Residents in Rotherham North and Rotherham Central are invited to sign up to a virtual meeting with Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and members of their Neighbourhood Policing Team to discuss all issues relating to police and crime in their area.

The Police and Crime Commissioner and the Rotherham South Neighbourhood Team recently undertook a similar exercise alongside Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford, which proved a big success with members of the public.

The two events will take place via MS Teams on Tuesday 20 July (Rotherham North) and Thursday 22 July (Rotherham Central) and residents are encouraged to register their interest and to submit any questions in advance of the meeting.

Residents will be able to ask questions about the work of the police and raise any issues of concern within their local area.

Dr Alan Billings said: “During the Covid pandemic it has been difficult to meet face-to-face with local residents, however we have all become more adept at online meetings over the last 18 months.

“My role is to be the voice of the public and to do that I need to hear what is important to them and what they would like to receive from their policing and crime services. In setting the priorities for the force it is important that the public’s views and needs are at the heart of what I ask them to do.

“I would urge residents to come along and ask questions, or even just listen to what others want to know and hear from their local officers about the work that is taking place on their doorstep to keep them safe. We are eager to hear from as many people as possible and will do our best to answer all questions and queries.”

Chief Inspector Mark Goddard, South Yorkshire Police, added: “This is a valuable opportunity for the public to ask local officers about Policing in their area and to raise concerns. Community engagement is key to building relationships, reducing crime and disorder and raising confidence”.

Both events will take place between 6pm and 7pm via Microsoft Teams. To register for either of the events below, or to check which area you are in, please email: [email protected]

If you wish to ask a question of the Police and Crime Commissioner or South Yorkshire Police please also submit your question. You will be sent a link to join the meeting by return of email.

Tuesday 20 July:

Rotherham North – Rawmarsh, Swinton, Parkgate, Kilnhurst, Dalton, Wath, Manvers, Wentworth, West Melton, Brampton, Cortonwood, Harley, Manor Farm, Dalton, East Herringthorpe, Brecks or Woodlaithes.

Thursday 22 July:

Rotherham Central – Rotherham East, Rotherham West, Sitwell, Boston Castle, Keppel, Kimberworth and Wingfield.

If you are unsure which neighbourhood team covers the area where you live you can find out on the South Yorkshire Police website: https://www.southyorks.police.uk/