News Patrols of Penenden Heath keep residents protected
Maidstone Borough Council’s Community Protection Team has carried out patrols of the public areas in and around Penenden Heath Recreation Ground following reports of anti-social and inappropriate behaviour.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, the Community Protection Team, assisted by members of the Council’s Street Scene Enforcement Team, are keen to ensure that Penenden Heath and the many leisure facilities on offer can be enjoyed by the public without risk of nuisance or vandalism.
Cllr Martin Cox, ward member for the area and Leader of Maidstone Borough Council said:
“I am fully supportive of the initiatives undertaken by the Community Protection and Street Scene Enforcement Teams in-order to keep our borough safe, to reduce and ultimately remove the threat of indecent acts taking place in public places. I am pleased by their pro-active approach in tackling these issues, which as a Council, we take very seriously.”
A spokesperson for MBC’s Community Protection Team said:
“We hope everyone enjoys the summer activities available throughout Penenden Heath as we seek to help create a safe and secure environment for all.Anyone found to be engaging in anti-social or inappropriate behaviour will be challenged and where necessary, issued with a Community Protection Notice or Fixed Penalty Fine – where appropriate, incidents will be escalated to the police.”
A Kent Police spokesperson said
“We welcome Maidstone Borough Council’s approach in dealing with this type of behaviour. We will continue to work in partnership with MBC, and will ensure that any criminal offences that are referred to us will be dealt with robustly.”
Created in 2017, the specialist Community Protection Team serves to safeguard our local community. Working closely with partner organisations, they deal with sensitive issues such as animal welfare and licensing, noise complaints, providing support to those experiencing domestic abuse, disrupting organised crime groups and investigating cases of self-neglect, such as hoarding.
Anyone wishing to to report any incidents to the Community Protection Team can do so by calling 01622 602202.