We have been given £60,000 from the Government’s Safer Streets programme. To be used to improve safety in key areas in the Borough.
Our Community Safety Unit worked alongside the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner’s office on the successful bid.
We have matched the Government funding, meaning in total more than £122,000 will go towards:
- The installation of eight new CCTV cameras
- Upgrading of 37 streetlights
- Improving the environment and personal safety at the Thames Way to the Overcliffe footpath.
- Offering a six-month free trial for selected businesses an introduction to the G-Safe programme
- Upgrading the G-Safe’s radio link with CCTV Control.
- Encouraging G-Safe participants to join a new Safe Place scheme. Staff will be trained to support any person feeling vulnerable. A dedicated safe space within their premises where the individual can be given help and advice.
- Training for employers and local businesses focussing on achieving attitude change amongst boys and men to address violence against women and girls. This will be delivered with Cultivating Minds.
- Partnering with Rethink and Kent Equality and Cohesion Council on targeted work with BAME women and girls. To improve awareness of violence against women and girls, encourage reporting, and to overcome cultural barriers.
- A public survey to assess perceptions of crime and safety, before and after the project. This will help identify further work that could be undertaken as the project progresses.
Welcoming the funding, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure, Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox said: “We are absolutely committed to making our town a safe environment for residents, business and visitors.
“This funding, linked with our strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Borough, will help us take a number of steps to deter, apprehend and prosecute offenders. It will inform and support our community. “It’s another valuable tool in keeping our Borough safe.”
Matthew Scott, the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m absolutely delighted we have secured this funding. I’ve seen the difference previous Safer Streets Programmes and have made to our communities, and I’m thrilled we can expand that good work.
“From new Safe Spaces to improved lighting and CCTV, we want to make our town centres feel safe for everyone. I thank all our partners for working so hard on this and I look forward to seeing the results over the next 18 months.”