Stroud District Council Press Releases

Back to the Press Releases index

Neighbourhood initiative continues

Release Date: 06 September 2012

On Thursday 20th September residents in selected areas of Forest Green will be the focus of intense activity from the Stroud Safer Stronger Communities Partnership. The partnership, which comprises Stroud District Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue and Gloucestershire Police, is running its 5th Pride in Your Neighbourhood event of the year in the area.

The initiative aims to build and improve community spirit through one day operations which focus on enhancing the quality of public areas and making people feel safer through advice and checks.

Phil Sullivan MBE, head of community safety for Stroud District Council, which is leading on the event, said:

'We target areas where the local community has shown the desire for us to work with them to provide help, by leafleting households in the area to let them know that we will be around on the day, to offer practical advice and support. Neighbourhood wardens and police community support officers will be available to discuss any issues of concern and to build relationships with people so that they know that they can always contact us for help and advice. Officers from Neighbourhood Watch will provide crime prevention advice and the NHS will be there to provide confidential health and social care health information. The fire service will also be carrying out free safety checks and fitting smoke alarms.'

Council officers will also be offering free cycle safety session for youngsters and households are being encouraged to contact the council to take away unwanted vehicles and bulky refuse items such as washing machines and old furniture - and these will be removed on the day. Environmental health officers will be on hand for advice on noise, smoke and light nuisances and the council's dog warden will inspect the area and hand out free poop scoops and dog tags. Housing advice will be available for local council tenants too. Roads and pavements will also be swept over the next fortnight to give the area a spring clean.

Mr Sullivan added:

'By working with residents and letting people know that we are here to help, and by giving the area a spring clean, our aims are to improve the quality of the local environment for people immediately, reduce the fear of crime, build community cohesion and generally make them feel more positive and safer about where they live.'

The final event will take place in the Paganhill area of Stroud on Friday October 12th 2012.

Go to main press releases page.