Not in my neighbourhood 15-19 October 2007

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Local people in areas of Newcastle are getting the chance to say no to crime and anti-social behaviour in their area during a week of activities.

As part of the Home Office’s Changing Lives, Making Communities Safer campaign, Not in My Neighbourhood Week will take place from 15 October until 19 October.

Safe Newcastle will be running a series of road shows letting residents know what is happening to make their area safer, what they can do to help keep it safe and giving residents the chance to have their say.

These road shows are the first major events to take place as part of Safe Neighbourhoods, a scheme to solve problems or concerns about crime, community safety and anti-social behaviour in local neighbourhoods.

A lot of work has already been done to make local communities in the city safer. In the West End the Safe Neighbourhoods Action and Problem Solving group has reduced the theft of satellite navigation devices by using hidden cameras to target thieves, and an awareness campaign aimed at local homes, businesses, colleges and hospitals.

Young people in Denton were given the opportunity to get involved in sports and dance when the local Safe Neighbourhoods Action and Problem Solving group and Street Games came together to reduce youth disorder. 

During Not in My Neighbourhood Week the Shape Bus, a red single-decker bus will be visiting a different area each day giving local people the opportunity to meet some of organisations who are working to keep them safe by tackling crime, anti-social behaviour, alcohol misuse and drug use. These will include Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council, Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Your Homes Newcastle and voluntary organisations.

As well as finding out what is happening to improve their neighbourhood, residents will have the chance to have their say about their area and any problems they may be experiencing by identifying places on a map they have concerns about and by exploring what things make them feel less safe or more safe. They will also be asked to fill in a questionnaire about their concerns. Names will then be entered into a prize draw with the chance of winning home security packs and shopping vouchers.

This will help provide a better, more detailed understanding of local issues and concerns which can be followed up and solutions found.

Cllr. Gareth Cooper, Chair of Safe Newcastle said: “Safe Newcastle is committed to making our city a safer one for everyone who lives, works, visits and socialises here.

“We recognise the importance of looking at issues that affect local communities in their local neighbourhood and finding appropriate local solutions. This is why we have developed Safe Neighbourhoods.

“Not in My Neighbourhood Week is a great opportunity for us to talk to local people about what we are doing through Safe Neighbourhoods as well as listening to their concerns. Our work and commitment is on-going”.

Not in My Neighbourhood Week will also be celebrating the excellent work that is going on at a local level. The road shows will promote the message that by working together we are successfully tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and the fact that crime in Newcastle continues to fall. From April to June this year total crime in Newcastle fell by a further 9% compared to the same period last year.

Marie Fallon, Director for Regeneration for Newcastle City Council added: “We hope that these road shows provide local people with the opportunity to let us know what concerns them and get involved in Safe Newcastle’s work.

“As the work of Safe Neighbourhoods develops we will run similar throughout the city.

“Safe Neighbourhoods is a new way of working that brings partners together to respond to local community safety concerns.

“Issues of crime and anti-social behaviour will therefore be dealt with more quickly and effectively”.

The Not in My Neighbourhood Road show will be visiting the following areas:
Monday 15 October:             11am - 2pm, St Martins Centre, Roman Avenue, Byker
Tuesday 16 October:            11am - 2pm, Fawdon Shopping Centre, Fawdon
Wednesday 17 October:      11am - 2pm, Church Walk Shopping Centre, Fawdon
Thursday 18 October:           11am - 2pm, Outer West Customer Service Centre,  Denton Park Shopping Centre, Denton
Friday 19 October:                11am - 2pm, Lemington Centre, Tyne View, Lemington