PCC secures more than £800,000 for communities

Two areas in West Mercia will benefit from funding to tackle crime and improve community safety after the PCC successfully secured a portion of £18.3 million.

As part of the Government’s Safer Streets fund, 40 areas across England and Wales were awarded money to tackle neighbourhood crime and build back safer communities.

A total of £863,185 has been awarded to PCC John Campion to work with the police and local authorities to make streets safer in Greenlands (Redditch) and Sutton Hill (Telford).

Both estates have suffered, and continue to suffer, from social issues and criminality which are negatively impacting on communities and their quality of life – as well as increasing the demand for police and partners. To improve these areas, funding will support the following:

Lighting will be improved in the areaBuildings that are targeted more often will have door and window locks improvedAlley-gates will be introducedFencing will be increased and/or strengthenedCCTV will be upgradedA Neighbourhood Watch group and Neighbourhood Champions will be introducedCrime prevention packs will be circulated

PCC John Campion said: “I am thrilled to have been awarded more money to help make our communities safer. For too long areas such as Greenlands and Sutton Hill have suffered with crime and disorder, so it is great news that the Government has once again given us an opportunity to help communities like these.

“I am committed to seeing that our communities don’t have to face the fear of crime, or have their lives blighted by the actions of others – they should feel safe where they live. Through this funding we will be able to deliver a number of simple measures and initiatives that will have a huge impact.” 

The next round of funding has opened today with a particular focus on helping make women and girls feel safer on the streets. PCC John Campion will also be submitting a bid for this to see that females within West Mercia feel safe.

Issued on: Thursday 3rd June