Sergeant Richard (Dusty) Higgin has been the liaison officer involved with Carlisle City Pubwatch Scheme for the past 10 years. He has attended every single meeting, bar one, during this period; even when off duty and giving freely of his own time. He is extremely committed to the ethos of the scheme and works hard to encourage members to actively participate, whilst always remaining impartial.
At an early stage of his attendance at Pubwatch meetings he realised that there was an absence of cohesion amongst members and suggested that the scheme introduce a committee system with an elected chair person and that there should be regular meetings. This was adopted and the scheme now meets on a regular monthly basis. He was instrumental in the introduction of a computerised photograph poster system to improve the sharing of images of people banned from the scheme. He also forged links with Carlisle United to deal with the problems caused by football fans in licensed premises on match days.
He was also heavily involved in the introduction of Best Bar None in Carlisle, which is now in its sixth year and was the driving force behind the introduction of Street Pastors and Taxi Marshalls, both of which were projects that he was able to secure funding from the City Pubwatch Scheme.
Bothergate is in the centre of Carlisle and is the traditional heart of the cities nightlife scene with huge numbers of people moving between pubs and clubs at weekends. In 2008 during a peak time when many people were on the street, a pedestrian was tragically killed in Bothergate by a passing motor vehicle. This followed a number of near misses on a stretch of road that was considered to very dangerous to people using the town centre at night. Richard was instrumental in the introduction of a road closure in Bothergate, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. A subsequent police survey revealed that people felt that the ‘road closure’ had created more room on the street, eased tensions, reduced disorder and made them feel safer. Feedback from the Pubwatch members helped make the road closure a permanent feature
Inspector Andy Hanson Neighbourhood Policing Team says:
“Richard has been instrumental in the set-up and implementation of Pubwatch in Carlisle, particularly for the pubs and clubs in the City centre. The scheme has shown a positive impact on the night time economy over the past 3 years and there has been a 19% reduction in City centre alcohol related violent crime. He has encouraged licensed premises to embrace the scheme, offering help and support to those that have been unsure about its processes. The scheme is flourishing and well supported with a number of problem individuals having been banned.”
Superintendent Sean Robinson says:
“Richard has made a huge difference for almost a decade through his commitment to Pubwatch in Carlisle. He has engaged and sustained partnership and cohesion within the scheme, which has made a huge difference in terms of reduction of violent crime, alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour, which ultimately resulted in the City centre being much safer. This work cannot be underestimated in terms of supporting regeneration in a vibrant city centre in the current economic climate. He has also played a big part in supporting schemes and colleagues in other areas; in particular Eden. Richard’s commitment dedication, passion and professionalism, is a real credit to both himself and Cumbria Constabulary”.
Mike Vose the Chair of Carlisle City Pubwatch says:
“I have been involved with Carlisle Pubwatch for over 10 years and remember when Sergeant Dusty Higgins started attending the Committee meetings. Right from the off you could tell he would listen and absorb information and had a wonderful calm persona. Over the years he has been the voice of reason, and has never failed to help when we have asked for advice. His professionalism, his readiness to listen, and his smile have earned him the respect of the licensed trade City wide and I think it would be fair to say that the Carlisle Pubwatch scheme would not be as effective without the help and support he gives us”.
And finally National Pubwatch Regional Representative Joe Murray says:
“This award is a tribute to the memory of Malcolm Eidmans QPM, a man who dedicated many years of his life working for the Pubwatch cause. Sergeant Richard Higgin is someone who I firmly believe Malcolm would wholeheartedly endorse because he has also worked tirelessly over many years to support, assist and advise the pub and hospitality trade in a busy city centre Pubwatch scheme and its surrounding areas. His commitment and enthusiasm is without question and he is a worthy recipient of the award”.
