I was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling MP to St Austell. We were able to meet with the local police and discuss a number of issues that are effecting policing in our town. We are all aware of the pressures our police are under and it was an opportunity for a member of the Government to be able to hear first-hand the challenges being faced by our local Police.
One of the issues that has often been raised with me by local residents has been concerns about the Fresh Start centre in Truro Road. It was good to listen to the progress that is being made by the Police and probation service in reducing the reoffending rates. Whilst most people accept that it is better for offenders to be placed somewhere they can receive the support and supervision required on their release, concerns remain about the level of transparency and the impact this has on the local community and crime, particularly in the town centre.
It was good to receive Chris Grayling’s support for the work being done. If I am elected in May this is one of the local issues I would be committed to address to ensure that everything possible is done to minimise the impact of this centre on our community.