Newsroom

The Safer & Stronger Communities investment will address community priorities and create tangible measures to address them. 

Residents are invited to have their say to help build initiatives such as youth groups, social clubs and openings for volunteers to get involved. They are also being asked to help reduce opportunities for wrongdoings such as fly tipping, graffiti and anti-social behaviour. 

Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Shaun Davies said: “According to data, Telford is the safest major town in Shropshire and among the top 10 nationally* where 76 per cent of people feel safe in their homes - but we are far from complacent. 

“We want residents to know we are on their side and finding ways to do more like working with the Police to address community concerns as I often hear requests for more Police support. 

“I’ll work with the Police and partners to ensure they play their part and make the borough even safer. Through both immediate action and sustained initiatives, we will ensure Telford and Wrekin continues to be a great place to live, visit and work where people feel safe in their homes.

“It is our hope that with support from the Police Crime Commissioner John Campion, West Mercia Police and residents all working together, we can help empower communities and bring about real change.” 

Areas set to benefit include Sutton Hill, Madeley and Woodside, Brookside, Stirchley & Hollinswood, (The Nedge) Wellington (Haygate & Arleston) St Georges & Priorslee, Wrockwardine Wood & Trench, Dawley Bank & Malinslee, Dawley & Aqueduct, Hadley & Leegomery, Oakengates & Ketley Bank, Ketley & Overdale and Donnington. 

Building on a proven track record, possible measures to enhance community safety include tackling social isolation through community initiatives or youth groups for those not in education, employment or training.

Changes to the physical environment will include measures such as more CCTV, even better lighting along with tackling fly tipping, graffiti and dealing with abandoned cars and houses and parking enforcement will all contribute to a safer, cleaner environment.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion said: “I am committed to seeing that our communities don’t have to face the fear of crime, or have their lives blighted by the actions of others – they should feel safe where they live. With this funding we will be able to deliver a number of simple measures and initiatives that will have a significant impact.”

Through community feedback, the scheme will build a local picture about what measures are the most suitable with events being held for residents to give their views – the first will be held at Donnington Community Hub on St Matthews Road (TF2 7PR) Wednesday, 29 September, between 4-8pm. 

There will also be further events; 

•Dawley & Aqueduct, Dawley House, Thursday, 30 September, 

•Sutton Hill Community Church, Wednesday, 6 October 

•Woodside, William Reynolds School, Tf7 5QW, Thursday, 7 October 

The investment will see Telford & Wrekin Council contribute £2m and an additional £500k from PCC John Campion to support the project, totalling £2.5m spread over the next two years. 

For further information and further details of the events, visit www.Telford.gov.uk/saferstronger 

Residents can also fill out a questionnaire at the events about their neighbourhood action plans and enter a free prize draw to win shopping vouchers up to the value of £50.

Source: *https://crimerate.co.uk/shropshire/telford