Improving the quality of life for Elstree residents
10-Sep-2009 10:53:45
A team of crime busters tackled community issues on an Elstree estate yesterday, Wednesday 9 September, known locally as the Composers Estate.
Graffiti on a road sign - one of the issues identified to be addressed
Council and police officers were joined by representatives from William Sutton Homes as well as local residents to walk around the estate in the morning to identify issues including graffiti, flytipping and inappropriate parking.
The streets covered were Beethoven Road, Coates Road, Delius Close, Dylan Close, Elgar Close, Schubert Road and Sullivan Way.
After the visual audit, the area was leafleted to promote the initiative and how residents can contact the police and council. In the afternoon officers set up in Sullivan Way to catch local residents walking past so they could talk about any community safety issues or concerns they had and learn about crime prevention.
Local resident Dawn Poynter, 44, of Sullivan Way attended the event and said: "We identified things like dumped rubbish and cars parked on grass verges, which may seem like small things but they can gradually make the estate look uncared for and grind the community down.
"Hopefully with the help of the police and council we can make the estate something to be proud of and bring the community together."
She added: "Elstree is now a more peaceful place thanks to the local PCSOs."
Councillor John Donne, Community Safety and Transport Portfolio Holder, said: "The issues identified will be sent to the relevant organisation so they can take action.
"In addition, local residents were given the opportunity to get involved and speak to officers about any concerns they have.
"These types of events help make the borough cleaner and safer and improve the quality of life for local residents."
PC Ross Leopold, Elstree Ward Officer, said: "The aim of initiatives like these are all part of a plan to rekindle community spirit and help neighbours work together. This will give people a sense of ownership and hopefully they will look out for each other more."
The event was organised by Hertsmere Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership which includes Hertsmere Borough Council, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.