Earlier this year, a programme of improvement works commenced at Primrose Court in Huyton as part of the Safer Streets project.
The works are now complete and include a new road surface, street lighting, the installation of CCTV, boundary fences and security devices for homes on the estate – all of which are aimed at preventing anti-social behaviour and making residents feel more secure in their homes. A number of empty homes that were in disrepair have also benefitted from upgrades by the home owners to bring them back into use.
This complements the ongoing work already taking place in the area including police high visibility patrols and clean-up operations to remove fly tipping and graffiti.
As well as this key infrastructure and enforcement work, Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team has been working closely with the local community to understand their needs. This has resulted in stronger links established with young people, parents and community leaders, who are all working with partners to improve their local area.
New children’s play equipment has been installed at Hillside Community Centre, as well as improvement works to the surrounding green spaces.
The works, totalling £367,000, have been funded by the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which was secured by Merseyside’s Police Commissioner.
Primrose Court was identified as a priority area due to historic issues caused by the street being un-adopted and left unlit and in a poor state of repair by the original developers. As a result, the area attracted incidents of fly tipping and anti-social behaviour.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for me and our local authorities and partner organisations. I’m committed to improving safety right across our communities so that the people living in them feel more secure. That means focusing our efforts in areas where we know local people are facing challenging issues.
“Sadly, this part of Knowsley was one those areas where we had seen incidents of crime and ASB spike but through this Safer Streets project we’re focusing on putting practical, effective solutions in place to reduce ASB and make it a safer, cleaner and healthier place to live.
“It’s great to see the work that’s been delivered so far and the vital difference this is already making in helping to provide safer more engaging spaces to live in and I look forward to seeing how this project will continue to change things for the better.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods added: “We know crime and anti-social behaviour in Primrose Court has been an issue and one we and our community safety partners including Merseyside Police and the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner have been addressing for some time.
“I’m delighted work has now been completed to improve the area and address a number of priority issues for local residents so that we can create long-term change and rejuvenate the area.”
Berna Thompson, from Hillside Neighbourhood Centre, said: “It’s been great to see the community come together and work with agencies for the benefit of the local area. The improvements delivered here at the community centre have been identified by the young people from the local community and include a minibus for the centre, which will be an invaluable asset and additions to the community centre that will be enjoyed for many years to come. We are all passionate about our local area and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved.”
