POLICE are inviting women to join female support officers on the beat in Minehead on Wednesday (April 17) to discuss their safety in the town.
It is the latest in a series of ‘walk and talk’ events launched by Avon and Somerset Constabulary, which is led by woman Chief Constable Sarah Crew.
But the initiative has drawn criticism from some residents via social media for its ‘wokeness’.
One resident, Mark Stothard, said: “Please can we also have male, elderly, and disabled narrative events, we also have our concerns for personal safety, domestic abuse, and crime prevention in our beautiful town.”
Darren Jeffs said the initiative was all about the police wanting to be seen as ‘trendy’.
Simon Foweraker said: “Straight, white, able-bodied, male. We were never part of the inclusivity and equality because we are normal.”
But Victoria Byrne said: “Make the place safer for women and you make it safer for everyone.
“The world is mostly safe now, but it is less safe for women and girls.
“There is the inequality and this initiative is a step to addressing that.”
Wednesday’s ‘walk and talk’ event will start at 6pm the North Road entrance to Blenheim Gardens and last for about 30 minutes as two female PCSOs escort women around part of their beat and offer personal safety and crime prevention advice.
An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said it was an opportunity for women to chat openly about any worries or concerns they had locally and anything they thought the police could do to improve the situation.
The spokesperson said: “While it is predominately for women over 18, we do encourage you to bring along your partners, family, friends, or colleagues if you wish to do so.
“Talk openly with local female officers and discuss any worries or concerns in your local area and how we can help enhance safety for women and girls within our communities.
“Local neighbourhood officers will be around before and after should you wish to speak with any of them further.”
Anybody who wants to join the event can just turn up.