PARKING, speeding and youth crime were some of the burning issues raised as priorities with the new Police and Crime Commissioner in Clevedon.

PCC Sue Mounstevens visited a meeting of the town’s PACT (Partners and Communities Together) on February 5 as part of a consultation on a new Police and Crime Plan, which will shape policing in Avon and Somerset between 2013-17.

For years, the issue of parking enforcement has been a bone of contention with Clevedon business owners, residents and councillors.

Councillor Nick Pennycott said: “We have had numerous complaints from the public about this. It is a major problem and something has to be done.”

In response, Neighbourhood Team Inspector Sharon Bennett told the meeting PCSOs do regularly hand-out parking tickets.

She said: “If they are out on foot and come across something, I expect them to deal with it. If they are dealing with something else, I also wouldn’t call them away for a parking issue.”

The issue of speeding was highlighted by PACT chairman Dave Brockington, who volunteers as part of the Speedwatch scheme which sees civilians trained to monitor traffic speed.

He said: “In the past we have recorded a motorbike doing 62mph and a lorry full of concrete blocks doing 50mph outside Clevedon School.

“Previously I said we would get 100 speeding vehicles in two hours but then we got 106 in one hour in one spot.”

Ms Mountstevens, who was elected as PCC in November. said: “Community Speedwatch is a very effective scheme and I think we should make the most of it.

“I think it does change the behaviour of those it catches.”

Stephen Treanor, who has been involved in youth work in Clevedon, asked the PCC what could be offered to prevent youth offending and suggested a peer support group as a way of deterring youngsters from crime and empowering them to take on responsibility.

Ms Mountstevens added: “One of the things I am launching is a youth advisory panel and we will invite people from across the force area to be on it.

“I am hoping the panel will come up with something like that as one of its ideas.”