Various public spaces in Leominster and Ross-on-Wye are now safer due to additional street lighting and CCTV cameras.
The installations were funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, using a grant from the Home Office and supported by funding from Leominster and Ross-on-Wye town councils.
The improvements were identified as a result of West Mercia Police consultation, and focus on routes taken home by females when out in the Night Time Economy (NTE) in Leominster and Ross-on-Wye. Four areas of concern were identified (Leominster East and South, and Ross-on-Wye East and West) through crime statistics, public surveys and wider consultation.
In response, the Safer Streets 5 Project is targeting Violence Against Women and Girls, offences of street harassment and violence, stalking, sexual assault, rape and domestic abuse perpetrated in public.
Cllr Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “These new street lighting and CCTV installations are incredibly important contributions to making public spaces safe for all. High-risk areas were identified based on extensive data, and some areas in Leominster and Ross-on-Wye that have suffered from anti-social behaviour, particularly towards women and girls, are now much safer places.
“I would like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner, along with Leominster and Ross-on-Wye town councils for all their support and effort in helping to deliver this vital project.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I’m committed to making sure people are not only safe but feel safe too. By working with the community and putting their voice at the heart of policing, we were able to listen to their concerns and target our resources where they would make the most difference.
“I’m delighted these lights and CCTV systems have been installed to help deliver safer town centres and communities. But it’s not job done and I will continue to take steps together with our partners and West Mercia Police to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.”
Inspector Julie Watson of Herefordshire Police said: “Keeping women and girls safe on the streets of Herefordshire remains a key priority for West Mercia Police.
“We welcome the new streetlights and CCTV cameras which will help us to achieve this as we continue our 24/7 efforts to protect the public from those who attempt to commit crime and cause harm.”