22/09/07 - Buckland Supports The Walcot Rally Against Crime

"You're not welcome here" - that was the message being given to criminals by East Walcot Residents who organised a Rally against Drugs, knives and guns that was held at Buckhurst Field on Saturday 22nd September.

Event co-ordinator Caroline Dollery invited a range of local guests to the Rally, which was opened by His Worship The Mayor of Swindon.  About fifty residents heard speeches from Walcot Councillor Mavis Childs, Council Leader Rod Bluh and South Swindon Conservative Candidate, Robert Buckland.  The local police were also in attendance to deal with queries and issues raised by residents.  Fellow Walcot Conservative Councillor, Peter Mallinson, plus Parks Council Candidate Graham Cherry, were also there to lend their support.

Speaking after the Rally, Robert Buckland said: "I spoke about the need to deal with crime by way of strong policing and prevention. By the time criminals get to me in my work as a barrister, its too late,  because the damage has been done. The community have the right to be protected, but part of the deal is that we all pull together to help prevent crime. East Walcot has some Neighbourhood Watch schemes, but much more needs to be done."

Added Robert: "I am sure that the Rally will be the beginning of a process that will see more residents get involved in working to prevent crime in Walcot.  Police and criminal justice issues are close to my heart. I have watched a Labour Government wasting time and resources on thirty new Acts and over three thousand new offences. Its time for a Government that will put proper resources into increasing the numbers of fully sworn police officers on our streets and create more prison places so that criminals can be punished and rehabilitated and that the public is properly protected."