Picture: Cllrs Neel Das Gupta and Keith Cranney meeting Jack Lopresti MP and Mark Shelford, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner
A new bid has been launched to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in the Stokes.
Cllrs Neel Das Gupta and Keith Cranney, Conservative councillors for Stoke Gifford on South Gloucestershire Council, are leading efforts to tackle reckless driving, intimidating behaviour and other similar problems across the area.
Residents in Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke and Little Stoke have recently reported the irresponsible use of e-scooters, people trying to break into cars, groups of youths in balaclavas threatening locals and people smashing bottles in public places late at night.
Locations such as the Stoke Gifford bypass, The Range car park and the junction of Bailey's Court Road with Orpheus Ave have recently seen an increase in cars drag racing and doing doughnuts late at night, with screeching tyres keeping residents awake.
Last week, Neel and Keith met Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Police, Mark Shelford, to discuss how to tackle these problems.
The two councillors urged the police to take a proactive approach to addressing anti-social behaviour and to ensure incidents are responded to as quickly as possible.
Cllr Neel Das Gupta said: “Anti-social behaviour can be hugely damaging to our local communities, and I’m pleased to have been able to meet with our MP and the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure these issues are addressed.
“Residents should not have to put up with such inconsiderate behaviour, and Keith and I will continue to do all we can to make Stoke Gifford and the surrounding area a safe place to live.”
Cllr Keith Cranney said: “Some of the incidents that residents have reported lately are really distressing, and it’s vitally important that these issues are tackled.”
Mark Shelford, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, said: “Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, Jack Lopresti and Stoke Gifford councillors, Cllr Neel Das Gupta and Cllr Keith Cranney. They raised concerns from within their respective wards, which included anti-social behaviour, graffiti in play areas and the reckless driving of e-scooters, which has resulted several accidents.
“I would like to provide reassurance to local residents that I have listened to these concerning issues and am working closely with the police and partners to explore ways in which we can address them.”
Neel and Keith also raised the issue of cars driving through the ‘No Through Way’ sign at the top of Knightwood Road from Winterbourne Road. Residents have reported an increase in the numbers recently, and the councillors are keen for the police to take preventative action.
They also discussed how to tackle graffiti in the Brooklands Park play area and anti-social behaviour late at night at Meade Park.
