News
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Stockport receives a safety boost and recognition for creating ‘Safer Streets’ N
ot only has Stockport received central government funding to make users of the town centre feel protected, but it has also retained its Purple Flag accreditation in recognition of its ever-evolving, safer evening and night-time entertainment.
The Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund was introduced across the UK to help towns tackle issues that blight communities. It aims to prevent crime, combat anti-social behaviour and support victims. Stockport was awarded £430,000, part of a £2.4 million grant to Greater Manchester boroughs, to tackle anti-social behaviour and make streets safer for residents in the town centre. It also went to help residents in Brinnington. New CCTV cameras extend coverage of Stockport town centre Last year, a survey of residents and businesses concluded that more than two-thirds of respondents were in support of improving CCTV coverage in the town centre. Part of the Safer Streets grant funding has been spent on 10 new CCTV cameras placed in strategic locations to help strengthen and link in with the current security system operated by Stockport Homes.
Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, was joined by GMP's Chief Superintendent John Webster at the CCTV Monitoring & Control Room in the town centre.
GMP’s Chief Superintendent John Webster said: "These cameras will assist the police in the detection and prevention of anti-social behaviour and crime and support our aim to ensure Stockport continues to be a safe and enjoyable place to live and work. “In addition, they will also enable us to proactively respond to prevent situations developing. “This project has shown what can be achieved when all key partners work together.” The grant funding has also enabled the town centre to recruit a dedicated Retail Crime Reduction Champion
David Cretney, (pictured below) appointed to the newly created position of Retail Crime Reduction Champion for Stockport town centre, has extensive experience in the area and a drive to work with Stockport Council, Totally Stockport and the Police in supporting businesses to tackle retail crime and making everyone in the town centre feel safe and secure. As Retail Crime Reduction Champion, David’s role is to engage with retailers and hospitality businesses to listen to concerns about retail security and to offer support and guidance to drive improvements. David is also providing training and support for businesses to benefit from initiatives that help reduce crime including:
Stockport retains prestigious Purple Flag accreditation
DISC: A crime reporting platform. This system is in place for retailers, businesses, security teams and the police to record incidents; information is used to build an intelligence picture of the area allowing areas of risk to be identified and risk reduction methods to be implemented. It’s also a great way for users to keep up to date with what’s going on in the Stockport area from events to updates on the latest Initiatives.
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StoreNet Radios: The StoreNet Radio scheme is funded by Totally Stockport for their levy payers and through the Safer Streets Scheme so there is no cost to users in the town centre. This network of 150 handheld radios connects businesses with security teams and the town centre-based Policing Team to communicate and coordinate incidents as they happen with a coordinated and supportive approach to tackling criminal or antisocial acts.
Over the past few years, the town centre has successfully welcomed many new businesses to help enhance the night-time offer including The Spinn Off, Bistro Marc at Winters, BASK, Yellowhammer and the new bowling and leisure offer at The Light Cinema.
Crime Reduction Reviews: David is supporting businesses with carrying out crime reduction reviews Safer Streets Stockport is funded via Safer Streets funding from central Government – the Home Office – to help tackle anti-social behaviour and retail crime and make streets safer for residents in the town centre.
tockport has retained its Purple Flag status in recognition of the town centre’s evening and night-time economy.
Areas of the UK awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture whilst also promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am. Stockport was particularly recognised for the atmospheric and popular use of the Produce Hall as a night-time venue, the large-scale investment and major infrastructure projects to improve the area, and a desire to work with partners, including the police, to improve the former image of Stockport while bringing a high-quality offer to all aspects of the town.
Chair of Totally Stockport, Mike Lamont, explained: “One of the BID’s main priorities is to support all businesses so they can thrive within the town centre. Our growing and diverse hospitality and retail offering is positioning Stockport as an ideal after-dark destination. Purple flag accreditation gives both the businesses and visitors confidence that Stockport offers a great choice in entertainment and leisure within a recognised safe environment.” Purple Flag accredited areas have all reported a consistent increase in footfall and a decrease in crime within the evening and night-time economy. The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), which works alongside a partnership of key stakeholder groups backed by Government, police and businesses.