Tenants of council owned residential buildings in Newark are feeling safer after entryways to their homes were fitted with new intercom systems.
The new instalments, which have been put in place at Tithe Barn, Lover’s Lane, and Queen’s Court, mean tenants can now use their landlines or mobile phones to open their door and if they have the system set up on a mobile phone, they can view who is at their door through a video stream.
Over £1 million has been invested towards a safer Newark and Sherwood as part of the Safer Streets project to date after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner secured £3 million of funding for projects across the county which tackle neighbourhood crime, antisocial behaviour and prevent violence against women and girls.
The new instalments have been received positively by residents, with many noting the systems have improved their feeling of safety in their home and have also been a convenient addition to the buildings.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “The new intercom systems that have been put in place are one of many innovative ways that Safer Streets is protecting communities and making them feel safer.
“The fact that the only people who can now access the buildings are those that need to, provides comfort and reassurance for residents as well as preventing the risk of antisocial behaviour.
“This work has been made possible by the partnership working between Newark & Sherwood District Council, Nottinghamshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.”
The sites were also fitted with brand new interactive community notice boards that will allow residents to be kept up to date with community news, safety information, take part in tenant surveys and more.
The target hardening measure follows the success of similar installations in previous Safer Streets projects, that left residents feeling more secure in their buildings.
A tenant at Queen’s Court said: “This new system is better for me because I can access it conveniently from my phone and I can see who is coming to me.”
A tenant from Tithe Barn said: “Being able to see who’s at the door makes me feel safer. I can open the door from my home and don’t have to go downstairs now to let visitors in.”
A tenant from Lover’s Lane said: “The new system has 100% made a difference. I can open the door from anywhere in the flat and don’t have to stop what I’m doing to let someone in and it’s really good to be able to see who’s at the door.”
In total, the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner was successful with four £750,000 bids, after working in partnership with Community Safety Partnerships across Nottinghamshire, as well as Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire Police.
Newark and Sherwood and Bassetlaw District Councils are sharing one of those £750,000 pots for safety projects in their areas.
A number of projects are currently being implemented to create a safer district and are set to be completed by September 2023. In addition to the investments at Tithe Barn, Lover’s Lane, and Queen’s Court, the funding is being used to:
- Improve lighting on paths and provide additional CCTV in areas identified as hot spots for antisocial behaviour
- Increase CCTV across a number of town centre locations
- Install new secure gated entrances for vehicles and pedestrians at St. Marks Place
- Support a new initiative to reinvigorate the Shop Watch scheme
- Provide By-Stander training for night-time economy staff to address violence against women and girls
- Invest in environmental improvements, including additional litter bin provision, relocation of street furniture and improved lighting
- Increase targeted police patrols
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner, Safer, Greener at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I am thrilled to see the positive impact the Safer Streets funding has had for these residents, and the improvements they have had on their feeling of safety. Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their home.”
“The Safer Streets project is well underway with multiple investments including these already implemented and making a difference in our community, and it is always great to know residents are feeling the benefits of the work we have committed to alongside our partners from Nottinghamshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.”
Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood said: “Hearing from residents themselves the impact these measures have had on their lives and how safe they feel is great.
“This is what the Safer Streets funding is all about and getting to hear first-hand from people using the scheme and the improvements they’ve had as a result – it really helps put into perspective how important projects like this are to the people in our communities.”
Posted on Tuesday 18th July 2023