POLICING priorities in Honiton during 2009/10 have been shaped by the public through the Partners and Communities Together (PACT) initiative, which aims to resolve local issues via a multi-agency approach.

POLICING priorities in Honiton during 2009/10 have been shaped by the public through the Partners and Communities Together (PACT) initiative, which aims to resolve local issues via a multi-agency approach. Although there was a poor public response to PACT in the town, residents who took part in the initiative cited speeding vehicles as their number one police concern. They also asked for more police patrols and wanted anti-social behaviour tackled.All three issues are now a priority for police in Honiton, although they will be regularly reviewed. New priorities could be set as a result of further public consultation.However, most complaints to PACT were about parking, litter and other matters, which are the responsibility of the district council. Sergeant John Gait said: "The research we completed took several different formats, including street surgeries, where officers spoke to shoppers outside local supermarkets, local meetings and having PACT cards printed and distributed."In addition, PACT cards were added to certain parishes on our Neighbourhood website."Despite the variety of options and opportunities to engage in the PACT process, the take-up from the public was, sadly, rather poor."Sergeant Gait added: "It would suggest either people are happy with local issues or somewhat apathetic towards this opportunity of engagement.