Suffolk towns to benefit from £1.6m boost to help keep residents safe

16/12/2023

Suffolk will benefit from a GBP1.6 million boost to keep streets safe for residents in the next two years. i(Image: Newsquest)/i

Suffolk will benefit from a GBP1.6 million boost to keep streets safe for residents in the next two years. (Image: Newsquest) Suffolk will benefit from a GBP1.6 million boost to keep streets safe for residents in the next two years. Following a successful bid to the Home Office, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk has secured more than GBP990k from the Safer Streets 5 Fund to support a variety of initiatives.

The scheme addresses such problems as anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, and neighbourhood crime across Suffolk. Match funding and in-kind contributions from partners will bring this up to about GBP1.6 million over two years. Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, said that this is “undoubtedly excellent news” for Suffolk, and it once again demonstrates how the power of collaboration with community safety partners benefits our county.

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, Newsquest

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, Newsquest

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest) Mr Passmore added: “Whilst Suffolk is one of the safest areas in the country, nevertheless, there are specific areas where much more needs to be done to tackle and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. “I really believe the Safer Streets 5 funding will have a very positive impact on community safety and therefore help improve the quality of life for homes and businesses in these areas.

“The previous three successful bids clearly demonstrate how targeted initiatives can act as a strong catalyst for permanent change – in short a great result for us all.” East Suffolk Council received GBP333,887 to fund higher-quality CCTV cameras in Lowestoft and to provide outreach activities for young people. GBP333,300 will be allocated to Ipswich Borough Council to focus on hotspot areas across the town that experience sustained anti-social behaviour.

This will include CCTV, Crimestoppers Zones, an ASB awareness campaign, improved lighting in public spaces, better gating and fencing, youth and adult outreach support, and environmental improvements. Funding of GBP323,836 will focus on increasing the feeling of safety and personal security for residents and visitors in west Suffolk by focusing on violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour, and acquisitive crime. Story continues

Geographic areas to benefit from funding will be within Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Newmarket, Sudbury and Stowmarket, Mildenhall, Brandon, Cornard and Needham Market.