AN INITIATIVE to target crime and anti-social behaviour on the Kingsfold estate in Penwortham, Lancashire has scooped the top Problem Oriented Partnership (POP) Award at a special ceremony.
The project saw New Progress Housing Association working alongside the police and other agencies to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for residents, with anti-social behaviour injunctions granted against those responsible for anti-social behaviour and regular tenancy enforcement visits carried out.
The estate’s youngsters have also been encouraged to join in with activities such as youth clubs and snooker events.
As a result of the project, anti-social behaviour was reduced by 14 per cent between April 2009 and April 2010, when compared to the same period the previous year.Damage also reduced by 32 per cent and violent crime by ten per cent in the same period.
Linda Alcock, Head of the Tenancy Enforcement Team for New Progress Housing Association, said: “We have been working with residents on the Kingsfold estate for the past two and a half years to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. As a result of working with the local neighbourhood policing team and other agencies we have been able to address anti-social behaviour issues and have received feedback from residents that the area has significantly improved as a result.”
The POP Award was presented to New Progress Housing Association and representatives from the Kingsfold neighbourhood policing team in recognition of their use of partnership working to reduce anti social behaviour in the area.
The partners will now progress through to the Lancashire POP Awards which will be held later in this year.
