Stronger North Stonehouse was an ambitious project funded through the Government’s £25 million Safer Streets initiative.

North Stonehouse was one of just a few communities to receive more than £500,000 from the project.

Great news, right? But what exactly is Safer Streets? And how will we in North Stonehouse benefit?

A combination of improved street lighting and closed-circuit television has a positive effect in reducing crime such as burglary and theft and is a proven way of dealing with crime and disorder problems.

It means offenders are less likely to use an area if they feel they are being watched and therefore more likely to be recognised and identified.

It also encourages more people to use public spaces increasing the number of potential witnesses to any offence.

Improving how a public area is lit shows investment in the community, increases community pride and encourages communities to take more control of the area where they live.

It helps a community to reverse the broken windows effect.

The broken windows theory suggests that allowing an area to become run down gives the impression that nobody cares and so no-one will intervene against crime and disorder.

Improving the environment, by fixing the broken windows, displays civic pride, demonstrates how much people care about where they live and so are always more likely to protect it.

In other words, it can act as a catalyst for community action and cohesion.

The community sees that others are concerned about their area (by installing better street lighting close) and begin to take a pride in the area for themselves.

Research indicates that CCTV is highly effective in tackling crimes that are pre-planned, and the offender can assess the perceived benefits of committing the offence against the risk of being caught

Crimes that are more likely to be spontaneous, particularly when the offender is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, may not be reduced by CCTV cameras as the offender is less able to assess the risks of being caught.

But, in areas where it is present and can capture offences it can still be used to ensure the speedy deployment of emergency services to the scene (potentially reducing the seriousness of the outcome of the offence) and assist in the investigation of offences and prosecution of offenders.

Victoria Park will have three new CCTV cameras placed though out the park.

Each of these cameras is equipped with infra-red and white light technology capable of providing crystal clear images in all lighting conditions.

The existing CCTV camera has been relocated from Wolsden Street, Anstis Street junction to Wyndham lane, Anstis Street with an additional camera being installed on a new lighting column in Wyndham Lane to provide increased coverage of the area.

There is one new camera located on an existing lamp column on the junction of Ilbert Street and Eaton Terrace.

Patna Park has a new CCTV camera installed on a lighting column at the junction of Patna Place and Penrose Street.

The existing street lighting in the area will be increased and upgraded by reviewing the current light coverage and installing additional columns.

It will also feature a computerised management system which will control how the lighting works.

This means an area can be lit to an appropriate level in the area as and when it is required.

It also means that the system will be informed automatically of any potential or actual light failure.