A project which tackles crime against visiting overseas language students has won an award for its work. Streets Ahead is one of just five projects from over 300 entries to be given a £1000 boost through the Marks & Spencer British Community Safety Awards. Run by Hastings and Rother Youth Development service with Hastings Borough Council, the Police, Youth service and local educational projects the scheme has seen a decrease in crime against overseas students. In its first year of operation crime has fallen from 170 reported incidents in 2001 to 70 in 2002.
Set up as a pilot project in summer 2000, Streets Ahead is designed to address tensions between visiting language students and local young people as well as the growing perception of the town as an unsafe place to visit. By employing youth workers from countries including Germany, Sweden and Finland, the project made sure that the team had all the language skills necessary to communicate with young people in their own language. Workshops were run in secondary schools and police identified hot spots which specifically targeted young people who had either offended or displayed behaviour likely to compromise the safety of others.
The project manager for Streets Ahead, said: "Hastings Youth Development service are delighted to have been chosen to receive this award. The project has demonstrated how successful multi-agency partnership can be and how the work has benefited not only the visiting language students and reduced the reported incidents of crime but most importantly it has challenged the negative attitudes and behaviours of local young people. This will give them a wider view of the world in which they live."
Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, said:
"Overseas students boost our local economy by bringing in over £30 million per year. They deserve to enjoy their stay in Hastings & St Leonards without feeling unsafe or experiencing crime. Streets Ahead thoroughly deserves this accolade - not only has the hard work of all the agencies led to a reduction in crime, but it's also managed to restore Hastings reputation as a great place to visit and study in. My congratulations and thanks go to all those involved for their commitment and hard work."
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This page last updated: 19/12/2003