Work starts on The Line to reduce ASB and violence against women
Work has started on The Line in Workington to help reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and violence against women and girls (VAWG). The alterations have been made possible following a successful bid to the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund Round Five by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Peter McCall.
The £47,875 funding will be used to improve the overgrown landscape on and around The Line in Workington, that over the years has been neglected. The work will enable the public to clearly see their route along The Line and reduce hiding places for those looking to commit or have committed an offence. Work will also take place to repair and replace broken paving to improve accessibility and attract greater use by the local community. Local schools have been invited to design murals to replace the current graffiti and new signage with direct links of how to report issues to the Council and Police.
The work is being completed by Cumberland Council in partnership with the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Cumbria Police.
Penrith Town Centre and Hammond’s Pond in Carlisle will also benefit from the Safer Streets Fund as part of the PFCC’s bid.
PFCC Peter McCall, said: “The Safer Streets Funding will make an incredible difference to The Line in Workington. The work, once completed, will provide the public with a safer environment and the feeling of security whilst simultaneously taking away any security, that criminals may have at present.
“Cutting down overgrown greenery and fixing paving may seem like a simple solution but if residents can see their surroundings better and we take away any potential hiding spots for criminals looking to commit a crime, we improve the feeling of safety and reduce the likelihood of crime which means it is the right solution.
“I am committed to working with partners to create a county that is and feels safe for all, which is why this funding mainly focuses on reducing ASB and VAWG offences in hot-spot areas as well as providing preventative initiatives to stop incidents happening in the first place. I would also want those who commit ASB to understand that these measures will help us to bring them to justice and to deal with them accordingly.
“I am pleased to be working alongside Cumbria Police and Cumberland Council to deliver this project in Workington and I am certain that residents will see the benefits.
“Together we can make Cumbria an even safer place to live, work and visit.”
Workington Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Pete Aiston said: “We want the community to ‘Reclaim the Line’ which was identified during a short survey as an area where women and girls do not feel safe. They told us about signs of drug and alcohol misuse, poor lighting and having felt intimidated by groups of people through the Street Safe Tool.
“This work is part of a larger project which aims to make it a place our communities feel safe and can enjoy. In cutting back the overgrown vegetation it will provide better lighting and a more open space.
“We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) and everyone should be safe and feel safe, no matter where they are.”
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“Feeling safe in our communities is absolutely paramount – so I am delighted we are working with the PCC to improve The Line.
“With this funding we will cut back trees, allowing more visibility and fewer hiding places. Our aim is that residents, particularly women and girls, feel secure when they use his popular path.
“In addition, I hope new murals and repaired paving make the area more pleasant and encourage more people to use the path.”
