Audit Commission reviews Medway
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by Alan Watkins
The Medway partnership of police, council, NHS and rescue
services has been recognised for the unique way it is stopping
criminals re-offending.
The area got three out of four rating from
auditors, and they almost won a second "green flag" for helping
nearly 700 people gain self-esteem as well as reading and writing
skills.
The partners are planning a major campaign to raise the
residents' belief in their area. Auditors said local perceptions
were lower than most but in most cases that was unjust.
Medway has the cleanest air in the south east, and is safer than
anywhere else in Kent.
The partners announced they are bidding
for city status in 2012 - the year they hope to gain World
Heritage status, celebrate the twin bicentenaries of Charles
Dickens and the arrival of the Royal Engineers, and Olympian stars
would train at Medway Park.
Ch Supt Steve Corbishley, head of Medway Police, said: "There's
been a 20 per cent cut in crime - 3,000 less offences than a year
ago."
But the auditors said: "Less than one in four considered the
council and the police dealt with antisocial behaviour well."
Its festivals are very popular, but "...people are not satisfied
with the range of things to do in Medway", they added.
Neil Davies, the council's chief executive, said his new target
was to raise public perceptions in Medway.
Marion Dinwoody, chief executive of NHS Medway, said they needed
to raise people’s aspirations - and their willingness to criticise.
She announced a five year rolling programme to provide free health
checks for every Medway resident aged between 40 and 74.
Highlights:
- Crime is "falling fast" - burglaries and theft by a
quarter;
- Greenhouse gases lowest in the south east;
- Better sixth forms than most;
- More new houses thanks to council action
And the bad news?
- Deprivation is increasing;
- Childcare quality is poor, particularly among
childminders;
- Many more affordable houses are needed;
- Buying a home costs seven times the annual wage;
- Private rented homes "poor"
Tuesday, December 08 2009
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