Commissioner to work closely with GAVO

"I have for many years been aware of the excellent work undertaken by GAVO and meeting members of the organisation in my capacity as the Police and Crime Commissioner was a real pleasure.

"The meeting itself was very positive and wide ranging. We covered several subjects ranging from funding for Voluntary and Community Sector groups in Gwent to developing new services for local residents.

"During the meeting I also agreed to sign up to the Caerphilly Voluntary Sector Compact. The Compact builds on the good working relationships already in existence between the main partners in Caerphilly. It's an indication of the partners' intention to improve and enhance their relationships further and provides a strategic policy statement that actively encourages partners to work together.

"I look forward to working closely with GAVO as we move forward. My vision of preventing and reducing crime and anti social behaviour, supporting victims and making Gwent a safer place dovetails well with GAVO as they seek to provide support and advice for community and voluntary groups interested in helping and supporting their community."

Mike Bridgman, GAVO Assistant Director and lead officer for the Gwent Safer Future Communities Network, welcomed the meeting which had been arranged through the Gwent-wide Safer Communities Network. Mike commented:

"The meeting with the Commissioner was very positive, with the presentation and question and answer session being particularly useful for us.

"Looking to the future we agreed that the GAVO core group should meet regularly with the Commissioner in order to work together on issues of common interest. This can only be of benefit to the voluntary organisations which provide help and support to the communities of Gwent."