Other Case Studies - British WaterwaysDrugs area turned into green spaceThe regeneration of a canal-side area in Wolverhampton suffering from drug-related problems was an initiative of British Waterways. It also involved the police, crime wardens and the council. The central area had a history of drug-related problems. Canal users were reluctant to travel through or stop on this stretch of canal for fear of intimidation and crime, and some 150 discarded needles from the canal and surrounding area were found each day. Concern over the safety of British Waterways’ customers and employees, and the regeneration that was progressing elsewhere within the local area, inspired the company to appoint a team leader in 2002 to tackle the problem and clean up the area. The team leader and his team have had an immense impact on the area in and around the canal. The drug-related litter project is run above and beyond the call of duty.
Three steps to solve the problemThe team leader took a number of different steps to begin to solve the problem. First, crime mapping so that resources could then be allocated effectively and trends identified. The number of needles found was logged, as were any incidents of drug dealing, mugging, robbery and vandalism. Dates, times, names, addresses and any boat registrations were recorded, and where appropriate the police were informed and involved. Second came relationship building with both the local authority and the police. Crime wardens were allocated to the area and equipped with police radios and bikes. They were able to cycle along the canal towpath, provide a visible deterrent to criminal activity, report any incident and in some cases actually detain and arrest certain individuals. Providing sharp binsThe local authority agreed to support the initiative and provided resources to clear the shrubs and vegetation alongside the canal, creating an attractive, open space. The Drug Action Team provided sharps boxes in the area which were discreetly placed away from public walkways.
Third, ground clearance was important as dense vegetation was providing coverage for drug dealing and injecting. It was within the vegetation that many needles and other drug paraphernalia were found. Leisure services at the local authority cleared the area and planted flower beds to a maximum height of 500mm. When work started, used needles were collected in a large bucket which was soon filled with syringes taken from an area which was being used by children as a playground. Communicating the schemeThere have been press releases to advertise the clean up both internally and to the general public. There has also been official signage deployed as well as many internal meetings where the project has been discussed. However, the most effective use of communication has been the logging of incidents and crime mapping. The team’s work is seasonal and as such they are committed to certain tasks which can last up to two months in specific areas. As a result other areas can become overrun. In terms of cost effectiveness Adrian has found that it is difficult to put a price on safety. The main cost would be in staff time conducting operations and perhaps some cost in marketing.
The partnership does not undertake reviews as such, as the exercise is dynamic and fluctuates with demand.
A number of factors are about to have a significant effect on this project. Predominantly a major reshuffle within British Waterways will result in staff movements and base relocations. According to Adrian the lessons learnt from the project is that there is a need for a strong level of local interaction as well as ongoing funding from participating agencies. For more information, please contact Adrian Inglefield at adrian.inglefield@britishwaterways.co.uk |
