Norfolk PCC to host first police and fire Q&A in Fakenham

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lorne Green is hosting a special Q&A in Fakenham next week – where the people in charge of the county’s fire service will join the PCC and Chief Constable in facing public questions.

The event, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the country, will offer the Norfolk public the opportunity to ask questions related to both fire & rescue and policing.

Joining PCC Lorne Green and Chief Constable Simon Bailey on the panel will be Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, which includes Fire, and Chief Fire Officer Stuart Ruff.

PCC Lorne Green said: “The regular policing and crime Q&A events are part of my pledge to ensure Norfolk’s policing service remains visible, accessible and accountable to the communities it serves. They’ve proven hugely successful, with the Norfolk public taking good advantage of the unique opportunity to address their questions, concerns and ideas directly.

“For this next Q&A in Fakenham, I am pleased that Chief Fire Officer Stuart Ruff and Cllr Margaret Dewsbury have accepted my invitation to join us - opening the event up to fire & rescue-related questions, as well as discussion of joint working between our police and fire service, and wider community safety issues.

“Everybody should have the opportunity to influence public services where they live and that’s what events like this offer. It’s essential to me that, as public servants, we learn from the views and concerns of our communities.”

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury said: “We are delighted to be working so closely in partnership with the PCC to give the Norfolk public a chance to discuss local issues around the work of the county’s police and fire services. We would encourage residents to come along and share their views.”

The joint police and fire Q&A will be held on Monday 22 July from 5.30pm at Fakenham Community Centre, Oak St, Fakenham, NR21 9SR.