I WRITE in response to Mr Philip Dunn’s lead letter from Saturday published, Feb 6, in which he takes issue with my comments on working collectively to combat crime and vandalism within my West Southbourne Ward.

As a local political activist for the Liberal Democrats and someone who recently stood unsuccessfully for election in the recent Kinson South By-Election, I would have thought that Mr Dunn would be well aware of the fact that when one is asked for a short comment on a main story it is exactly that – a short comment, not as opposed to a long statement of possible actions.

Having said that I am grateful to him for expanding on what collective action might mean. I can assure Mr Dunn that in West Southbourne we enjoy an excellent working relationship with police colleagues and do take every opportunity not only to inform them of incidents but where possible to work with them and others, including traders, to resolve whatever issues come up.

Collective responsibility is not passive. It is about actively working together at all levels local and national to achieve the best possible outcomes within an increasingly difficult and challenging climate. My colleagues and I count it a privilege to have been re-elected to represent West Southbourne but we see ourselves working alongside many others, who want to achieve the very best for our area, an area of which we are justly proud.

Cllr Blair Crawford

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, West Southbourne Ward