• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

North East Connected

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Screen Shot 2016-04-14 at 09.49.37A series of environmental improvements implemented to boost community safety around a key South Tyneside transport link will be up for discussion at the next meeting of the Riverside Community Area Forum.

Forum members will receive an update on the works, which have been undertaken leading to a drop in anti-social behaviour around the Chichester Metro Station area of South Shields.

The improvements have included cutting back shrubs, removing bushes and pruning trees to improve visibility around Chichester Metro Station and help residents feel safe.

As a result, figures from Northumbria Police show a reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour with 69 calls to Chichester Metro over the past six months compared to 126 calls in the six months previous.

Councillor Michael Clare, Chairman of the Riverside Community Area Forum, said: “We look forward to hearing more about the success of the environmental work which has been carried out around Chichester Metro in partnership with Northumbria Police.

“The Metro Station is well used by residents and is an important transport link for local people for getting to and from work, shopping and for people visiting South Shields.

“We will be looking at what else can be done to further reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in this area and to make our CCTV as effective as possible. Their surveillance plays an important role in detecting and dealing with a range of crimes and the evidence recorded is of great value to the police and increases the chances of securing a conviction.”

Forum members will also consider a report responding to a petition received from local residents. The report relates to the proposed introduction of additional road safety measures on Wenlock Road, with recommendations put forward for a new signalised pedestrian crossing, a reduction in the speed limit and other traffic calming measures.

Councillor Michael Clare added, “We take the issue of road safety very seriously and have taken on board residents’ concerns about this particular area.

“The matter has been discussed among highways officers, local councillors and our community safety partners and when we meet on Thursday we will be looking at how we can best improve road safety and create a safer access road.”

Members of the press and public are welcome to attend the meeting, which takes place at 6pm, on Thursday 21 April, at The Custom Space, Captains Row, South Shields.

By admin