Published: Friday, 20th December 2024
In a continued effort to enhance public safety and reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the local community, a significant investment of £156,400 has been made in safety improvements at Cannock Park.
The funding, which comes from multiple sources, will support a range of initiatives aimed at protecting park-goers and addressing issues related to crime and ASB.
A total of £132,900 has been allocated to enhance park lighting through funding from the Government’s Safer Streets 5 initiative, following a successful bid by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office, alongside additional contributions from the Council. The Safer Streets 5 fund aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, associated crime and violence against women and girls and make the streets safer. The new lighting will increase visibility throughout the park during the darker hours, providing a safer environment for visitors.
An additional £23,500 has been invested in the installation of CCTV cameras, also funded by the Safer Streets 5 initiative. The new surveillance systems will aid in the prevention and detection of crime and shall be monitored 24/7 by the Council’s CCTV team.
As part of the ongoing safety efforts, a number of wrist alarms have been purchased through the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) initiative seeks to address these fears and reassure female runners about their safety when exercising alone.
During the dark winter nights many female runners admit to feeling less safe and nervous about going out for their regular solo runs. For those unable get to group runs organised by the districts running clubs it can mean they stop running for several months with the detrimental effect on their physical fitness and emotional wellbeing.
These alarms are designed to improve the safety of runners, cyclists, and walkers across the district during the evening or early morning hours. Featuring a high-visibility reflective wrist strap, each alarm emits an ear-piercing 130db siren when activated, making it easier for individuals to alert others in case of danger.
Wrist alarms can be provided for female runners and running groups by email to:
partnership@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
These safety improvements come as part of a broader strategy to foster a safer, more welcoming environment for all visitors to Cannock Park. The upgrades are expected to not only reduce crime and ASB but also to provide local residents with greater peace of mind as they enjoy the park's outdoor spaces.
Councillor David Williams, Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing said: “Ensuring the safety of our residents is a priority. These safety improvements in Cannock Park are a step towards making our community even safer. The new lighting, CCTV, and wrist alarms will not only deter anti-social behaviour but also help people feel more secure as they enjoy outdoor activities, especially during the darker hours. We are committed to creating a welcoming, safe environment for everyone.”
Councillor John Preece, Deputy Leader and Parks, Culture and Heritage Portfolio Leader said: “We want to ensure that our parks are safe to use, especially during the winter months. Parks are often used as places to exercise and when they're safe after dark, they become accessible to everyone—whether it's early morning joggers, cyclists, or families out for an evening walk. A well-lit, secure park encourages more people to use these valuable spaces, promoting both physical activity and mental wellbeing, while also deterring anti-social behaviour and crime."
Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams said: “Preventing and protecting people from harm is an absolute top priority in my Police & Crime plan, which is why I am pleased Cannock Chase Council have utilised funding from my office to purchase wrist alarms.
“Communities deserve to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives with the ability to enjoy their local area without fear. The wrist alarms will not only help communities to feel safer when exercising but will help protect them from harm in the first instance by deterring potential offenders.”