Meet the community: policeman

One of the reasons there's a Hemmingwell artist-in-residence is to make the place safer and more pleasant for residents and visitors. Safety is a top priority here. It's a part of Chris Howard's job.

Chris Howard is a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) based on the Hemmingwell. There's a dedicated police team and  house on the estate. Chris has been working in the area for over two years. So what does he think about the artist-in-residence project?

"I think it's a good idea," he says. "The shops are a central hub for the community, so it's nice and central."

Chris patrols the area on foot. He talks to residents, the police and the council, so he's got a good idea of what's going on. According to Chris, the main issue on the estate isn't drugs, as is popularly believed, but anti-social behaviour.

"The residents are really accepting and receptive towards the police and have welcomed us. I was pleasantly surprised when I started here. People stand and have a chat with me when they see me. We talk about all sorts of things, like football - not just crime! The majority of people want to get rid of any problems that are here."

Chris likes working in the Hemmingwell so much that, when he was offered a transfer to another area, he turned it down.

"I like the fact that I know all the school-teachers and kids and residents and they know my name. I hope I'll be here for the forseeable future," he says.

What do you think? Do you live and work on the Hemmingwell? Every area has its own problems. What do you think the problems are here or in your area - and how would you solve them?

Chris has agreed to take hemmingwellartist blog on a photo-tour of the community! Watch this space!