HullBID highlights strength of city centre partnership
HullBID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito has welcomed the “no-nonsense approach” and the significant improvements in safety and security in the city centre, which she discussed during a first meeting with the new Chief Constable for Humberside Police.
Kathryn said she was impressed with Chris Todd’s interest and action around issues and opportunities which directly affect city centre businesses.
She added that moves to reinforce the existing strong partnership between the organisations are already making a difference: “It is always about perception versus reality – there is a perception some people have about the city centre but the reality is very different and we are working together to raise awareness of that.”
In a message to HullBID member businesses Chief Constable Todd underlined the commitment of Humberside Police to ensure Hull city centre remains safe for workers, residents and visitors – and he invited businesses to play their part.
He said: “One key area for policing is being information and intelligence led. This allows us to form a bigger picture around issues and concerns to effectively provide solutions, and businesses in Hull play an incredibly vital role in helping us shape how we police the centre.
“The work HullBID carry out with local businesses provides us with valuable insight and information, as they feed directly into us from businesses and, in turn, we communicate through them as they cascade our content and guidance directly to businesses.
“We utilise various orders, tactics and methods in policing the city centre, and also include employing civil powers such as Community Protection Notices and Warnings and Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO), of which a new order has recently been agreed which is more prescriptive and should create an additional impact.
“We are committed to making Hull City Centre an enjoyable and safe place for all those who work, live or visit, and I am confident we will continue to make a difference through strong and effective partnership working with HullBID.”
Kathryn highlighted the PSPO as having made significant progress, with a huge reduction of incidents of street drinking, begging and loitering.
She added: “I also mentioned how we have seen the neighbourhood policing team being firm in their approach and especially with nuisance illegal scooters. It’s been a no-nonsense approach and that’s what businesses want to see. They don’t want words, they want positive action that will make a difference to them. The police recognise that they have the powers in place and that they need to make full use of them.
“The Chief Constable has been round the city centre. He had a good walkabout and reported that he felt safe, especially during the evening, and enjoyed the experience.
“He is very keen to listen and I took the opportunity to tell him about HullBID and the businesses – how many we look after, the sectors in which they operate, how we are structured and funded. He knew about us but it was good to reinforce that and we can take confidence from that conversation as we go about our day-to-day business and organise our events to bring people into the city centre.”
Kathryn echoed the Chief Constable’s comments about the importance of a partnership approach and the benefits which accrue from that.
She said: “There’s a huge amount of trust between HullBID and Humberside Police which is vital . We are privy to some serious conversations and intelligence and we are a trusted partner. If businesses are concerned about something we will let the police know. If the police tell us something confidential it will stay confidential.
“Chief Constable Todd wants high visibility, as we do. We all know there are so many different challenges now but the commitment to a visible presence is there and that’s what reassures the public and our members.”
Pictured: HullBID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito at HullBID Dino Day with PC Nicki Stothard and PCSO Paul Chalmers