18th February 2008, 08/42
It's official - people feel even safer in West
Lancashire
Public confidence in the way West Lancashire is tackling crime and
the fear of crime is at an all time high as figures reveal
residents feel safe living here.
The latest results from the District Council's People's Panel
survey shows that over three-quarters of residents (76.6%) feel
that West Lancashire is a safe, secure place to live.
Other glowing results show that the majority of people also feel
that by investing in community safety, the Council contributes to
improving the quality of life of West Lancashire residents.
Residents particularly applaud the Council for the funding of
Police Community Support Officers, investing in CCTV and using Anti
Social Behaviour Orders.
These latest results are a big boost for the Council because one of
its top priorities is to tackle crime and the fear of crime. It
shows that by the Council tackling these issues through the
Community Safety Partnership, it is having a positive impact on
people's lives.
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:
"Tackling crime and the fear of crime remains at the top of our
agenda. We know that it is a big concern for local people because
it impacts so heavily on everyone's quality of life and well being.
By investing in this priority we are ensuring that our communities
are feeling safe. So to hear that residents do feel safe living in
West Lancashire is testimony to our hard work and that of our
partners."
This year there was a slight drop in alcohol-related issues being
seen as a problem (32.6%) although it still remains a priority.
This could be attributed to all the work the Council has carried
out in this area, such as alcohol-related interventions, the
funding of alcohol swabs, educational resources and diversionary
activities to stop underage drinking as well as the commissioning
of an alcohol report to plan the way forward.
Despite actual levels of crime in West Lancashire being low, the
fear of crime does continue to cause people some concern (85.2%)
and the Council anticipates further challenges in this area of work
to reassure communities.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Crime and Reduction
Partnership, said: "We realise that the fear of crime is actually
worse than the reality in many people's minds, which is why we will
continue to focus on reassuring residents. By putting in more CCTV
cameras, providing better communication and presence on the
streets, engaging with young people and providing more diversionary
activities, we hope it will make people feel even safer. Together
with our partners, such as the police and other key agencies, we
will rise to these challenges to make our communities safer and
come down hard on those who break the law."
To find out more about the Council's work around community safety,
visit our Community Safety pages. To see the full results from the
survey, visit our People's Panel section.
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