Safety Partnership takes action

Published by Alison Steyn for North Hertfordshire Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Environment

An Environmental Action Day on the Westmill Estate in Hitchin has reduced potential fire risks and removed dumped items making the area safer and cleaner for local residents.

The North Herts Community Safety Partnership swept through the area last Wednesday (4 July) when teams from the Fire Service, Police, North Hertfordshire Homes, North Hertfordshire District Council and DVLA co-ordinated resources to tackle low level crime and anti social behaviour issues.

The Fire Service provided fire safety advice to shops in John Barker Place and Redhill Road, and identified ways to discourage the build up of rubbish - a serious fire hazard for residents.

The DVLA found and clamped three untaxed vehicles and a further two received tickets. A number of vehicles parked on grass verges and footpaths were photographed and their location noted for further follow up.

North Hertfordshire Homes collected about one ton of dumped sofas, chairs and other general furniture items.

North Herts District Council’s Waste Management Team provided litter pickers and a street sweeper cleared rubbish. Three areas of graffiti are being cleaned by Veolia and North Hertfordshire Homes. A large area of bramble was reported for further investigation and other minor grounds maintenance issues were recorded.

During the day, Police Community Support Officers posted advice and information through letterboxes and provided reassurance to the public.

North Hertfordshire Homes Anti Social Behaviour Officer, Mark Ferrari co-ordinated the day on behalf of the Partnership. He said: “These days are always successful because the Partnership can take immediate action on many of the issues identified. Other follow-up actions are noted and shared between the teams so on-going issues can be addressed. For example, dumping rubbish is not only anti social behaviour, it can also be a fire risk, so we’re looking at ways to help residents keep their neighbourhood safe and clean.”

The Environmental Action Day was another in a series of events delivered by the North Herts Community Safety Partnership who are working together to keep north Hertfordshire a safe place to live, work and prosper.

Cllr Tricia Cowley, NHDC Portfolio holder for Community Engagement said "This is a great example of how working in partnership with other agencies can be extremely effective in improving the look and feel of a neighbourhood in the space of a day, and similar events are planned for the future."