17 April 2009, 09/74
Residents tell us they feel safer than ever
Residents have given a big vote of confidence in the way we are
tackling crime and the fear of crime, according to new
record-breaking figures.
The latest results from West Lancashire District Council’s
People’s Panel survey shows that more than four fifths (81.7%) feel
that West Lancashire is a safe, secure place to live.
This is the highest figure yet since the question was first
posed to residents when the People’s Panel was launched in
2001.
The glowing remarks are testimonial to all the investment the
Council and its partners have put into tackling crime, increasing
community confidence and improving the quality of life for its
residents.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"Developing community reassurance is one of our biggest priorities
because usually people’s perceptions are worse than actual levels
of crime, which are very low in West Lancashire. So its important
that we address these issues and make sure that people feel safe.
We have invested a lot into tackling crime and the fear of crime
and the fact that we have recorded the highest figures yet for
people feeling safe and secure in their community shows that we are
on the right lines. We will continue to do all we can to improve
the quality of life for everyone."
Residents particularly applaud the Council for the funding of
Police Community Support Officers and using Anti Social Behaviour
Orders. In fact, 84.3% agreed that by investing in community
safety, the Council contributes to improving the quality of life of
residents. The Council will also continue to use CCTV and other
interventions to boost reassurance even further.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership, said:
"The Council, through the Community Safety Partnership, is
working hard to keep West Lancashire one of the safest places to
live, work and visit. We want to reassure the public that we are
taking their fears and concerns very seriously and will do all that
we can to improve their quality of life by tackling issues that
affect their safety and well being. West Lancashire’s performance
in this area is second to none but far from resting on our laurels
we and our partners intend to make life even tougher for yobs who
create havoc within communities through the use of neighbourhood
policing, CCTV, anti social behaviour orders and other crime
interventions. I need to give credit for our success not only to
West Lancashire District Council but to Lancashire County Council,
the fire service, the NHS, our voluntary partners and last but by
no means least to the hardworking men and women of Lancashire
Constabulary."
To find out more about the Council’s work around community
safety, visit our community safety pages. To see the full results
from the survey, visit our people's people's panel pages.
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