Your Community - Stronger communities are safer communities
In Cumbria we are fortunate to live in an area with lower than average rates of crime. Research shows that this has a lot to do with the strong sense of community found in many areas of the county. Together with other organisations like the district councils, police and NHS, the county council is helping residents come together to cut crime and make their area a better place to live.
Get together for safer neighbourhoods
You’ve probably heard of Neighbourhood Watch, but did you know that people who live in a watch area experience 80 per cent less crime than those that who don’t? Simply by getting to know our neighbours and looking out for one another we can curb crimes like burglary, cold calling and fly tipping and help create a better sense of community at the same time. Brian Dawson is co-ordinator of the Neighbhourhood Watch scheme in
Levens near Kendal. He said: “The whole village is covered by the scheme. Everyone just tends to be aware of anything out of the ordinary and I’m pleased to say we’ve seen crime rates fall lower and lower over the years. I’d urge anyone to set up a neighbourhood watch scheme because there are so many benefits: feeling safer in your home and community, getting to know your neighbours, and there may even be a chance of a lower home insurance premium.”
In Cumbria, neighbourhood watch schemes are supported by the county council and Cumbria Constabulary and are members of Cumbria Neighbourhood Watch Association. Anyone can set up a scheme in their neighbourhood: call Cumbria Constabulary on 0845 3300247 or go to cumbria.police.uk
for more information.
Stronger communities are safer communities
When residents of West Shore Park in Barrow became plagued by cold callers the county council worked with them to help them feel safer and more secure in their homes. Residents said that a No Cold Calling Zone, which bans unexpected door to door traders, would be welcome in their community. Resident Barry Threlfall said: “Cold callers were a concern for my wife and I and many of our neighbours. We’re delighted with the No Cold Calling Zone as it’s put a stop to nuisance callers and now we feel a lot safer, particularly when we go to answer the door.”
Austin Shields, Principal Trading Standards Officer said: “When we approached residents about a No Cold Calling Zone we found overwhelming support for the plans. We’re now working with communities in other parts of the county to set up similar zones.”
In towns and villages across Cumbria, residents are getting involved in a county council scheme which is helping make communities safer, stronger and cleaner. The project, called Together We Can, is currently being held in the Harraby area of Carlisle. The county council, along with Carlisle City Council, Police, NHS and Riverside Housing Association have been listening to residents’ views about the improvements they want to see. Lewis Powell is Police Constable for Harraby. He said: “Harraby is a really good place to live but like anywhere it’s not perfect. Clearing graffiti, improving street lighting and going door to door to talk to residents about community safety have all helped reduce crime and antisocial behaviour. A BMX track has helped give young people more to do and seen them learn about bike safety and have their cycles coded.”
Family fun days, community events and neighbourhood forums have also helped bring the community together.
Neighbourhood Forums are a great way to meet your neighbours and councillors and have your say on the issues that matter to you. There are more than 60 forums in Cumbria. Go to cumbria.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums to find your nearest one.
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