Thousands in funding given to repair damage by gangs to communities in Netherton

Thousands of pounds have been given to organisations in Sefton to help reduce serious and organised crime in Netherton.

Clubs and groups with projects to support those living and working in the EVOLVE Netherton area attended the ‘Power to Park Lane’ participatory budget event at Bootle Town Hall on Tuesday (June 20, 2023).

A number of organisations pitched for a portion of a £40,000 funding pot in a Dragon’s Den style to residents who voted for the projects they felt would have the biggest impact in their community.

Projects had to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Reduce or address crime and anti-social behaviour
• Protect vulnerable people from becoming victims of crime and anti-social behaviour
• Support victims of crime or anti-social behaviour
• Tackle County Lines

The £40,000 funding pot was provided by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Sefton Borough Council via the PCC's Community Safety Partnership grant, One Vision Housing and Merseyside Police’s Operation Stonehaven which looks to identify and safeguard vulnerable young people and adults through preventative engagement initiatives.

The event is one of many initiatives taking place in the area following the launch of EVOLVE Netherton in April to disrupt and deter gangs from operating and to make the area places people love to live, work and visit.

Sergeant Rachel Hassett, who helped organise the event, said: “Power to Park Lane was an amazing event and we are looking forward to seeing a difference to the lives of those living, working and visiting the area as a result of these fantastic projects that have been given a boost by this funding.

“EVOLVE is a partnership between police, councils, the health service, fire service, schools, housing associations, community organisations and charitable groups who are working together with residents to rebuild areas where gangs and their reckless activities have ruined lives.

“There is a huge commitment from all partners to improve the area and tackle the issues that impact on the lives of those who live and work there.

“Power to Park Lane has helped to empower local groups to provide activities and resources that will ultimately assist to decrease and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, tackle County Lines, protect vulnerable people and help reduce gang-related activity.”

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “Serious and organised crime can have a drastic and very harmful effect on our communities. 

“Sefton Council has a fantastic relationship with Merseyside Police and partners as we all work closely together to target those people who perpetrate serious crime, which ultimately helps to build a safer, stronger community.

“Power to Park Lane, one of our warmly welcomed initiatives in Sefton, has been designed to support the community to deliver projects that will make the estate a better place to live, work and visit by reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell added: “I’m delighted Sefton Council are using my Community Safety Grant to improve the quality of life for residents in and around Park Lane while helping to create a stronger and safer place for people who live, work, and visit.

“These participatory budget events encourage locals to invest in their community and to work together to decide what the key priorities are for their area.

“People in Sefton, like every other area in Merseyside refuse to be intimidated by the heartless criminal gangs that seeks to blight their areas. By working together, with Merseyside Police and other partners, our aim is to strengthen community resilience and empower local people to build a brighter future.”

The EVOLVE project which helps to regenerate parts of Merseyside that have been most severely affected by gangs was first launched to communities in January in parts of Liverpool and Knowsley.

There are currently three EVOLVE projects in Merseyside – one in Liverpool and Knowsley, one in Birkenhead and the other in Netherton.

 

Group Manager Franny Hill said: "Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is happy to contribute to fantastic community projects in the Netherton area as part of EVOLVE.

"We all want a safer community where people can enjoy life and thrive without being troubled by crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Working together with partners we can take steps together to be part of the change we want to see."

Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of One Vision Housing, added: “We are proud to be working in collaboration with Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the PCC and Sefton Council to deliver the 'Power to Park Lane' scheme for local residents.

“By partnering with Merseyside Police to tackle anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods, we hope to improve the lives of our residents and make the areas in which they live better, too.

“We look forward to seeing how the activities create opportunities and work towards changing the lives of people within our communities.”

The following 11 organisations were awarded their funding bids with £250 donated to all the runners-up:

• Nobody Left Behind
• Little Foot
• Elevate
• Dance Club
• Coffee Morning
• LFC Foundation
• R Space
• Our Lady of Walsingham
• NPNC Youth Project
• Dad and Kids Club
• Autism Initiatives