Local MP heads out on police patrol

Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley East, recently spent time on patrol in Barnsley with PCSOs from South Yorkshire Police.

She accompanied the officers on a routine patrol around Grimethorpe, seeing first-hand the role they play in keeping communities safe.

Chief Superintendent of South Yorkshire Police Scott Green also joined Stephanie, who took the opportunity to discuss local issues like anti-social behaviour and off-road bike crime, and how these can be tackled.

The local MP (pictured) has persistently backed the police services in Parliament, challenging the Government on the devastating impact their cuts have had on operational capabilities and the safety of local communities.

Since 2010, numbers of South Yorkshire Police officer numbers have fallen by 553, whilst crime has soared to record levels.

Pleased with the opportunity to experience first-hand local police work, Stephanie condemned the continued cuts to police budgets and called on greater support from the Government for local police services.

She said: “Being on patrol with local PCSOs let me see up close the incredible job our hard-working officers do in keeping our community safe.

“I had the chance to chat about local issues people here experience, and what we can do in future to keep them secure.

“But the difficulties our police services face due to an unprecedented strain on resources was also clear, and it’s the safety of our community which is recklessly being put at risk.

“Thanks to years of Conservative cuts, police numbers are at historic lows, at a time when crime is rocketing.

“You can’t protect the public on the cheap, and it’s about time our fantastic police officers were given the support and backing they need to continue doing their jobs effectively.”

Stephanie also attended the commemoration as part of the annual memorial to remember the miners who lost their lives at the Grimethorpe Colliery.

Joined by the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Jeff Ennis, she laid a wreath as part of the memorial service led by father Ian McCormack of St Luke’s Church.

Said Stephanie: “It’s incredibly important we remember our mining heritage that played such a profound role in our town’s history. Many local men lost their lives in the industry, including here in Grimethorpe.

“I was honoured to lay a wreath as part of the memorial service, and do my small part to ensure their loss will never be forgotten.”

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