Knowsley Council has been awarded almost £190,000 from the Home Office, to fund a project that will improve the safety of women and girls at night in the borough.
The national fund has allocated funding to 22 organisations across the country including local authorities and police and crime commissioners across England at Wales. The investment will support projects and initiatives that aim to ensure that women and girls are safe everywhere – at home, online, at work and on the streets.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:
“Ensuring the safety of our residents is a major priority for us and something we are continually working towards. Sadly, we know that women and girls in particular can feel vulnerable and at risk of harm. Often that is even more so the case at night when they may be out and about socialising in our town centres and communities.
“Recently high-profile national cases have brought these dangers into sharp focus for us all so securing this funding at this time is great news for Knowsley. This additional investment will allow us to tackle the issues head on and work with Merseyside Police, local businesses, community groups and others, to ensure women and girls in our borough feel safe as they go about their day to day lives.”
The investment will fund:
- Additional policing resources, specifically during the evening in Huyton, Prescot and Kirkby where there is a growing night-time economy
- Training for bar, restaurant and other front of house staff to support women when they feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened.
- A campaign, to raise awareness of the support available
- Training for young people and schools, specifically boys, to encourage positive relationships.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, Knowsley Local Police commented: “We are committed to ensuring the safety of women and girls and already carry out operations aimed at preventing violence and sexual violence across areas of Merseyside with a night-time economy.
“This additional Home Office funding for Knowsley will allow us to increase our visibility and further strengthen our relationship with partners from Knowsley Council to bars, restaurants and taxi drivers who all play an integral role in offering reassurance as well as deterring offenders.”