How a college in Daventry has tackled anti-social behaviour.
In recent months, Northampton College’s Daventry campus, in Badby Road West, has suffered criminal damage and anti-social behaviour out of college hours, including people climbing onto the flat roofs at night.
In an attempt to reduce these incidents, College officials were considering erecting a tall metal fence around the site to keep offenders out.
At a meeting called by the college to outline their plans, the residents overlooking the area stated that they didn’t want a metal fence restricting access to the grounds and spoiling the sports field view opposite their homes.
Aaron Goddard, Community Watch Liaison Officer for the Northamptonshire West Police Area, based at Daventry Police Station, said: "A forum from the College and local residents have now set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to overlook the College site and report any crime and anti-social behaviour to the Police.
"This has had the dual benefits of increasing College security and avoiding unsightly fence erection in the area, in addition to improving local communication and neighbourliness off the College site.
"I have had a number of meetings with residents and College staff and am thrilled that everyone is now working together to tackle anti-social behaviour."
Northampton College Principal Len Closs said: "We are sympathetic to the local community and were keen to pursue alternative suggestions made by our neighbouring residents in opposition to the fence.
"We have been working closely with residents in respect of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme and are extremely pleased with the positive outcome.
"The College has a duty to its local community, staff and students to secure the site and minimize any risk of harm which might arise through trespass."
