Safer Streets improvement works start at Primrose Court

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A works van and work men in Primrose Court with title 'Safer Streets improvement works start at Primrose Court'

Improvement work as part of the Safer Streets project has started at Primrose Court in Huyton, an area of the borough that Knowsley Council and partners are committed to supporting following concerns raised by residents.

The work marks the start of a series of measures including a new road surface, street lighting, new CCTV, boundary fences and security devices for homes on the estate, all of which are aimed at preventing anti-social behaviour and making residents feel more secure in their homes.

This complements the ongoing work already taking place in the area including police high visibility patrols and clean-up operations to remove hot spots of fly tipping and graffiti.

As well as this key infrastructure and enforcement work, Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team have been working closely with the local community to understand their needs. Through an ongoing consultation process, Council Officers have strengthened relationships with young people, parents, and community leaders.

This significant work ensures long term change in the area and will positively impact the safety of generations to come.

So far, this work has resulted in the decision to install new children’s play equipment at Hillside Community Centre, as well as improvement works to the surrounding green spaces.

This long-term approach to improving community safety will continue throughout 2023 and beyond. The works, totalling £367,000, are funded by the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which was secured by Merseyside’s Police Commissioner.

Historic issues in the area have been caused by the street being un-adopted and left unlit and in a poor state of repair by the original developers.

As a result, the area attracted incidents of fly tipping and anti-social behaviour. However, the majority of work will be completed by April 2023 and once complete Knowsley Council will formally adopt the highway and lighting and secure its long-term maintenance.

Importantly Knowsley Council’s Crime and Communities and Environmental Health Teams will continue to liaise with property owners and tenants and is working with Hillside Community Centre regarding a wider community engagement programme with will be delivered by September 2023.

Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “We know crime and anti-social behaviour in Primrose Court has been an issue and one we and our community safety partners including Merseyside Police and the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner have been addressing for some time.

“I’m delighted work has started to make the improvements needed to improve the area and address a number of priority issues for local residents so that we can create long-term change and rejuvenate the area to create an even healthier environment for residents. What’s most important is that we are working closely with our communities to do this work and ensuring they are at the heart of decisions made and the work we do.”

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “It’s fantastic to see Safer Streets work has now started in Primrose Court.

“No-one should feel unsafe in their home or the area where they live and I’m proud that by securing this major cash investment we can focus on putting a stop to the issues which have historically afflicted people living in this area of Knowsley.

“By doing so we can bring about real, positive change, creating a safer, cleaner, healthier environment for the local community.”

Updates on work progresses will be posted on Knowsley News as well as on the Knowsley Council and Safer Knowsley social media channels.