Leeds City Council fund £1m to enhance community safety

Leeds City Council are making over £1m available to fund projects that will revamp community safety in the city.

Several initiatives across the Leeds area will each receive a share from the £3 million fund set aside by the Housing Revenue Account to help improve the welfare of housing estates.

The range of projects funded include new CCTV in multi-storey flats and on shopping parades, upgraded security doors and glazing in flats and sheltered housing complexes, fencing and lighting to improve key areas and crime reduction projects.

The council’s Housing Advisory Panels, an assembly of local residents who make decisions that affect the services and conditions in their area, have also funded some of the safety projects.

Last June, the Executive Board agreed to grant £3 million of Housing Revenue Account funds to be distributed to environmental improvement projects that improve the quality of council housing estates in the city.

Councillor Peter Gruen, executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and personnel, said:

“Improving housing estates isn’t just about making them look pretty. We want to bring about tangible, genuine change for the better and this fund is the ideal tool to achieve that.

“Bids from 26 communities are being supported and they range from CCTV being installed at allotments on Fewston Lane, updating doors at Malborough Grange and Moor Grange Court to improve security and fencing in the Beckhill area to complement the neighbourhood framework.

“By investing in these projects we hope to provide people with the reassurance they need to feel secure in their homes and communities.”

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for cleaner, safer and stronger communities, said: “You can’t put a price on the peace of mind simple security measures like these bring.

“Driven by the priorities of local people, this funding will go a long way in helping communities feel safe and help cut crime.”