A new campaign to make communities feel safer and neighbourhoods more welcoming has launched with the help of £500,000 of Government cash.
The first phase of the Safer Streets project is focusing on Crosby & Park and Town wards and has already made an impact in the area, including installing CCTV and clearing up fly-tipped waste.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to secure this government cash to improve these areas of Scunthorpe.
“It is vital that residents feel safe and well in their communities, and with this funding we can carry out much needed improvements and address residents’ concerns.
“The cash addresses several issues, including fly-tipping which costs the taxpayer a significant amount each year, which can be avoided if people dispose of their waste correctly.
“This cash is for the people who live in the area and do care about their community – criminal activity is not accepted in North Lincolnshire, and we will do all we can to enhance these areas and reduce crime.”
These include introducing a one-way system to allow traffic to flow better and improve safety as well as a new layout for parking.
There are also plans for a wider project to educate residents on how to properly disposal of waste and the importance of keeping their community cleaner.
Jonathan Evison, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This latest Safer Streets award follows earlier successful schemes in Scunthorpe and across the Humber region.
“I am pleased to have secured this latest investment which will deliver a number of positive improvements in the Crosby and Town wards to make the area safer, cleaner and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Further improvements to increase safety and grow community pride include removing blind spots, improving street lighting, upgrading CCTV, improving home security, fly-tipping prevention and removal, further renovating the Memorial Park and increasing the number of Neighbourhood Watch groups.
Paul French, chief superintendent at Humberside Police, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this exciting initiative.
“We recognise the immense pride that the communities have in their local area – and we very much share that.
“Our dedicated and accessible Neighbourhood Policing Teams are absolutely committed to listening to residents and business owners across our local communities and working together to take action and make a real difference.
“We look forward to the first phase of this initiative over the weeks and months ahead, and I would like to thank our local communities for their continued support.”
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, said: “We can’t turn a blind eye to some of the challenges people face – our communities deserve peace of mind, and that starts with investing and prioritising these great initiatives.
“I have tirelessly advocated for increased funding to address these issues with Government, and I’m delighted that the Government’s Safer Street Fund will bring great comfort to our residents by directly addressing their concerns.
“I applaud the incredible work and collaboration of the Community Safety Partnership and eagerly anticipate the positive progress these actions will deliver for our area.”
North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is leading on delivering the project, which has also seen the cutting back of overgrown trees and cleaning work on roads and footpaths to make them safer.
The CSP includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB (Integrated Care Board) and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
Pictured: Danny Harsley, northern engineering manager for Videcom Security, Tracey Coyne, Community Safety Partnership manager, Inspector Tom Stevens and Chief Inspector Chad Stevens of Humberside Police, Cllr John Davidson and Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison.
