes Market Street.

Cllr Blair-Park said: "There was frustration from the group who felt his review of Ashby was far from what was going on.

"And far from what our CCTV was telling us.

"There needs to be a conversation among ourselves to get some accuracy.

"The information we're getting bears no resemblance to what he was reporting.

"It wasn't in any way close to what they're dealing with at the moment.

"We need some accuracy from someone in such a high position of office."

     

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