Safer Streets youth pod praised by young people as making them feel ‘a lot safer’
The installation of a new youth pod as part of the Safer Streets scheme has offered young people a safe space to gather and socialise.
The pod, in Balderton, is equipped with CCTV to ensure the safety of all users, which has given both the community and young people peace of mind and lead to positive feedback from its users.
It has also become a vital addition to the park, providing shelter and a safe place.
It comes after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire secured £1million for the Safer Streets Five project, via the Home Office.
As part of this, Balderton has received a share of the funding to help tackle neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.
This is the fourth time Newark and Sherwood has benefited from Safer Streets funding and over £1 million has been invested towards a safer Newark and Sherwood to date.
A frequent user of the youth pod, Oliver, said: “I like it, good for shelter. Now I know there’s a camera pointing at it, I feel a lot safer.”
These sentiments were echoed by Oscar and Reagan, who added: “It’s a good meeting place and nice shelter when it’s raining, a great place to chill.”
The youth pod is just one element of a broader effort to tackle neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour across Balderton.
Other improvements include the installation of new 4G CCTV cameras in key areas and the addition of benches and bins to reduce litter and create a more welcoming environment at Balderton Lake.
These environmental improvements have been included in the project to target and reduce what is known as the ‘broken windows theory’, which suggests that that if an area has littering, graffiti or visible signs of vandalism around it, it will often serve to attract other crime and anti-social behaviour.
Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Gary Godden, said: "The Safer Streets project in Balderton has already made a significant difference to the community, and the youth pod is a prime example of how targeted investment can create safer and more welcoming spaces for our young people.
“By providing young people with a safe place to meet and socialise, we are not only reducing antisocial behaviour but also fostering a stronger sense of community.
“I'm delighted to see such positive feedback and look forward to building on this success in future projects."
In addition to CCTV and environmental upgrades, behaviour change sessions have been held to address and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The youth pod has been a great success, and we’ve had lots of good feedback from young people who have been using it.
“This is just one of the many measures that have been put in place during this Safer Streets Five campaign in Balderton which has already seen more CCTV, benches and bins put around the community.
“We know that anti-social behvaiour can have a negative impact on the quality of life of our residents and businesses, and we are committed to working with our partners Balderton Parish Council, Nottinghamshire Police and our communities to address it.
“The campaign has so far been really beneficial to the area, and we’re excited to bring even more to the community to help tackle anti-social behvaiour in the area.”
Jane Buxton, chairman of Balderton Parish Council, added: “We’ve really enjoyed working together with our Safer Street partners by pooling our local knowledge and experience and the outcomes have really benefited our community already.
“The youth pod and the other measures put in place recently have made a big difference to the area and I hope our residents can see we are doing what we can to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area to make them feel safer when out and about in Balderton.”
The previous round of Safer Streets funding saw interventions such as vehicle crime prevention days, new intercom systems, an innovative Safer Gyms scheme and more.
This led to reports that in Newark town centre where the action was taken, there was a 26% reduction in vehicle crime, a 19% drop in house burglary and a 16% fall in violence against women and girls.
Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, added: "The positive reception of the youth pod shows how important it is to listen to the needs of the community.
“It’s already making a real difference by offering a safe and monitored space for young people to meet.
“The additional CCTV and environmental improvements around the area provide even more reassurance to residents, and we are committed to maintaining this momentum in our continued work with local partners.”
Last week, Newark and Sherwood District officers attended John Hunt Primary School to deliver water safety messages in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police.
They will also be working with Balderton Parish Council to host a focus week starting on October 14, which will look at sprucing up the Balderton Area, this includes grass cutting, road sweeping and road sign cleaning.
