Day of action boost for Bradford ‘safer streets’ project
Teams from Incommunities, Bradford Council and the Police joined residents this week in a big clean-up on the Fagley estate ahead of a big funding boost for the area.
On the ‘day of action’ (5th October), housing staff, Council wardens, local Councillors, community workers and estate teams got together with local residents to give the area a spruce-up including taking away rubbish, carrying out litter picks, cutting back any overgrown areas and also give recycling advice.
Seven tonnes of rubbish was taken away in seven hours with everyone involved adhering to COVID-19 measures including social distancing rules.
Neighbourhood police and PCSOs also distributed information about the Safer Streets Fund project and gave crime prevention advice.
In July, the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson led a successful multi agency bid to theHome Office’s Safer Streets Fund to improve security around local homes.
£549,000 has been awarded to upgrade street lighting, improve the security of local homes, fit new fencing and promote crime prevention awareness among residents.
Bradford Council will also lead a programme of community engagement work to support and empower the local community to build strong community ties.
West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson, said: "It is fantastic to see the Safer Streets project making a tangible difference to the residents of Fagley both in terms of public safety and quality of life.
"The fact that key agencies were able to come together alongside the community to achieve a common goal is inspiring and testament to the community spirit that exists here.
"I will continue to do all I can to create opportunities that encourage this type activity, particularly during these uncertain times."
Adrienne Reid, Incommunities Assistant Chief Executive, Neighbourhoods, said: "We had a fabulous turn out for the community ‘day of action’ and hopefully it will give real impetus to residents about the great benefits of the project.
"The aim now is to bring together the shared resources of residents and our partners – the PCC, Council, and the Police – to deliver a sustainable package of measure that will cut crime, improve home security and make Fagley a better place for everyone."
Cllr Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: "Working together with our partners and residents can really make a big difference to our environment.
"This is the true spirit of #People Can. Not only does it improve the surroundings and make them safer for people to enjoy, it also fosters a much stronger sense of community spirit."
Inspector John Toothill of Bradford East NPT, said: “This was an incredibly successful day and we can already see the benefits of the funding which was granted earlier in the year.
"Officers and PCSOs were on hand throughout the day to assist our partner agencies and spoke with residents and gave crime prevention advice.
"Throughout partnership working we hope to continue to improve the area in Fagley to make it cleaner and safer for the local communities."