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Police make changes to role of PCSOs

Sussex Police introduce new role for PCSO’s to “proactively problem solve and tackle local issues in Sussex”.

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PCSOs with enhanced powers and skills, will start their new role on Monday, July 4 equipped with new skills and powers to deal with a wide range of local problems. They will be able to act to resolve issues such as alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour from their very first day in the new role.

ACC Laurence Taylor
ACC Laurence Taylor

Assistant Chief Constable Laurence Taylor, said: “The PCSO role has evolved since it was introduced 13 years ago with the specific aim to be visible in the community; and they will continue to conduct patrols. However these patrols will be targeted to areas where they know they can make a difference. They will be helping prevent crimes such as burglary and anti-social behaviour and complete tasks in ways that are proven to reduce crime and keep people safe.”

The PCSO’s will be an integral part of larger teams solving local problems, carrying out basic investigations, working alongside partners and directly with witnesses and victims to respond to community issues. Making use of mobile technology, PCSOs will be able access information whilst out in the community.

The flexible nature of their new role means they can work when and where they are needed, logging on remotely, as well as working from police and shared premises.

ACC Taylor, continued: “Accessibility is important to me.

“It’s important that communities can speak to their PCSOs and police officers when they need them or if they have information to pass on. Now they will have a team to access rather than one individual. Every area within Sussex will have a team to contact – by phone, email or via the web.

“Should there be a need, supervisory officers will have autonomy to move PCSOs to the places where they are needed most. These are in addition to our 999 response and investigations teams. This means all areas in Sussex will have access to a full range of force, regional and national policing services.

“Whilst our newly recruited PCSOs complete their training, teams will be supported by constables within local teams and, in some areas, new police constables who will be out training in the community. 

ACC Taylor said: “The new role of the PCSO has been specifically developed in line with changing demands in policing and reshaping our service to make it as effective as possible to meet the needs of the local community.

“Sussex Police faces the challenge of operating with new demands against a shrinking budget, however, the force is determined to make policing services more effective, rather than less so.

“PCSOs, who are supported by constables with enforcement capabilities, are one of a number of layers of policing that work to prevent, respond to and investigate crime.

“The new policing model for Sussex is focused on protecting vulnerable people and catching criminals. We will always be there when people need us.”

Cllr Emma Daniel
Cllr Emma Daniel

Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Communities and Equalities for Brighton & Hove City Council, Cllr Emma Daniel, said: “We note these changes being brought in for PCSOs. We have good partnership working locally with the police, and will always work collaboratively to maintain that. However, neighbourhoods really valued their PCSOs in their previous role as introduced under the Labour government, and so we hope that this change of focus will be as positive as is intended. We are all having to work under constraints in public funding at the moment, trying to target resources where there is most need.”

 

 

Defiant LIB DEMS seek democratic mandate to overturn ‘Brexit’ decision

LIB DEM leader Tim Farron’s pledge that the party “will fight the next election on a clear promise to restore Britain’s prosperity and role in the world, with the United Kingdom in the European Union” is welcomed by Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats.

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Liberal Democrats are committed to overturning Brexit through a fresh democratic mandate. If the next general election is held before Article 50 has been triggered, the party will pledge to keep the UK in the EU; and if Article 50 has already been triggered, it will seek for the UK to rejoin the EU.

Michael Wilbur
Michael Wilbur

Michael Wilbur, Chair of Brighton & Hove Lib Dems, said: “The European Union embodies the liberal values of working together, trade, openness, stewardship of the environment, freedom and mobility, opportunity, internationalism and individual rights. The Leave vote risks taking away the rights of everyone to live, work, study and retire in Europe. Worse still, it’s been seen by some as a declaration of an open season for racist intimidation. This is not our vision of Britain.

Nationally, Tim Farron has plainly set out the Liberal Democrats’ position to recommit the UK to the EU. We remain a clear beacon for a liberal Europe.

Locally, we were involved in a great, cross-party, positive campaign delivering a 74% turnout and 68.6% vote in favour of EU membership. We were fortunate to work together with Caroline Lucas MP and Peter Kyle MP, who both worked exceptionally hard and made strong and clear arguments for Remain, and a dedicated Britain Stronger in Europe team who drove activity across the city. We are committed to continue to work with other parties to fight for liberal, progressive values in Brighton and Hove.

Since the referendum result, the Liberal Democrats have gained 10,000 new members nationally and have seen a 27% increase in local party membership. The appetite to overturn Brexit is strong and we will fight to restore our identity as proud Europeans.”

Team UK booed at Euro Games opening ceremony in Helsinki

Teams from all over the world descend on Helsinki in Finland to take part in the Euro Games from June 29 – July 2.

Team UK
Team UK

The opening ceremony was marred by a very small section of the crowd in the VIP area chanting Brexit, who booed Team UK as they entered the arena. The ceremony was presented by Elisa Koskimies and featured, performances by Krista Siegfrieds, Softengine and Sandhja.

A tiny group in the crowd also booed the team of athletes from Israel as they entered the arena, much to the anger of people close to them in the crowd, while the team of LGBT+ athletes from close neighbours, Russia received a huge ovation as they entered the arena.

Teams came from all over Europe and further afield including Brazil, United States, Thailand and India to take part in the opening ceremony which was staged in a spectacular purpose built Rainbow Village on Citizens Square in the city centre close to the main train station.  The arena included a main stage, sauna, bars and food outlets. Biggest attraction was the stall selling Tom of Finland coffee beans at 10 Euros a packet.

Team Brighton
Team Brighton

Organisers say more than 2,000 athletes are registered to participate in 13 different sports including badminton, basketball, bowling, bridge, dancing, floorball, football, golf, squash, swimming, tennis, track and field and cross-country running and volleyball. Non-competitive sporting events including yoga are also in the programme schedule.

Most of the sporting competitions are being held today, Thursday (June 30) and tomorrow, Friday (July 1) with the cross-country running event taking place on Saturday (July 2), followed by the Closing Ceremony which is taking place as part of Helsinki Pride.

Team Brighton
Team Brighton

For more information about the Euro Games, CLICK HERE: 

For more information about Helsinki Pride, CLICK HERE:

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Home Secretary throws her hat in the leadership ring

Theresa May MP the present Home Secretary has announced today that she will stand in the election to be leader of the Conservative Party.

Theresa May MP
Theresa May MP

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven will be supporting Theresa May in her bid to become the next Tory leader after David Cameron’s resignation last week.

Simon a long-standing supporter of equal marriage will be supporting Theresa May in her leadership bid following David Cameron’s resignation in the wake of the EU referendum result.

In her statement The Home Secretary said she would bring “strong proven leadership” to the post if she was elected and believed she is best person for the job.

Simon Kirby MP
Simon Kirby MP

Mr Kirby, said: I am proud to have played a part in the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill and know that equal marriage has the support of the majority of my constituents in Brighton Kemptown. As well as being a highly competent politician who can unite and lead this country, Theresa May voted in favour of the Same Sex Marriage Bill. She also visited the Aids Memorial in Kemptown and met with local Police‎ to discuss their excellent LGBT liaison.”

“I believe that the future Prime Minister should support these issues which are important to both myself and many of my constituents in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.”

Michael Gove MP the present Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, who previously indicated that he would not be standing for the leadership has now decided to stand while Boris Johnson MP the former Mayor of London has announced he will not be standing. Andrea Leadsom MP, Stephen Crabb MP and Liam Fox MP are the other three candidates standing.

Brighton Council meets growing demand for garden waste collection scheme

Residents across Brighton & Hove can now sign up for a garden waste bin, as the council expands its Garden Waste Collection scheme.

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Members of the council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee have given the go ahead for an extension of the scheme to meet the growing demand.

The council launched the scheme, in Coldean, Hollingbury, Patcham, Preston and Withdean, in April, inviting residents to apply for a fortnightly garden waste collection.

Since then almost 1,300 residents have signed up, paying £52 a year to have garden waste collected from their properties.

Council officers also received inquiries from around 550 residents living in other areas of the city, asking for green waste recycling bins.

Residents living in Hangleton and Portslade look set to be the first to be offered the extended scheme, with the rest of the city to follow shortly. The garden waste scheme will eventually be available to more than 80,000 households across the city.

Cllr Gill Mitchell
Cllr Gill Mitchell

Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said:  “It’s great news that our green waste collection scheme has been so well received and I am pleased that we can now extend the scheme to many other areas of the city.

“This is another step towards our commitment to provide improved and tailor-made refuse and recycling services for all our residents in Brighton & Hove.”

Currently residents not living in the green waste collection areas can dispose of their garden waste by composting at home, taking it to one of the council’s household waste recycling sites, or paying for a contractor to collect it.

Small amounts of green waste are accepted in household refuse bins. However, once the scheme is expanded, residents will not be able to use their refuse bins to dispose of garden waste. The council will continue to offer cut price compost bins and food waste digesters. The Green Waste recycling scheme is part of the council’s five year Waste Management Strategy which aims to improve recycling rates and reduce waste disposal costs.

Changes to the summer ‘Breeze’ bus service

Breeze up to the Downs buses are getting ready for summer with longer services running seven days a week.

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The 77 bus service between Brighton Pier and Devil’s Dyke is now running seven days a week throughout the summer and will run later, with the last bus coming back from Devil’s Dyke at 8.35pm, so that people can enjoy a walk and a drink amidst stunning downland scenery in the beautiful light of a summer’s evening.

People can also breeze up to Stanmer Park and Ditchling Beacon on the 78 and 79 buses every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.

A special Breeze Return fare of £4.50 is available and up to two children per adult can travel for free. There’s also a two for one offer for rail ticket holders when you show a valid rail ticket to Brighton to the driver on a 77, 78 or 79 bus and get two Breeze return tickets for the price of one (or one-third off if travelling solo).

The Breeze up to the Downs services are supported by Brighton & Hove City Council, The National Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority.

For leaflets with information about all the Breeze services, CLICK HERE:

Largest collection of LGBTQ+ books in Devon launched

Proud2Be team up with rural library to launch largest collection of LGBTQ+ books in the county.

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Social enterprise Proud2Be have teamed up with Totnes Library to launch a new section of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans &/or questioning+) books.

For the first time ever, members of the library will be able to borrow a diverse mix of books that cover the histories, issues and the lives of gender and sexual diversities.

Jo Longhurst, First Assistant at Totnes Library, said: “We’re extremely excited to have our new LGBTQ+ selection of books, kindly loaned to us by Proud2Be. Totnes Library now has the largest collection of LGBTQ+ books in the county and we are really proud to offer this collection to support our local LGBTQ+ community. 

Libraries offer an inclusive space for everyone to use. We have loads of diverse resources, free computer access and a huge range of events, so come and join! It’s free and you only need one library card to access our network of 50 branches across the county, there’s something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming you soon.”

News of the initiative comes just days after Proud2Be celebrated 5 years since its launch. Since 2011, Proud2Be has established itself as an effective LGBTI organisation in Devon.

Mat and Jon Price
Mat and Jon Price

Proud2Be co-founder Mat, said:  “We are very proud to be working alongside Totnes Library to launch its first LGBTQ+ section. We truly believe this is a great step in increasing representation of people of gender and sexual diversities and a fantastic way of celebrating and nurturing diversity, in Totnes and beyond.” 

Proud2Be are also set to host a fundraiser disco on Saturday 9th July, 8pm-midnight (doors close at 10.30pm) at The Barrel House, Totnes. Tickets are £7 and are available on the door. The event is open to everyone (18 and over).

Co-founder Jon, added: “The disco will be a great opportunity for us all to celebrate what Proud2Be has achieved in the last 5 years. The organisation wouldn’t be where it is today, without the support, passion and energy of our volunteers and supporters – who together ensure that the Proud2Be vision is a reality. It has been a privilege to share the last five years with you – here is to the next five!”

To find out more about Proud2Be, CLICK HERE:

PREVIEW: Nicky Mitchell live @ Bom-Bane’s

WEB.600Nicky Mitchell, former front woman of the legendary Kroon Kat Lounge, returns to the unique quirky and intimate setting of the most delightful Bom-Banes restaurant in the heart of the Gay Village, George Street, Kemptown.  Sweet soulful jazz, rip-roaring blues, and some surprising original material.

For more information about Nicky, CLICK HERE:


Event: Nicky Mitchell live @ Bom-Bane’s

Where: Bom-Bane’s – 24 George Street, Brighton, BN2 1RH

When: Thursday, August 4

Time: 7pm

Cost: Tickets £9.95 – £15

To book online, CLICK HERE

 

 

Politicians and media fuel Hate Crime in Britian say academic experts

 

WEB.600Experts in the study of Hate Crime at the University of Leicester describe the recent rise in post-Brexit hate as being “fuelled and legitimised by politicians and by the media.”

“When ordinary people have a political mandate to blame those who are different for society’s ills then the shackles of human decency are stripped away.”….Professor Neil Chakraborti and Dr Stevie-Jade Hardy, University of Leicester

Professor Neil Chakraborti and Dr Stevie-Jade Hardy, from the Centre for Hate Studies at the University of Leicester, say the ‘toxic climate’ surrounding the EU referendum debate has helped to ‘embolden’ people to target those they regard as ‘different’ or ‘foreign’.

Prof. Neil Chakraborti
Prof. Neil Chakraborti

Professor Chakraborti said: “One key difference in the recent spate of hate incidents is that this behaviour has been fuelled and legitimised by politicians and by the media. Hostility towards ‘difference’ was present before the EU referendum but may have been largely confined to conversations in private spaces.

“However, the toxic climate surrounding the referendum debate enabled this hostility to surface within political speeches, on front pages of newspapers and in everyday conversations within pubs, in classrooms and on social media platforms. The focus shifted from issues relating to EU membership to the one big issue for Britain: namely, ‘Them’.

“When ordinary people have a political mandate to blame those who are different for society’s ills then the shackles of human decency are stripped away.”

Dr Stevie-Jade Hardy
Dr Stevie-Jade Hardy

Dr Hardy added: “It is evident from the videos of hate incidents which have emerged over recent days that people now feel emboldened to decide who has the ‘right’ to live and work in Britain. For some it is now seen as acceptable to target men, women, children and elderly people for being an EU migrant, for being a British-born minority, for being who they are.”

The academics from the University’s Department of Criminology say incidents of hate crime are, of course, not new: “Since the EU referendum result there has been a surge in reports of people encountering incidents of hate. Are such hate incidents a new phenomenon? Sadly, they are not. Our research has illustrated that hate-fuelled violence and hostility are ‘everyday’ experiences for thousands of people every year in Britain. It has highlighted the devastating emotional and physical damage caused by these acts, which can lead many to live in cycle of fear, isolation and depression. Perhaps most worryingly it has shown that many of these victims continue to suffer in silence.”

Professor Chakraborti and Dr Hardy add: “So what can we do about these problems? At an individual level we would urge all victims to report their experiences to the police or through a third-party reporting mechanism such as this http://www.report-it.org.uk. But collectively we all have a part to play in stamping out hate. If we witness a hate incident, let’s collectively condemn it, intervene or tell someone about it. If we see someone in distress, let’s offer our support and kindness. By responding with compassion we can all play a role in restoring Britain’s moral compass.

The Centre for Hate Studies produced a short animated film designed to highlight ways in which you can support hate crime victims without putting yourselves at any risk. The animation can be viewed on YouTube at:

The Centre also produced an award-winning film that highlights the impact of hate crime. The ‘Harms of Hate’ can be viewed here:

The Centre for Hate Studies is based at the Department of Criminology, University of Leicester. Drawing from more than ten years’ worth of empirical research, the Centre undertakes a wide-ranging portfolio of research in the field of hate studies, and delivers training and continuing professional development to local authorities, victim support agencies and organisations within a variety of different sectors, including criminal justice, health, social care and education.

For more information about the Centre for Hate Studies, CLICK HERE:

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