Project to Reduce Crime Receives Wellbeing Fund Grant (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Project to Reduce Crime Receives Wellbeing Fund Grant

September 26, 2005 12:00 AM

An initiative to help reduce crime and the fear of crime in North East Leeds has received a grant of over £13,000 from the North East Inner Area Committee Wellbeing Fund.

The Open Door project, based in newly refurbished premises at 225 Lidgett Lane, Roundhay, is a joint working centre developed to serve the Brackenwood and Gledhow areas of the city.

The centre, which officially opened on September 16th, is now home to a dedicated community policing team that provides reassurance and support to local residents about crime related matters as well as a base for local people to find out information about a range of services and community based organisations in the area. Leeds City Council's Youth Services will also run youth activities from the centre.

Organisations involved in the project include Leeds City Council's North East Area Management Committee, Leeds North East Homes, West Yorkshire police and Leeds Youth Services.

Partners will be able to work directly with each other and local residents by providing a localised facility which will contribute towards creating better neighbourhoods and confident communities.

A steering group consisting of a representative from each organisation and a local resident group has been set up to develop the project.

Cllr Brenda Lancaster (Lib Dem, Moortown), chair of the north east Inner Area Committee which helped fund the centre, said:

"This multi-agency project addresses one of the key priorities of the North East Inner Area Committee in tackling crime and community safety.

"The open Door Project will benefit the Brackenwood and Gledhow neighbourhoods and help reduce crime and the fear of crime. It will also provide invaluable information to all local residents about issues which are important to them.

"This is a good example of organisations working together to tackle crime and coordinate community involvement across the area, listening to local residents' needs."

The proposal was submitted by West Yorkshire police in response to the Government's Neighbourhood Policing Strategy, which encourages the police to work with statutory and voluntary agencies and the local community to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.