THE first annual meeting of the Safer Merseyside Partnership has been held in St Helens to underline the massive steps forward being made in reducing crime in the borough.

There to hear about the pioneering partnership were representatives from the Northern Ireland Police Authority, Northern Ireland Office, Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Home Office and Northumbrian Community Safety Partnership.

The Safer Merseyside Partnership is made up of representatives from councils on Merseyside, police and community to tackle crime-related issues. Since its launch in three pilot areas (Newton-le-Willows, Fingerpost and Rainhill) crime across St Helens has been halved.

By adopting a partnership approach, anti-crime initiatives are being built into strategies such as housing schemes where added security is now added as standard. Better street lighting and closed circuit TV cameras are also being boosted.

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