New system being unveiled at Windmill Park
A125,000 bespoke CCTV system will be unveiled in Windmill Park, Southall next week.
After residents raised concerns about an increase of crime in the area, local housing provider, Catalyst worked alongside Ealing Police and Ealing Council to find a long term solution to the problem.
After consultation it was decided that a CCTV system would be an effective deterrent. The new system feeds directly to Ealing Town Hall allowing for more pro active and effective policing of the area.
The launch will be on May 17th at 11:00am, Mrs Ali who tragically lost her son to gang related violence in the area will be cutting the ribbon for this new system.
The introduction of this new CCTV system is part of a larger body of work, making Windmill Park a safer place to live. Catalyst has been tackling anti-social behaviour by embarking on youth intervention programmes alongside St. Giles Trust and Action Acton. A team of specialist staff offer the expertise and skills to understand the challenges young people face in today’s society. They engage and provide a mentoring service and practical help with training and employment.
A joint application for funding from 'Communities against Guns Gangs and Knives' delivered £30k of Government funding last year. Further funding has just been released to the Local Authority this year to continue a similar service. Companies from private sector such as McDonalds, Tesco, Just Ask and Furnish (part of the Shepherds Bush Housing Association) have expressed an interest in joining forces to help the community, by creating apprenticeship and employment opportunities and generating fund s for youth projects.
Chris Harris, area director of customer service in London said:
“We’re committed to building strong communities and would not be able to achieve this without listening closely to residents. The launch of the new CCTV systems is the product of a fantastic partnership with Ealing Police and Ealing Council and will mean a safer Windmill Park.”
Detective Inspector Sarah Pearce, from Ealing Police said:
"We are constantly working with our partners to make Ealing safer. CCTV is an excellent investigative tool and also acts as a deterrent for criminality and anti-social behaviour. This initiative should help us build public confidence and reassure the community on the Windmill Park Estate. It is part of a wider ongoing project which also aims to support our young people to fulfil their potential and avoid being sucked into criminal gangs. We are looking to the voluntary and private sector to support us with meaningful interventions. We are also hoping to recruit volunteers from the community to act as mentors for some of our more vulnerable young people. It has been a pleasure working with Catalyst on this project and I look forward to continuing the successful partnership in the future."
Atul Pathak, franchisee for the McDonald’s restaurants in Ealing and Chair of the Southall Ward Focus Group commented:
“It is important for both residents and business owners need to feel safe in their own community. I am, therefore, happy to be supporting Catalyst Housing in their efforts to enhance safety, and in their work to engage young people through initiatives that will develop their employability skills.
9th May 2012