Netherton Community Garden Project Targets Crime Hotspot

Construction has commenced on a new community garden, which forms part of an initiative aimed at addressing serious and organized criminal activity in a specific area of Merseyside. This garden is being established in Netherton, integrated into a multi-agency undertaking focused on enhancing regions most impacted by crime. According to Merseyside Police Inspector Doug Chadwick, teams have begun the process of clearing the site to prepare it for the installation of plants and walkways. Furthermore, the project includes the development of an “aesthetic area” designed to deter its use by individuals involved in drug-related activities and other forms of criminality. Insp Chadwick stated, “We will continue to work hard to ensure the area is safer for generations to come.” The garden’s construction is taking place on a previously disused parcel of land situated between Chester Avenue and Atlantic Park, an area previously identified as a frequent location for fly-tipping and drug-related activity. The initiative, named Evolve, reported that its efforts have led to a reduction in crime, specifically a 56% decrease in burglaries, a 40% decrease in personal robberies, and a 40% decrease in criminal damage over an 18-month period. Christine Holloway, a community safety officer for The Sovini Group, an organization assisting with the garden’s development, expressed that they were “excited to help facilitate this opportunity and look forward to seeing the community garden flourish for this close-knit and thriving community”.