Keswick Pubwatch raises policing concerns with Police and Crime Commissioner

Peter McCall, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, attended the most recent Pubwatch meeting in Keswick to meet with local pub owners. The aim of the gathering was to discuss local issues that pub owners and workers face and any concerns they had regarding police.

Attendees raised their concerns with the Commissioner around response times and the geographical issues in covering Keswick. Peter McCall assured the pub owners that Keswick has not been forgotten by the police and that Cumbria Constabulary consistently pick up 999 calls within seconds.

Police numbers have remained consistent since 2012 but with the recent rises in council tax for policing Mr McCall assured the pubwatch members that this extra money has been spent on proactive policing in 2018 with proactive policing teams, and this year the creation of a new digital crime unit to tackle growing cyber-crime which affects us all. Tackling drink and drugs related crime remains a high priority right across the county.

Peter McCall, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Keswick is still relatively a very safe place to live, work and visit but there are still public safety issues especially when alcohol and drugs are involved and working with Pubwatch is key keeping on top of these issues. 

“I am grateful for the active role played by Keswick Pubwatch helping to tackle issues which could potentially cause harm to or ruin the experience of their customers and local residents.

“Public safety is always the main concern of the police and we aim to do what we can to make residents and visitors to feel safe on their nights out in the town.

“Pubwatch members are key stakeholders and I am grateful for all they do to keep Keswick safe.”

Gary Quigley, Vice chair of Keswick Pubwatch Scheme, said: “Members of the Keswick Pubwatch Scheme would like to thank Mr McCall for accepting our invitation and attending their meeting.

“Members felt it was beneficial for our Police and Crime Commissioner to hear their concerns about Policing and the drug concerns around Keswick.

We hope Mr McCall took on board our concerns and point of views, he did help by alleviating some of our concerns.”

Find the video of the Police and Crime Commissioner speaking about his visit to Keswick Pubwatch can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/CumbriaPCC/videos/2351572555104667/