One-stop-shop for community services officially open

A ONE-STOP shop for community services, hailed as “a huge asset to the community” is now open in Newark.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Caroline Henry, alongside Newark and Sherwood District Council Leader, David Lloyd officially opened the Community Hub, at Chatham Court in Newark town centre this week.

The Hub is part of the £550k Safer Streets project - led by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) – which comprises a package of measures to deter crime and anti-social behaviour by strengthening community cohesion and enhancing the local environment. 

The Safer Streets project is a partnership between the PCC, Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to improve security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.

Construction on the Hub commenced at the start of this year to transform the former one-bedroom, ground floor council flat into an impressive community space, featuring a new, ramped external entrance, meeting room and office, complete with computers with internet access for residents to use.

Locals will benefit from face-to-face contact at the Hub for a variety of enquiries about Council and partner services, including housing and tenancy support as well community safety and security concerns.

The Council is also urging local residents to get in touch with ideas and suggestions for other ways the Hub could be used to benefit the local community.

As part of the launch, officers from Nottinghamshire Police offered free bike marking, which involves etching the bike frame with the owner’s postcode and registering the details of the bike and inputting its serial number on to the bike register scheme.

Officers from the District Council’s Public Protection team were also on hand to distribute free community safety items including personal alarms, purse security chains and wallet bells.

Local children enjoyed entertainment from Nottinghamshire County Council’s youth service, including colouring, crafts and balloon garland making.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “This is a fantastic addition to the Chatham Court community and will help us tackle the issues that are detrimental to residents' lives.

“This new hub will put people in direct contact with the services and support they need to solve problems. Supported communities are safer communities and I am determined to make a difference by ensuring our neighbourhoods are not only well-policed but have the right resources in place to help local people thrive.” 

Local resident Keely Morgan praised the new Hub and its opening, adding that it was “really nice to feel like the Council is listening to residents about what we want to see it used for.”

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are delighted to officially open the doors to our brand new Hub at Chatham Court, making it much easier for residents to access the support, information and services they need to improve their lives and resolve any issues they have.  Additional community support is one way to help residents feel safer and more supported and I’m sure the new Hub is going to be a huge asset to the community.”