By James Simons-
A housing estate troubled with antisocial behaviour and violence and will receive hundreds of thousands of pounds of Home Office funding. A total of £500,000 will be invested in the Ninefields estate in Waltham Abbey, in a bid to make the area safer.
The bumper funding to Ninefields estate arranged by Epping Forest District Council is designed to address anti-social behaviour in nearby estates, after a survey with residents revealed concerns about increased drug taking and antisocial behaviour by delinquent youths. amenities for youngsters and the appearance of the estate also criticised.
An absence of amenities for youngsters has been blamed for some of the violence tendencies in the area, including against women. As a result of the concerning issues, the council has worked with the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst to bid for cash from the Home Office to help solve these issues, announcing rom £338,000 from the Government’s Safer Streets funding pot, boosted by £169,000 from the council, giving a total of £507,000.
Law abiding residents in the area joined forces in communicating with the Epping Forest Council to address the many issues.
Holly Whitbread, the cabinet member for housing and chairman of the Epping Forest community safety partnership, said: “This offers tremendous opportunities to boost community cohesion, foster a sense of ownership in the environment and help allay fears around safety issues and anti-social behaviour.
“It is the first time the Council has attempted such a comprehensive, cross-service piece of work and the Government funding, alongside the Council’s own investment is very welcome.”
Key to the Ninefields project is two play areas for younger and slightly older children with the aim of creating a more family friendly environment.
Other improvements include installation of CCTV, community campaigns and clear-up events to deter fly-tipping, secure access to communal areas to reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour, and improvements to bin storage areas to clamp down on vandalism, burglary, and antisocial behaviour.
The project kicks off this month with the first of a series of Safe, Well and Secure community action days delivered by council services and partners including Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police, community groups, schools, and businesses.