Action day puts pride in Parkside (12/12/06)
Officers from South Bedfordshire District Council joined forces with Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, Bedfordshire Probationers, Houghton Regis Town Council and pupils from Hawthorn Lower School to clear up land on Parkside in Houghton Regis last Thursday (7 December).
The clear up was part of the councils Pride of Place Action campaign and concentrated on overgrown bushes and adjacent footpaths that run around Westminster Gardens and Hammersmith Gardens. The aim was to improve visibility on the estate, to create a safer community and reduce the fear of crime.
As part of the day, the Fire and Rescue Service installed smoke alarms in homes on the estate free of charge.
Bedfordshire Probation Service took part in the day as part of their Community Payback Scheme. Ward Councillor David Hogan unveiled a plaque at the entrance to Westminster Gardens to mark the probationers involvement in the day. He said: "The work that has been done by all the volunteers has made a tremendous difference to the estate. As the first resident to move into Westminster Gardens I have seen a number of initiatives introduced over the years to improve safety on the estate and this action day reinforces the councils and other agencys commitment to making people feel safe in Parkside."
Executive Member with responsibility for environmental issues, Councillor Brian Spurr said: "These action days are a great way for local organisations to come together to make a real difference to a community. Reducing the fear of crime is one of the things that our residents tell us is important to them so holding these Pride of Place events is one of the ways we aim to address this."
Houghton Regis beat manager PC Darren Bambury said the initiative builds on the success of another in Leighton Buzzard during the summer where police and other agencies worked together to clean up graffiti.
He said: "That was an excellent partnership initiative and Bedfordshire Police are delighted to throw their weight behind this project and help make Houghton Regis a safer place."
Chief Fire Officer, Paul Fuller added: "Community safety is a key role for the Fire and Rescue Service, whether in peoples homes, in their neighbourhoods or on the roads and we take pride in being involved in this event."
