Mobile app and CCTV monitoring to boost women's safety in Lincoln
£400,000 is being spent on various measures to help people feel safer in the city
A new phone app allowing women to ask for their walk home to be monitored by CCTV operators is to be rolled out in Lincoln.
It will link up with the city's central control room allowing people walking at night an extra bit of safety.
Its part of a £400,000 scheme launched with government backing by Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, working with City of Lincoln Council.
The cash, from the Safer Streets Fund, will also fund education on safety issues in schools, as well as an expansion of awareness campaigns.
The 'Ask for Angela' campaign in local clubs and bars will be relaunched with training for door and bar staff, as well as taxi drivers and those working in hotels.
A Night Safety Charter will also be created, urging organisations to design public and work spaces with safety in mind.
The funding comes after several high profile killings of women, including Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa in London.
Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones said: “The project is one of the most significant steps ever taken to protect women and girls in Lincoln.”
“It is designed to tackle the problem of keeping them safe through education, technology, training, heightened awareness and partnership working and I hope this holistic approach will provide long lasting solutions.
“This is just one step on a journey towards ensuring women and girls can be and feel safe but I believe it is a very important one.”
Cllr Sue Burke, Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality at City of Lincoln Council said: “Safety is a high priority at the city council and we are proud to be collaborating with our partners to deliver this app and the extended coverage of our CCTV cameras.
“Adding that extra layer of reassurance during an evening will help give both residents and visitors peace of mind when walking alone at night, and we look forward to working with our contractors in developing the app.”