Spalding Neighbourhood Board is set to invest in a new model to support safety and security in the town centre.
At its meeting on Monday 20th April, board members agreed to fund a joined-up approach to provide a visible presence in the town centre that combines public and private sector resources.
Under the approach agreed by board members, new community support officers will be recruited by the council to play a crucial role focused on enforcement activity, intelligence gathering, partnership working and follow-up actions, as well as signposting people to services.
In addition, a flexible private patrol service will also be engaged to provide cover in the short term and to offer additional capacity and support in the longer term, particularly during busy periods.
The new model responds directly to community feedback which has placed safety and security in the town centre as a top priority, and it follows on from the successes of the hotspot policing pilot scheme.
Developed collaboratively with partners, the new approach agreed by the Board will maintain the momentum of the hotspot policing scheme, ensuring continuity and will act within a multi-agency framework alongside Lincolnshire Police, Safer Lincolnshire Partnership and others to support existing policing and community safety priorities.
The details of the model will be finalised shortly, and it is envisaged that it will be mobilised in the coming weeks.
Robin Hancox, Chair, Spalding Neighbourhood Board said: “We fully understand how important it is that people are able to enjoy and experience the town centre safely. It’s a priority for the community and it’s a priority for us too.
“That’s why we have been fully committed to finding a new way to invest in a visible presence in the town centre, and by working together, I am really pleased that we have found a solution so swiftly.
“Through our joined-up and flexible model, we can mobilise a patrol service quickly and recruit and appoint community safety officers for the longer-term.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped to come up with this solution which will build on the achievements of the hotspot policing scheme, and I look forward to seeing it implemented for the benefit of people in Spalding.”
Councillor Nick Worth, Leader, South Holland District Council: “I am delighted that we will be continuing to build on the momentum achieved by Hot Spot Policing in making people feel safer when they are in Spalding Town Centre along with reducing anti-social behaviour.
Working together in partnership with Council wardens who have the relevant enforcement powers, the private sector and Police I believe we have the best of all worlds which will make Spalding a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the variety of independent shops, restaurants, cafes, markets and events.”
The Board has allocated funding for four years for the provision of a model to support safety and security in the town centre, and members will monitor and review the delivery of the model on an ongoing basis, ensuring it remains responsive to the town’s needs.