Safer communities fact-finding mission for Dutch visitors

Dutch visitors will go on a fact-finding mission today and Friday to learn how team work is making Newcastle a safer place. (Thurs 8 and Fri 9 December)

Word has spread in the Netherlands about Newcastle’s community safety initiatives following another Dutch visit eighteen months ago.

During the trip this week’s guests will see how partner organisations are working together to tackle crime to make the city’s communities safer places to live.

Your Homes Newcastle and its Safe Newcastle partners are hosting the two-day visit by the twenty visitors from Rotterdam, who range from local mayors to community workers.  All are here to find examples of good practice which they can adopt in their own communities.

The Safe Newcastle partnership will welcome the visitors to the city at a special event at the Civic Centre. 

Your Homes Newcastle will then take them to see how community safety is making a real difference for tenants living in Cruddas Park, Cowgate and the Byker Estate.

During the tour they will be shown a range of joint initiatives by staff from Your Homes Newcastle, Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police and other partners.

These include:

· Your Homes Newcastle’s concierge service, which is making homes secure and tenants feel safe and sound in Cruddas Park and in Byker. 
· The role of street wardens, who patrol local estates to reduce vandalism and the fear of crime, as well as tackling local problems such as graffiti, anti-social behaviour and litter.  They also provide friendly assistance and information to the public.
· The joint work of Newcastle Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, which is managed by Your Homes Newcastle and Northumbria Police, was set up last November to co-ordinate the work of housing officers, police and Victim Support to tackle nuisance behaviour. 
· The Newcastle New Deal for Communities regeneration scheme, which has helped to cut crime by 15% since it started work in the West End of the city (Arthur’s Hill, Cruddas Park, Rye Hill and Elswick) five years ago.
· Initiatives with residents to increase understanding between different parts of the community.

Bill Midgley, Chairman of Your Homes Newcastle, said:  "We are proud of how as a partnership we are making real progress on reducing crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour to make our communities safer places to live.  We are delighted to welcome our Dutch guests to the city and share our experience so other communities can benefit.”

Councillor Tony Rounthwaite, the Chair of Safe Newcastle, said:  "We are pleased to host this visit and look forward to sharing our experiences, results and knowledge of community safety with our Dutch partners. Our partnership, colleagues and associates are all available to make their visit as productive and informative as possible.”

Safe Newcastle is a partnership that works together to make Newcastle a safer place for those who live, work and visit the city by reducing crime, anti-social behaviour, alcohol misuse and the supply and use of drugs in the city.
Partners includes: Newcastle City Council, Your Homes Newcastle, Newcastle Primary Care Trust, Northumbria Police, and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

ENDS

Press release issued: December 8 2005