Event for Newark residents to have their say on safety in their area

The event, taking place at Mill Gate Community Centre on Friday 3 December, between 3pm and 6pm, will be the first in a series of three consultation events as part of the Safer Streets Newark project.

Officers from Newark and Sherwood District Council will be available to listen to residents’ views and any concerns on safety in the area. They will also be collecting ideas and looking for volunteers for community graffiti projects and litter picking in the area.

Residents will also have the opportunity to join a neighbourhood watch group.

Free refreshments will be available, including mince pies and hot drinks, and there will be a Christmas crafts table for children.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Building on the range of successful safety measures already introduced as part of the Safer Streets Newark project, these drop-in sessions will allow residents to speak to officers providing safety services in their area, providing an open platform for them to discuss any issues they have and share ideas.” 

The Safer Streets project is a partnership between the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to improve security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery. It includes a package of measures to deter crime and anti-social behaviour by strengthening community cohesion and enhancing the local environment.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Caroline Henry, said: “One of the key goals of the Safer Streets Newark project is to bring communities together and enhance the network of help and support available.  

“The launch of the Chatham Court Hub has been a huge success and I am fully supportive of the team’s ongoing efforts to give local people a greater voice in future safety work. Connected communities are safer communities and these events are a really positive way of developing joint solutions.”  

Inspector Charlotte Allardice, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These drop-in sessions are vital to help Newark residents come forward and discuss any issues they may be having or any improvements they would like to see.

“The event will be a great opportunity for people who live in the Newark area to come forward and discuss any ideas they have.”

The residents of the following areas are invited to attend the drop-in session: Albert Street, Castle Gate, Coopers Yard, Crown Street, Foundry Close, Great North Road, Kelham Lane, Kelham Road, King Street, Mather Road, Mill Gate, Mill Lane, Ossington Way, Parliament Court, Parliament Street, Pelham Street, Portland Street, Prince’s Street, Queen Street, Sikorski Road, Spring Gardens, Tannery Wharf, Tolney Lane and Victoria Street.

A further two drop-in session events will take place on 7 January at Howes Court Community Centre and on 26 January at Cleveland Square Community Centre for residents living in these areas. More information about these two events will be provided closer to the time.

If any resident cannot attend the event but would like to share their feedback, submit an idea for a graffiti project in the area, or register their interest in joining a community litter picking group, they can email getinvolved@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.