The impact of a partnership aimed at improving safety in parts of Wellingborough has been praised by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner during a recent visit.
Housing association Greatwell Homes has worked in partnership with the Commissioner’s office to deliver safety improvements on the Hemmingwell estate in 2021, as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, with following work on the Queensway estate in 2023.
Work has included the installation of alley gates, monitored CCTV extensions, improvements to homes and the surrounding area, such as the replacement of approximately 900 doors and environmental design programmes, as well as a more proactive presence from Greatwell Homes’ teams.
Danielle Stone joined Greatwell Homes staff at a visit on 20 July to Burns Road Community Hub, on the Queensway estate, to understand the impact the Safer Streets investment and other improvement work has had in the area.
She heard about feedback given in their annual tenant survey, undertaken by the housing provider since 2023, which has shown a steady increase in satisfaction in safety in the two areas.
Both neighbourhoods show significant improvements in satisfaction with how Greatwell Homes approach handling anti-social behaviour, with levels jumping from 64 per cent to 77 per cent for Queensway and 63 per cent to 70 per cent in Hemmingwell.
Improvements in satisfaction has also been seen in measures showing how the landlord makes a positive difference to residents’ neighbourhoods and that their home is safe.
Danielle Stone (below, right) said: “I was really pleased to hear how our partnership work has improved residents’ perception of safety, especially around reducing anti-social behaviour, which is one of my missions.
“When we listen to the voices of our communities and work closely with our partners, we can shape services around what people need most, helping everyone feel safer and supported.”
Jo Savage, chief executive at Greatwell Homes (above, centre) said: “We’d like to thank Danielle for taking the time out of her busy schedule to join us and for her office’s continued support for our communities and what we are trying to achieve at Greatwell Homes.
“Our collaboration with the Northamptonshire OPFCC on the Safer Streets Fund represents an excellent example of how local teams working together on issues that matter to communities can make meaningful difference in how people feel and I’m confident the impact will continue to grow as our partnership strengthens.”
During the visit, Danielle also met with partners to discuss a range of initiatives including the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter, which is Danielle’s call to action for organisations to create safer environments for women, and her Safe and Sound Young People Manifesto.
