Teens team up with Accord and police to make neighbourhood safer

Published by Zasha for Accord Housing Group in Housing

More than £35,000 worth of CCTV cameras have been installed at an estate in Darlaston as part of a joint initiative between Walsall police and Accord Housing Association to make the neighbourhood a safer place.

Young people living in Woden Road West have been involved in working with the Darlaston-based housing association and the police as part of Accord’s annual Streets Ahead estate roadshows.

Throughout the summer, the association which is part of the Accord Group, has toured a number of its neighbourhoods and as a result are making improvements to areas of concern raised by families.

Families living on the Woden Road West estate asked for the area to be made safer following anti-social behaviour. Their children and teenagers were asked to come up with a design for signs which will inform people that CCTV is operating in the area.

A design by 15-year-old Rovin Mavunga, chosen from a number of entries, has now been made into a real sign which will be displayed around the estate.

Stuart Rochelle, Community Team Manager at Accord Hosing Association, which manages more than 5,600 homes in the Black Country, said: “Over the summer we have been touring our estates, along with the police and Walsall Council, to talk to residents about what we can do to improve their area.   

“We have had a fantastic response with some great suggestions which we are now putting into practice. It’s been a pleasure to work with the young people at Woden Road West who are keen to play their part in making their area safer and free of anti-social behaviour.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “Any measures that can help make an area safer for its visitors and residents and curb anti-social behaviour can only be a good thing.
 
"We have really enjoyed working with the local people and we will continue to address any issues or concerns they may have."