A NEW initiative is being launched in Ludlow to help tackle crime in the town.

The town has suffered from crimes ranging from thefts from businesses to anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

One local councillor Andy Boddington has described the level of fear of crime as ‘shocking'.

West Mercia police, Ludlow unitary councillors, along with Ludlow and Shropshire Councils are launching a new initiative to tackle low-level crime across the Ludlow area.

The ‘Safer Ludlow’ project also aims to help people feel safer in their homes and when they are out and about in the town.

It will also encourage local businesses to improve their security.

There will be weekly meeting to discuss any issues with crime and antisocial behaviour around the town.

Other agencies, including housing associations and health services, will join the team when their expertise and knowledge is needed.

‘Safer Ludlow’ will also be organising regular drop-in sessions in local venues.

“This is about local policing – the police and our partners working with residents to identify and tackle issues of concern across the neighbourhood,” said Inspector Rob Thomas.

“Ludlow is a low-crime area but what crime does occur can make people feel unsettled.

“We aim to link together those organisations and people who are working to keep Ludlow safe and also want help residents and visitors feel safe and enjoy being in Ludlow.”

The move has the backing of Ludlow councillors.

“The police alone cannot address all community safety problems in our area,” said Tracey Huffer, who represents Ludlow East on Shropshire Council.

“Poor street lighting, security issues on housing estates, noisy neighbours and street environment issues are matters that may need to be referred to the councils. That’s why we have set up a new partnership to ensure that problems get referred to the people best able to deal with them.

“We also want to give local people informal access to the services that can help them. Many people don’t want to ring 101 or make a formal complaint to Shropshire Council about antisocial behaviour. But they do want the police and councils to know that there is something they are concerned about.”

Vivienne Parry, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow South, says that the move will bring some reassurance to disabled people who can feel especially vulnerable.

“A lot of people, particularly the elderly and people with mobility problems, don’t feel confident out and about at night and sometimes during the day,” she said.

“I think it is really important that we hold drop-in sessions where people can talk to the police, councillors and officers in an informal way. Our first public event will be at Helena Lane community centre over lunch.”

Andy Boddington, who represents Ludlow North, which includes the town centre, on Shropshire Council says that many people in the town do not feel safe.

“Last year we conducted an online survey of Ludlow residents and while I can’t claim the results are representative, we learnt that nearly one in three people don’t feel safe in Ludlow after 7pm,” said Andy Boddington.

“This is really quite shocking for a town with a low crime-rate.”

The first Safer Ludlow drop-in session will be at Helena Lane community centre from 12 noon on Tuesday (September 27).