PCC pledges Safer Streets despite Government funding cut.

Despite funding cuts from the Government’s Safer Streets programme, PCC Joy Allen has announced that her plans to cut crime and improve community safety will still go ahead.

In September 2023 the Government announced that the PCC had secured addition funding of £1m over a period of two financial years, 2023-24 and 2024-25.  However, it later revealed that funding (for every recipient, not purely Durham) in the second year would be cut.

This required the PCC and her team to adjust and repurpose the original programme to ensure the majority of the work planned could still deliver effective solutions.  

The PCC has now confirmed that three bids will go ahead.

Work to cut anti-social behaviour and burglary in Blackhall, Wheatley Hill, Thornley, Trimdon Colliery, Murton, Darlington Park East and Banktop will include additional CCTV, two Community Safety Co-ordinators, property security equipment, and barriers to prevent access by off-road bikes.

Work to prevent and detect rural criminality in Hurworth Burn, Wingate, Station Town, Hutton Henry, Sheraton West, Barnard Castle, Bowes, Whorlton, Cotherstone, The Dales, Gainford, Darlington West Villages and Middleton St George will include rural watch co-ordinators, crime prevention trackers and lighting, thermal imaging equipment, drones and upgraded rural vehicles.

In Durham City work to take ASB and violence against women and girls will include additional CCTV, Bystander Training, and specialist engagement officers.

PCC Joy Allen said: “I know these positive changes will improve the community and make it a safer place to live, visit and work. The improvements aim to not only reduce the amount of crime but deter criminal activity and make streets safer.

“I am pleased to be able to confirm that our plans will continue despite the financial setback and look forward to working with my own team and our partners to ensure the successful delivery of these plans.”

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