Police Cosultative Committee
From this weks Brentford Chiswick and Isleworth Times.The borough's MPs have been severely criticised by councillors after it was revealed that neither of them has attended a single police consultative group (PCG) meeting since 2003.At the full council meeting on Tuesday, Councillor Shirly Fisher asked Councillor Phil Andrews, lead member of community safety, about the levels of attendance by Hounslows' politicians at the bi-monthly police forums.Coun Andrews revealed that, on average, all five PCG council representatives were present 53.4 per cent of the time since records began in 2003.advertisementIn comparison, the MP for Feltham and Heston, Alan Keen, was present zero per cent of the time, as was the MP for Brentford and Isleworth, his wife Ann Keen.Coun Andrews said he did not have attendance figures for before 2003, but he said that PCG representatives from that period do not recall either MP having ever been present at a meeting. He added that regular apologies are sent from the two MPs' offices for non-attendance.Coun Fisher said the lack of attendance was regrettable as crime is one of the most important issues facing the borough.Earlier this week, one day before the council meeting where the question was raised, the Keens put out a press release entitled Hounslow MPs Welcome New Borough Commander.The timing of the release has raised eyebrows because Chief Superintendent David Bilson took up his post as borough commander in July.In the press statement, Alan Keen MP said: "It is important to have a close working relationship with the police and our meeting with the new borough commander was very productive in discussing the priorities for tackling crime in the borough."As MPs, we have an important role to play in interacting between constituents, the police and Government ministers to make Hounslow a safer place to live and I am looking forward to meeting with the Borough Commander on a regular basis over the coming months."Councillor Nisar Malik, Labour spokesman for community cohesion and safety said: "The question was worded to highlight the fact that our two MPs do not attend the meetings. However, the meetings take place when Ann Keen and Alan Keen are required to be at the House of Commons."He said the PCG is a forum for the community to discuss local matters and that is was not the place for MPs to raise concerns.He added: "Ann and Alan work very hard for the residents of the borough and playing politics with matters that are actually quite serious is typical of the current Hounslow administration."Neither of the MP's was available to comment.
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