Crime UP by 24% in North of Peterborough, in ONE month!

The number of reported crimes for April 2022, in the area covering Ravensthorpe, Bretton, Paston, Walton, Werrington, Glinton etc, was 815, the highest for over a year!

One of the most important facts to remember when looking at police statistics, is that they only cover the number of reported incidents.There is no way of measuring crime that goes unreported or, it appears, the number of calls to 101, that tale so long, people simply then give up and put the phone down.

Some of the roads that have seen above normal reports of crime over the last year, include; Waveney Grove, Chadburn, Norwood Lane, Werrington Centre, Watergall, Essendyke and Tansor Garth. 

Equally worrying, is the fact that the police’s own figures show that 62.5% of reported incidents ended up being classified as either “Unable to prosecute suspect” or “Investigation complete; no suspect identified”.

Another aspect to note, is that Violence and sexual offences accounted for nearly 40% of reported crime, over the last year.

So what’s the problem

In the first instance, we can all figure out that contributing factors like the cost of living crisis and that our city is riddled with drugs, will be having an impact on crime figures.

But, as to why our city has such high levels of domestic violence or sexual offences, is less clear. 

Personally, I think the fact we still have unacceptable levels of misogyny in the city, which of course is the misconception women are not equal to men etc doesn’t help things!

But as for the sexual offence, I’d be intersted to hear from others as to why they think these figures sare so high?

Inregards addressing crime, and remembering that the police should ideally be about crime prevention, we cannot also ignore the fact that we still have fewer police staff than we did in 2010.

On top of that, for all the recruitment taking place, new officers are less experienced compared to those of 10-15 years ago.

Looking locally, we have seen police stations like the one in town or Werrington Centre, cease to exist.

And then of course in 2020, we witnessed Cambridgeshire police cutting the number of PCSOs (police community support officers) by 50% and scrapping its community safety team.

The irony of course being, is that we have only ever had Conservative Police and Crime Commissioners, who promise to be tough on crime, but in reality, are soft on solutions!

So what do we do?

• On a personal note, I would always urge people to report crime, either via telephoning 101 or visit the Cambs Police website.
• I would also urge people to contact the Police Crime Commissioner if you are not happy with any crime or policing matters, as at least he will then be aware. I’d suggest doing this via emailing cambs-pcc@cambs.pnn.police.uk or visiting their Facebook page.

See for yourself

To view the latest figures by visiting here!

#PCCelections2022 – Tory controlled vs Coalition?

Local elections for the City Council, take place on Thursday 5th May. The polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm. You do NOT need to take any ID with you, and simply need to tell the staff your name and address om arrival!

Presently, Labour have 16 city councillors, the Conservatives have 28, the Lib Dems, 8, Greens have 3, Werrington First have 3 and there are 2 Independent …. with one vacant Lib Dem seat.

Chances of a Lab council?

I’ve just done some number crunching and, sadly, for Labour to take outright control of Peterborough City Council, will require a god like miracle! In so much they would need to win every one of the seats up for grabs!

Together we can do better for Peterborough!
Vote Labour on the 5th of May for a better future for our city.Don't vote for more of the same pic.twitter.com/lMQws3LORe

— Shaz Nawaz (@ShazNawaz1) March 30, 2022

Let me point out that this is not a criticism, its merely an observation.

I genuinely think most people in the city, would like to see the back of the Tories, but the way the Council elections work i.e. a 1/3 of wards up for election this year, the majority of them are NOT conservative, and thus real change is nearly impossible!

Guarantees RE: Pboro Local Elections

• Turnout is always low, in some wards as a low as 21.12%!
• Ironically, the lowest turnout is always in the wards that have the biggest problems, issues and social concerns?

Labour whitewash

Make up of PCC: If Labour won every single ward in this years local elections.

If, in theory, every Labour candidate standing, was victorious, this would be the make up of the City Council. I’ve had to tweak the info, VERY slightly as for some reason in Fletton & Stanground, despite there being 2 seats up for election, the local Labour Party have only put up 1 candidate?

So as you can see, even if Labour won EVERY single ward in the local elections, the Tories could create a coalition between themselves and the other political parties!

My predications

Anyhow, having had a read through each of the wards historical voting patterns, looked at who is standing and using my own knowledge, below is how I expect the City Council to look come the morning of Friday 6th May.

Fower’s 2022 predications of Council make-up POST results!

The Council are in a MESS!

Just look at this video someone sent me, of Tory Council leader, Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, talking to the local media.

Personally, I worry he believes his own rhetoric!

I mean, the Council ONLY exists today because they got bailed out by money from central Government, a special task force of “well paid” bureaucrats has been sent in to keep an eye on things, council services have been cut and Council Tax has been raised to record levels!

Don’t VOTE Tory!

Either way there are STILL plenty of benefits to not voting Tory this year! Less Tory councillors ….

1. A better quality of City Council!
2. Less chance of a Tory majority, and therefore more influence for party councillors!
3. Less money going into the local Tory party coffers, via monthly contributions made by Conservative councillors!

Local libraries must stay open!

Peterborough City Council has been under Tory control for 22 years!

Where’s the money gone?

Last year we discovered that the bank balance of the Council was kaput! As a result special Government measures had to be introduced and millions of extra £’s of taxpayers money was loaned to the authority!

On top of that, Councillors in Peterborough, were told, in an effort to balance the books, sweeping cuts had to be made to services, which could see local libraries close!

Keep them open!

Now, Leader of the Labour Group on the Council, Cllr Shaz Nawaz, has said “we can do better for Peterborough” and that under his remit, they would remain open!

What about Werrington?

My nearest Library is Werrington, and whilst I myself might not be a regular, I am fully aware of the benefit such facilities can offer; to local groups, those needing a quiet place to study, young families, people without internet access etc

That said, during the 22 years of the Tories “running” the Council, Werrington library has already experienced cuts and belt tightening!

In 2014 for example, they reduced the opening days and the opening times.

Don’t forget!

• Local elections take place on Thursday 5th May, and polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm.

Werrington Sports Centre should “remain open for the community”

At the end of last year, the Tory controlled City Council in Peterborough, announced plans for the Werrington Leisure Centre to be closed, as part of plans to resolve the city council’s financial crisis.

Whilst some Councillors at the meeting, commented on the news, the Werrington First councillors remained quiet during the meeting!?

Labour will Re-Open Centre

Now, Labour Group Leader at the Town Hall, Cllr Shaz Nawaz, has promised to “work collaboratively with other parties“, to ensure assets like the Werrington Sports Centre “remain open for the community“, rather than ignoring the local residents and mothballing them!

Interestingly ….

A few weeks after the closure announcement, Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald claimed the closure related to a shortage of staff …. despite not previously mentioning this? It reminds me a little of the excuses they used for the Brown Bin cancellations?

• You can watch him on video via my Facebook page!

What about the Ward councillors?

The ironically named Werrington First councillors for the area, once public opinion showed dismay at the decision to close the centre, were quick top respond!

1. Newborough resident, Cllr John Fox told local media he was “…very disappointed and angry – all three of us (Werrington first councillors Stephen Lane and Judy Fox).“
2. Then a few weeks ago, the aforementioned Cllr Stephen Lane, had the casting vote, supporting the Tory budget, which included the closure of the sports centre!?
3. In recent times, Cllr John Fox has also been claiming he’s sorted out a “new sports centre with a pool”, which is BS! If he has, then its been done illegally, as there’s been no planning permission sort, no consultation and other areas like Walton, Gunthorpe or Paston, haven’t been asked their views!
4. Latest murmurings suggest the whole “vanity project” has been put on hold for at least three years.
5. Reminds me of all the promises around the development of the Tesco Werrington Centre and how fantastic that “was” going to be!?

Sports Centre Petition

Once the community heard about the planned closure, a petition was launched, which received 747 signatures.

The Tory controlled Council, who have been kept in power by the Werrington First lot in recent years, essentially ignored the petition!

One other thing

Another point to keep in mind, is the suggestion that, in the long run, and given the nearby Schools plan to become an Academy, the desire of some at the Town Hall, is simply to pass this community asset over to the school!?

Conservative Councillor and Landlord, accused of “revenge eviction”

The Peterborough Tenants Union (PTU), via their website, have publicly criticised Councillor Gul Nawaz, for trying to evict his tenant from a property at Haddon Road.

Cllr Nawaz (right) on a day out, with fellow Tory, John Peach, who himself owns over 11 properties in the city.

The allegation

The PTU have claimed the tenant at Haddon Road, complained for years about “serious hazards there,” but nothing was done?

They also point out, that the tenant eventually “filed a complaint with Peterborough City Council who inspected the house and directed Cllr Nawaz to act – or face enforcement action.“

Concluding that, while some of the defects were “repaired“, in December last year, a week before Christmas, Cllr Gul Nawaz served a section 21 eviction notice on the tenant.

Mr Nawaz …. the landlord

According to the Councils’ formal Register of Interests, Mr Nawaz is involved with at least 5 separate properties, including; 2 Haddon Road, 1 Haddon Road, 36 West Parade, 39 Midland Road, and 3 Sandford, Ravensthorpe, all in Peterborough.

Landlords on the Council

My thoughts

As someone who told me they’d worked in a factory, Cllr Gul Nawaz has certainly done well to end up owning all these properties!?

If what’s being reported is true, then it really does show a rather unkind approach to such housing matters, by someone who should know better.

Councillors are regularly furnished with details on how hard things can be for people living in rented accommodation, and the need for landlords to ensure the basics are maintained for legal and health reasons.

I also find the suggestion Council Officer time is spent having to ensure an elected Tory councillor is properly maintaining his property portfolio, concerning!

I think it is also worth me pointing out, that over the last 12 months, I have had several conversations with people, who are in similar positions. They are in private rented accommodation, their rent is already high and repairs need to be done. But they fear, any complaining by them will either see them evicted or their rent increased. Hence why we need better legislation to protect tenants in private accommodation.

Slightly ironic

• Councillor Gul Nawaz was jailed for two months in 2002 for falsely claiming £3,000 of housing benefit. READ MORE!

Cllr Nawaz served as Mayor of the City Council between 2019-2021.

• Due to the pandemic, Cllr Nawaz became the first ever Mayor to serve an additional year in the role. Despite having little to do, it meant he received another years worth of the thousands of £’s in extra allowance the Mayor enjoys!

Can Cllr Murphy continue representing Ravensthorpe?

It was certainly a surprise to me to see Cllr Ed Murphy standing as an Independent in this years local elections.

From what I can fathom, it seems there’s been some issues between him and the Labour party central office, which has resulted in him deciding enough is enough etc?

Anyhow, he’s certainly in the top 5% of existing councillors when it comes to a track record of dealing with issues and experience.

There’s not much Cllr Ed Murphy won’t talk about!

Fower Facts

• The last time Ed stood for election, was in 2018, when he beat a certain Paul Bristow, by just 28 votes!
• Ed has previously served as a County Councillor for Ravensthorpe.
• At one point, Cllr Murphy served as leader of the Labour group.
• He’s also served as a senior manager for the local authority in Peterborough and even held the job of Chief Executive for public/private partnerships delivering major regeneration projects.

“We need to tackle the excesses of some private landlords and ensure our neighbourhoods are not blighted by badly kept or badly managed dwellings. If you want an independent representative working for you irrespective of party politics, with a strong track record, then please vote for me on 5th May.”

– Cllr Ed Murphy

Ed speaking with local residents

My Thoughts

There’s absolutely no doubt, that anyone who decides to stand for election after spending so long as a political party member, is facing challenge.

There’s also no doubt that there will be 300 or so hard-core Labour supporters will continue to vote for the red candidate.

However, Ed does have several elements in his favour.

1. He’s well known within the local community.
2. He’s been the councillor for that area for a long time.
3. He has a track record of holding the Conservative Council to account.
4. He’s a strong minded and experienced individual, certainly not a “yes” man.
5. He clearly has a top notch knowledge of his patch.

Therefore, in my opinion, and given that around 60% of electors don’t normally bother to even vote, I’d say he certainly has a chance, and the successful candidate, could end being either the Tory or Cllr Ed Murphy!?