Tenants in Newark feel safer after Safer Streets scheme funds doorway security systems

The entryways of council owned residential buildings, Lover’s Lane, Tithe Barn and Queen’s Court, have been fitted with brand new intercom systems that allow tenants to use their landlines or mobile phones to open their door and, if they have the system set up on a mobile phone, they can view who is at their door through video, allowing them to feel safer at home.

The target hardening measure follows the success of similar installations in previous Safer Streets projects, that left residents feeling more secure in their buildings.

The sites were also fitted with brand new interactive community notice boards that will allow residents to be kept up to date with community news, safety information, take part in tenant surveys and more.

A tenant at Queen’s Court said: “This new system is better for me because I can access it conveniently from my phone and I can see who is coming to me.”

The funding for Newark comes as part of a £3m windfall secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Nottinghamshire for projects across the county.

The Home Office’s Safer Streets fund is aimed at projects to tackle neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour and prevent violence against women and girls.

A number of projects, due to be completed by September 2023, will be implemented in Newark and Sherwood to create a safer district. In addition to the new intercom systems projects include:

• Improved lighting on paths and additional CCTV at areas identified as hot spots for anti-social behaviour
• Increased CCTV across a number of town centre locations
• The installation of new secure gated entrances for vehicles and pedestrians at St. Marks Place
• A new initiative to reinvigorate the Shop Watch scheme
• By-Stander training for night-time economy staff to address violence against women and girls
• Environmental improvements, including additional litter bin provision, relocation of street furniture and improved lighting
• Increased targeted police patrols

In total, the OPCC was successful with four £750,000 bids, after working in partnership with Community Safety Partnerships across Nottinghamshire, as well as Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire Police.

Newark and Sherwood and Bassetlaw District Councils are sharing one of those £750,000 pots for safety projects in their areas.

Councillor Roger Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner, Safer, Greener at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We work hard alongside our partners to ensure the Safer Streets funding goes towards creating a community in which our residents can feel safe and feel reassured their property is secure.

“I hope the new intercom systems have a positive impact on our tenants and gives them peace of mind when people are visiting their home.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “These new intercom systems are just one of the innovative ways that Safer Streets is making our communities more secure and, importantly, making people feel safer.

“They are convenient and reassuring for residents to use and ensure that only people who should be accessing the buildings are allowed in – preventing the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour.

“I’m sure the residents in homes will be really delighted with this work, made possible by the partnership working between Newark & Sherwood District Council, Nottinghamshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.”

Inspector Matt Ward, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “These intercom systems are a great way to make residents and the people living inside the properties feel safer and enjoy the comfort of their own home without fear of not being able to see who’s knocking on their door.

“Alongside our partners at the council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, we are doing everything we can to make sure the people in our communities feel safe and listened to and the Safer Streets funding is a great way to carry on protecting our area.”