A scheme that aims to improve safety for night-time economy users in Newcastle-under-Lyme will continue thanks to funding from the Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund.
Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent were asked to bid into a pot of £100,000 to seek funding for projects and initiatives aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
CSPs are formed of partners including Police, Fire & Rescue, local authorities, health partners and the probation service. They have a statutory duty to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities.
Newcastle CSP were successful in their bid to fund a taxi marshal scheme in the town centre, a programme which began last year.
The partnership has been awarded £10,000 to commission the service, which will run on Friday and Saturday nights. The taxi marshals will ensure the safety of taxi users by checking licences and destinations with drivers.
Cllr. Andrew Fisher, Cabinet member for Residents’ Services and Neighbourhoods at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that this funding has been secured once again to continue the successful taxi marshal scheme in Newcastle town centre.
“The service plays an important role in helping residents and visitors enjoy Newcastle’s night-time economy safely and confidently, particularly at busy times on Friday and Saturday evenings.
“By working closely with our partners through the Community Safety Partnership, we are committed to making the town centre a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Additional funding will help us to engage with young people positively and support safer communities across the borough.”
Newcastle CSP also received an additional £10,000 from the Commissioner which is set to be used for youth diversionary activities in hotspot locations.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “I am pleased that the taxi marshal service in Newcastle-under-Lyme has been funded through my Community Safety Fund for another year.
“It means that users of the night-time economy can get home safely, knowing that their taxi has the correct licence and the driver is aware of their destination.
“I look forward to hearing more about how the fund is used in Newcastle as the year continues.”
Alongside funding allocated to CSPs, the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund also includes:
•£10,000 awarded to each of the 10 Local Policing Teams in Staffordshire to address priorities set by the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
•£180,000 contribution towards the Staffordshire Space Programme which funds activities for children over the summer holidays.
•£200 towards the cost of Independent Chairs for ASB Case Reviews on request.
• A statutorily required annual Strategic Assessment, supporting a comprehensive understanding of crime and community safety in the local area.
To read more about the Commissioner’s Community Safety fund, visit: Local Community Safety Fund