Council-led campaign shines light on ongoing work to create a safer Newcastle
A new campaign is highlighting the extensive work taking place every day to create an even safer and more welcoming environment for residents, shoppers, visitors and businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme
“Safer Newcastle” – created by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council as the lead body of the Newcastle Community Safety Partnership – aims to promote the collaborative efforts of partner agencies in tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and wider community safety concerns across the borough.
It officially launches at an inaugural event taking place by the Guildhall in Newcastle town centre on Friday, 22 May, from 10am to 2pm, where representatives from the borough council, Aspire Housing, Staffordshire Police and other organisations will be available to talk about ongoing safety activities and the support available locally. This session, and wider campaign, is supported by Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District.
Michelle Hopper, Neighbourhood Delivery Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:
A huge amount of work continues to take place behind the scenes every single day through the Newcastle Community Safety Partnership to help keep the borough safe, prevent crime and support people who live, work and spend time here.
The new Safer Newcastle campaign aims to reassure the public, support businesses and demonstrate the strength of relationships between the council, police and other partners by raising awareness of targeted activities in different areas across the borough.
We want everyone to feel confident, welcome and safe, whether they are visiting Newcastle-under-Lyme during the day, working locally or enjoying the evening economy. On 22 May we are looking forward to showing residents and businesses how they can play their part in creating a more positive and inclusive town centre.”
Businesses will be encouraged to sign up to a free membership scheme offering advice, support and practical assistance on issues such as business crime and shoplifting.
The event includes the launch of the “WalkSafe” app, a free tool enabling residents, students and visitors to share their live journeys with trusted contacts and access a range of safety features to help them feel more secure while travelling, particularly at night.
As part of access to the app over the next two years – supported by funding from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) – users can find the location of 20 new designated safe spaces across the borough, where help and support is available, as well as licensed venues that support safety initiatives including “Ask for Angela”.
Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, who is chair of the VRA added:
I am pleased that the VRA has been able to support Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, and other councils across the county and city, to roll out the WalkSafe app.
For individuals where personal safety is a concern, the WalkSafe app offers an extra layer of safety and protection during the day and night.
The VRA will continue to support Newcastle Community Safety Partnership and partners to improve the safety of our communities.”
The town centre safe space, situated opposite Café Nero in the Ironmarket, is open as normal between 9pm and 2am on 22 May to support anyone who feels vulnerable, unsafe or in need of assistance.