NCJ Number
96249
Date Published
1984
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This report chronicles the efforts of the Safe Neighborhoods Unit to improve the quality of life in 12 inner-London (England) housing projects. The Safe Neighbourhoods Unit was set up in late 1980 by the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NACRO) and the Greater London Council (GLC). The Unit is funded by the GLC, four London borough councils, and three charitable foundations.
Abstract
The Unit carries out indepth tenant consultations and contributes to comprehensive improvement projects on disadvantaged housing projects. The Unit's objectives are The objectives of the unit are described, including to reduce levels of vandalism, burglary, and tenants' fear of crime; to help provide necessary social and recreational facilities; and to improve the physical environment according to tenants' wishes. The methods used by the unit are discussed, including tenant consultations, public meetings, and questionnaire surveys. Improvements effected by the unit are examined; for example, the following changes have occurred in St. Luke's Estate: the children's playground was resurfaced and reequipped; a community development worker was employed to work with estate teenagers; and a housing office was opened on the estate and staffed by an estate officer. Tenants are pleased with the results, and their support is expected to facilitate further improvements and sustain those already achieved. Actions taken at Haggerston, Ranwell, Pepys, Wellington, Ocean, Bemerton, Stamford Hill, LeFevre Walk, Regent's Park, Teviot Street, and Percival Estates are reported. Attention also focuses on the cost effectiveness of improvements, the decentralization of housing services, neighbor relations, dog nuisance, racial harassment, and security and crime prevention. The need for improvement in the organization and management of the systems used to deliver essential services such as caretaking and repairs is emphasized. Thirty-four references are included.