| Western Isles Community Safety Strategy Launched |
8 July 2003 |
| The Western Isles Community Safety Strategy for 2003-04 and 2004-05 was launched today to ensure that the current low levels of crime in the islands continue. The Strategy is the result of a partnership between public, private and voluntary agencies in the Island, led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Northern Constabulary. A major focus of the Strategy is how low crime levels and the safe environment can support the action being taken to reverse population decline. Community Safety includes crime and the fear of crime, safer homes, roads, workplaces, and leisure. The three-year Strategy was produced to clarify aims, priorities and targets and to agree who has the responsibility for them. It will be used to secure resources for an action plan, monitor progress, and for regular reporting to stakeholders. The Community Safety Strategy 2000/1 - 2002/3 was the first to be produced in the Western Isles. The Strategy for 2003/4 - 2004/5 hopes to build on previous successes, including the funding secured for the Road Safety, Driver Education and Karting Centre located at the Creed Business Park near Stornoway. The Centre now provides an ideal location for driver and rider education whilst offering a drug and alcohol free pastime for children and young people in the form of the Go-Kart track. The Comhairle has also introduced a grants scheme for the installation of smoke alarms in the houses of elderly people, and more recently, colourful bins of various sizes have been positioned in areas of the Nicolson Institute, which resulted in a very noticeable reduction of litter. The action plan for 2003/4 aims to start the process of increasing community involvement, providing resources for community based projects relating to road safety, crime prevention, accident prevention and young people. Access to the domestic abuse service offered by Western Isle’s Women’s Aid is to be extended, and the drugs and alcohol awareness services available for young people aged 16-25 extended. The action plan also features initiatives aimed at preserving the environment through reduced dog fouling, and work with young people on issues like litter. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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