Joining forces with SoLUTiONs

Partners from SoLUTiONs, Luton's Community Safety Partnership, joined forces last Wednesday (21 July) for an Environmental Action Day (EAD) in the Lewsey area.

A combined council force - including officers from Housing, Community Safety, Environmental Services, Parks and Highways - merged their powers with Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service to successfully tackle issues in Lewsey.

Two teams blitzed the area, recording issues including potholes, graffiti, fire risks, unlicensed and abandoned vehicles, weeds, rubbish and fire hazards and, most importantly, noting comments from residents. Nearly 70 items were prioritised for action, particularly trip hazards on footpaths and in the Regis Road park which will be sorted out as soon as possible.

Every Environmental Action Day is designed to target all elements of environmental crime including nuisance vehicles and on-street rubbish dumping, along with wider crime related issues such as arson. Residents raised particular concerns about a few properties piling up waste in their front gardens, and these households were reminded about the council's free collection service - tel: Luton 01582 510333.

Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, member responsible for community safety, said: "The SoLUTiONs partnership was delighted to find the Lewsey area much improved compared to previous years' exercises with a 50 per cent drop in recorded problems and an improved general appearance. It's good to see local people and SoLUTiONs working together to help improve the environment, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and improve public safety."

Dave Fothergill, Area Commander for BLFRS, said: "Taking part in a partnership activity which makes a real difference to the lives of those we serve is a great opportunity for firefighters to demonstrate that we are working, every day, to keep people safe. We are there when you dial 999, but we want to help prevent fires as well."

For more information about soLUTiONs, go to www.luton.gov.uk/solutions or call Michèle Brawley on 01582 546231.