Beds Police and Crime Commissioner secures £550,000 for Safer Streets fund
A specific focus will be on male violence in the county
The Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner's Office (OPCC) were awarded the money from the Home Office.
Launched in June, PCCs and local authorities from across England and Wales were urged to apply.
A county wide survey to understand the concerns of residents was carried out in the same month.
451 responses from adults and young persons within Bedfordshire.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye, said:
“This fund will go a long way in helping to prevent crime and also support my focus around violence against women and girls.
"By analysing data and working with our partners and the public, we will ensure that this money is directed in targeting the neighbourhoods which need it most.”
Money is set to be spent on areas such as lighting and CCTV along with a safe spaces hub and a 'Coaching Boys into Men' programme.
Antonina Belcheva, the Safer Streets Lead, said:
"This round of funding includes: the public footpath along the River Ouse from Prebend Street to ‘The Slipe’ which is the Ford End Road area of Queens Park.
"Also; Tavistock Street, Clapham Road and Ampthill Road.
"These areas are a corridor into our busy town centre.
"We will be engaging with wider partners in the coming weeks and will commence a series of Road Shows to educate the residents.”
Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Kelly, added:
“Male violence and towards women and girls has become a topic that people are finally willing to talk about.
"This is so important as we educate our young people about healthy relationships and all work together to reduce the levels of abuse, violence and discrimination against women.”