HARD-WORKING residents who are helping transform a former crime hotspot with community initiatives were given the chance to quiz Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd on policing issues.

Last Thursday, Mr Lloyd and his deputy Jim Battle took part in a question and answer session with people who live on the Springs estate in Redvales before going on a walkabout of the area.

Springs estate was once known for high crime and anti-social behaviour levels, including vandalism and drug dealing, but since a community group was formed in 2000, it had a change of fortunes.

The New Springs Community Project Group (NSCPG) opened a community centre at Redvales Children's Centre in Dorset Drive, with residents volunteering their time to run it and organise events, days out and training.

Rachael Bamber, community development worker at NSCPG, said: “It is great to see members of the New Springs Community Project Group, local tenants, residents, councillors and representatives from the local housing providers turn out to support their local community and have an opinion on what counts in the area.

“Attending meetings, forums and other events, activities and training that are available are integral in the continual improvement of the area.”

At the event, concerns were raised about budget cuts and their impact on neighbourhood policing and reports of anti-social behaviour and drug-dealing last summer which residents claimed police did not follow up.

In response to complaints about delays with the 101 non-emergency number, Mr Lloyd said it was regularly scrutinised and works well in the main.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “It does seem with the cuts that it is all doom and gloom, but we need to take away the positives.

“Springs Estate is an improving area with people who do really care about it.

“Active community members, passionate neighbourhood officers and local ward councillors all working in partnership is the basis to move forward and build safer and stronger communities.”