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Improvements at the Oakwood Hill estate in Loughton are already underway as part of the Safer Streets Project.
The Safer Streets Project for Oakwood Hill, funded through a successful bid for Safer Streets funding—totalling £167,500, supplemented by an additional £141,000 from Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) and partners—was given the green light in July.
The year-long project aims to enhance the environment, safety, and health and wellbeing of residents in the Oakwood Hill estate. A recent survey revealed that residents are particularly concerned about anti-social behaviour, insufficient CCTV coverage, and inadequate lighting in the area.
Key Focus Areas of the Project
The scope of the project will focus on the following key areas:
Increasing CCTV Coverage
New surveillance cameras will be installed to monitor key access roads to the estate, and an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera will be added. Additional CCTV measures will be rolled out at the end of the year based on resident feedback.
Improving Lighting
A comprehensive assessment of locations requiring new or enhanced lighting will take place this autumn, with plans to address these concerns as day lengths shorten.
Weed management
The estate has already seen a significant improvement with weeds being removed to refresh the pathways. Regular weed management will be scheduled twice a year moving forward.
Increasing Waste Management
In response to community feedback, 3 additional bins will be placed throughout the estate to support cleanliness.
Pathway Maintenance
Highway rangers are set to address graffiti concerns in the estate, removing graffiti around the estate, cleaning road signs and ensuring regular maintenance and community upkeep.
Youth Engagement Initiatives
The project also places a strong emphasis on empowering youth through educational and recreational opportunities. Recent sessions hosted by Youth Unity provided local young people, aged 10 and above, with engaging activities in media, music, and sports.
Additionally, local primary schools are being offered workshops focusing on healthy relationships and consent awareness, aimed at fostering secure and supportive environments for children.
Assembly sessions for secondary students at Roding Valley and Debden Park High School will address critical topics such as knife crime, exploitation, and community safety, encouraging resilience among vulnerable youth.
Upcoming Community Safety Day of Action
Residents are invited to participate in the next Community Safety Day of Action scheduled for Wednesday, October 23 2024 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. This is an essential opportunity for the community to engage with safety initiatives and local law enforcement.
Crimestoppers Zones
Crimestoppers Zones have been established throughout the estate. Signage has been installed to encourage reporting of suspicious activities, complemented by outreach efforts such as distribution of leaflets and speaking face to face with residents.
Safer and more welcoming environment
Cllr Paul Keska, Portfolio holder for Regulatory, Technical & Community Safety Services said:
I am delighted to see the great work that has been carried out so far by EFDC officers and external partners.
By listening to the voices of our residents and understanding their concerns, we are taking significant steps towards creating a safer and more welcoming environment. This project not only enhances safety through improved lighting and CCTV but also promotes a healthier, more connected community and empowers young people through engaging programmes.
Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Oakwood Hill—one where every resident feels secure and valued.
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