A collaboration and multi-agency effort is being made in Pembroke to help tackle crime and comabt community challenges, which a local county councillor believes will make a ‘positive difference’.

Jonathan Grimes, County Councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton has met this month with police chief, in a bid to work together to tackle community issues for the town.

Cllr Grimes met with the newly appointed Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Ifan Charles, to discuss the issues most affecting the community.

The Chief Constable, accompanied by officers from the Pembroke Police Neighbourhood Policing and Protection Team (NPPT), met with Cllr Grimes in Monkton for open and constructive discussions focused on the challenges faced by local residents.

As part of the visit, they met with Dylan Lawrence, Headteacher of Monkton Priory Community Primary School, and Danny Nash, Housing Officer from Pembrokeshire County Council Housing Services.

“Hearing directly from education and housing professionals was an important part of understanding the issues from different perspectives,” Cllr Grimes shared.

“We had a frank and honest conversation about the problems facing our community, including domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, anti-social behaviour, as well as environmental and quality-of-life concerns such as littering, dog fouling and motoring issues.

“While recognising the vital role played by the police and welcoming the success of recent action, particularly around tackling drugs, I was clear that enforcement alone is not enough.

“We discussed how the council, schools and the wider community can come together to support lasting change.

“We agreed that while we will continue to work closely in a multi-agency way, community involvement is essential.

“I will therefore be looking to residents to help form a local community group where these issues can be addressed collectively and practical solutions developed to improve our area for everyone,” he added.