Latest news with #JohnCampion
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
More street lights and cameras to make towns safer for Herefordshire women
Street lights and CCTV cameras have been installed in areas highlighted as giving cause for concern over women's new equipment focuses on routes in Ross-on-Wye and Leominster, in Herefordshire. that women take home at high-risk areas were identified as giving cause for concern after police looked at crime statistics and Julie Watson, from Herefordshire Police, said keeping women and girls safe was a "key priority" for the West Mercia force and the new lights and cameras would help to achieve this. Some areas in the towns had suffered from antisocial behaviour, particularly towards women and girls, Herefordshire councillor Carole Gandy said, but they were now "much safer places".Funding came from the West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion and the two town councils. Mr Campion said police listened to the community to "target our resources where they would make the most difference". Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
West Mercia Police use HGV tractor unit to spot risky drivers
Traffic police officers have been driving a plain white HGV tractor unit on key routes to spot drivers using mobile phones or breaking seatbelt Mercia Police borrowed the vehicle from National Highways because it gave them "an elevated position allowing officers to film risky, unlawful behaviour".In a week-long operation, 64 offences were spotted on the M54, M50, M5 and M42 motorways. They included not using seatbelts, using a mobile phone, speeding, and not being in full control of a Darren Godsall said it was concerning there were still motorists who were "willing to risk their own and others' safety". Too many injured He said there was no excuse for drivers not to know what the law states or the penalties they can and crime commissioner John Campion said too many people were being killed or seriously injured on roads, adding that it had a "devastating effect" on families and said that was why road safety was a key part of the West Mercia Safer Communities Plan. In a separate development on Tuesday, West Mercia Police also announced the appointment of a new deputy chief constable, Damian assistant chief constable at West Midlands Police, Mr Barratt started his police career with the West Mercia force in Barratt said he was proud to be returning as a deputy chief constable, adding: "This force has always held a special place in my career, and I'm looking forward to once again serving the communities across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Redditch park display shares faces behind road death statistics
A woman who lost her brother in a road collision 10 years ago is hoping a display in her home town will get people talking about the devastating impact of road Harrison now works for Road Peace, a charity which works for the victims of crashes and their families, and said she wanted to "remind everyone that victims are more than statistics".Peace in the Park was installed at Arrow Valley Country Park in Redditch on Monday and features doves bearing pictures of those killed in road traffic collisions. They were created by young people who have been involved in driving crime, 40 families who have been bereaved through road crashes and Road Peace partner CFG. Ms Harrison said: "Redditch is my home town, so it is especially poignant for me – but also for our group members whose loved ones were killed on roads in Worcestershire."The display, which first went on display in Birmingham last year, is also due to visit Malvern and Hereford and has been supported by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Saturday, members of the Road Peace team are due to be at the Boathouse Café between 11:00 and 14:00 BST, along with the families of some of those remembered on the Harrison said she hoped people looking at the photos would "see the faces behind the statistics" and understand the lasting effect these deaths and serious injuries have on families. In 2014, Ms Harrison's brother was killed at a crossing by a driver who was said "it completely changed my life", and the support she received from Road Peace eventually led to her leaving her job to work for them she added: "I've worked with so many families now and 10 years after my brother was killed it's the same stories, it's the same tragedies, the same frustrations."She said she was worried the numbers of road deaths had plateaued and that people "accept it as something which is inevitable when its not".Peace in the Park will remain in Redditch until 27 May, and Ms Harrison said that, beyond raising awareness, she wanted to see better support for victims and more done to prevent crashes. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
19-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Redditch session to help motorcyclists improve riding skills
Motorcyclists will get the chance to become better drivers thanks to a taster day organised in cooperation with police and fire Advanced Motorcyclists Group will help riders improve their skills at its session at Redditch's police and fire station on Sunday 4 May from 10:00 to 16:00 BST. Organised in partnership with Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion, West Mercia Police and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, the event is an opportunity for motorcyclists to ride for free with one of the group's qualified the 30-minute ride, feedback will be provided to understand what a rider is doing well and what they can improve. West Mercia Police's BikeSafe team will also have a stall showcasing the force-led courses available to John Campion said: "With the warmer weather on its way and more motorcycles on the road, I want to ensure riders are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe."Having taken part in the advanced rider course myself, I know from experience how beneficial the course is to becoming a better motorcyclist."Phil Edwards, chairman of Redditch Advanced Motorcyclist Group, said: "Whilst our main objective is to improve the safety of motorcyclists through training, it is equally important to us that bikers have fun on their journeys. "We firmly believe that better-skilled riders are not only safer but get much more enjoyment from their bikes; it's a win-win." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Record levels of female officers at West Mercia Police
West Mercia Police has reached record-breaking levels of female officers. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Campion, highlighted this achievement in his latest Assurance and Accountability session with Chief Constable Richard Cooper. The meeting focused on creating a police force that truly represents the diverse communities in West Mercia. The past year saw a rise in recruits from ethnic minority groups, but the force acknowledged more needs to be done to support these under-represented groups. Efforts are underway to provide more guidance to women and ethnic minority officers, who are currently less likely to seek promotion. The meeting also examined the experiences of those with disabilities, both seen and unseen, when contacting the force. This allowed the Chief Constable to explain the ongoing work to ensure officers are properly trained to engage with all community members. He also stressed the importance of officers feeling empowered to report inappropriate behaviour from colleagues. What are your thoughts? You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by here. Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence. PCC John Campion said: "Policing comes back to the Peelian principle of 'the police are the public and the public are the police.' That's why it's vital that West Mercia Police is representative of the communities it serves." Mr Campion praised the progress made but insisted more needs to be done. He said: "Progress is being made, but I am committed to challenging and supporting West Mercia Police to go further and faster to increase representation, deliver a high-quality service, and root out those who fall below the high standards the public rightly expect."
