New leadership team for Community Safety and Drugs Partnership

Geoff Hughes, Herefordshire Council’s Director of Adult and Community Services, has been appointed chair. He takes over from Sue Fiennes, director of children’s services, who has now retired from the authority.

Chief Superintendent Mark Turner of West Mercia Constabulary has been appointed as vice-chair.

The Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership is a statutory multi-agency partnership which was set up to tackle community safety and drug issues across Herefordshire.

Geoff Hughes said: “I am delighted to take over as chair of the Partnership and will be aiming to build on the good work which has already been started.

“We are fortunate in having a low crime rate in Herefordshire but we cannot afford to be complacent and will be working hard to tackle the root causes of crime and build community confidence,” he added.

Chief Superintendent Mark Turner said: “I am delighted Geoff has agreed to be chair and I look forward to working with him. While the police have a key duty to reduce and detect crime, it has been proven that by working together we can achieve safer and stronger communities, addressing crime, disorder ,anti-social behaviour and drug misuse for the long term.”

Current priorities are to address youth issues, alcohol related crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, drug related offending, drug treatment, offender management and road safety.

The Partnership aims to work together to make Herefordshire a safer place to live, work and visit, focusing on education, prevention, enforcement and treatment.

Current activities include educational and prevention campaigns, diversionary programmes, CCTV, targeted work with offenders and drug users, to name just a few.

The team, based at Herefordshire Council's offices in Plough Lane, can be contacted at communitysafety@herefordshire.gov.uk or by calling 01432 383523.