Residents Reclaim The Streets

Anti-social behaviour in Queen Elizabeth Drive, Paignton has halved in the last 12 months thanks to the joint efforts of local people and agencies. 

Residents in and around the area of Queen Elizabeth Drive in Paignton are being congratulated by Safer Communities Torbay for their involvement in a project which aims to improve the quality of life for local people which has helped support the reduction in anti-social behaviour. 

Latest crime statistics show that anti-social behaviour was 50 percent lower in Queen Elizabeth Drive in 2012 than in 2011, with a reduction from 109 to 54 incidents. 

Across Torbay as a whole anti-social behaviour reduced by 26 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. 

LISTEN HERE Nana Kaff

What they wanted to achieve: 

  • To improve aspirations of residents 
  • To complete targeted work with individuals.
  • To reduce the demand of the area on the public purse 
  • To reduce anti-social behaviour 

Safer Communities Torbay started the project in November 2011 at Queen Elizabeth Drive in partnership with many organisations including Torbay Council's Locality Team, Sanctuary Housing, Westcountry Housing, and GroundWork to support residents to access services they might need and to bring the community together focusing on its strengths and not its weaknesses. 

LISTEN HERE 21-year old Katey

The project has focused around the development of the Great Parks Community Centre with the support of a committee of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. 

The volunteers have completed training in child protection, youth work, food hygiene, and first aid to help them in their roles. 

Community centre now boosts: 

  • Youth Cafe for 5-11 year olds with 50+ registered young people 
  • Youth Cafe for 11-19 year olds regularly with 80+ registered young people 
  • Youth Cafe for 14+ years with 20+ registered 
  • Weekly community cafe 
  • Parent and Toddler group 
  • A jobs club Growing group of volunteers 

The centre also provides a programme of activity through the school summer holidays. 

To find out more about the project visit CLICK HERE or telephone 01803 207262.