A £430,000 neighbourhood crime reduction scheme in Redditch has begun.

Hundreds of homes in the Woodrow area of the town are now eligible to receive free safety and security improvements from the Safer Streets Woodrow project, which was officially launched today (Friday Sept 24).

The upgrades, ranging from improved security to doors, windows, and gates, to better lighting and more, are available at no cost to every home in Rushock Close, Ombersley Close, and Woodrow Centre.

Project partners West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and Redditch Borough Council marked the opening of the programme with a launch event in the heart of the area, the Woodrow Centre.

Borough council Portfolio Holder for Community Safety Cllr Nyear Nazir said: “We’re delighted to present Safer Streets Woodrow. These free security upgrades, available now, will only help make residents feel safer and drive down the risk of crime. The more people who seize this opportunity to improve their home security the better, so please don’t hesitate to contact the team to discuss your free improvements.”

Leader of the Council Cllr Matt Dormer added: “Securing this Safer Streets funding from the Government means we can bring a lot of good to a lot of people in Woodrow. By working together as a community we can really put this money to work.”

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I was pleased to secure funding for the Woodrow Safer Streets project in order to help make communities safer. For too long areas like this have suffered with crime and disorder.

“I am committed to seeing that communities don’t have to face the fear of crime, or have their lives blighted by the actions of others – they should feel safe where they live. Through this funding we will be able to deliver a number of simple measures and initiatives that will have a huge impact.”

All that homeowners and private tenants in the project area must do to see about taking advantage of this opportunity is contact the Safer Streets project and register their interest, to receive a call back.

Explanatory letters that include a reply slip have been posted out to all eligible homes, and a website with a reply form and contact details is also available at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/SaferStreets.

Borough council tenants don’t need to do anything at this time, because the council will not miss this opportunity to upgrade its properties.

The works are funded by the Government’s Safer Streets fund, which aims to help tackle neighbourhood crime and make local areas safer. Woodrow was selected to receive this Safer Streets funding following a successful bid by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.