The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner brought problem solvers together in Victoria Park, Millers Meadow and Semilong to address long-standing issues affecting residents and community safety.
It’s the fifth Study Tour Danielle Stone has hosted, which saw crime prevention specialists, Northampton Town councillors Rufia Ashraf and Farzana Aldridge, WNC councillors Nicholas Humphries, John East and Bob Purser, council representatives, residents and local organisations come together to take a closer look at environmental and physical security issues that may be contributing to acquisitive crime and anti-social behaviour.
The tour began in Victoria Park, where partners carried out a Visual Environmental Audit (VEA) to identify factors that make the area feel less safe, such as poor lighting, overgrown vegetation and neglected public spaces. Residents raised concerns about inadequate lighting along the path between Parkwood Street and the train line, and overgrown bushes identified as hotspots for drug activity.
Ideas discussed included tree maintenance, enhanced lighting, updated signage and the possibility of installing CCTV. Partners also explored the development of a broader Park Ranger Strategy.
Crossing Spencer Bridge into Millers Meadow, the group reviewed a large homeless encampment under the bridge, an area known to be frequented by vulnerable individuals and drug users. Councillors were asked to review access control options, and the Commissioner’s Office is looking into installing a Help Point in the park to improve safety.
In Semilong, residents raised concerns about poor street lighting, fly-tipping, littering, and drug-related activity -particularly around the multi-use games area. While the conifer trees nearby offer added privacy for nearby flats, they have also been linked to safety concerns, as they may be inadvertently facilitating illicit activity. Discussions are underway to find a solution that maintains privacy while improving safety.
Despite these challenges, a local resident has transformed part of this space into a small haven by creating a welcoming area that reflects pride in the community.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “It’s inspiring to see residents taking pride in their community. Their efforts show what’s possible when we work together. We’re committed to supporting this kind of community spirit.
“Study Tours are a vital part of our commitment to community-led change. By walking side-by-side with residents, councillors and our frontline colleagues, we gain a deeper understanding of the issues people face every day. These tours aren’t just about identifying problems, they’re about building trust, listening to lived experiences and working together.”
Other ideas discussed during the tour included outreach work with local community groups to support initiatives such as litter picking alongside the Wombles.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at WNC, said: “The study tour was a great opportunity for the Council to work together with residents and partners and look at ways to improve our local neighbourhoods.
“Discussions about CCTV, environmental works, and help points helped everyone better understand the challenges people face, and the barriers partners deal with. Working together like this is vital to finding practical solutions that make our communities safer and more welcoming.”
Study Tours will continue across the county, focusing on areas experiencing higher levels of acquisitive crime such as theft, burglary, robbery and shoplifting. As the only elected office holder with a countywide remit, the Commissioner plays a key role in bringing partners together to tackle issues affecting community safety and shaping future objectives in the Police, Fire and Crime Plan.
Danielle Stone added: “Our Study Tours help us get a shared grip on what is driving local issues. When we work with local people, we understand how to work towards solutions that are right for them. We know we can’t solve everything but what we can do, we will.”
