New Safe Neighbourhoods

12.15.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Sep 2004

Six more districts have been designated as Safe Neighbourhoods to roll out from April 2005 to March 2006.

1. Ham and Petersham

2. Richmond Riverside (incl. town centre)

3. Barnes

4. Hampton North

5. Teddington

6. Twickenham Riverside (incl. town centre)

Each will have the full complement of a Safer Neighbourhood Team: a sergeant and two PCs with three PCSOs.

Vincent Cable MP, after attending the launch of the new team in Whitton and Heathfield said that "the Safe Neighbourhood scheme is a big step forward by providing a credible number of police on the ground who cannot be withdrawn for duties elsewhere. Just as Whitton and Heathfield can now expect a visible police presence on the streets I look forward to seeing the same in Hampton, Teddington and central Twickenham."

"I have, however, written to the borough commander, Chief Superintendent Edwards, to suggest that the proposed wards are too narrowly drawn. The Hampton North team should include Hampton, which has overlapping problems; Teddington needs to include Hampton Wick; and Twickenham Riverside does not presently extend to Twickenham Green. But these are details; the commitment to Safe Neighbourhood is excellent and very welcome."