Safer Streets Funding

Enhancements to security of the town centre and the Quarry Park has been made possible following a recent successful bid to the Home Office. Working with the West Mercia Police & the Police & Crime Commissioner, the Town Council has managed to secure funding to enhance park security into the early evening and night-time.

In 2021, as COVID restrictions were lifted, the Town Council employed security staff to help provide local reassurance for park users, encourage responsible usage by young people and address any unnecessary and unwanted behaviour. This cover was reimplemented in the spring of 2022 to address recent anti-social behaviour concerns.

Town Clerk, Helen Ball spoke of the Home Office Bid: “The Safer Streets 4 funding scheme focussed on addressing violence against women and girls and this was clearly an issue for us in protecting people in the park. This funding will allow us to expand that visual presence in the park so that everyone can enjoy the facilities more.”

Local security firm Prosecure have been commissioned to expand their existing security arrangements in the park to include patrols into the evening. Residents, park users as well as Town Council staff have welcomed the professional approach that security staff have brought to the park. A representative of Prosecure said: “We have long since enjoyed good working relations with Shrewsbury Town Council. For many years, we have assisted them with Christmas Lights Switch-on and of late, we have provided security for high profile events like the Commonwealth Games Celebration event and the Royal Yeomanry Freedom Parade. We have built up a good team spirit and we have a collective vision on creating safe events and spaces that the public can enjoy.”

The Safer Streets funding will provide support for the park, town centre ranger, taxi marshals, improvements to CCTV, lighting and signage and promotion of the Street Pastors Scheme. Working through Team Shrewsbury, partners will seek to maximise the impact of the funding in the town centre which has recently been highlighted as a concern area by West Mercia Police.

Chairman of Shrewsbury Town Council’s recreation & leisure committee, Councillor Kevin Pardy said: “The Town Council has been a big supporter of Team Shrewsbury. By partners working together we can bring about better outcomes and make a difference in the town centre.”

ENDS/

Published: 11 August 2022