An Essex project which aims to reduce crime has moved into New Town, Colchester.
The Safer Colchester Project will be based in the area for the next three months.?? Agencies including Essex Police, Colchester Borough Council’s street wardens and Essex County Council’s Trading Standards and Integrated Youth Service will take part.?? New Town is the third area of focus for the year-long project. The first stage led to a drop in both crime and anti-social behaviour in Monkwick.??
Anti-social behaviour dropped by 24 per cent in comparison to the same period last year, while crime fell by 16 per cent.??The second stage, which ended on Sunday March 14, focused on Tiptree. Similar drops in crime and anti-social behaviour are expected.??The project kicked off in New Town today with the completion of a clean-up of a graffiti hotspot.??The Essex Probation Community Payback scheme worked together with police officers to clean and repaint an area of land opposite the Alms Houses on Military Road.??Colchester Borough Council’s street wardens also carried out a litter pick with pupils from Kendall Church of England Primary School, Recreation Road.
This clean-up has been an excellent start to our time in New Town and sets the tone that graffiti will not be tolerated.
Chief Insp Adrian Coombs
Chief Inspector Adrian Coombs said: “This clean-up has been an excellent start to our time in New Town and sets the tone that graffiti will not be tolerated.??"We will be working closely with our partners to remove other graffiti and will also be putting measures in place to ensure that those responsible for the mess are caught and dealt with. We are determined to continue to make the Safer Colchester Project a long term success and are looking forward to getting started in New Town.”??Cllr Tim Young, Street and Waste Portfolio Holder at Colchester Borough Council, said: “Following the excellent results in Monkwick and Tiptree, I am confident The Safer Colchester project will continue this success in New Town.??"By listening and responding to local residents, we hope to address issues affecting the area, and make significant improvements in community safety.”??County Councillor Mick Page said: “The Safer Colchester pilot has seen some remarkable results in Monkwick and Tiptree and the partners are now eager to start work in New Town.??"A range of Essex County Council services, including Trading Standards and Integrated Youth Services teams will be on the ground once more alongside Essex Police and other partners, engaging with businesses, young people and the community as a whole, demonstrating our shared commitment to improving people’s quality of life.”
