A series of police and crime incidents across Prudhoe has left residents of the usually quiet town feeling concerned.
Dramatic scenes saw Prudhoe Front Street cordoned off on April 26 after screams were heard and reports a man had fallen from the window of a vacant property.
Subsequent investigations by Northumbria Police uncovered a cannabis farm at the site.
Read more: North East mayor hopeful defends 'big and bold' promises in Labour campaign race
It was also the second cannabis farm to be discovered in the town that month, after officers following up on reports of a burglary on West Wylam Drive on April 12 uncovered the illegal operation.
The Easter weekend saw three people arrested in the West Wylam area, following reports of an alleged assault and vandalism. However, all three were subsequently found not guilty of assault at a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court on May 9.
On May 4, there was a large police response to an alleged dangerous driver, with the police helicopter and unmarked cars spotted in the town. A man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving after allegedly crashing into a stationary vehicle.
The latest issue has seen officers launch an investigation after an "abandoned" caravan parked in the car park of the Prudhoe Legion Club went up in flames, although it has been stressed that the cause of the fire remains unknown.
Officials have now moved to reassure residents after rising concerns. The town's two county councillors have both stressed that it remains a safe place to live.
Coun Angie Scott, who represents Prudhoe North, said: "It is concerning, but I have been working with partner agencies and in particular the police, raising residents concerns to try and get things stopped.
"Prudhoe is very safe. I have regular meetings with local police and I am confident in the police.
"It is unusual, but police have been proactive, and hopefully things will start to calm down."
Coun Gordon Stewart, who represents the neighbouring Prudhoe South ward, added: "I understand residents are concerned, but Prudhoe remains a safe place to live or visit.
"I have regular discussions with social housing providers and encourage firm but fair action against their tenants who seek to bring down the areas they reside in.
"I am in contact with the police on a regular basis which is normal practice. Proceedings against several people are in the system. I wish to thanks the public for their vigilance and reporting matters to either the police or crime stoppers."
Both councillors have also been in contact with Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness. Coun Scott said the PCC had been in the town on May 13 to knock on doors and speak to residents, while Coun Stewart said he had a meeting next week to discuss various issues around the county.
Ms McGuinness explained what action the police have been taking in response to the issues.
She said: "Prudhoe is a community known to have relatively low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, and so it’s understandable that people feel concerned by recent incidents, which are out of the ordinary for the area. These incidents have received swift and effective policing responses leading to drug seizes and arrests, which I hope provides the local community with reassurance that fighting crime in the area is being taken very seriously.
"I know from speaking with people when I’ve been out and about in the town that they want to see greater police visibility. That is the very reason why I keep fighting for more Government funding for our force, so we can have more officers and more PCSOs out on the streets – that’s exactly what I want to happen too.”
Northumbria has recently back-tracked on plans to axe 95 community support officer (PCSO) roles, announcing last week that some jobs would be saved. It said that further grant funding had been secured, allowing 38 of the 41 jobs to be saved.
In addition, the force has recently announced it would be adding 134 new officers to its neighbourhood teams. Some of these officers will be new recruits, while others will be recruited internally from within the force.
Northumbria Police have provided an update on each of the aforementioned cases. Enquiries remain ongoing into the caravan fire at the Legion on May 18 as well as the cannabis farm uncovered on April 12.
In terms of the cannabis farm uncovered on April 27, a 27-year-old man was arrested at an address in Stanley. When officers attended the address, they carried out searches and recovered a suspected cocaine valued at £7,000, suspected cannabis believed to be worth £10,000 as well as £4,000 in cash and weapons including knuckle dusters and machetes.
He was later charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon. The man appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates Court on Friday, May 12 and is due before Newcastle Crown Court on June 9.
With regards to the arrest of the alleged dangerous driver, John Allan Hill, 34 of Adderlane Road in Prudhoe was charged with criminal damage, driving whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol, dangerous driving, failing to report or stop at the scene of a road traffic collision and stalking.
He appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates Court on May 5, and the case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court. He is next due to appear on June 2.
Read next:
- Share your memories as Northumberland hospitals mark milestone birthdays
- 'I hope they use this to save others': Odessa Carey's son's plea to mental health services after decapitation tragedy
- Police investigating 'assault' after girl allegedly choked by security
- Big day for Northumberland mum as petition for an extra £650 DWP disabled payment goes to MPs
- Hexham Hospital cat awarded 'freedom to roam' by town council
