Norwich residents dig deep to fight crime
Ben KendallResidents of one Norwich neighbourhood are digging deep to fight crime as police look to strengthen community roots.The Thorpe St Andrew safer neighbourhood team launched an allotment project on Friday aimed at getting youths and residents involved in a community-based project.Ben Kendall
Residents of one Norwich neighbourhood are digging deep to fight crime as police look to strengthen community roots.
The Thorpe St Andrew safer neighbourhood team launched an allotment project on Friday aimed at getting youths and residents involved in a community-based project.
The allotment based at Roxley Hall, Yarmouth Road, is a blank canvas and will see youths and residents work together to decide the layout of the plot, what vegetables to grow and how often work is carried out.
PC Sam Stolworthy, from the Thorpe St Andrew team, came up with the idea. She sourced donations of equipment, tools and vegetable plants and bulbs from a number of retailers including Sainsbury's, Morrisions and Homebase, which will help kick-start the project.
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She said: 'For many months the safer neighbourhood team has tried to find new diversionary activities for youths, which has been a policing priority for a period of time.
'This scheme will not only give the youths something different to do, but will also encourage residents and elderly residents to work with the youths and break down any preconceptions they have about youths committing anti-social behaviour in the area.
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'We are encouraging as many people, young and old, who live or work in the area to get involved in this sustainable and community focused project. If you have any free time and would like to help out at the site please get in touch with us'.
Steven Ford, Thorpe St Andrew town clerk, said: 'The town council is delighted to be working with the school and local police and making use out of a piece of land that hasn't been used well in recent times. The plan is to build raised beds, which are a good basis for early crops, and give the produce to local sheltered accommodation in the area'.
Some of the produce grown at the allotment will be donated to local care homes, which will also reap the benefits of the community allotment.
To find out more about the scheme or to get involved, contact PC Sam Stolworthy on 0845 456 4567 or e-mail sntthorpestandrew@norfolk.pnn.police.uk
Are you part of an initiative to improve conditions in your neighbourhood? Contact crime correspondent Ben Kendall on 01603 772423 or email ben.kendall@archant.co.uk
