Survey launched to understand safety concerns of women and girls in Cheltenham
It's been launched by Cheltenham Borough Council
A survey has been launched to understand the safety concerns of women and girls in Cheltenham's night time economy.
It's been launched by the borough council and a rage of partners to help them make an informed decision when applying for government funding.
The Home Office is making money available for local authorities to make venues and streets safer.
Take the survey
To have your say on how to make Cheltenham's nightlife a safe place for everyone visit: https://haveyoursay.cheltenham.gov.uk/strategy/safer-streets-for-women-at-night/
Efforts to improve women's safety have been ramped up following the murder of Sarah Everard in March.
The 33-year-old was killed by a Metropolitan police officer whilst walking home in South London.
Councillor Flo Clucas, deputy leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "40 years ago I went on a march in relation to safety for women on the streets and here I am 40 years later still involved and trying to change things for the better.
"Most of the time we don't ask women and girls what their impression and perception is and where they feel a difference can be made.
"And actually asking those most affected can help provide a more intense insight into what is needed."
Before the pandemic, Cheltenham had successfully developed and maintained a thriving evening and night-time economy.
It was the largest night life scene between Bristol and Birmingham - exceeding towns comparable to Cheltenham in terms of population size and demographics.
Maggie Stewart, chief executive of Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre added: “We would greatly appreciate as many people as possible completing the survey to tell us how safe they feel in the evening and at night-time in Cheltenham.
"We will use the results from the survey to help us understand the scale of the problem and where we should focus our efforts to best support women and girls."