More views needed for safety survey
Telford and Wrekin Council is calling on women and girls aged 16+ to complete a survey, that will guide £250,000 of investment into new safety measures.
To date just under 500 respondents have completed the survey which closes at the end of March.
It seeks to understand what type of measures people would like to see brought in and support the extensive work already being done.
In the last 12 months, the council has issued over 60 breaches of license to taxi’s, seized over £37,000 of illegal goods, supported over 175 victims of anti-social behaviour, inspected over 200 licensed premises/businesses – all helping to reduce anti-social which has declined by 10%.
Examples of some of the proposed measures could include new closed circuit television cameras and additional lighting. Self-defence classes are already up and running with help from volunteer Bill Gilmour, his team and the council’s safer & stronger communities project.
Around 120 women have completed the courses to date that have been held at Woodside, Malinslee, Ketley, Randlay and Hadley community centres. The latest courses are currently taking place at Horsehay village hall.
Councillor Paul Watling (Labour), Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for safer & stronger communities said: “We would really like more people to fill in this survey, there might be issues we could help with but really need people to let us know if they need help or have suggestions.
“It doesn’t take long to complete so please fill it in and encourage your friends and family to do so too. The more views we have the more informed our teams will be about what’s needed.”
The council continues to develop the CCTV network to act as a deterrent in hot spot areas including a pilot to install cameras in taxis, a theatre education programme aimed at young people that challenges unacceptable behaviours, funding licenses for safe and secure night time venues such as bars and clubs are just some of the measures already in place or planed for the future.
Domestic abuse is a common crime with 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men as victims, for further support and advice visit the website here.
To find out about further self-defence classes, email the team at saferstronger@Telford.gov.uk or pop along to the classes at Horsehay on February 21 & 28 between 6.45-8.45pm.
Pictured: Instructor Nikki Lane, Gaby Roberts, Megan Nicholls, Kerry Nicolls, Beth Taylor, Laura Lightbody.
