New funding to tackle crime in West Bergholt

Date issued: 24 August 2020

West Bergholt Parish Council has been awarded £1,000 to upgrade existing CCTV equipment and install additional cameras around Orpen Memorial Hall.

New high-definition cameras are set to provide maximum visual coverage around the building after a rise in crime and antisocial behaviour in recent months, which has seen teenagers climbing onto the roof, fights, vehicle damage, vandalism and suspected drug dealing.
 
The award follows a successful application to the Safer Rural Communities Fund – part of the Rural Crime Toolkit launched by Colchester Borough Council in October 2019 and supported by the Safer Colchester Partnership.
 
The Toolkit, which has been developed alongside the Essex Police Rural Crime Strategy, provides advice and guidance to rural communities to help identify what the problems are, practical solutions to address them, preventative measures and a guide on how to apply for funding.
 
Up to £1,000 per application is available from the fund set up to support schemes that tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Colchester’s rural areas.
 
Applications are invited from not-for-profit groups, including voluntary/charitable organisations, community groups, parish councils, faith groups and community interest companies, to fund initiatives in qualifying wards.
 
Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to support West Bergholt Parish Council with this key funding, which will help to prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime and support local residents.
 
“We all have a part to play in making our communities safer, friendlier and more liveable. We’re building on the council’s investment in Police numbers, by offering this toolkit and committing funding to support the implementation of schemes that tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in rural areas.
 
“Our toolkit and funding supports the delivery of our pledge to make streets safer and our communities more resilient. By working with parish councils, businesses and the Police, we will reduce the impact crime has on our rural communities, helping to create a Better Colchester.”