Safer Streets West Marsh project well underway
VANEL is very actively involved with the delivery of the “Safer Streets 2” project which is tackling acquisitive crime on the West Marsh. We are taking a lead on a number of community aspects of the project, and with the project nearly half-way through its six month programme, here’s a flavour of what is going on.
The project
The project itself is led by NELC with Humberside Police and other partners involved. Funding for the programme comes via the Office of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner. VANEL is overseeing a number of aspects of the community engagement, working with a range of Community Champions within West Marsh. The project will run until the end of March 2022 and is aiming to provide positive benefits to the residents of a core area of West Marsh that shows significant issues with serious acquisitive crime.
Physical Works
NELC is leading on a number of physical community safety changes in the area. New CCTV cameras have been installed, along with improved lighting. A significant number of more ‘at risk’ residential properties are receiving a package of physical security improvements. Alleygates are being replaced or installed in carefully selected locations.
Community Champions
VANEL has been working closely with the community groups in the West Marsh who really know their area; know the residents and have connectivity that can help support local residents. VANEL has worked with each Community Champion groups to help them plan and fund works and activities in the area that they know will make a difference.
Key Community Champions are: West Marsh Community Centre (the Centre of Excellence for the project); West Marsh Allotment Association; West Marsh Forward and Grimsby in Bloom. In addition the NEL Neighbourhood Networking programme is championing neighbourhood groups in the area; Hammond House Publishing is covering media aspects of the project and recording progress; and there is investment to support older people in the West Marsh through the Older People Group at WM Community Centre and other groups connected to older people. Each of these champions is carrying out activities that help local people lower their risk of, or fear of, acquisitive crime.
The West Marsh Wallet
VANEL also provides management of a community funding pot which enables local groups to fund small projects which can help meet the objectives of the Safer Streets Programme. In the first round, a couple of projects were funded, and more funding will be available through a second round which closes on 6th January 2022. All the details are here.
Community Equipment
VANEL also has funding (received through the West Marsh Wallet process) to supply West Marsh residents with small items for personal or household safety for free. Scores of households have already taken up this offer, but we’re still keen to supply appropriate items to West Marsh households. Find out more about what can be provided and how to request items here.
Days of Action video
Humberside Police and the local Policing teams have also been undertaking focused ‘days of action’ within the West Marsh alongside the Safer Streets programme. Hammond House shadowed one of these ‘days of action’ recently and the first video recording progress on the Safer Streets project was released. View it on VANEL TV here.
Community Engagement
VANEL have been at Top Town market every week since Safer Streets started to talk to the public about what the project is all about. These sessions end before Christmas, but the opportunity to find out about Safer Streets; about all aspects of the project and to request support, continues through West Marsh Community Centre. Pop in at any time when they are open, or come along between 10am and 2pm on Fridays to talk to Alan or Steve about Safer Streets.
Find out more
Background to Safer Streets is on the PCC website here.
Follow the Council Blog or Facebook page here.
Information about the West Marsh Wallet is here.
The Community Safety Equipment is here.
West Marsh Community Centre Facebook page is full of information.