£3m investment to tackle antisocial behaviour and violence in Devon
Many projects will benefit from the cash boost
Over £3 million will be invested into tackling antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls in Devon.
An extra £1.7m was secured from the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly - who has been working with North Devon, Cornwall and Torbay councils on the bids.
The funds will be used to increase police patrols, remove graffiti and do outreach work with young people and those with complex needs, among other activities.
The Best Bar None programme, which sees responsible licensed premises working together to keep those who threaten their customers out of their businesses, will also be relaunched.
Elsewhere, £670,000 of funding was also secured by the University of Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.
It will be used to maintain Plymouth's position among the safest cities in the country.
A night bus service will be installed, environmental improvement works will be done, and conferences will be delivered to raise awareness and deliver training to men about violence against women and girls. A Sexual Violence Liaison Officer model will also be designed and piloted at the University of Plymouth following student feedback.
Gavin Douglas, Registrar and Secretary at the University of Plymouth, said: "We take our students' safety and that of the wider community very seriously, and look forward to implementing the plans, and contributing to the education, that will ultimately help us to stay one of the safest cities in the UK."
Gavin Douglas - Registrar and Secretary at the University of Plymouth
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Antisocial behaviour is one of our communities' top priorities. It blights lives, reduces the appeal of our town centres and can escalate to the point where serious crimes occur.
"The Violence Against Women and Girls agenda has started a national conversation about this issue and it is right that we put in place resources to tackle those legitimate fears.
"I am pleased to be working with police and councils on this issue and delighted the Government has listened to our arguments to provide substantial funding for these projects."
Alison Hernandez - Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly
The Home Office will provide nearly £750,000 to Torbay, with just over £382,000 of match funding from the PCC and council.
Councillor Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said: "We know that safety in Torquay town centre is a massive priority for people who live, work and visit here.
"This funding will help us tackle the anti-social behaviour that can blight our community, in particular women and girls."
Cllr Steve Darling - Leader of Torbay Council
North Devon Council will be getting more than £500,000. Hannah Harrington, Barnstaple Town Centre Manager, said: "The success of this bid is a great example of local partners working together and we will continue to work together with the police and PCC to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime.
"By taking a partnership approach, we aim to improve the quality of life and experience for all residents, businesses and visitors to Barnstaple town centre."
Hannah Harrington - Barnstaple Town Centre Manager
More than £900,000 of Safer Streets funding was secured last year by the Commissioner and Exeter and Plymouth councils.
This is the fourth round of funding from the Safer Street Fund and takes the total awarded through this fund and the Safety of Women at Night Fund to £125 million.