Residents are invited to an afternoon of events at Howes Court Community Centre

The afternoon will consist of two events being held by the District Council and partners. A Community Culture Event is being held to raise awareness of the variety of cultures within the community. A Safer Streets drop-in session is being held to give residents the chance to discuss safety in their area.

The Community Culture Event, held between 1pm to 3pm, will provide residents the opportunity to enjoy a mixture of cultures represented in their local community, including Lithuanian, Romanian and Polish. Attendees will be able to try food, listen to music and enjoy art from a variety of the cultures. There will also be the chance to join a discussion with a representative from the Gypsy Traveller and Roma community to discuss their history and diverse culture.

Between 3pm to 6pm residents are then invited to join the Safer Streets drop-in session to discuss their views on safety in their area with local service staff, share their ideas for improvements and have the opportunity to join community groups such as a neighbourhood watch and litter picking activities.

Representatives from the Police, Fire Service, Newark and Sherwood District Council Public Protection team and the Neighbourhood Watch will be in attendance to listen to the public’s views.

The residents of the following areas are invited to attend the afternoon of events: Balderton Gate, Barnby Gate, Beacon Hill Road, Cross Street, Harcourt Street, Hill Vue Avenue, London Road, Magdalene View, Marshall V C Drive, Massey Court, Massey Street, New Street, Nicholson Street, Old Mill Crescent, Parker Street, Pulford Close, Sawyers Close, Sherwood Avenue, Side Row, Sleaford Road, Smiths Street, The Crossing, The Gateway, Vernon Avenue, Vernon Street, Whitfield Street, William Street.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is great to see an afternoon of events such as this being held for our residents.

“The Community Cultural Event is a fantastic way for people to see the wonderful mixture of cultures that are represented within our district, and experience what they have to offer. It is a great way for every resident to feel heard and seen, and also a chance for others who attend the event to come away with a new understanding and appreciation for cultures in their community. We should all be striving to learn about the world around us as much as we can.

“It is also brilliant to see the final Safer Streets drop-in session taking place. The aim of these sessions is to give residents a voice within their community. Hearing residents’ thoughts and possible concerns on safety measures in their local area is really valuable to everyone involved in working towards improving Newark and Sherwood. It has been encouraging to see the previous drop-in sessions go so well, and I hope residents from Howes Court and the surrounding areas take this opportunity to have their say.”

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.

Inspector Matt Ward, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “Drop-in sessions like these are vital to help us speak with residents and listen and discuss any issues they may be having.

“This event will be a great opportunity for officers to attend and find out any improvements the people who live in the Newark area would like to see.

“We want everyone in the community to feel they have a voice and are listened to and I would encourage anyone who lives in these areas to attend and speak to us and the other representatives to express any improvements they would like and how we can help even more to keep the public safe.”

If any resident cannot attend the Safer Streets 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