Build a Better Bedwell initiative showcased

Key partners and community members came together today, Wednesday (March 13) to showcase a new scheme aimed at driving out organised crime and improving the quality of life for local residents in Bedwell. 

Two government initiatives, 'Clear, Hold, Build' and 'Safer Streets' are being implemented in the Bedwell area, to help reduce drugs, anti-social behaviour and violent crime - the first time the Clear, Hold, Build scheme has been rolled out in Hertfordshire.

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire added: "This initiative is testament to the power of collaboration, as it brings together a wide range of partners, plus residents, local schools and the community association to reduce crime in Bedwell.

"My office secured over £750,000 in funding from the Home Office's Safer Street fund including match funded contributions, to tackle issues head on to reduce crime, reduce victims and make the area a better place to live and work."

The new partnership approach, involves Hertfordshire Constabulary, Stevenage Borough Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, working with the local community to reduce crime and create a safer Bedwell. 

Named 'Build a Better Bedwell' by children from Brooms Barnes Primary School, the Clear part of the project has now been implemented, with more than 50 people being arrested for drug related crime and numerous warrants executed at local addresses since May 2023. 

Leading on the project for Stevenage Borough Council Jane Konopka, Community Development Manager said: "Thank you to everyone who attended our launch event for Build a Better Bedwell.

"This project will improve the neighbourhood by bringing residents, council officers, the police, and local community organisations together to work in partnership.

"We are keen for the community to be involved in making key decisions that will enhance Bedwell and make it a safer place to live for our communities." 

Around £765,000 of Safer Streets funding has now been secured by the Police and Crime Commissioner to support this new initiative, together with matched funded contributions from local partners. This will be used to roll out a range of measures including CCTV, secure by design door entry systems, and garage defenders. 

Commenting on the event, Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Nick Redfearn said: "I would like to thank everyone who came along today to learn about this new project and how they can help take it forward. We need all the community onboard if this scheme is to succeed, as keeping crime out of areas relies on everyone getting involved and playing their part."

At today's event, which was jointly organised by the Bedwell Community Association, the Hertfordshire Sport and Physical Activity Partnership and police, invited guests heard about the aims of the project and how key the community is to its success. A special workshop then took place to explore how the community can get involved in building up the area.

Jessica Baird from the Hertfordshire Sport and Physical Activity Partnership added: "It has been fantastic to be involved in the creation of this programme and to see it come to fruition. Sport and physical activity can play a key role in preventing crime and supporting local communities."

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