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SAFER SHEPWAY  MESSAGE

"Strong partnerships are helping to build stronger and safer communities and reduce anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime" was the message at the KCC Shepway Local Board meeting on Thursday (26 October), which focused on community safety throughout the district.

Shaun Taylor from the Shepway Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership explained the multi-agency approach towards a safer Shepway, focusing on a number of areas of concern including quality of life issues, domestic violence, town centre crime, drug and alcohol misuse and public disorder.

He explained the partnership's work with young people and highlighted that 98% of youngsters under the age of 18 never enter the criminal justice system and more than 60% of anti-social behaviour orders are served on people over 18.

Acting Inspector John Merritt from South Kent Police detailed the work of Kent Police throughout the district and the move towards neighbourhood policing - due to take effect from 2008, where communities will have a named officer and their contact details.

In the lead up to this, recruitment has started for 273 more police community support officers (PCSOs) by April 2007 - Kent is the fourth most successful force in the country in recruiting PCSOs and currently has 108 in post. Folkestone East PCSO Janet Rumley talked about her role within the community, especially at The Channel School where she has got to know the students and works with them to resolve problems and build respect.

Kent County Council Community Warden for Folkestone East Nick Adams spoke about his role. "There are nine KCC wardens within the Shepway district, part of the 101 strong team across the county. We are out and about on foot in our area, making ourselves known and getting to know people. I see my job as spotting issues before they become a problem and nipping them in the bud. I've been involved in a number of successful projects, which involve as many partners as possible.

"During half time week we held a 'clean-up day'. 15 young people came along and worked like mad. They were industrious and polite and in the end we ran out of rubbish bags, such was their enthusiasm."

Chairman of the Kent County Council Shepway Local Board Chris Capon said: "Shepway has a very good community safety partnership and it was pleasing to hear how all the agencies are working together to build upon their successes and make communities throughout the district safer and stronger."

The Local Board announced their recommendations for more than £90,000 of Kent County Council funding. The Local Schemes Grant, a new funding stream for 2006/07, has brought an additional £56,000 to the district. KCC's six Shepway Members divided that money between them to support projects in their wards. In total, 22 organisations are set to benefit.

A further ten community-focused schemes have been recommended to receive a share of £36,800 from the Small Community Capital Projects fund. The donations will make a major difference to the lives of residents of all ages and abilities. Further details will be announced when the grants are approved later this year.

For more information about the Shepway Local Board, please contact Community Liaison Manager David Geoghegan on 07786 191667 or email david.geoghegan@kent.gov.uk