The University of Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have secured just over £670,000 to help maintain and improve safety around Britain’s Ocean City.  

Announced today, the funding comes from the Home Office Safer Streets 4 initiative, with work taking place over the next 12 months. 

National data shows that Plymouth is viewed among the safest cities in the country, and this bid will help to maintain its position. 

The funding is focused on interventions aimed at tackling neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), enhancing the safety of public spaces for all.

Plans include: 

Plymouth night bus service – staffed with a trained marshal to address issues identified at key closing times of Plymouth’s night time industry, and ensuring safe transport options.   Environmental improvement works – in areas identified in the recent VAWG Commission recommendations.   Conference to raise awareness and deliver training to men about VAWG – delivered by the cross-city Plymouth VAWG Men’s group to raise awareness among, and engage the voices of, men and boys in Plymouth around the impact of the issue.  Designing and piloting a Sexual Violence Liaison Officer model at the University of Plymouth – in response to student feedback. 

 

As well as following the recent VAWG Commission, led by Plymouth City Council, the project proposals build upon the approach taken by the Safer Streets 3 Partnership in Plymouth, which took place earlier this year and focused on three key areas:  

Strengthening the local environment to improve safe passage;   Targeted prevention activity and   Helping the community to develop their own solutions, reclaim community spaces and improve guardianship.  

 

Safer Streets 3 saw physical updates and improvements, including new CCTV cameras, improved street lighting and ‘help points’, and the plans’ early implementation will now help to shape Stage 4.