New Government funded project looks to make streets safer for residents of Warwickshire

Agencies across Warwickshire have secured funding of £249,000 from the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund. The fund is allocated to projects designed to reduce violence against women and girls and to increase feelings of safety in public spaces.

The agencies involved, including Warwickshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire’s Borough and District councils, the Probation Service and the Equality & Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP), have used the funding for projects in targeted areas across Warwickshire. These areas are Leamington Spa, Alcester, Nuneaton, Rugby and Atherstone.  

Following consultation with local residents, agencies are undertaking works in each of the five areas to ensure local streets are safer. In addition, a Virtual Reality module is being developed to raise awareness of the effects of misogyny on women and girls.

Cllr Andy Crump, Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety, said: “As part of the Council’s priorities, we work hard to ensure residents are kept safe and well. Safer Streets and the funding from National Government highlight the positive works that are being carried out to ensure all residents feel safer when out and about in their own neighbourhoods.”

In order to further engage with residents from the focused areas, the Safer Streets team will be holding community engagement days over the coming week. Specific dates are as follows:

Safer Streets Engagement Events

• Monday 21 March 1pm – 3pm at Brunswick Hub – 98-100 Shrubland St, Leamington Spa
   
• Monday 21 March 11am – 2pm at Kinwarton Road shopping precinct, Alcester
   
• Tuesday 22 March 12pm – 2pm at Abbey Theatre – Pool Bank Street, Nuneaton
   
• Thursday 24 March 12pm – 2pm at Rugby College (College students only)
   
• Wednesday 6th April 11am -2pm at  Bus Station, Station Street, Atherstone

Residents in these areas do not need to book and are encouraged to come and talk to partners about safety in their neighbourhoods.

Chief Superintendent Emma Bastone, head of local policing for Warwickshire Police, said: “The Safer Streets fund allows forces and local partners to work with the local community to address their concerns. These events will be a great opportunity for local people to let us know their concerns so we can invest in preventative measures to make our communities safer.”

Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am dedicated to tackling the issue of violence against women and girls and working with partners to ensure that people feel safe in public spaces in the county.”

He added: “Everyone has the right to feel safe and I am delighted that the safer streets project is enabling engagement with residents to ensure their voices are heard and together with the police, Warwickshire County Council, and other local authority partners, action can be taken to address the issues raised. We strongly encourage people to attend these engagement events to share their concerns and suggestions about how we can work together to make Warwickshire safer, as well as hearing what action has already been taken in their respective areas.”