Northants Police Fire & Crime Commissioner says new stations 'over due'
A year into the job Danielle Stone has described herself as a 'woman on a mission'.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone says she has been a “woman on a mission” since being elected last May.
Marking her first year in office, she has reflected on her progress so far and her plans for the next few years.
She has announced the building of two new fire stations:
"We are going to be building two new fire stations soon, so that's going to be very exciting, one in Moulton and one in Kettering, over due.
"Plans for that are going forward and we will be delivering that as soon as we can."
These are coming as well as two new bases for police in Kettering and Corby.
Danielle said she heard from the public, through her Big Conversation, that they just want to feel safer, and trust that emergency services will be there when they need them.
First step was to bring stability back to both services after a difficult period.
Danielle started at a point of turmoil, with the former Chief Constable Nick Adderley dismissed for gross misconduct. She appointed a new Chief Constable, Ivan Balhatchet, and with a new Chief Fire Officer, Nikki Watson, with a view to build public trust and confidence.
Another major project is Safe and Sound, which was based on findings of the Big Conversation. The Plan sets out the strategic direction for police and fire services in Northamptonshire for the next five years and has informed both the Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer’s operational, prevention and funding plans.
Safe and Sound outlines three main missions for public safety: visible and accessible community services; professionalism and standards; and strong partnerships.
Danielle said: “My first year as Commissioner has been a real journey. I am very proud of what I have achieved for the people of Northamptonshire in just a year. I have learnt so much and have created a solid foundation to build on.
“I want police and fire services to be at the heart of all our communities, trusted by the public and keeping us all safe. My new plan outlines how I am going to deliver that.
“I am grateful for the strong partnerships we have built, from within our organisations and from outside partners. With their support I am confident that I will achieve what I have set out to do over the next four years.”
Now, Danielle has launched of her new grants scheme, the Safe and Sound Communities Fund, to help groups in our county who are carrying out good work in communities that promotes public safety. The fund will prioritise projects that involve women, children and young people.
And Danielle’s own team will be continuing to deliver projects that focus on early intervention for young people, criminal justice, crime prevention and support services for victims.
There will also be a number of significant new projects to protect women and girls against violence.