Crime and Disorder

Evidence of Consideration of Crime and Disorder in Council Functions and Decision-Making

Report to Alvanley Parish Council – 15 July 2026

Alvanley Parish Council acknowledges its responsibilities under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which places a duty on all local authorities, including parish councils, to consider the impact of their functions, decisions and activities on crime and disorder within their area and to take reasonable steps to prevent and reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and disorder.

The Council recognises that anti-social behaviour, defined as “acting in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as the perpetrator”, can have a significant impact on the quality of life of local residents. Although Alvanley is a small rural village within Cheshire West and Chester and is not considered a high-crime area, the Parish Council remains committed to promoting community safety and maintaining a safe, welcoming and secure environment for all residents.

Alvanley Parish Council recognises the importance of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with Cheshire Police, local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Cheshire West and Chester Council and other relevant agencies. Representatives of the Parish Council have attended regular meetings with local Police Officer PC Owain Hughes, while the Clerk maintains ongoing contact with local PCSOs Neil Flanagan and James Hannath. Parish Council representatives also attend local police surgeries and community engagement events, which provide opportunities to discuss concerns raised by residents, understand emerging issues and share local intelligence that may assist in crime prevention and community safety initiatives.

Partnership Working

The Council demonstrates its commitment to reducing crime and disorder through:

• Maintaining regular communication with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
• Attending police surgeries, community engagement events and local policing meetings.
• Sharing relevant community concerns with Cheshire Police and partner organisations.
• Supporting initiatives aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and improving public safety.
• Developing positive working relationships with local police officers and PCSOs.

Consideration in Decision-Making

Crime and disorder implications are considered when the Council undertakes its various functions and makes decisions. This includes:

• Assessing whether Council decisions could affect community safety, public spaces or local amenity.
• Taking account of resident concerns regarding anti-social behaviour, vandalism, speeding, road safety and other issues affecting quality of life.
• Ensuring that the management and maintenance of Parish Council assets do not inadvertently create opportunities for crime, disorder or nuisance.
• Reviewing local incidents and considering whether preventative measures can be implemented where appropriate.
• Ensuring that considerations relating to crime and disorder are reflected within the Council’s strategic planning processes.

Community Engagement

The Council actively seeks to engage with residents regarding issues that affect community safety by:

• Providing opportunities for residents to raise concerns relating to crime, anti-social behaviour, road safety and public security through Council meetings and the Parish Council’s developing website.
• Taking account of resident feedback when determining priorities and responding to local issues.
• Planning to undertake and promote a residents’ survey during 2026 to help identify community concerns and priorities.
• Signposting residents to Cheshire Police and other relevant agencies through the Parish Council’s Emergency Guide and other communications.

Supporting a Safe Environment

The Parish Council recognises that well-maintained public spaces contribute to community wellbeing and can help discourage criminal and anti-social behaviour. The Council therefore:

• Monitors local issues reported by residents and discussed during Council meetings.
• Encourages residents to report criminal and anti-social behaviour through the appropriate channels.
• Supports measures that contribute to a well-maintained and cared-for environment.
• Reviews and updates the Council’s current Strategic Plan.
• Ensures that crime and disorder considerations are incorporated into the development of the Council’s Strategic Plan for 2027–2030.

Road Safety and Traffic Monitoring

The Parish Council recognises that road safety forms an important part of community safety. The Council:

• Receives reports relating to road traffic accidents occurring within the parish.
• Works with Cheshire West and Chester Council and other relevant authorities to explore measures that may help reduce the likelihood of future accidents.
• Owns and operates a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS), enabling the Council to monitor vehicle speeds through the village and support efforts to address speeding concerns raised by residents.

Conclusion

Through its ongoing engagement with Cheshire Police and local PCSOs, attendance at police surgeries and community policing meetings, consideration of crime and disorder implications during decision-making, monitoring of road safety concerns, and regular dialogue with residents, Alvanley Parish Council demonstrates that it actively fulfils its responsibilities under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Whilst Alvanley remains a relatively low-crime rural community, the Council recognises the importance of remaining vigilant, promoting community safety and working collaboratively with Cheshire Police, Cheshire West and Chester Council and local residents. The Council remains committed to ensuring that crime and disorder considerations continue to be integrated into its functions, decision-making processes and future strategic planning, helping to maintain Alvanley as a safe and welcoming place in which to live and work.