BE MORE VISIBLE ON STREETS - CALL

The general policing of Brigg streets by Insp Brett Rutty (pictured) and his team of officers has scored good marks with the Town Council, but a call is being made for 'a more visible presence'.
Approached by Humberside Police to comment on how they found things, councillors were generally appreciative of policing methods, although there was an overall wish to see officers out on the beat more often.
Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny described the anti-social behaviour programme as being very good, while Coun Penny Smith felt more officers needed to be seen on Brigg streets.
Coun Mike Campion noted that although there were traffic officers based round the clock in the Barnard Avenue police station, the building was not open to the public on a 24-hour basis, which was something he wanted to see introduced.
Coun Tom Glossop pointed out the Brigg Neighbourhood Policing Panel's quarterly meetings in the Angel Suite offered a fine opportunity for members of the public to raise issues directly with local police.
Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs suggested speeding traffic in the town needed looking at, with some motorists "tearing about."
Coun Michael Galvin thought it would be useful if an open day was staged at Brigg police station, while Coun Ann Eardley called for improved signage to point the public's way to the police's base in Barnard Avenue.
NF adds: I think most of us would agree that the major issue of youths hanging around Cary Lane and Tesco's and Lidl's car parks is very much improved, for which Insp Rutty and his officers deserve credit. The town centre anti-social behaviour zone has also proved very effective. But Brigg residents - like those in all other towns, cities and villages - would like to see more police patrolling the streets more often. Modern police methods and the way resources are deployed mean we are never going to see a return to the nostalgic days portrayed in the long-running Dixon of Dock Green TV series. But that programme was very popular with the public because it showed a local policeman, with local knowledge, out and about re-assuring the public with his cheery "Evenin' All!" greeting.