Whilst Newcastle remains one of the safest cities in the UK, sometimes residents feel insecure and vulnerable. We know from the experiences of residents, many who live in the more disadvantaged areas, that anti-social behaviour (ASB) is on the rise. It creates fear and impacts dramatically on the quality of life such as mental well-being and health.
That’s why the council working in partnership with other agencies continues to tackle ASB. Last month the council unveiled its £1.2m ‘Better Lives, Safer Communities’ programme which will see residents benefit from a wide range of projects to reduce low-level crime and create ”safer neighbourhoods”.
Community projects
Community projects are being rolled out across the city to help the local authority build closer relationships with residents, learn more about their concerns and together develop meaningful plans to address disorderly conduct. A bold plan is being drawn up for the Neighbourhood and City Centre Task Force, which operates every weekend alongside Northumbria Police and NE1.
A recruitment drive is underway for 15 additional new Neighbourhood Street Wardens – the eyes and ears of local communities – who will patrol and target anti-social behaviour ”hot-spots”.
Part of the £1.2 investment will be used to expand the council’s in-house victim’s service to provide extra support to ”medium and high-risk ASB victims”, while more resources will be directed towards the removal of graffiti across the city.
The council’s approach is twofold and includes a training and work opportunities scheme for young people through ”mentored apprenticeships” and to boost investment in youth-related activities.
Getting tougher on the causes and impact of ASB and low-level crime is a resident priority in Newcastle.
