5 February 2010, 10/27
It’s official - people feel safer than ever before
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 safer than ever before.
The latest results from West Lancashire Borough Council’s
People’s Panel survey shows that more than four fifths (83.2%) feel
that West Lancashire is a safe, secure place to live.
This is the highest figure yet since the question was
first posed to residents when the People’s Panel was launched in
2001.
The outstanding results are testimonial to all the
investment the Council and its partners have put into tackling
crime, increasing community confidence and improving the quality of
life for its residents.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety,
said: "Tackling crime and the fear of crime remains a top priority.
We know it is a big concern for local people because it impacts so
heavily on everyone’s quality of life and well-being. We are
continually investing in crime prevention measures to ensure that
our communities feel safer. To hear that residents do feel safe
living in West Lancashire is testimony to our hard work and that of
our partners and I am delighted."
Those surveyed particularly applaud the Council for the
funding of Police Community Support Officers and a massive 89%
support the Council in its use of Anti Social Behaviour
Orders.
Other results show that the majority of people (81.9%)
also feel that by investing in community safety, the Council
contributes to improving the quality of life of
residents.
There has also been a drop in the number of people who
feel that alcohol issues are a problem in their neighbourhood
(27.9%), which reflects the effort that the Council and its
partners have put into spearheading initiatives to tackle underage
and binge-drinking.
The Council will continue to use CCTV and other
interventions to boost reassurance even further.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community
Safety 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 that West Lancashire is one of the
safest places to live, work and visit. Using tools such as CCTV,
ASBOs and high visibility police patrols, engaging with young
people and launching new crime initiatives will all continue to
happen in our war against crime. Far from resting on our laurels we
and our partners intend to make life even tougher for those who
spoil our neighbourhoods.
"I need to give credit for our success not only to West
Lancashire Borough Council but to Lancashire County Council, Fire
and Rescue, the NHS, our voluntary partners and last but by no
means least to the hardworking men and women of Lancashire
Constabulary."
To find out more about the Council’s work around community
safety, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/communitysafety.
To see the full results from the survey, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/panel.
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