VIOLENT crime in Warrington has reduced – but is still above the national average.
But the fear of crime in the borough has also fallen and is now below both national and regional averages despite recent high-profile events which have understandably raised public concerns, according to the Audit Commission.
The borough council and its partners have been working together effectively to reduce crime levels and the reductions have been achieved at a faster rate than other councils.
Overall, crime levels in Warrington are now at a level comparable with similar areas, says the Commission in its annual report on the borough.
Domestic burglaries, theft of and from a motor vehicle, are all now below the national average.
The report notes increasing public concerns over the effects of alcohol and anti-social behaviour.
But the Audit Commission believes the council and its partners understand the underlying causes of crime and recognise the need to tackle these issues as part of a coherent approach to crime prevention and community safety.
Plans are currently in development, in consultation with police and health bodies, to address anti social behaviour and alcohol related violence in and around the town centre.
The Commission says the borough council is improving well and has sustained its four-star rating. Its main services perform strongly or well, although there are a few individual areas where performance could be improved.
But the challenges facing the council are significant and multi-faceted. It has a comparatively young population at present, but the proportion of older people is forecast to grow significantly over the next 10-15 years. Its non-white population is relatively low, but there is a growing Polish community.
The local economy as a whole is buoyant, but there are some areas of the borough which suffer significant levels of unemployment and deprivation. The quality of life gap between the inner and outer wards is marked.
However, progress on waste management is variable. Less household waste is being collected and recycling rates are increasing, but Warrington remains among the worst performing councils.
The council has recently decided to fund enhancements to its kerbside recycling service, however and these will be introduced within the next six months and are expected to improve both waste collection and recycling performance.
