READING Borough Council has released statistics from its Community Safety Survey as it looks ahead to National Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.
It is also urging residents to report instances of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Reading so that it can continue to tackle the issues faced by the town.
The Community Safety Survey by the Council, conducted on behalf of Reading’s Community Safety Partnership, took place over the summer, inviting residents to have their say on safety in Reading and help shape continuing changes to make it a safer place to live.
The annual report showed an 5% increase in the number of residents who feel Reading is a safe place to live.
This brings it up from 45% to just over 50%.
While only 34% felt completely or fairly safe at night time in their neighbourhood, three-quarters of residents said they felt either completely safe or fairly safe in their neighbourhood in the daytime.
This also represents an increase the 2023 figures.
Despite this, 58% said they still felt that anti-social behaviour had increased in the past year.
It comes ahead of Anti-Social behaviour Awareness week, a national campaign initiative supported by HM Government, the Civil Service, police and fire forces, Historic England, housing providers, local authorities, and community groups.
It aims to publicise issues faced by communities as a result of ASB and how people and organisations can take action.
Ahead of ASB Awareness Week, Reading Borough Council is pledging ongoing commitment in working to reduce ASB, and its work in partnership with organisations such as Thames Valley Police.
It is also encouraging residents to continue to report ASB so actions can be identified and taken.
The council has already taken steps to reduce ASB which include the removal of phone boxes along the Oxford Road, which were being used for drug dealing; the tidying up of Kensington Park and removing mattresses on the corner of the car park; legal action against tenants at a property in Kentwood ward, as a result of complaints of motorbike nuisance; and a closure order put on a property in Tilehurst ward after an investigation stemming from concerns raised of drug related activity
As well as these, the council has laid out a number of actions it is set to take to continue its work.
These include the launch and partnership event at Broad Street Mall on Monday, November 18, esidents can meet representatives of the police, the council, fire service, trading standards and housing and energy support, to raise any queries with frontline officers and find out what initiatives are being undertaken.
Free personal safety tools, such as alarms and property marking pens, will also be given out.
Councillor Karen Rowland, Lead Member for Community Safety at Reading Borough Council and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said:
“Whilst there are some encouraging results from this year’s community safety survey, we are committed to continuing to improve residents’ feelings of safety in our town. Despite the encouraging numbers, we still know that anti-social behaviour remains entrenched and a problem for our residents, as in common with all large urban areas.
“The Council and its partners remain fully committed to continuing to address the presence of ASB in our communities. Thanks to Safer Streets funding we’ve been able to make significant investment in additional cctv cameras and lighting, and have recruited to our ASB and Safer Public Realm teams where officers are enthusiastic and at the ready to investigate issues residents raise.
“So I implore residents to help us to help you – if you are a victim of ASB, do not suffer in silence–please do report the issues to us and we will do our best to get to the bottom of it and resolve the issue for you”.
The launch and partnership event takes place at Broad Street Mall on Monday, November 18, from 10am-3pm.
The council will also hold a series of Love Your Neighbourhood events, providing an opportunity to meet officers in the community, and find out what partners are doing in your local area and talk to officers.
These will take place on:
– Monday, November 18, at Coley Community Centre, 10am–12pm
– Tuesday, November 19, at Lyndhurst Road Community Centre, 1pm – 4pm
– Wednesday, November 20, at Southcote Hub, Coronation Square, 9am – 1pm
– Thursday, November 21, at Emmer Green Community Centre, 10am – 1pm
– Friday, November 22, at Hexham Road Community Centre, 9am – 12pm
– Friday, November 22, at Whitley Wood Community Centre, 1pm – 4pm
