“Facts mustn’t get lost amid election campaign”, says Bridget Prentice MP 

Lewisham East’s MP is concerned that intemperate language on Safer Neighbourhood Team numbers is causing Whitefoot residents unnecessary alarm. Bridget Prentice was commenting on the story in last week’s Newshopper about alleged plans to cut the number of PCSOs in the Safer Neighbourhood Police team in Whitefoot Ward.

Bridget Prentice has been in contact with local senior police officers and wants to make sure that the facts aren’t obscured by electioneering.  

“Clearly the council by-election in Whitefoot has encouraged rumours to be put out that Whitefoot’s Safer Neighbourhood Team is to be cut in half. Putting the politics of it to one side, this rumour has clearly caused anxiety among local people and I would like to put their minds at rest. The senior officer in charge of PCSOs told me himself that there are no plans to reduce the PCSOs in Whitefoot or any other Ward in Lewisham. The three PCSOs in Whitefoot have begun their training to become police constables, but all officers will be replaced and the first replacement will join the Whitefoot Team in early September.In the meanwhile, the neighbouring Downham and Bellingham Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be available when operational needs require it.” 

Ms Prentice wants local representatives to make sure their quest for votes doesn’t get in the way of the truth or erode public trust.

“We must always put our commitment to the public above any short-term party political gains. Running down our excellent police force in Lewisham does nobody any good.”