Harlescott Day of Action
Residents of Harlescott in Shrewsbury were the first community to benefit from a Day of Action organised by the Shrewsbury Crime & Disorder Partnership, Bronze Level Tasking group yesterday (21 May 2014).
Successes on the day of action included residents filling two large skips with items as part of a waste amnesty, and pupils at The Grange School also joined in by carrying out litter picks within the school grounds.
Police and Fire Service personnel gave careers advice and delivered community safety guidance to pupils and elderly residents, who received crime prevention advice upon the subject of distraction burglary.
Severnside Housing Association conducted a number of tenancy visits during the day, resulting in new enquiries from tenants interested in shared ownership, and also dealt with the condition of a number of their properties whilst there. Severnside and Shropshire Council officers also joined police officers dealing with neighbourhood disputes on the estate.
Police and Shropshire Council licensing teams visited and checked licensed premises, conducted a taxi check in the evening, and the DVLA seized and removed five untaxed vehicles, with other vehicle owners being issued with warnings.
Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council staff worked hard to clean up public spaces, cut the grass, and inspected playground equipment for safety.
A large number of local voluntary and charity groups also attended the event to advertise their services to the community, and also attract more volunteers.
Graham Preece, Police Inspector, said:
“I am delighted by the response of our partners to the Harlescott Day of Action and thank local councillors for their support in arranging the event. The Day of Action aimed to bring local services and voluntary groups together to reduce harm potential within our community.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for public protection, added:
“I’m really glad to hear that the Day of Action was a great success; such grassroots events make a real positive difference to local communities. I would like to thank everyone involved for making the day a brilliant success.”
Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for community enablement, said:
“It’s great to see so many organisations coming together and working with local residents to improve their neighbourhood. Events like the Day of Action give people a real opportunity to meet and engage with partners and see for themselves how working in partnership can achieve real tangible outcomes.”
Vernon Bushell, local Shropshire Councillor for Harlescott, added:
“I am delighted that Harlescott was selected for this initiative and I sure the residents are really pleased with the support that the day provided. I would also like to thank all of the organisations that contributed to the Day of Action.”
In the photo are (left to right): Lee Green – DVLA, Vernon Bushell – local Shropshire Councillor for Harlescott, Graham Preece – Inspector, Claire Poulson – Severnside Housing, Andy Milne – Chief Inspector, Derek Taylor – Shropshire Fire & Rescue, Phil Pettitt – DVLA.
