Residents in Southbourne, Westbourne and Nutbourne are set to reap the benefits from the multi-agency 'Week of Action' initiative – thought to be the first of its kind in Sussex.

Representatives from services including the police, councils and the fire service have been working with the communities in the clean-up operation designed to improve the lives of residents and workers.

Inspector Chris Woollerton, of the Chichester District Neighbourhood Specialist Team (NST), said: "We have listened to the people of the Bournes and know they are concerned about anti-social behaviour and criminal damage within their community.

"This is a co-ordinated approach by a large number of agencies to tackle crime, to improve the surrounding environment, to reduce fear of crime and to engage with the people that live and work in the area."

The week is not solely geared to tackling crime, however.

Community clean-ups, litter picks, road sweeps and sports diversion activities have been taking place, and will continue until tomorrow.

Enforcement operations have also been conducted by police and the probation service and roadside checks have been taking place to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and drivers are abiding by the law.

There have also been crime prevention and alcohol awareness sessions along with a series of street briefings, where residents have been given the chance to highlight their concerns and say what changes they wanted in their communities.

District councillor Derek James, who is responsible for community safety, said: "Crime is being prevented – it is difficult to say how many crimes are prevented but this is one major way.

"Just by having a presence like this on the streets – there are street briefings, for example – helps to prevent crime in a number of different ways, such as graffiti, anti-social behaviour and so on."

Future action weeks are already being planned for other areas of the district.

"We are very positive this will work very successfully within Chichester district," Insp Woollerton said.





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