Multi-agency effort to improve feelings of safety in Hyson Green

Partners came together in Hyson Green yesterday to witness first-hand the impressive work being done to keep Nottinghamshire’s town centres safe and vibrant this summer.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden has pulled together key community partners including Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham City Council, Asda , Framework, Tramlink and NET Trams in a focused effort to drive down crime and antisocial behaviour in the town and make people feel safer in its public spaces, as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative.

Partners gained valuable insight into the proactive measures in place to tackle crime in the town centre, street crime, shop theft and antisocial behaviour.

The day began with Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola, Inspector Liz Gaskin of Nottinghamshire Police, and Tim Hesketh, CEO of Tramlink Nottingham, meeting to discuss the progress of Operation Safenet, which launched earlier this summer.

Operation Safenet sees closer collaboration and information sharing between police and Nottingham’s tram operator to prevent crime, analyse trends and come up with solutions that keep passengers safe on and around the 20-mile tram network.

A walkabout in Hyson Green then took place which included a visit to Asda supermarket to chat with staff about issues they face, including aggressive begging outside the store and other general antisocial behaviour, before heading to Peppers Park where an Immediate Justice community clear-up was taking place.

The Immediate Justice scheme has seen more than 750 referrals since its launch in January 2024, with offenders taking part in everything from litter picking to supporting community initiatives – many of whom report that it’s helped them reflect on their actions and make positive changes.

The afternoon was rounded off with a trip to Bridlington Park for a showcase on Youth Engagement, where children had the opportunity to clamber aboard police vehicles, meet the drone team and armed response officers, and continue to form positive relationships with local officers.

The event offered an opportunity for parents and adults to discuss practical crime prevention advice to help make communities a safer place to live and work.

Deputy PCC Kandola said: “Today’s visit highlights the real impact that partnership working can have on community safety.

“Through the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, we’re bringing together police, local services and community organisations to tackle antisocial behaviour at its root.

“What we’ve seen in Hyson Green is not just enforcement, but meaningful engagement and lasting change.

“This is about restoring pride in our public spaces and giving residents the confidence to feel safe in their communities.”

A significant proportion of the ongoing antisocial behaviour in Hyson Green has been linked to homelessness, aggressive begging and visible drug use.

To help address these challenges, local charity Framework were drafted in to engage with individuals to offer practical support, including access to accommodation, drug and alcohol services, and tailored pathways off the streets.

Nottingham City Council has taken enforcement action to address fly-tipping at a nearby disused pub car park, an area repeatedly blighted by illegal littering.

The aim is to prevent the ‘broken windows theory’ from taking hold – an idea that run-down spaces invite more disorder and antisocial behaviour.

Hyson Green has faced long-standing challenges with antisocial behaviour and crime, which is part of the reason it has been identified as one of ten key locations across the city and county for targeted work as part of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative.

The Initiative sees Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables across England and Wales lead coordinated action to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in key towns and city areas over the summer months.

It is underpinned by the Government’s Hotspot Policing Fund and aims to deliver visible policing, local engagement, and meaningful consequences for those causing harm in our communities.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire is working together with Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham City Council and key local partners such as Framework, with the aim of delivering real, lasting change to the community.

That means tackling the root causes of the issues people in the area face through real systems change and not just treating the symptoms.

By aligning resources and intelligence across agencies, Safer Streets Summer creates a platform for shared problem-solving and community-led action.

Nottingham City Councillor Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities said: “This is a collective step forward in addressing the challenges our communities have flagged, and I’m proud of the difference this joint action is making.

“Our Council Plan sets out a clear vision to build vibrant, connected and resilient community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and pride. With this increased enforcement, community engagement, and partnership activity in Hyson Green, I know that we are laying the groundwork for long-term improvement.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all our hardworking teams and partners who make this possible. Whether it’s tackling anti-social behaviour, cleaning fly tipping, or supporting vulnerable people, this is all about creating a city that’s clean, safe, and thriving.”

Local health teams are helping to address underlying issues like substance misuse and mental health, while youth services and third-sector partners are providing diversionary activities and outreach support.

This integrated model is designed to leave a lasting legacy of safer public spaces, stronger local partnerships, and improved trust in public services – all key pillars in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.

Further Safer Streets Summer walkabouts and days of action are scheduled to take place in areas across the county, including Retford, Worksop, Mansfield and West Bridgford, as the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire continues its push to strengthen neighbourhood policing, tackle antisocial behaviour, and ensure safer, stronger communities for all.