Update from Your Local Beat Officer

Good afternoon,

As we head into the summer months, I would like to provide an update on recent activity in the area and highlight our plans for the summer months. 

We are extremely fortunate to have Radnor Park on our doorstep. It is always great to see it being used for a wide range of leisure and social activities. 

Over recent months, increased patrols in Radnor Park have led to a number of individuals being stopped and dealt with on suspicion of drug use. Where appropriate, those found in possession of drugs have been dealt with positively, receiving Community Resolutions that include conditions not to use drugs in public places. These increased patrols will continue throughout the summer months. 

I recently attended a partnership meeting with our local councillor and a Community Safety Officer from the council. Together, we carried out a walk-through of the Radnor Park area to identify concerns and consider possible improvements. One issue raised was the fishing shelter at the upper pond, which has been linked to anti-social behaviour and drug use. Since then, we have responded to several calls from residents reporting loud music and anti-social behaviour in the evenings. With support from our Neighbourhood Task Team, we have increased patrols in this area and continue to deal with any issues as they arise. This area will remain a focus throughout the summer.

The local council Community Safety Officer has successfully arranged for a bin to be relocated near the picnic area by the Radnor Park lower pond, which we hope will help reduce littering around the benches.

The Folkestone Sports Centre site continues to attract urban explorers and young people. There is now additional security in place, and we are carrying out regular patrols to deter unauthorised access.

I have recently met with the Head Teacher of the Folkestone Academy, alongside our local councillor, to discuss ongoing concerns around parking during school drop-off and pick-up times. We have considered several options to improve the situation and will continue to monitor this closely.

Radnor Park will be hosting a fair from 11th June to 21st June. Throughout this time, we will have increased resources in place to ensure any incidents or anti-social behaviour are dealt with promptly.

As we move into the summer period, I encourage you to continue reporting any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour. You can contact police via 101 (or 999 in an emergency), and you are also welcome to reach me directly through My Community Voice.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards,

PC Kerry Duncan

Folkestone Beat Officer