Greater Manchester wins more than £2.4 million to build safer streets

Greater Manchester has been awarded £2,400,856 to tackle anti-social behaviour and make streets safer for residents across the city-region.

The Safer Streets Fund, launched by the Home Office, aims to tackle issues that blight communities by putting measures in place to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and support victims.

Manchester, Wigan and Stockport have all been awarded funding, following successful bids supported by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

In Manchester, the successful bid, led by GMCA and supported by Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will see £453,080 from the Safer Streets Fund invested in tackling anti-social behaviour and improving safety on the Fallowfield Loop.

The improvements will include:

• A community warden who will work closely with the local community and support those who use the Loop to enhance existing activity on the Loop including a local buddy scheme, guided rides and walks and cycle training.
• Creation of a Safe Space which will be used as a hub for the community warden and will be a place for people to access help and support if needed.
• Installation of new lighting, fences, and guard rails.
• Working with local schools to deliver cycle training.
• Site clearance and landscaping along the eight-mile length of the Loop to help reduce crime and improve feelings of safety.

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Hughes said: “I’m pleased that Greater Manchester will receive more than £2.4 million from the Safer Streets Fund, which will be invested in tackling the issues that local people have told us are blighting their communities and making them feel unsafe.

“This is the fourth round of funding which has seen more than £4.2 million invested in Safer Streets initiatives across Greater Manchester since August 2020. This additional funding will allow us to build on this work in other parts of the city-region to deliver activity to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and work with local people to strengthen neighbourhoods and keep them safe.”

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: "Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the Council. Everyone should be able to live in peace and without the fear of intimidation or violence. That is why with our partners, we have made this successful bid for additional resources to tackle issues in Fallowfield.

"Collective action is the best way for us to transform communities and make them safe, prosperous and happy. I look forward to implementing new measures which can help us fulfil our goals."

In Stockport, the council, working with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), has been awarded £436,810 which will be used to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Stockport Town Centre and Brinnington. This will include detached youth workers, delivering mentoring to young people involved in anti-social behaviour and criminality, investment in community, sport and other diversionary activities, and specialist support for vulnerable victims of anti-social behaviour.

Stockport Council will also work with residents to set up a community speed watch scheme and work with local businesses to help reduce retail crime through a crime reporting pilot.

Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing at Stockport Council, said: “The Safer Streets scheme focuses on bringing about improvements for local communities and this project in the town centre and Brinnington is aimed at improving the quality of life for people in our communities.

“Safeguarding our residents is a key priority for the council and this grant and the activities planned with it, will help make residents feel as safe as possible in their own neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.”

Wigan Council, supported by GMP, has been awarded £745,518 to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Platt Bridge, Woodcock Drive, and Scholes.

Activity will include investment in CCTV, working with local businesses to help people into employment and expansion of the Safety of Woman at Night initiative by working with schools to deliver sessions on healthy relationships and public safety.

Community groups will also be invited to apply for pots of funding to deliver local projects.

Councillor Kevin Anderson, Cabinet Member for Police, Crime and Civil Contingencies at Wigan Council, said: “We are absolutely committed to tackling anti-social behaviour across our borough. To secure this funding is huge step and it will enable us to bring about real and visible change for residents.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution made by the Place and Community Safety Partnership and local councillors. We want residents to see that we are taking their concerns extremely seriously and are committed to working with them to ensure they feel safe and secure in the place they live.”

British Transport Police, working with the Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership, has also been awarded £275,000 to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, with a further £490,448 awarded to GreaterSport working with Trafford Council on Active Travel and Active Lives for Women and Girls.

Article Published: 26/07/2022 16:14 PM