Events boost community spirit
More than 22 tonnes of waste was collected at Operation Respect events this summer.
The five events across Cumberland were aimed at fostering community cohesion and were led by Local Focus Hubs.
They were also an opportunity for a community cleanup, advice from experts, exercise, activities, food and interaction with the organisations who keep Cumberland safe.
Cumberland Council's Director of Public Health and Communities, Colin Cox, said: “Hundreds of people attended these events. They told us they were able to access services and really appreciated the opportunity to get together, spruce up the area and enjoy a great free day out. We’d like to thank the housing agencies, and all the partners who came together to make it a success.”
Each event was led by a housing provider – Castles and Coasts, Westfield Housing Association, Home Group and Riverside – and co-ordinated by Copeland Local Focus Hub, Carlisle Local Focus Hub or Allerdale Local Focus Hub.
As well as providing fun activities and access to support, the Operation Respect events encouraged residents to chat to the police, council, social landlords and others, about concerns in their neighbourhoods.
Cumberland Basic Command Unit Neighbourhood Policing Chief, Inspector Richard Smillie, said “We were pleased to have been able to support this summer’s Operation Respect events.
“This was a chance for Neighbourhood Policing Teams to visit local areas, speak to our communities and see the issues the community are facing and address them with our partners.
“We take a partnership approach to tackle issues within our communities and work closely with organisations both within and outside of the local focus hubs to address them."
Waste agencies were able to collect larger items to prevent them from possibly being flytipped. At some events vulnerable residents’ gardens were cleared. Dozens of bags of litter were collected and 22.4 tonnes of waste were taken away across the five events.
The events were delivered in Harriston (Aspatria), Westfield (Workington), Beck Green (Egremont), Mirehouse (Whitehaven) and Raffles (Carlisle).
Local Focus Hubs are highly collaborative partnerships set up to tackle antisocial behaviour and improve community safety. The council, police, fire service, housing associations and third sector organisations work to address issues collectively.
