A view from the Chief Executive Officer...

Chief Executive Officer, David Murray, writes:  “We are often told by those who know about these things that the risk of physical attack in the community is greater for the young than those for older people.  No doubt this is true.  However, the perception amongst many older people that the streets in our communities are risky, if not downright dangerous is very real.  The consequent effect for older people is a reluctance to go out and play a full part in their communities. “Even a cursory observation of many of our older urban centres in Gwent will reveal a decline in citizens’ behaviour and standards. The point here is that even when people are not being threatened, the shouting of foul mouth language, the general lack of concern for others, the consumption of alcohol on the streets, the overall loss of respect for the older members of the community and the apparent loss of manners and courtesy gives an air of general hostility. “A recent personal confrontation brought this into stark relief for me when I was told very clearly by a young man that were I not “so old”, he would have hit me, merely because I tried to get past him on the way to my car and he had deliberately barred my path.  Thankfully, the incident came to nothing.  However, it led me to thinking about what I could do about this kind of circumstance and more importantly, how this kind of aggression would affect someone more frail than I.  In all probability, no crime was committed which would warrant police intervention. “So what has to be done?  In my view, it is not sufficient to accept this as a fact of modern life. Somehow, the decline in general standards and behaviour has to be halted.  It will require greater attention from an already overstretched police force to their responsibility for controlling unacceptable behaviour.  Serious thought needs to be given to the problem of availability of drink.  Our politicians need to pay greater attention to their leadership in these matters and to ensure that appropriate resources are devoted to keeping the streets a place where all citizens, regardless of age can feel comfortable.”