PCC CANDIDATE PRAD BAINS VISITS ISLAND AND MEETS TRIO OF LIB DEM COUNCILLORS

Prad Bains, the Liberal Democrat Police & Crime Commissioner candidate, recently visited the Island to see some of the initiatives supporting young people to develop their potential, and reducing antisocial behaviour. As a regular visitor to the Isle of Wight, Prad came to see and hear the details of policing issues on the Island and the possibilities to prevent crime if he was to be elected as Police & Crime Commissioner. Councillor Nick Stuart and Councillor Michael Lilley took time to showcase the development of St Thomas’s Church in Ryde. They then joined Councillor Sarah Redrup at Graces Bakery for a wider discussion of support for young and old people that helps reduce antisocial behaviour. Prad then went on to see Newport and the West Wight, looking at both police premises and housing initiatives and discussing traffic and rural crime issues. On his visit to the Island, Prad stated:

“I’ve spent the last few weeks visiting all of the areas under the Commissioner’s responsibility and was delighted to meet some of the Lib Dem Councillors on the Island. They provided an impressively detailed view of the challenges and opportunities on the Island to support residents and discourage antisocial behaviour. Their efforts in supporting young people and older adults are to be congratulated and I was particularly taken by Cllr Redrup’s focus on supporting victims of domestic abuse given the loss of direct support from Island based organisations. “As prospective parliamentary candidates Nick Stuart and Michael Lilley showcased their complementary skills on the NHS and Island economy and we discussed how low pay, poor housing and rural isolation cause issues for individuals and the wider community. I have no doubt that if elected they would deliver the strong representation in Westminster overcoming the neglect of the Island by the current Government”

Isle of Wight Councillors Nick Stuart and Michael Lilley made a joint statement, saying:

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“We welcome Prad’s enthusiasm, knowledge and willingness to listen and had an in depth discussion on the pressures on the Police service and ways in which prevention approaches alongside Council approaches on poverty alleviation and housing can reduce crime and antisocial behaviour also supporting access to employment for residents. We look forward to working with him after the PCC election.”

Fellow Lib Dem Isle of Wight Councillor, Sarah Redrup, stated:

“I was impressed by Prad’s background in public service and his views for the development of support for the victims of  domestic violence. He had some strong ideas on how the PCC could help improve coordination between the Police, Council and voluntary groups to help support Island Residents.””