Bury’s plan for safer streets and venues

Safer streets for everyone and safer spaces for women and girls at night are the aims of two new initiatives.

Bury’s Community Safety Partnership has been successful in applying for £368,579 from the government’s Safer Streets Fund to reduce and prevent neighbourhood crime, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls in public spaces, and for everyone to feel safe.

And as part of our wider community safety programme the council has worked with businesses and the partnership to develop the Women's Night-time Safety Charter for licensed bars and clubs open during the night.

The partnership includes Greater Manchester Police, Bury Council, local community and voluntary groups represented through Bury VCFA, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, Probation Service and others.

The Safer Streets money is being used to:

• invest in 32 new CCTV cameras in Bury town centre
• upgrade radios for community safety and security officers
• work with the Street Pastors to provide community safety advice and support as part of increased patrols
• develop environmental improvements and working with local community groups in Radcliffe to reduce antisocial behaviour
• work with young people through services and groups to reduce antisocial behaviour on the Metrolink network
• training for those working to reduce violence against women and girls.

The Women and Girl’s charter aims to make it safer for women including those with trans and non-binary identities throughout our borough.

Businesses that sign up to the charter commit themselves to make their spaces safer for women and to be active in promoting women’s safety. It includes training for staff and adopting the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme.

Councillor Richard Gold, Cabinet Member for Communities and Finance said: “I’m pleased Bury’s bid has been successful as part of an overall Greater Manchester bid of nearly £900,000.

“Bury is a safe place, the third safest in Greater Manchester but sadly incidents do occur. We need to do all we can to prevent them so I’m pleased our partnership bid has been accepted and that work has already started.

“The Safer Streets Fund is all about reducing the levels of neighbourhood crime such as robbery, burglary, vehicle crime, and theft from the person as well as reducing violence against women and girls and antisocial behaviour.”

Councillor Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member, Culture, Economy and Skills welcomed the adoption of the Women’s Night-time Safety Charter.

“We are proud that Bury is a safe borough with a welcoming night-time economy, endorsed by the Purple Flag accreditation we have received.

“A huge number of organisations have worked together to make our town centre a welcoming and successful destination: from the council and the police to pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues, retail and transport operators, to our dedicated street pastors.

“We are determined to do all we can to make sure our venues are as safe as possible.

“By introducing this charter and supporting licensed bars and clubs to prioritise women's safety, we aim to create a place where all women feel confident, welcome, and safe when travelling, working or going out at night. 

“Businesses that sign up to the Charter commit to fulfilling seven pledges which include adopting safety schemes, training and communication to make themselves a safer venue for women.”