Survey on night time safety in Whitby after increase in bars and nightclubs
There are concerns over the lack of police visibility as a result
An online survey has been launched to find out how safe residents and business owners feel in Whitby town centre after an increase in bars and nightclubs.
It was started by North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Zoë Metcalfe, in partnership with Whitby Town Council.
The survey was initiated following concerns raised over the number of licensed venues in the town and police visibility, prompting a need to hear what residents and the wider community have to say about the impact a growing number of alcohol-serving venues is having, particularly on an evening.
Results from the survey will be used by the Commissioner’s Office, Whitby Town Council, North Yorkshire Police Licensing Department, Whitby Neighbourhood Policing Team, and Scarborough Borough Council to help them decide how licenses are granted in Whitby town centre, whilst also identifying other areas of public safety concern such as anti-social behaviour, road safety and theft.
Commissioner Zoë said:
“I know that there are always going to be concerns in areas with a busier night-time economy but when communities are beginning to feel unsafe, we need to look at what can be done as a solution, and I am very pleased that Whitby Town Council want to be involved in this work for their residents.
“The survey will help us to gain a better understanding of public concerns, how safe they feel, their views on policing and what they think needs to change – an opportunity also for businesses operating at night, who may need support to improve safety for staff and customers.
“If you live or work in Whitby, please take a few minutes to complete the questions and help inform this work to ensure you are safe and feeling safe.”
Cllr Linda Wild, Whitby Town Council Mayor said:
“We welcome and support the Commissioner’s survey and encourage the people of Whitby Town and surrounding areas to take the time to fill it out and provide their feedback.
Like the Commissioner, we want to understand how local people are feeling about the growing nightlife in Whitby and any other public concerns affecting their safety.”
The online survey closes tonight.
What do the people in Whitby think?
Derek Coverdale, head of security at Abbey Wharf, said: "I find that when you want a police officer, nine times out of 10 there isn't one in town. You have to deal with the incident yourself. Sometimes we do get over the radio where they turn around and say 'sorry, the police are dealing with something else. They'll get there whenever they can or you'll have to deal with it yourself.' It's really hard for us door supervisors.
"There's more pubs in Whitby I would say than there is in Scarborough town centre. We have over something like 40 or 50 venues in this town. We have more pubs opening up in this town than what they have in most places. In the whole of the country, they reckon there's two pubs closing down every week apart from one place which is Whitby. Pubs aren't closing down in Whitby, they're opening up.
"People say it's only a small town but it's a busy weekend. It's busy all year round in Whitby. It used to be from April to October and then after that was nothing. Our quietest time of year is January but we do need the police here.
"The town's getting bigger. There's now no hospital, the police station closes at 8pm and our closest is Scarborough, York, Middlesbrough or Hull. Our closest hospital is Scarborough, York, Middlesbrough or Hull. To actually get an ambulance it could take them an hour just to get to Whitby."
Gareth Mayo, a door supervisor at The Buck Inn, said: "Some nights we have two or three and some nights we don't have anything at all. Obviously we prefer the nights where we don't have anything. It can vary so it can be a little as someone covering a security camera and then he threatened to glass myself. Other incidents can be someone's had a bit too much to drink and we've asked them to leave.
"I do think there needs to be a little bit more police presence in Whitby. The police presence we do have does help but I think sometimes it could be upped a little bit, particularly in summer time. When the busier season kicks in they don't seem to up the police presence in the town.
"If there was more police then it our job would be a lot more easier. Sometimes we feel like we've been left to fend for ourselves, but we are grateful for any police presence we have."