A campaign to tackle violence against woman around the public transport network has been expanded with a large cash injection.
The Safer Streets Liverpool campaign has received £576,000 to improve women's feelings of safety around the transport network in Liverpool. There will be an increased uniformed presence around transport hubs in the early hours of Friday, Saturday and midweek student dedicated nights.
The funding will also see the introduction of 21 CCTV cameras along the main bus route used by young people, a development of safe spaces in transport hubs, and 'street pastors' to provide support for helping people get home. Today's cash boost sees the total funding secured for the Safer Streets campaign in the region rise to almost £3m.
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An education programme targeted at primary schools will also be used to help change attitudes while an adult programme will challenge misogynistic and stereotypical language. The new funding will also be used to roll out the campaign's educational programmes and marketing campaign to all areas of the region.
The funding has been secured from a joint bid with Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund. Speaking about funding, Ms Spurrell said: “Women and girls told us they feel unsafe using public transport at night, and this two-pronged campaign is really focused on responding to their concerns.
"Using practical solutions such as CCTV, a text message reporting service and bystander training, as well as education programmes and a high-profile marketing campaign, we want to prevent and tackle sexual violence and ensure every woman feels safer and is safer.”
The new funding will also benefit Picton. The city council ward will get nearly £400,000 to improve and upgrade street lighting, repair alley gates, and introduce security equipment to improve residents' safety. Communal bins will also be introduced to prevent burglars gaining access to the rear of properties.
This will tackle anti-social behaviour and and improve relationships with students and local residents. The project team will work with universities on a communication campaign focused on increasing crime prevention awareness and helping to integrate the student population with resident community groups.
Cllr Abdul Qadir, council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We are determined to address issues in the Picton ward, particularly around anti-social behaviour, burglary and help improve the relationship between students and residents. We hope that by installing additional security measures and supporting the local community we can start to improve the situation.
“This is in addition to other measures in the area such as holding landlords to account through our Landlord Licensing scheme and limiting the number of new HMOs.”
Speaking about the near £1m in funding for the city, Mayor Joanne Anderson added: "Improving safety in our neighbourhoods and tackling violence against women and girls are both huge priorities and I am delighted we have secured this funding.
“We have already had success tackling offences due to the Safer Streets Liverpool campaign, and the additional work we are planning will provide a reassuring presence to students on the way home. It is vital that we don’t just challenge behaviour but also seek to change it, which is why the education element is so important.”
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