Clear, hold, build – rebuilding troubled communities

The Clear, Hold, Build (CHB) initiative has now been running in Hertfordshire for more than a year and is helping to transform the lives of people whose communities have been affected by serious, persistent crime.   

The government initiative was piloted in Stevenage, under the name ‘Build a Better Bedwell’, which was chosen by local schoolchildren. CHB aims to help communities blighted by drugs, gangs and violence by making them less attractive to criminals, whilst at the same time building up the local community by providing enhanced support from local agencies.

Since Build a Better Bedwell began in May 2023, more than 50 people have been arrested, many with links to criminal gangs, as part of the ‘clear’ phase to give the area respite from drug related crime and violence. 

The ‘hold’ phase then saw police and other agencies increase their presence in the area to make sure criminals didn’t return, with police and local councils working in partnership to shut down cuckooed addresses and homes linked to drug dealing and anti-social behaviour. 

Finally, the ‘build’ phase focussed on working with the local community to identify projects that could improve life for those living in the area and tackle the drivers of crime. More than £1.5m was provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office and local partners for the Bedwell area, which is being used to introduce a range of measures including CCTV, Secure by Design door entry systems and garage defenders.

Bedwell is just the first area to benefit from this approach, as there are plans to roll it out to other parts of Hertfordshire. Grovehill in Hemel Hempstead is the next area to implement the project, with local agencies joining forces and taking inspiration from the progress made in Bedwell.

Currently in the ‘clear’ stage, the Grovehill area in Hemel Hempstead has had an increased police presence over recent months, with more than 29 people arrested and six properties linked to drug related crime being closed. 

Serious and Organised Crime Partnership Board Chair, Detective Superintendent Ben Wright, said: “I am hugely grateful for the commitment, energy and drive of all those involved to date. It has paid dividends and there is much to celebrate.  For the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ model to work effectively, a whole system approach is imperative. We look forward to working with other Community Safety Partnerships and embedding this approach throughout the county.”

Chief Inspector for Stevenage, Graeme Walsingham said “Clear, Hold, Build is an excellent example of partnership working with the local community at the heart of it all.

“In Stevenage we worked very closely with key agencies and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office throughout the ‘build’ phase to firmly establish this scheme in Bedwell and it is now being successfully driven forward by the community and supported by Stevenage Borough Council and other partner agencies.

“The impact this scheme has had on local residents and business in the Bedwell area, is palpable and we have had lots of positive feedback particularly around feelings of safety.

“The scheme has also led to new and enhanced working relationships with local partner agencies and local charities, and a new retail store aimed at helping former offenders has been set up in the area.  

“We are now working closely with Dacorum and Watford to share all our learning and support the next rollouts across the county.

Councillor Jackie Hollywell, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Stevenage Borough Council said: “The Build a Better Bedwell project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and community investment. By working closely with the police and utilising funding, we’re striving to make real improvements that not only enhance the look and feel of the area but also reduce crime. Together, we’re creating a safer, more welcoming Bedwell for everyone.”

Chief Inspector for Dacorum, Jason Finegan, said: “Clear, Hold, Build has been active since mid-August in Dacorum, where we are targeting the Grovehill area of Hemel Hempstead. Since we started, we’v arrested 19 suspects for a number of offences including drugs and theft. We have also executed warrants and are in the process of closing several properties down. We conducted more than 90 patrols in the locality and this is having a hugely positive impact in public trust and reassurance.

“I am confident that the project will be a success, after a very productive ‘clear’ phase. We are now working with our local partners so that the ‘Build’ stage of the project can deliver some real benefits to local people. CHB focuses our officers in the areas where they are most needed, delivering tangible results for the community and building a long-term regeneration in parts of the county that have suffered from deprivation due to crime and anti-social behaviour.  

Joshua Smith, Head of Safe Communities at Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) said: “Our community in Grovehill has seen the positive impact of the ‘Clear’ phase of Clear, Hold, Build, as the police have successfully removed serious and serial offenders from the area. Effective partnership working has helped to deliver such positive results so quickly and the Council is committed to working with key partners and local residents to build a safer and stronger community in Grovehill.”