Communities across Amber Valley are feeling the impact of a year of targeted action to tackle anti-social behaviour and make areas safer.
Over the past 12 months, Amber Valley Borough Council’s Community Safety Partnership has delivered a focused programme of work, bringing together partners including Derbyshire Constabulary, housing providers and local organisations to take action where it matters most.
(Pictured above: The Community Safety Partnership team during one of their action days on King Street, Belper.)
From town centres to neighbourhood hotspots, highly visible days of action have put support directly into the hands of residents. Events in places like Belper, Alfreton and Ripley have offered practical advice, free personal safety equipment and the chance for people to share their experiences and help shape future work.
This has included targeted activity with young people, such as a day of action at Heanor Skate Park in response to local concerns.
Safer town centres have been a key focus. In Ripley, a new radio scheme now connects pubs, retailers and the Safer Neighbourhood Team, helping partners share information quickly and respond to issues in real time.
Support for Pubwatch schemes has also been strengthened, with investment in digital communication tools and the introduction of life-saving bleed control kits in venues.
(Pictured above: Launching new outdoor fitness equipment at Alfreton Welfare Recreation Ground during a Community Safety event.)
Protecting vulnerable people has remained a priority throughout the year. Work to improve safety for women and girls has focused on making park spaces feel safer and more welcoming, including new outdoor gym equipment at Alfreton Welfare Recreation Ground and improved lighting at Heanor Memorial Park. This has been supported by awareness campaigns and community events designed to improve confidence and personal safety.
The Partnership has also continued to support victims of domestic abuse through funded safe accommodation.
Work with licensed premises has also strengthened safety in the night-time economy, helping venues better support customers through initiatives like Ask for Angela and increased awareness of issues such as drink spiking.
(Pictured above: AVBC’s Community Safety team speaking with pub landlords in Ripley about Ask for Angela.)
Prevention work with young people is also delivering results. In Heanor, the Breakaway project is providing young people with positive activities, including boxing sessions, helping to steer them away from anti-social behaviour while building confidence and self-belief.
This has been expanded through additional activities, including football sessions to engage a wider group of young people.
Since the project began, anti-social behaviour in Heanor has fallen by 34%, highlighting the impact of early intervention and partnership working.
Alongside this, a programme of seasonal campaigns, community events and wellbeing activities has ensured support is visible, accessible and right where it’s needed.
Councillor Elaine Sherman, Cabinet Member for Regulation and Community Safety at Amber Valley Borough Council, said:
"Community safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about prevention, partnership working and making sure people feel safe where they live.
"This past year has seen a real focus on taking action in our communities, listening to residents and working closely with partners to respond to the issues that matter most.
"The progress we’re seeing across Amber Valley shows what can be achieved when we take a proactive and joined-up approach."
The Community Safety Partnership will continue to build on this work over the coming year, with further activity planned to tackle anti-social behaviour, support vulnerable residents and strengthen safety across Amber Valley.
Contact the team directly on 01773 841534 or email communications@ambervalley.gov.uk
