£1.3m boost for crime-fighting schemes in Northampton, Kettering and Wellingborough

Northamptonshire has an extra £1.375m government cash to spend on crime fighting projects in Northampton, Kettering and Wellingborough.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold successfully applied for a slice of funding available from the Home Office as part of its launch of the Safer Streets Scheme, set up to support initiatives to tackle crime in areas particularly affected by burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.

Money is earmarked for measures that are proven to cut crime, including changes to the street scene such as locked alley gates and better lighting, and CCTV.

The biggest slice of cash, more than £500,000, will be spent on a a range of security improvements in Wellingborough's Victoria and Isebrook wards.

This will include installing security gates on a number of alleyways behind homes, which are proven to reduce burglaries by more than 40 per cent, as well as reducing fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

Another £450,000 will help fund projects to create safer parking and other environmental improvements — including improved lighting — to enhance safety and security in Portland Place, Bouverie estate and surrounding areas in Northampton

And £280,000 will support the extension of town centre CCTV in Kettering as well as plans to install a small number of secure alley gates.

These three areas were chosen because they have levels of acquisitive crime that are higher than average for the county.

Mr Mold, said: “I am delighted to have been successful in winning this extra funding to help support crime fighting projects in Northamptonshire.

“My vision is to do everything I can to make this county a safer place and the financial support from the Home Office will have an enormous impact on the physical improvements that can be made to improve security in these three areas.

"There will be full involvement and consultation with local communities where necessary, as we work alongside the local authorities to carry out these projects.

“I have been working with the Chief Constable, Nick Adderley, on investment plans in a number of different sectors of work and this funding boost from the Home Office is a very welcome addition to what we have planned.

"I look forward to being able to make further announcements as soon as this work gets underway.”