John Baron MP: Synergy discusses policing priorities with Nick Alston CBE, Conservative Police Commissioner Candidate

MP says productive meeting highlights importance of 15^th November elections

Today, Nick Alston CBE [the Conservative Candidate for Essex Police and Crime Commissioner] met with John Baron MP and Synergy Board members. The purpose was to discuss Nick’s objectives if he were to be elected Essex Police Commissioner in November, with a particular emphasis on local priorities and needs. The meeting was held at Canon Roche Social Centre, Laindon Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 9LL.

John said:

“Nick is a very impressive candidate. After serving in the Royal Navy, he worked closely with senior police officers to help keep communities safe. Policing is in his blood and, being a local lad, I have no doubt he understands that police priorities must reflect the individual needs of each community.”

Nick said:

“I found today’s meeting with Synergy very helpful. Alcohol and drugs misuse fuel crime, including domestic violence and anti-social behaviour across Essex. Great local charities like Synergy play a key role in helping us all understand and tackle the problems behind these crimes. We need to be firm with those who commit crime but if I am elected as Police and Crime Commissioner in November I will ensure that councils, the police and others such as the probation service work with local charities like Synergy to prevent crime by tackling drug and alcohol misuse.”

Peter Bowditch [Synergy Trustee] said:

“In our business we feel that having solid links with the local police authorities is very important when dealing with the increasing difficulties all communities are experiencing with alcohol related problems.

It was good to see the interest shown by Mr Alston in Synergy’s provision of services for those people who need specific specialist help to overcome their alcohol dependence and return to a stable relationship with their families, friends and the workplace.

We wish Mr Alston every success in his election and look forward to working with the new commissioner in due course.”