The £41,700 grant will be used to ay for a number of new initiatives
to help reduce antisocial behaviour nd youth issues in Brownsover and
residents of the estate will be given chance to say what they would
like it spent on.
It is also hoped t
hat the money ill also help improve the image and reputation that Brownsover has got within the town.
Alan Webb, chairman of the Brownsover Community Association, said: "This is something we really welcome. We're hoping it will improve people's confidence levels and perception of Brownsover.
It's got a bad reputation and we want to improve that image.
"We do have issues in Brownsover but levels of crime have come down greatly in the last few years.
It's become a habit for people to say that it's not very nice to live here.
We want to say it's better and rosier in Brownsover than you think.
There are many good things here."
The grant, which has been provided by the Home Office via Warwickshire
Police, could be used to improve the CCTV cameras covering the Hollowell Way shopping precinct and could also fund more youth activities.
A new Brownsover Community Partnership has been set up, made up of representatives from the police, borough council, youth services and members of the community.
The group is asking Brownsover people to tell them how they think the money might be spent.
Cllr. Carolyn Robbins, joint chair of the partnership with Cllr. Claire Edwards, said: "The partnership has a good idea about the sort of areas we would like to see the money spent, but we are always open to suggestions - after all it is the people who live in Brownsover who may have the best ideas on how to make things better in their own
area. The additional funding will be a real boost to the good work we
are already doing with young people in Brownsover."
Chief Inspector Bob Musgrove, Rugby Borough Commander, added: "Since concerns were raised at local community forum meetings, Sergeant Oakley and the Rugby Town North Safer Neighbourhoods Team, have been working
with Brownsover residents to address antisocial behaviour in and
around Hollowell Way shopping precinct. Local Police Community Support Officers (Pcsos) have the benefit of being able to work from a base within the community centre, which has made for a more responsive
and local policing service.
"This funding will now bring with it a fantastic opportunity to
review the visibility of policing measures against antisocal behaviour,
as well as build positive relations with younger residents in the
Brownsover area through both police and partner youth engagement
projects and facilities."
To have your say on how you think the money should be spent call the Brownsover Community Information Centre on (01788) 555300, email brownsover@rugby.gov.uk or drop in to the centre in Hollowell Way.
