Reported crime levels in an East Hull community fell by nearly 45% from 2006-2010 and calls to the Fire Service dropped by 75% between 2003 and 2010, according to figures released in a special publication from local charity EMS Yorkshire.
“A Road Map of Neighbourhood Management in Southcoates East”, published by EMS in January 2011, highlights the ground-breaking success of a community partnership to improving the Preston Road area. The team effort, which was singled out for national praise in 2010 for working together from the National Policing Improvement Agency.
The publication tracks the progress made by a neighbourhood management project, which focuses on crime, community safety, environmental improvements. The initiative was first set up by the Preston Road Neighbourhood Development Company in 2002, and is now run by EMS Yorkshire, with funding from Gateway, part of Hull City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration programme.
Figures published in the Road Map show that in 2003, some 353 calls were made from the area to Humberside Fire and Rescue. This would have been to tackle car fires or dumped rubbish which had been set alight. That number was cut to 90 in 2009.
Jan Boyd, EMS Chief Executive, says: “We’ve achieved some 21 city firsts, including regular patch walks by Police, EMS staff and Council officers, a witness support package and the first anti-social behaviour officer. EMS also fostered community pride with Park Area in Bloom, which saw the highest entry in the city, and the Doorstep Challenge.
“The Road Map is to update residents across Southcoates East on the work we’ve been doing with them and on their behalf. We want to involve local people more and are planning a neighbourhood management membership scheme so that residents can be our eyes and ears on in the area and we can respond to problems even better.”
A yearly survey of residents has shown improvements in their view of the area. In 2006, some 40% of people felt the level of dumped rubbish was too high and this was down to 25% in 2009. Fear of crime is also down with 85% of people now saying their personal fears were average to very low, up 19% since 2006. Residents also say they have noticed more police patrols.
The Road Map also informs residents that the Fire Service has made visits to some 730 homes to give safety advice and that Southcoates East Ward councillors have spent around £35,000 a year on environmental or community safety improvements over the last four years.
Don Smallwood, Chairman of the Preston Road Neighbourhood Development Company (PRNDC), said: “The community made it clear that regeneration money needed to be invested to make the area better and safer. This publication shows the progress we’ve made to tackle problems and introduce ideas to involve residents. PRNDC continues to fund the work and to see lasting change.”
Copies of the Road Map, so named because of the design of the A1-sized chart inside, are being delivered to all 4,500 households or can be obtained from EMS on 01482 709810 or email info@emsyorkshire.co.uk.