Residents in the Cleveland Square area are invited to have their say on safety

Residents of Cleveland Square and the surrounding areas are being invited to join staff from Newark and Sherwood District Council between 2pm and 6pm to discuss their thoughts on community safety, ideas for improvements and the opportunity to join community groups such as a neighbourhood watch and litter picking activities.

The community event is part of a series of three consultation sessions with residents as part of the Newark Safer Streets project. The first event took place at Mill Gate Community Centre in early December and many residents took the opportunity to get involved and share their ideas for improving safety in their area.

Unfortunately due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, it was decided that the following drop-in session for residents of Howest Court and surrounding areas on 7 January should be postponed. The session will be rescheduled and information about the event will be provided closer to the time.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “After a successful first consultation event at Mill Gate, we’re now asking residents of Cleveland Square and the surrounding areas to come and join us and have their say.

“No one should feel worried living in their communities so we are committed to doing all we can to ensure our residents feel safe. The aim of these drop-in sessions is to give residents a platform to have their ideas heard by the people that are providing their local services.”

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: “This is another great opportunity for local people to share any issues or concerns they may have about crime and public safety.

“All the Safer Streets partners are committed to listening to residents and delivering changes in the way they want and this event encourages people to get involved.”

Sergeant Robert Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Drop-in sessions like this are a vital part in helping us learn first-hand the opinions of Newark residents.

“Events like these are a great opportunity for people who live in the Newark area to come and have their say and discuss any ideas they have in regards to their safety and any improvements they would like to see.”

Nottinghamshire County Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities Committee said: “Listening to the views of residents and taking on board feedback is at the heart of this partnership’s work. This vital insight will help us continue to improve safety and help residents feel safer.”

The residents of the following areas are invited to attend the drop-in session: Bailey Road, Beech Avenue, Belvoir Crescent, Boundary Road, Bowbridge Road, Byron Close, Carlton Road, Cavendish Avenue, Clayton Close, Cleveland Square, Clumber Avenue, Gladstone Road, Holden Crescent, Montgomery Road, Quibell Road, Rutland Avenue, Staunton Road, The Crescent, Thoresby Avenue.

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