Art in Scarlett Street Newcastle, Anti-social behaviour Hotspot pilot
Written by Hitmix Local News on 25 October 2023
Thanks to the generous support of the Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID are set to transform an underutilised and graffiti-covered alleyway on Scarlett Street into a vibrant and thought-provoking mural. This project contributes to the Safer Streets initiative and aligns closely with the Get Home Safe campaign launched with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in 2022.
Artist Rob Fenton, the creative mind behind the mural, added, ‘Art has the power to not only beautify our surroundings but also ignite meaningful conversations.
This project aims to not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the town but also promote a safer and more welcoming environment, specifically focusing on women’s safety.
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An anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspot patrol pilot, which began in July, has so far seen a 20% reduction in ASB in targeted areas of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The pilot is funded through the government’s ASB Action Plan, with the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office receiving £2 million funding over the next two years for an additional uniformed presence, as part of a new approach to working with local agencies.
Staffordshire is one of 16 pilot areas to receive ASB funding, with Staffordshire Police providing almost 200 additional patrols in Burton Urban, Fenton West and Mount Pleasant, Hanley and Etruria, Stafford and Newcastle Town Centre.
The increased presence is designed to help deter ASB, step up enforcement action against offenders, make sure crimes are punished more quickly and drive deterrence efforts, helping to stop behaviour spiralling into more serious criminality.
Although the additional hotspot patrols have only been running since July, early indications are positive, with a combined 20% reduction in reported ASB in the hotspot areas across July, August and September, compared to the same period in 2022.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “Anti-social behaviour has reduced in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in recent years, but there is still more to be done by Police and partners.
“This pilot, bringing additional patrols to hotspot ASB areas, is an opportunity to further reduce the impact of ASB on our communities. We’re already starting to see positive results, and I look forward to seeing the pilot continue to develop over the coming months.”
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adam
