The Wrekin Housing Trust supports PCSO Ann
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Working on the frontline of the police force in Telford is a job with plenty of variety, as one of the town’s police community support officers (PCSO) has discovered.
Ann Moore has recently started in the role and her job is to be a visible and reassuring presence while helping tackle any anti-social behaviour problems. However, Ann wouldn’t be in her position without funding from The Wrekin Housing Trust in a partnership believed to be the first of its type in the West Mercia Police area.
Last year it was decided that four PCSO posts, which were funded by Telford & Wrekin Council, would end as part of the council’s plans to find £30m of cuts by 2019.
However, the four posts were saved with Great Dawley, Oakengates, Madeley, Wellington and Newport town councils taking responsibility for the posts and the Wrekin Housing Trust agreeing to fund one further post, with the officer working throughout Telford.
Ann is one of the town’s longest serving PCSO’s and has gained vast experience, from working across Telford and in specialist roles with the Safer Schools Programme and with Parking Enforcement. In her new role she works as a partnership between the police and The Wrekin Housing Trust to problem solve the more long-term community incidents that get reported.
Ann said every day in the post is different and she is enjoying working with The Wrekin Housing Trust. “I work all over Telford throughout the area covered by The Wrekin Housing Trust,” she said.
“So, I could be in Newport one day, Brookside the next and then in Sutton Hill. I usually come in to the station in the morning and look at any problems that have come in the previous night to see if it involves any Trust properties. Then I go out and patrol any areas that I’ve been requested to.
“Sometimes I go out with colleagues who are working in that area. It is very varied and because I work with the Trust, I meet its employees quite often and they are great to work with.”
Ann, who lives in Telford, has been with the police for the last 14 years and transferred to her new role from the Newport Safer Neighbourhood Team. As part of her role Ann will also work at a number of Trust community events throughout the year. “It is good to work with the local community and I’m getting to know the residents,” she said. “I go to their houses or their retirement living accommodation, have a cup of tea and listen to any issues they may have.
“There are times when tenants do need help and I have been able to work with them. However, any big problems are usually dealt with by the local policing team. If there are any reports of anti-social behaviour or drug taking then I also patrol those areas to see if there is any evidence. It is great for The Wrekin Housing Trust to strengthen partner relationships, it is a very positive move to make and it may make other partners look at having a PCSO.”
Phil Heywood, Neighbourhood Manager for The Wrekin Housing Trust, said Ann’s job was important in helping to tackle issues that concern residents and Trust tenants. “Ann provides valuable support to our local communities and works with residents to ensure any anti-social issues are dealt with quickly,” he said.
“We felt the part a PCSO played in helping to keep the borough safe and tackle any problems was vital, and something that our residents also felt was important. By having a PCSO who can liaise with our residents, Ann is not only the eyes and ears of the local communities, she is a key link between the Police, The Wrekin Housing Trust and our residents. She is also helping to build confidence, reassurance and trust in those areas.”
26th February 2018