Police and crime commissioner Sir Clive Loader visited an inner-city estate yesterday as part of his efforts to get to know people across Leicestershire.
Sir Clive, the former RAF Air Chief Marshal who was elected to the post last November, dropped in on community projects and a school on Leicester's St Matthew's estate – one of the most deprived areas of the city.
Sir Clive said: "I always said that reaching out to communities and developing and maintaining a trust between them and myself would be a critical part of the success of this office.
"St Matthew's is a proud community and one which in many ways characterises what is best about Leicester.
"It's a rich mix of people and there is a determination for people to help each other."
Jean Williams, chair of the St Matthew's Tenants' Association, which is based in Manitoba Road, said: "We invited the police commissioner because we wanted him to see how people live down here.
"He came along and he listened to us and I was impressed by him.
"He seems to be a very approachable and down-to-earth person. He also spoke to the children at Taylor Road Primary School and I think they had a lot to say to him.
"We have low crime here and we want to keep it that way. If we had any concerns about police I think Sir Clive would listen to us."
The force is making savings across the board as it seeks to cut about £20 million from its £175 million budget during the next three years.
Sir Clive said: "We are going to have to make difficult decisions. We will make those decisions in a way that does not compromise public safety in areas like St Matthew's."
The visit to the estate is the latest in a series of trips across the city and county.
In recent weeks, Sir Clive has visited Barwell to find out more about work being carried out there to address anti-social behaviour and the Carpenter's Arms, in Loughborough, which helps people overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Also, last month he held a meeting at Leicester's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Centre, in Wellington Street, to talk about how the police force deals with reports of "hate'' crimes.
Information about Sir Clive's office and his work can be found at:
www.leics.pcc.police.uk
