Village remains a police priority

CAMBOURNE is to remain a police priority area despite a fall in anti-social behaviour over the past two months. That was the message at a meeting between residents, councillors and police held last Tuesday at The Hub in Great Cambourne. Inspector Paul Or

CAMBOURNE is to remain a police priority area despite a fall in anti-social behaviour over the past two months.

That was the message at a meeting between residents, councillors and police held last Tuesday at The Hub in Great Cambourne.

Inspector Paul Ormerod told the meeting: "The number of callouts has significantly reduced since the increase in patrols began two months ago, but action will continue.

"We are not short-sighted enough to say we have made a difference and stop patrols. Instead, Cambourne will remain a priority."

During the operation, Cambourne was seen as a police divisional and sector priority and on some nights there were as many as 15 officers on patrol.

Number plate recognition equipment and a CCTV van were also used in the area.

Insp Ormerod added: "During our investigation a lot of people were spoken to and lots of alcohol was taken and poured away.

"We found that once the police presence was stepped up, groups stopped congregating."

At the height of the anti-social behaviour in April, 35 incidents were recorded, while in July during the police investigation, that figure had fallen to 20.

Parish council chairman Councillor Ruth Poulton said: "Now we have got on top of it, we need to make sure a good presence is maintained and these youths don't come back."

The meeting also heard residents calls for a police station in Cambourne.

Insp Ormerod said plans for a combined police and fire station to be built in Cambourne had been dismissed, and instead plans were being drawn up to build a separate police station.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is considering building a fire station in Cambourne.