News MBC Community Protection Team – focusing on rural areas

The Maidstone Borough Council Community Protection Team is heading out of town to support and work with residents in rural areas across the borough through a series of ‘surgeries.’

The introduction of the events - which are the first of their kind for MBC, is to promote awareness of the services the team can offer to villagers around Maidstone, particularly those who have limited access to Council services or use of the internet.

The first of the awareness events is due to be held at Staplehurst Library on Tuesday 6 August, with a second at Marden Library scheduled for Tuesday 20 August, with plans to hold further surgeries every two weeks around the borough.

Steve Noble, MBC Senior Community Protection Officer said:

We realise how difficult it can be for some people to access MBC services at times, and they may not even realise that the Community Protection Team is on hand to help and support them.

Through this series of ‘surgeries’ we are planning to meet and talk with those who may feel isolated and let them know how we can help.  We hope that this will enable those with limited access to the Council offices and/or internet services, to report incidents of anti-social behaviour, nuisance and matters that adversely affect their local community.

At the end of each surgery, the team will be linking with the Kent County Council Wardens to provide a visible presence in the area, not only to deter and prevent instances of ASB and nuisance, but also to provide a level of reassurance in the area and allow local-residents the opportunity to engage with council officers on the street.

The MBC Community Protection Team was established in 2017 to focus on tackling abuse of all forms which is seen as a priority.  They work closely with Kent Police, KCC and other partners to ensure the wellbeing of local-residents. More information about the team is available online at:  www.maidstone.gov.uk

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