Published on:
17
January 2002
A number of community safety initiatives have been given the green light thanks to three year funding of just over £180,000 awarded as part of the Government's 'Community Safety Awards Programme'.
The cash will allow the Council and its partners on the Community Safety Forum to implement a package of measures set to make Clackmannanshire a safer place to live, work and visit.
The community safety award represents a major shift away from the previous challenge funding, which involved a competitive bidding process. Now each local authority will receive an annual award based on population and crime rates which has resulted in the Council receiving a guaranteed sum of £61,109 each year.
Provost Walter McAdam said: "The Council welcomes the change to the way Community Safety is currently funded. The new scheme introduces an element of certainty and will have a positive impact on local community safety initiatives."
On top of the guaranteed award there is an opportunity to bid for additional funding with the variable element of the award programme. An ambitious Action Plan is due to be submitted by the end of January, which could bring in a further £30,000 for 2002/2003, with further submissions to be made for years 2003/04 and 2004/05.
"With the launch of the Community Safety Strategy just over a year ago, the Council and its many partners proved their commitment to making the Wee County a safer community for all. However community safety is everybody's business and as part of next year's programme we hope to empower local people to take control of their own safety.
"We can be a force to be reckoned with if we work together in partnership to tackle crime and the fear of crime.
During 2002/2003 a number of projects will get off the ground. They include: A community safety handbook will be distributed to all households in the area The appointment of a Link Support Worker to work on issues related to the reduction of drug and alcohol crime The launch of a grants scheme for local community safety projects The introduction of a training package for home helps.
Mike Thomson, Chair of the Community Safety Forum added: " It is hoped that this funding will increase everyone's safety and security in Clackmannanshire through two of the projects in particular, the community safety handbook and the discretionary grants scheme open to Community Councils to address safety issues in their communities."