Project clears the way for safer community spaces

The Safer Streets project continues to transform Hatfield with environmental improvements being completed recently.

Safer Streets is a multi-agency initiative that aims to reduce reports of vehicle crime, county line drug dealing, criminal damage and associated anti-social behaviour. It focuses on hotspot areas in Hatfield* and measures include upgraded CCTV along with regular patrols (Operation Oarlock).

As part of the improvements to the environment, the extensive vegetation on the footpath between Goldings House and Link Drive has been cut back. Vegetation in the other connecting alleyways has also been removed.

A wide variety of local partners are involved in the Safer Streets project, including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and housing providers.

The vegetation removal, funded by the Safer Streets project, was carried out by Ringway Infrastructure Services, on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council.

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Pete Frost said: “This is another milestone in the Safer Streets project and I hope residents are pleased to see the improvements.

“Cutting back the vegetation will improve visibility and help to make people feel safer when walking about the area. It’s a simple and effective measure which is strengthened further by our Operation Oarlock patrols.

“It’s really important that residents get in touch with us about any concerns around local crime and anti-social behaviour so that we can take action. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

“Remember, you can also speak anonymously to Crimestoppers who will pass the information to us without identifying you.”

Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We want everyone to feel safe in Hertfordshire, so we make sure our highways team and contractors are helping to support community safety initiatives such as cutting back vegetation to improve visibility and make people feel safer. As well as improving perceptions of safety, this work will also encourage people to think about active and sustainable travel options such and walking and cycling.”

Join our new community messaging platform Herts Connected (opens in a new window) where you will receive free local police messages. You can also choose to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch, Action Fraud and the Police and Crime Commissioner if that’s what you select when you sign up. 

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in a new window).

*The project focuses on Goldings House, Goldings Crescent, Link Close, Wood Close, Wood Vale, Deerswood Avenue, Northdown Road, Garden Avenue, Roe Green Lane and St Albans Road West. Find out more here.