PCSOs Chris Watson and Lauren Thomas patrolling Stevenage town centre

IT is six years since police community support officers (PCSOs) were introduced in Stevenage and they have become "a tremendous asset" to Herts Police.

Herts Police deployed its first 14 PCSOs in March 2003, split between Stevenage and Watford.  Now the force has a total of 261 PCSOs, deployed to all wards across the county and integrated into safer neighbourhood teams, including 38 as youth and school officers.  Each ward in Stevenage has two dedicated PCSOs, and an additional four patrol the town centre.

PCSOs, who undertake a five-week training course followed by a mentoring period of between four to eight weeks at their respective station, spend at least 80 per cent of their time outside the police station in their communities.  Chris Watson has been a PCSO since February 2007 and watches over Stevenage town centre.  Asked what he loves about his job, he said: "Every day is different. I could be walking around town and all of a sudden something will come in and I'm here so I can go round the corner and deal with it. It's satisfying - catching people."

He said shoplifting and purse dipping are prevalent in the area, with particular problem spots for purse dipping including busy shops such as the Card Factory, Poundland and QD Stores.  PCSO Watson said he and colleagues also do a lot to tackle anti-social behaviour and "seize an awful lot of alcohol".  PCSOs have the power to confiscate alcohol and tobacco, issue fixed penalty notices, and demand the name and address of someone acting in an anti-social manner. They also have the power of entry to save life or prevent damage.

Hertfordshire PCSOs were directly involved in solving 268 crimes between April 2007 and March 2008 - one of the highest rates in the country.  Chief Constable Frank Whiteley said: "PCSOs have become a tremendous asset to our force.  With their high visibility patrols in all of our communities, PCSOs have provided reassurance and have made an impact on local crime and disorder.  "They are a fully integrated part of our safer neighbourhood teams and a very important part of the policing service Hertfordshire Constabulary provides."  To contact your local PCSO, visit www.herts.police.uk and click on the 'Safer Neighbourhoods' symbol.

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Lottery funding awarded for Stevenage Town Centre Green Space Regeneration

15 April 2009

A PROJECT for the regeneration of a town centre green space which has fallen into decline has been awarded £1.7m in lottery funding, it was announced yesterday (Tuesday).

Stevenage Borough Council's plans for the Town Centre Gardens include planting bulbs, shrubs and hedgerows, improving connections with surrounding areas, an enlarged play area and a grassed terrace.

The award, made by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund through their joint Parks for People programme, means the transformation of the 3.85 hectare space is set to be completed in late 2010.

Cllr John Gardner, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for environment and regeneration, said: "We are extremely pleased," adding: "As our plans have been developed with the local community and voluntary groups, this project will not only reinvigorate the green lungs of Stevenage, but the heart of the community as well."

Stevenage's Town Centre Gardens were developed in the 1960s and provide the only recreational green space in the centre of the town, but they have suffered from a lack of investment.

April last year saw the completion of the first phase of improvements to the northern area of the gardens, behind the swimming pool, following an award of £500,000 from the Government's Growth Areas Fund.

The area now enjoys better lighting, new footpaths, a jogging track, a new planting of trees and flowers, and clearer, safer views through the open space and play area.

Cllr Gardener said: "Now funding has been secured, phase two of this regeneration project will transform the gardens by creating a modern space that will reflect the original planners' vision for the green space, thus contributing to the heritage of the site.

"The project will also introduce new play equipment, provide greater horticultural interest, and improve public safety with better lighting and pathways."

A community engagement officer will also be employed to develop a wide range of events for residents.

A community fun day, organised by The Friends of the Town Centre Gardens last year, attracted more than 300 people and will now become an annual event.

Barbara Follett, MP for Stevenage, said: "Through the creation of job and volunteering opportunities, the people of Stevenage are going to benefit tremendously from this funding, which will help bring the whole community together in creating an open space that everyone will be able to enjoy.