PCC announces new funding to address local issues across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
The investment includes an extension of problem-solving co-ordinators and the reopening of the Safer Communities Fund
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has unveiled new investment plans aimed at addressing local issues such as anti-social behaviour, road safety, and fly-tipping throughout the region. The PCC has committed to extending funding for Problem-Solving Co-ordinators across all six Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) for an additional 12 months, continuing until March 2026.
The Safer Communities Fund has been reopened, allowing CSPs to apply for up to ÂŁ10,000 in each area to tackle issues impacting their communities. This funding will support a range of initiatives, from reducing anti-social behaviour and addressing fly-tipping to enhancing security measures.
PCC Darryl Preston commented, "Local issues like anti-social behaviour can blight community life and prevent people from enjoying their lives as they should. Cambridgeshire Constabulary now have a record number of officers and have also been using ÂŁ1m extra funding this year to ramp up proactive police patrols to target anti-social behaviour and serious violence."
He added, "Our CSPs have achieved phenomenal results since our Problem-Solving Co-ordinators were first introduced, and I am pleased we now have these posts in place in every area of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Their work has been boosted by funding from my Safer Communities Fund to address the root causes of nuisance behaviour and secure new equipment and resources to help detect and deter crime. The continuation of this funding will support further solutions to make our communities stronger and more resilient to ASB and disorder."
CSPs consist of local partners including councils, police, fire services, and community representatives who work collaboratively to tackle issues that are beyond the sole capability of the police.
Cllr Susan Wallwork, Fenland District Council portfolio holder for community and community safety, said, "We're dedicated to continuing to work with all our Community Safety Partnership partners to tackle issues that we know are important to our residents and have serious, far-reaching impacts on communities. We welcome all additional investment and resources into that aim."
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are also benefiting from an ÂŁ820,000 boost from the Safer Streets 5 programme, designed to protect residents from burglary and anti-social behaviour and reduce the risk of violence to women and girls.
Cllr Cameron Holloway, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, Homelessness and Wellbeing at Cambridge City Council, stated, "No one deserves to be a victim of anti-social behaviour or criminal activity, and these are issues we take very seriously in Cambridge. We are grateful that the Commissioner has announced this opportunity for Community Safety Partnerships to access further funding to help us continue to address issues in the city."
He continued, "Previous funding has allowed the council to work with partners to identify crime hot spots and develop action plans to respond to specific areas of concern – a good example is our work to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour on buses. The Cambridge Community Safety Partnership is dedicated to understanding the issues faced by people in Cambridge and finding a way to prevent and deal with them."
Cllr Alison Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Peterborough City Council, added, "The extra funding is great news and will enable us to continue our work in the city against anti-social behaviour, including the possible renewal of the Millfield, New England, Eastfield & Embankment Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). It will also help us and our partners to continue our engagement with city centre agencies, residents, community groups, and businesses on any issues they have raised."
Examples of the community safety problem-solving work include:
- East Cambridgeshire CSP: Funds have been used to redesign promotional materials to raise awareness of hate crime countywide.
- Fenland CSP: Funding has addressed historic fly-tipping issues along Coldham Bank, including waste removal and installation of anti-fly-tipping signs.
- South Cambridgeshire CSP: Training sessions for parents and community workers have been held to address young people's vulnerability to exploitation.
- Cambridge CSP: Multi-agency meetings and initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour on buses have been facilitated.
- Huntingdonshire CSP: The development of town and parish newsletters and a community intelligence submission page has been supported.
- Safer Peterborough CSP: Multi-agency work to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre has been promoted