Sussex Police Authority Announces New Lead Member For Rural Affairs

At the Police Authority’s meeting yesterday Sussex Police Authority announced the introduction of a new Lead Member for Rural Affairs. Councillor and farmer Bob Tidy will take on the role which will represent and voice the needs and concerns of the vast rural community in Sussex.

At recent partnership meetings between the Police Authority, the National Farmers’ Union and the Country Land and Business Association a number of rural policing concerns were raised including fears over arson, hare coursing and raves. As a result the Police Authority agreed the need to appoint a Lead Member of Rural Affairs.

Bob Tidy said of the new initiative: “We live in an agricultural county. Large parts of Sussex are rural and these communities have very specific needs and issues when it comes to policing.

“Sussex Police Authority recognises the need to represent the farming community and the proposal to introduce a Lead Member for Rural Affairs is a valuable step towards increasing the confidence and representation of the farming community.”

This step from Sussex Police Authority comes at the same time as Sussex Police launch their countywide scheme to tackle rural crime. Farm Watch, was launched last month and aims to stress the importance of vigilance and communication – both within rural and farming communities and between rural communities and Sussex Police.

This announcement and the launch of Farm Watch show the commitment that Sussex Police Authority and Sussex Police are dedicated to fulfilling to help beat crime and empower farming and rural businesses and residents in Sussex.