The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones, has announced that over 25 projects will benefit from a substantial £500,000 investment aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour (ASB) across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
This significant funding boost, sourced from the PCC’s ASB Fund, represents an additional injection beyond the usual £200,000 annual allocation. In March, the Commissioner announced the availability of this extra funding to support local authorities, police, Community Safety Partnerships, and community groups in tackling persistent ASB issues through collaborative solutions.
Focus on anti-social behaviour
Commissioner Jones highlighted the detrimental impact of anti-social behaviour on communities, stressing that it severely affects residents’ quality of life and poses a threat to livelihoods. She explained,
“These devastating incidents can often be precursors to more serious criminal offences.
“By providing this additional funding for diversionary activities and projects, this can be addressed and challenged at the outset.”
Youth engagement
Among the Isle of Wight projects receiving funding are initiatives focused on youth engagement, support for youth clubs, and outreach services.
These projects aim to provide young people with constructive activities and support to deter involvement in anti-social behaviour.
Isle of Wight projects funded
The Isle of Wight council has secured £14,700 for the Sandown Project, which is one of the key initiatives on the Island.
Additionally, Ryde Methodist Church will receive £1,200 for CCTV monitoring to enhance community safety.
Another significant allocation of £25,500 is dedicated to the development of partner engagement activities by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, ensuring a coordinated effort in addressing ASB on the Island.
Commitment to safer communities
Commissioner Jones reiterated her commitment to tackling ASB across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire.
“Anti-social behaviour is a scourge upon society and it makes people feel unsafe.
“My job is to listen to people’s concerns and make sure there are effective policing strategies in place for safer streets and safer communities.”
Successful bids
The list of successful bids below illustrates the diverse approach taken to combat ASB, from installing CCTV cameras and wildlife cameras to supporting youth clubs and early intervention programmes. The comprehensive allocation aims to ensure that all facets of community life, particularly youth engagement, are covered to foster a safer environment for residents.
1. Youth drop-in service for Andover Community Engage (Test Valley) £34,126
2. Wildlife cameras for Whitchurch Conservation Group (B’stoke & Deane) £1,448.63
3. Youth engagement work for Fawley Parish Council (New Forest) £7,400
4. ASB early intervention programme for HIOWFRS (Gosport) £5K
5. Sandown Project for IOW Council £14,700
6. CCTV Yeovilton House for Gosport BC £12,600
7. Youth engagement work for KWood Youth Club (Test Valley) £8,727.60
8. Youth Engagement work in school holidays for Test Valley BC £10K
9. City Partnership Work for Southampton CC £32,793
10. Workshop facilitation for Portsmouth Creates (Portsmouth) £20K
11. Youth Project Work for Artswork (Portsmouth) £25K
12. CCTV installation & speed bumps on Marine Parade for Gosport BC £7,600
13. Legacy Project Mentoring Service for Yellow Brick Road (Rushmoor) £33,925
14. Training to support youth engagement for New Forest DC £10K
15. Maintenance & costs for Ybus for Y Services (Fareham) £25K
16. Support for Prospect Youth Club for Rushmoor BC £12K
17. CCTV monitoring for Ryde Methodist Church (IOW) £1,200
18. Development of partner engagement activity for HIOWC (IOW) £25,500
19. CCTV cameras for Portsmouth CC £25K
20. Partnership working with Durham Uni for Southampton CC £50,450.72
21. Outreach youth work for Southampton CC £25K
22. Signage for Funtley village (Fareham) £2K
23. ASB early intervention programme for HIOWFRS (Fareham) £15K
24. ASB early intervention programme for HIOWFRS (Rushmoor) £5K
25. ASB early intervention programme for HIOWFRS (Hart) £5K
27. Speed gun equipment for Fernhill Ward residents (Rushmoor) £6K
27. Outreach led by Portsmouth Mediation Service for Southsea seafront £34,375
