Million-pound initiative delivers home security to 1,470 households and range of measures to improve safety in two communities

A million-pound initiative has delivered major security and safety improvements to two city communities.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council; the office of the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office; and Staffordshire Police have worked in partnership to bring a raft of improvements to parts of Fenton and Northwood including:

• A total of 1,470 home security measures such as new door locks and safety devices for households.
• A total of 42 new gates installed in community alleyways to curb fly-tipping, reduce anti-social behaviour and burglary.
• A total of 11 new re-deployable cameras added to existing networks in the areas as visible deterrents, with the cameras able to be moved within the communities to support residents and tackle any hotspots.
• A total of 33 new lighting columns installed, or in the process of being installed, where there was poor lighting or no lighting in alleyways, to improve safety.

The works have taken place after the Commissioner’s office, in partnership with the council, successfully bid for government funding under the Safer Streets initiative in October 2020.

The three partners have now staged a number of events in the two communities to inform residents of the works to ensure they know who they need to contact if they experience any concerns in the future. The events have included online surgeries and roadshows in the communities, where residents have been able to pick up property marking kits and bike registration kits to protect their possessions in case of theft. Residents at the events said that they felt reassured, safer in their communities and welcomed the improvements to alleyways that are clear of fly-tipping. They also gave suggestions as to where the CCTV cameras could be deployed and highlighted issues for partners to address.

Council leader Abi Brown said: “We’re really pleased with the success of this initiative and the very visible benefits it is bringing to residents in both Fenton and Northwood. Our communities are welcoming and safe places for people to visit and live, and we want them to stay that way. Where there are issues, it is often by a small minority, and we won’t let them impact on everybody else. This initiative sends out a strong message that we take decisive action and reinforces our commitment to working in partnership to deliver real improvements to communities. The Safer Streets initiative is an excellent project, and we look forward to extending this work in the future.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: “Safer Streets is a fantastic example of agencies working in partnership to improve the peace of mind and quality of life for people in areas of Fenton and Northwood.

“The project has seen the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police work together on a range of targeted measures, working with communities to install home security improvements, CCTV, improved lighting, and much, much more.

“I’m delighted my office was able to secure funding for the project, providing a great opportunity to make a real difference by investing in measures to drive down crime and keep our communities safe.”

Staffordshire Police sergeant Chris Moss, from Stoke South’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We fully support this initiative and the positive impact it is having for communities in Fenton and Northwood. We have a very visible presence in the communities and our officers are there to help and support residents.”