Ashley Fox, the Member of Parliament for Bridgwater, will meet with local police representatives this week to address growing concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in Bridgwater, as well as illegal traveller encampments in Burnham.
Recent reports from local business owners highlight a surge in anti-social behaviour, including masked bikers, open drug use, and intimidation in Bridgwater town centre. "The safety people feel around here is declining rapidly, and it’s impacting local businesses severely," said Katie Luke, a local café owner.
Ashley Fox stated, "The concerns raised by our community are deeply troubling. I am determined to work with the police to understand their approach and to advocate for concrete strategies that will restore order and ensure Bridgwater remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. We must act decisively to combat these issues in our town."
Last week, Ashley Fox met with Rob Semple, Director of Community Services at Bridgwater Town Council, to discuss the council’s approach to these problems. Ashley emphasised the need for a partnership approach, involving coordinated efforts between the police, local authorities, and the community to effectively tackle these issues.