Barnet councillors and police are continuing their efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and improve local green spaces through a series of ward walks
. These walks allow elected officials to directly raise concerns with council officers and police partners, with actions identified being tracked and followed up.
The initiative, coordinated by Kimia, the Safer Streets Ward Walks coordinator, offers each ward one walk per year. The programme has seen good engagement and outcomes,
according to a report.
Residents can nominate or request specific areas for ward walks if their concerns are not being addressed through existing channels by reporting issues via their local Councillors or ward panel chair, their resident association, or by emailing saferstreets@barnet.gov.uk. The ward walk coordinator reviews and follows up on all issues and actions raised.
Councillor Sara Conway highlighted the positive impact of these initiatives on residents. The ward walks have led to increased police patrols in specific areas experiencing ASB, enhanced parking enforcement, and regular monitoring and clearing of fly-tipped areas by Street Cleansing teams.
Other outcomes from the ward walks include repairs to uneven pavements and potholes, securing loose power supply units, replacing damaged bollards, and installing new street lighting in areas where women reported safety concerns. Additionally, street lighting output percentages have been raised to alleviate anti-social issues, faded parking lines repainted, road signage cleaned and repaired, and abandoned vehicles and mopeds removed.
