Helping those who visit the centre feel safer
After a number of incidents including damage to cars and theft from the building, Skerton Community Centre received almost £2,300 from the fund to install CCTV with 9 cameras covering both within the centre itself and the outside grounds.
This has helped those who visit the centre feel safer and provides reassurance, whilst also acting as a deterrent against anti-social behaviour.
Many of those who utilise the centre are vulnerable or elderly, this encourages people to use the centre and engage in the community.
Visiting the centre, the Commissioner said:
“It has been great to see the CCTV system in place here at Skerton Community Centre and hear about how positive the feedback has been, with people who come here, sometimes with nowhere else to go, feeling safer and more secure as a result.
“This is exactly what my Community Action Fund is all about, supporting initiatives that make our neighbourhoods safer places to live and builds confident communities, key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.
“This goes to show the impact that these small grants can have – they provide real value for money and make a big difference across Lancashire.”
Andrew Marshall, project worker at Skerton Community Centre said:
“This funding has allowed us to invest in this CCTV system which people who use the centre have said makes them feel safer and more able to use what is a really vital community space.
“It is great that the Commissioner has been able to see where the Community Action Fund has been utilised and the difference that it has already made to the Community Centre.”
For more details about the Community Action Fund, including funding criteria and how to apply, visit the CAF section of the Commissioners website https://www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/our-money/grant-funding/community-action-fund/
