A programme aimed at cutting crime and anti-social behaviour on the East Marsh is celebrating a wave of success after a year of investment.
The Home Office-funded project has seen residents on the East Marsh benefit from free home security upgrades and initiatives to make their communities safer.
The Safer Streets project, led by North East Lincolnshire Council and the office of Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, benefitted from £749,500 of Home Office funding.
As part of the project, local company Empower CIC have helped to distribute and install around 500 pieces of home security equipment, including outdoor security lights, alarms and window locks.
Bacon Engineering, another local firm, have repaired and replaced alleyway gates at 30 sites across the ward. Before this, clearance company Simply Refreshed removed almost 10-tonnes of waste and 12 bulky items from alleyways.
The project also saw the installation of 11 new CCTV cameras, connected to the Council’s wider network, and improved street lighting.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“This project has truly been a community-focussed, local project. Working with our partners, we identified a number of projects to help make this part of the East Marsh safer and more secure.
“By distributing proper home security upgrades to vulnerable people and families, we’ve helped to protect homes against intruders.
“By clearing alleyways and repairing or renewing gates, we’ve reduced the risk of fly-tipping and alleyway fires.
“By investing money into local projects and community groups, we’ve the community a chance to really flourish.
“I’m really pleased with the results and feel that there is a real sense of achievement following this project. Safer Streets has had a tremendous impact and I would like to congratulate all those involved.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “When I became Police and Crime Commissioner I set my office an ambitious target to generate investment in our area from central Government.
“Since then we have had four successful bids into the Home Office Safer Streets fund which have enabled positive interventions to be made in Scunthorpe, Beverley, Grimsby’s West Marsh and now this latest project in the East Marsh.
“I’m very pleased to see the difference Safer Streets is already making for local residents and improving the safety of their community.”
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Matt Stringer said: “Alongside our partners, we are determined to really help the community in making the East Marsh an enjoyable place to live.
“The investment means we have been able to further listen to the concerns of local residents and as a result, have ramped up our efforts further in targeting those individuals’ intent on causing harm to the community.
“I would like to thank the community for their continued support as we continue to help the East Marsh thrive.
“I would encourage anybody with information on suspicious or criminal activity to report it to us on our non-emergency number 101 or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
The project has been documented by Hammond House film company, with the footage expected the be published online in the coming weeks.
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