VILLAGERS in Southbourne, Westbourne and Nutbourne will witness an assault on crime and anti-social behaviour next week.
The villages are the first in Chichester District to benefit from the week-long multi-agency crime-fighting initiative called a 'Week of Action'.
From Monday (July 21) representatives from services including the police, councils and the fire ser
vice will descend on the area in the blitz, designed to improve the lives of residents and workers.
Inspector Chris Woollerton, from the Chichester Neighbourhood Specialist Team (NST), said: "The main objective of this week of action is to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and to sustain that reduction by developing stronger more effective engagement with the community.
"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, there will also be community clean-ups and litter picks, road sweeps and sports diversion activities.
Crime prevention and alcohol awareness sessions will also be held along with a series of street briefings where residents will be able to highlight their concerns and say what changes they want to see in their communities.
Lloyd Harris, Cleaner Neighbourhoods Officer at Chichester District Council, said: "Chichester District Council District Watch welcomes this partnership approach and will be utilising the skills and expertise of different council departments to bring together a common goal of a cleaner, safer and healthier community."
Street briefings will be held in the following areas:
* Southbourne: Monday, July 21, between 2pm and 3pm at St John's Church car park, Tuesday, July 22, between 11am and 12pm at The Westgate Centre car park and Wednesday, July 23, between 2pm and 3pm at The Village Hall car park.
* Westbourne: Thursday, July 24, between 2pm and 3pm in Edgell Road.
Crime prevention sessions will be held in the following areas:
* Southbourne: Tuesday, July 22, between 5pm and 7pm, at St Johns Church.
* Westbourne: Thursday, July 24, between 5pm and 7pm, at The Social Club in River Street.
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